Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has kicked off his election campaign for Punjab from Pakistan's Lahore. Ironically enough though, the dates and schedule for these elections in Pakistan's Punjab province are yet to be announced. The campaign is based on PTI chief Imran Khan demanding that the national assembly be dissolved by the 14th of may.

PTI Chief Imran Khan launches election campaign for Punjab from Lahore

Pakistan is teetering on the edge. The South Asian country is battling a double whammy - economic chaos & never-ending political instability. The nation's woes have been compounded by a surge in attacks. Pakistan has been in political turmoil for a year since khan was ousted as pm last April through a no-confidence vote. Amid the calls for snap polls, sharif secured a major win for the ruling coalition. Sharif won a vote of confidence from the national assembly. Meanwhile, Imran Khan dismissed the claim made by the govt that his life is under threat from foreign agencies. He said he has identified a total of 6 persons within the country, including three fresh ones, who plotted to kill him. Pakistan is deeply in debt & needs to introduce tough reforms to unlock a tranche of a $6.5 billion bailout from the IMF, in order to avoid default. On Thursday, US called on Pakistan to move ahead on stalled reforms sought by the IMF, promising technical help.

Imran Khan says six people plotted to kill him; Shehbaz Sharif wins vote of confidence | Details

Imran Khan claims that he toppled the provincial assemblies of Punjab & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at Bajwa's behest. Why did he fall for the former Pak Army chief's advise? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas : Imran Khan V/S Pakistan Army

Today's ally consultation will be led by Prime Minister Shahbaz Shareef. All of the partnered parties' parliamentary leaders will take part in the meeting. A meeting to analyse the current political climate and formulate a strategy for the future will take place today at 12:30pm at the Prime Minister's House, according to sources. The negotiations with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will be discussed in a meeting with alliance leaders, and the schedule for the upcoming election in Punjab will also be proposed.

Pakistan: Political turmoil since Imran Khan was ousted as PM last year

Pakistan PM Shahbaz Shareef convenes allies' meet in a bid to reach consensus on election timeline

<p>Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman and the country's former prime minister Imran Khan said that the former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had given him the advice to dissolve the provincial assemblies of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), The News.com reported.</p>

<p>In an interview held on Sunday, Khan said that he held a meeting with General Bajwa, in the presence of President Arif Alvi, where the former army chief suggested if he wanted elections then he needs to dissolve his governments in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), according to a report published by The News.com.</p>

<p>The deposed prime minister was ousted from his office following a no-confidence motion in April 2022. Khan said that he was informed by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) that Bajwa intended to bring Shehbaz Sharif into power.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistan-pm-imran-khans-interim-bail-in-three-cases-extended-till-april-13-579092">Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's interim bail in three cases extended till April 13</a></p>

<p>"General Bajwa and the (premier intelligence) agency knew that the current rulers had stolen the money from the national kitty and taken it abroad. Despite knowing this, General Bajwa was willing to give them 'NRO' as he had planned an extension (for himself)," said Khan.</p>

<p>In the interview, Khan stated that elections can take place in July if the incumbent Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decides to dissolve the National Assembly, which is the parliament's lower house.</p>

<p>"Elections can be held in July if the prime minister dissolves the assembly," stated the ousted premier.</p>

<p>He further emphasised that the caretaker government present in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where PTI was in power before the two assemblies were dissolved by Khan on January 14 and 18, respectively, are illegal as their stipulated term has lapsed.</p>

<p>He stated that the caretaker government needs to be abolished and a new "neutral" interim government must be instated. He added that the country's Supreme Court has given the date of May 14 for the Punjab elections and his party won't allow the government to postpone elections beyond that.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Imran Khan urges international community to recognise Taliban | WION Dispatch</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/imran-khan-urges-international-community-to-recognise-taliban-wion-dispatch-576323/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"If they think they (incumbent government) will pressurise the Supreme Court, we will not let it happen. They will scandalise the top court to run away from elections," Khan said.</p>

<p>Even as the government continues to cite security as a major issue for conducting elections, the lack of monetary funds for conducting polls has been communicated as the real reason behind the delay.</p>

<p>"There may be no money even in October. The situation may worsen. We cannot go beyond May 14,” Khan said. He added that people have been irked by the rising inflation and the government is afraid of their reaction and hence, is postponing the elections. "They are scared of elections," Khan said.</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman and the country's former prime minister Imran Khan said that the former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had given him the advice to dissolve the provincial assemblies of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), The News.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman and the country's former prime minister Imran Khan said that the former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had given him the advice to dissolve the provincial assemblies of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), The News.com reported. In an interview held on Sunday, Khan said that he held a meeting with General Bajwa, in the presence of President Arif Alvi, where the former army chief suggested if he wanted elections then he needs to dissolve his governments in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), according to a report published by The News.com. The deposed prime minister was ousted from his office following a no-confidence motion in April 2022. Khan said that he was informed by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) that Bajwa intended to bring Shehbaz Sharif into power. ALSO READ | Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's interim bail in three cases extended till April 13 "General Bajwa and the (premier intelligence) agency knew that the current rulers had stolen the money from the national kitty and taken it abroad. Despite knowing this, General Bajwa was willing to give them 'NRO' as he had planned an extension (for himself)," said Khan. In the interview, Khan stated that elections can take place in July if the incumbent Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decides to dissolve the National Assembly, which is the parliament's lower house. "Elections can be held in July if the prime minister dissolves the assembly," stated the ousted premier. He further emphasised that the caretaker government present in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where PTI was in power before the two assemblies were dissolved by Khan on January 14 and 18, respectively, are illegal as their stipulated term has lapsed. He stated that the caretaker government needs to be abolished and a new "neutral" interim government must be instated. He added that the country's Supreme Court has given the date of May 14 for the Punjab elections and his party won't allow the government to postpone elections beyond that. WATCH | Imran Khan urges international community to recognise Taliban | WION Dispatch "If they think they (incumbent government) will pressurise the Supreme Court, we will not let it happen. They will scandalise the top court to run away from elections," Khan said. Even as the government continues to cite security as a major issue for conducting elections, the lack of monetary funds for conducting polls has been communicated as the real reason behind the delay. "There may be no money even in October. The situation may worsen. We cannot go beyond May 14,” Khan said. He added that people have been irked by the rising inflation and the government is afraid of their reaction and hence, is postponing the elections. "They are scared of elections," Khan said. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pakistan: Imran Khan says former army chief Bajwa asked him to dissolve provincial assemblies

<p>Bushra Bibi, the wife of ex-prime minister Imran Khan, has warned the Punjab caretaker government's authorities against any operations on her Zaman Park residence during the Eid al-Fitr holidays. The former Pakistan first lady warned caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that their offices will be responsible if an operation is carried out.</p>

<p>As per an Express Tribune report, in a nine-page letter sent to the authorities via her counsel Azhar Siddique, Bushra under articles 9, 14, 15, 16 and 17 of the Constitution, Bushra asked the PM and CM to "refrain the authorities from conducting any operation without adopting the due process of law."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/visit-should-not-be-pakistan-fm-bilawal-bhutto-on-attending-sco-meet-in-india-584855">'Visit should not be...': Pakistan FM Bilawal Bhutto on attending SCO meet in India</a></strong></p>

<p>The letter referred to a police raid conducted on March 18 without the presence of a female police officer — against court instructions. Bushra said she is currently working on the "rehabilitation" of Zaman Park, and expressed her apprehension that the police are planning another operation during Eid al-Fitr holidays.</p>

<p>She warned the CM and PM that if any such operation is carried out, it would be a violation of articles 10-A, 4, and 5 of the Constitution. The letter also warned that appropriate actions or remedies would be taken in due course of law, and the PM, CM, and other officers would be held responsible for any violation of fundamental rights.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-purchases-first-cargo-of-discounted-russian-oil-584524">Pakistan purchases first cargo of discounted Russian oil</a></strong></p>

<p>"Furthermore, if any such operation is carried out at Zaman Park, Lahore or at any nearby place, the prime minister, chief minister and other officer(s) would be held responsible and appropriate actions or remedies shall be taken in due course of law and this representation(s) may be considered as a warning against taking any action in violation of fundamental rights which are in the negation of Article 10-A read with articles 4 &amp; 5 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973," stated the letter.</p>

<p>This letter comes after the Lahore High Court dismissed a petition filed by her to "halt police action" at the residence. In it, the PTI party chief's wife had Bushra's petition had nominated the Ministry of Interior, the Punjab inspector general of Police and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) as respondents.</p>

<p>Imran Khan, too, has expressed his apprehension about such an attack. Owing to his fears, during the hearing of a separate case at the Lahore High Court earlier this week, the court directed the police not to "harass" the former Pakistan PM.</p>


Bushra Bibi, the wife of ex-prime minister Imran Khan, has warned the Punjab caretaker government's authorities against any operations on her Zaman Park residence during the Eid al-Fitr holidays.

Bushra Bibi, the wife of ex-prime minister Imran Khan, has warned the Punjab caretaker government's authorities against any operations on her Zaman Park residence during the Eid al-Fitr holidays. The former Pakistan first lady warned caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that their offices will be responsible if an operation is carried out. As per an Express Tribune report, in a nine-page letter sent to the authorities via her counsel Azhar Siddique, Bushra under articles 9, 14, 15, 16 and 17 of the Constitution, Bushra asked the PM and CM to "refrain the authorities from conducting any operation without adopting the due process of law." Also read | 'Visit should not be...': Pakistan FM Bilawal Bhutto on attending SCO meet in India The letter referred to a police raid conducted on March 18 without the presence of a female police officer — against court instructions. Bushra said she is currently working on the "rehabilitation" of Zaman Park, and expressed her apprehension that the police are planning another operation during Eid al-Fitr holidays. She warned the CM and PM that if any such operation is carried out, it would be a violation of articles 10-A, 4, and 5 of the Constitution. The letter also warned that appropriate actions or remedies would be taken in due course of law, and the PM, CM, and other officers would be held responsible for any violation of fundamental rights. Also read | Pakistan purchases first cargo of discounted Russian oil "Furthermore, if any such operation is carried out at Zaman Park, Lahore or at any nearby place, the prime minister, chief minister and other officer(s) would be held responsible and appropriate actions or remedies shall be taken in due course of law and this representation(s) may be considered as a warning against taking any action in violation of fundamental rights which are in the negation of Article 10-A read with articles 4 & 5 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973," stated the letter. This letter comes after the Lahore High Court dismissed a petition filed by her to "halt police action" at the residence. In it, the PTI party chief's wife had Bushra's petition had nominated the Ministry of Interior, the Punjab inspector general of Police and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) as respondents. Imran Khan, too, has expressed his apprehension about such an attack. Owing to his fears, during the hearing of a separate case at the Lahore High Court earlier this week, the court directed the police not to "harass" the former Pakistan PM.

Pakistan: Bushra bibi warns authorities against another operation on Zaman Park during Eid al-Fitr holidays

Pakistan announced on Thursday that its Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will visit India next month to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) foreign ministers' meeting in Goa.

Pakistan Foreign minister to visit India in may, first since Nawaz Sharif in 2014

Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan on Friday submitted government’s reply to the Supreme Court during the SC hearing on non-provision of funds for elections in Punjab.

Pakistan: Supreme Court orders State Bank to release funds for Punjab polls

<p>Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan is once again surrounded by controversy as the cleric who solemnised his Nikkah (wedding), Mufti Saeed, has revealed that Bushra Bibi and the former premier did not follow Shariah law, as per local media portals.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>This came during a hearing in Islamabad court on a petition filed by Pakistani Muhammad Hanif. During the hearing, the cleric said the Nikkah was not in accordance with the Shariah law. Elaborating on the wedding details, the cleric disclosed that the ceremony&nbsp;took place during the iddat period of Bushra Bibi.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-suspected-ballistic-missile-japan-tells-residents-in-hokkaido-to-take-shelter-581893">North Korea fires suspected ballistic missile, Japan warns Hokkaido residents</a></p>

<p>As per Islam, iddah or iddat (an Arabic term) is a waiting period a Muslim woman observes after the death of her husband or in case of a divorce. During this period, Muslim women must not marry another man.&nbsp;According to a few scholars, this is reportedly treated as a mourning period for women.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-bank-announces-grant-of-200-million-to-repair-ukraines-energy-infrastructure-581892">World Bank announces grant of $200 million to repair Ukraine's energy infrastructure</a></p>

<p>The 62-year-old cleric during the hearing, which was presided by Senior Civil Judge Nasr Minullah Baloch, said that he was brought to Defence Housing Authority Lahore in 2018 to officiate Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan's Nikkah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mufti Saeed said he only went ahead with the ceremony when a woman who claimed to be Bushra Bibi's sister gave him assurance that all the Sharia requisites had been taken care of, reported Express Tribune. Only then, the cleric said, the wedding was officiated on 1 January 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cleric revealed that Imran Khan again got in touch with the cleric in February 2018 and asked him to conduct their Nikkah again as he thought his first Nikkah was not as per Shariah law.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Prince Harry to attend King Charles Coronation without wife Meghan</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/prince-harry-to-attend-king-charles-coronation-without-wife-meghan-581885/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In another one of the statements, the cleric said that both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi both knew of the situation. Imran Khan, as per Saeed, believed that marrying Bushra would help him in becoming the prime minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per Express Tribune, the petitioner Hanif approached the cleric on Taraweeh prayers on the fourth day of Ramazan. At the time, he inquired about the marriage of Imran and Bushra.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court has adjourned hearings until 19 April. This is not the first time when Bushra Bibi is in limelight. Most recently, she made headlines when a clash broke out between Imran Khan's supporters and Punjab police in the Toshakhana case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When the police entered Imran Khan's house, Bushra Bibi was alone in the house. She became the spotlight in the case with many speculating if she was indeed present inside the house or was Imran Khan just bluffing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan is once again surrounded by controversy as the cleric who solemnised his Nikkah (wedding), Mufti Saeed, has revealed that Bushra Bibi and the former premier did not follow Shariah law, as per local media portals.

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan is once again surrounded by controversy as the cleric who solemnised his Nikkah (wedding), Mufti Saeed, has revealed that Bushra Bibi and the former premier did not follow Shariah law, as per local media portals. This came during a hearing in Islamabad court on a petition filed by Pakistani Muhammad Hanif. During the hearing, the cleric said the Nikkah was not in accordance with the Shariah law. Elaborating on the wedding details, the cleric disclosed that the ceremony took place during the iddat period of Bushra Bibi. Also Read | North Korea fires suspected ballistic missile, Japan warns Hokkaido residents As per Islam, iddah or iddat (an Arabic term) is a waiting period a Muslim woman observes after the death of her husband or in case of a divorce. During this period, Muslim women must not marry another man. According to a few scholars, this is reportedly treated as a mourning period for women. Also Read | World Bank announces grant of $200 million to repair Ukraine's energy infrastructure The 62-year-old cleric during the hearing, which was presided by Senior Civil Judge Nasr Minullah Baloch, said that he was brought to Defence Housing Authority Lahore in 2018 to officiate Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan's Nikkah. Mufti Saeed said he only went ahead with the ceremony when a woman who claimed to be Bushra Bibi's sister gave him assurance that all the Sharia requisites had been taken care of, reported Express Tribune. Only then, the cleric said, the wedding was officiated on 1 January 2018. The cleric revealed that Imran Khan again got in touch with the cleric in February 2018 and asked him to conduct their Nikkah again as he thought his first Nikkah was not as per Shariah law. Watch | Prince Harry to attend King Charles Coronation without wife Meghan × In another one of the statements, the cleric said that both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi both knew of the situation. Imran Khan, as per Saeed, believed that marrying Bushra would help him in becoming the prime minister. As per Express Tribune, the petitioner Hanif approached the cleric on Taraweeh prayers on the fourth day of Ramazan. At the time, he inquired about the marriage of Imran and Bushra. The court has adjourned hearings until 19 April. This is not the first time when Bushra Bibi is in limelight. Most recently, she made headlines when a clash broke out between Imran Khan's supporters and Punjab police in the Toshakhana case. When the police entered Imran Khan's house, Bushra Bibi was alone in the house. She became the spotlight in the case with many speculating if she was indeed present inside the house or was Imran Khan just bluffing. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi's marriage not as per Shariah law: Cleric

<p>Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan's security in-charge Iftikhar Rasul Ghumman has been arrested on charges of money laundering, reported a local media outlet citing a statement by the country's investigative agency. The arrest was made after Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) carried out a raid at Iftikhar Ghumman's residence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Confirming the arrest, an FIA spokesperson in a statement said Imran Khan’s security in-charge is accused of money laundering. As per reports, Iftikhar Rasool Ghumman was linked to an illegal international money-laundering racket based in Lahore.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imran-khan-bushra-bibis-marriage-not-as-per-shariah-law-cleric-581906">Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi's marriage not as per Shariah law: Cleric</a></p>

<p>Anti-Money Laundering Cell (AMLC) busted the racket while FIA confirmed that two people have been arrested.&nbsp;Giving further details on the arrest, FIA said the accused people with the help of 40 fake companies were running the racket. The authorities said it involved the transferring of billions of rupees to different countries through illegal means.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-bank-announces-grant-of-200-million-to-repair-ukraines-energy-infrastructure-581892">World Bank announces grant of $200 million to repair Ukraine's energy infrastructure</a></p>

<p>The former premier slammed the arrest, saying that everything is part of the 'London Plan'. Imran Khan in the recent past has been playing up the London Plan rhetoric saying that former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif told the higher-ups in Pakistan to pull down him and his supporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chiding the authorities for Ghumman's arrest, Imran Khan tweeted, “Today, my security in-charge Iftikhar Ghumman has been abducted. This is all part of the London Plan where Nawaz Sharif was given assurances PTI would be crushed. So now people close to me, along with my leadership, are being harassed, abducted, tortured &amp; confronted with sham cases across Pakistan in total violation of the Constitution &amp; Rule of Law."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Prince Harry to attend King Charles Coronation without wife Meghan</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/prince-harry-to-attend-king-charles-coronation-without-wife-meghan-581885/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Joining Imran in condemning the authorities for Ghumman's arrest, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President Fawad Chaudhry said Imran Khan's security head was abducted in a fake case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The News International citing PTI sources reported that Ghumman was a credible party leader. They added that he was running established international business in several countries and was authorised to look after imports and exports on behalf of the party.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan's security in-charge Iftikhar Rasul Ghumman has been arrested on charges of money laundering, reported a local media outlet citing a statement by the country's investigative agency.

Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan's security in-charge Iftikhar Rasul Ghumman has been arrested on charges of money laundering, reported a local media outlet citing a statement by the country's investigative agency. The arrest was made after Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) carried out a raid at Iftikhar Ghumman's residence. Confirming the arrest, an FIA spokesperson in a statement said Imran Khan’s security in-charge is accused of money laundering. As per reports, Iftikhar Rasool Ghumman was linked to an illegal international money-laundering racket based in Lahore. Also Read | Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi's marriage not as per Shariah law: Cleric Anti-Money Laundering Cell (AMLC) busted the racket while FIA confirmed that two people have been arrested. Giving further details on the arrest, FIA said the accused people with the help of 40 fake companies were running the racket. The authorities said it involved the transferring of billions of rupees to different countries through illegal means. Also Read | World Bank announces grant of $200 million to repair Ukraine's energy infrastructure The former premier slammed the arrest, saying that everything is part of the 'London Plan'. Imran Khan in the recent past has been playing up the London Plan rhetoric saying that former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif told the higher-ups in Pakistan to pull down him and his supporters. Chiding the authorities for Ghumman's arrest, Imran Khan tweeted, “Today, my security in-charge Iftikhar Ghumman has been abducted. This is all part of the London Plan where Nawaz Sharif was given assurances PTI would be crushed. So now people close to me, along with my leadership, are being harassed, abducted, tortured & confronted with sham cases across Pakistan in total violation of the Constitution & Rule of Law." Watch | Prince Harry to attend King Charles Coronation without wife Meghan × Joining Imran in condemning the authorities for Ghumman's arrest, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President Fawad Chaudhry said Imran Khan's security head was abducted in a fake case. The News International citing PTI sources reported that Ghumman was a credible party leader. They added that he was running established international business in several countries and was authorised to look after imports and exports on behalf of the party. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Imran Khan's security head arrested on money laundering charges

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has completed one year in office. Sharif replaced Imran Khan after he was ousted from power in a vote of no confidence a year ago. Sharif promised to revive the economy and bring political stability. Here's what the citizens think.

Pakistan: Lookback at Shehbaz Sharif's year as Prime Minister

<p>Provincial snap elections are not in&nbsp;Pakistan's national interest given its economic turmoil and security situation, the country's finance minister said on Monday, in defiance of an order by the country's supreme court.</p>

<p>His comments raise the risk of constitutional deadlock to compound the country's political and economic upheaval</p>

<p>In a victory for former prime minister Imran Khan, the court last week mandated the elections, which have been rejected by parliament.</p>

<p>The court set Monday as the deadline for the government to issue funds - 21 billion&nbsp;Pakistani rupees ($73.4 million) - to the Election Commission of&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;(ECP) and told the ECP to report back to it on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday put forward a financial bill to seek a vote on whether to approve the election funding. It was not clear when a vote would take place.</p>

<p>"The country's economic, security and internal conditions demand that snap polls aren't in the national interest," he said in a televised speech to parliament.</p>

<p>He suggested holding the elections together in all provinces and national seats, saying that would reduce logistics and security expenses, which according to the house speaker was later adopted in a resolution in the parliament.</p>

<p>The supreme court ordered snap polls in the most populated Punjab province to be held on May 14, and said a date could be agreed later for the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, pending some technical issues.</p>

<p>Khan had ordered the dissolution of local governments run by his party in the two provinces to try to force the government to hold elections that are not due until October across the country.</p>

<p>He has been campaigning across&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;since he was ousted in a parliamentary no confidence vote in April last year.</p>

<p>The country's crises have worsened meanwhile.</p>

<p>To try to counter a resurgence in attacks, the government over the weekend also announced a country-wide military offensive against Islamist militants.</p>

<p>Pakistan&nbsp;is also in danger of defaulting on its debt. An International Monetary Fund bailout has been stalled since November, while its central bank's foreign exchange reserves would cover just four weeks of imports, and inflation exceeds 35%.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Provincial snap elections are not in Pakistan's national interest given its economic turmoil and security situation, the country's finance minister said on Monday, in defiance of an order by the country's supreme court.

Provincial snap elections are not in Pakistan's national interest given its economic turmoil and security situation, the country's finance minister said on Monday, in defiance of an order by the country's supreme court. His comments raise the risk of constitutional deadlock to compound the country's political and economic upheaval In a victory for former prime minister Imran Khan, the court last week mandated the elections, which have been rejected by parliament. The court set Monday as the deadline for the government to issue funds - 21 billion Pakistani rupees ($73.4 million) - to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and told the ECP to report back to it on Tuesday. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday put forward a financial bill to seek a vote on whether to approve the election funding. It was not clear when a vote would take place. "The country's economic, security and internal conditions demand that snap polls aren't in the national interest," he said in a televised speech to parliament. He suggested holding the elections together in all provinces and national seats, saying that would reduce logistics and security expenses, which according to the house speaker was later adopted in a resolution in the parliament. The supreme court ordered snap polls in the most populated Punjab province to be held on May 14, and said a date could be agreed later for the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, pending some technical issues. Khan had ordered the dissolution of local governments run by his party in the two provinces to try to force the government to hold elections that are not due until October across the country. He has been campaigning across Pakistan since he was ousted in a parliamentary no confidence vote in April last year. The country's crises have worsened meanwhile. To try to counter a resurgence in attacks, the government over the weekend also announced a country-wide military offensive against Islamist militants. Pakistan is also in danger of defaulting on its debt. An International Monetary Fund bailout has been stalled since November, while its central bank's foreign exchange reserves would cover just four weeks of imports, and inflation exceeds 35%. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan's finance minister opposes snap polls mandated by top court

Pakistan’s cash-strapped government on Monday presented a bill in Parliament to authorise funds for holding snap elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in line with the directives issued by the Supreme Court despite rejecting the apex court’s decision on the matter.

Pak FM tables bill in Parliament seeking approval for election funds for Punjab & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

<p>Continuing on a 'U-turn' from his previous allegations against the United States, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Sunday said that the nation's 'regime change conspiracy' was hatched in Pakistan, and not the US. As per an ARY News report the PTI chief&nbsp;alleged that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) parties were involved in the conspiracy and that&nbsp;the Shehbaz Khan government tried to assassinate him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing his supporters, PTI party's workers one year after the regime change Khan levied heavy charges against the current government.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wait-what-imran-khan-appeared-in-court-with-head-covered-in-a-black-bucket-as-protection-579134">Wait, what? Imran Khan appeared in court with head covered in a 'black bucket' as protection?</a></strong></p>

<p>"The performance of this government is witnessed by everyone," he said adding "We [PTI] went from terrorism to tourism and the situation has worsened again."</p>

<p>ARY news further quotes him as saying that "the current rulers removed their names from the exit control list (ECL) and later destroyed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)."</p>

<p>Imran Khan further alleged that the FIA "was tasked to lodge cases against PTI and now, overall 144 cases including 40 terrorism cases were lodged against me."</p>

<p>He also claimed that the Shehbaz Khan government tried to assassinate him.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-imran-khan-ready-to-wait-till-october-if-ruling-coalition-discloses-plan-for-general-elections-579450">Pakistan: Imran Khan ready to wait till October if ruling coalition discloses plan for general elections</a></strong></p>

<p>"The government was bound to give me security but it failed. They issued a warrant for Bani Gala's residence and the DIG raided Zaman Park. They tried to assassinate me like Salman Taseer," alleged the PTI chief.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan went on to say that the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the assassination attempt on him was sabotaged and that later his residence was attacked in an attempt &nbsp;to "kill me like Murtaza Bhutto."</p>

<p>In a Tweet, the former Pakistan prime minister&nbsp;also expressed concern about the current government's actions and said that "dangerous ruling buffoons" are making a mockery of Pakistan "abroad."</p>

<p>"The dangerous ruling buffoons don't realise the damage they are doing to Pak's image abroad by sham FIRs &amp; absurd sedition charges against a former PM for using terms 'Dirty Harry' &amp; 'psycopath'! They are making a mockery of Pakistan," he wrote.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The dangerous ruling buffoons don't realise the damage they are doing to Pak's image abroad by sham FIRs &amp; absurd sedition charges against a former PM for using terms "Dirty Harry" &amp; "psycopath"! They are making a mockery of Pakistan.</p>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1644346116073455616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Referring to the recent Supreme Court order in the Punjab polls delay&nbsp;case, he asked "what msg is being sent to foreign investors when govt itself is not accepting SC decisions? Investors need the security of contracts &amp; that means faith in judicial system. What confidence can they have when govt itself casting aside SC orders? This happens in a banana republic."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Also, what msg is being sent to foreign investors when govt itself is not accepting SC decisions? Investors need security of contracts &amp; that means faith in judicial system. What confidence can they have when govt itself casting aside SC orders? This happens in a banana republic.</p>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1644346118271279105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Continuing on a 'U-turn' from his previous allegations against the United States, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Sunday said that the nation's 'regime change conspiracy' was hatched in Pakistan, and not the US.

Continuing on a 'U-turn' from his previous allegations against the United States, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Sunday said that the nation's 'regime change conspiracy' was hatched in Pakistan, and not the US. As per an ARY News report the PTI chief alleged that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) parties were involved in the conspiracy and that the Shehbaz Khan government tried to assassinate him. Addressing his supporters, PTI party's workers one year after the regime change Khan levied heavy charges against the current government. Also read | Wait, what? Imran Khan appeared in court with head covered in a 'black bucket' as protection? "The performance of this government is witnessed by everyone," he said adding "We [PTI] went from terrorism to tourism and the situation has worsened again." ARY news further quotes him as saying that "the current rulers removed their names from the exit control list (ECL) and later destroyed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)." Imran Khan further alleged that the FIA "was tasked to lodge cases against PTI and now, overall 144 cases including 40 terrorism cases were lodged against me." He also claimed that the Shehbaz Khan government tried to assassinate him. Also read | Pakistan: Imran Khan ready to wait till October if ruling coalition discloses plan for general elections "The government was bound to give me security but it failed. They issued a warrant for Bani Gala's residence and the DIG raided Zaman Park. They tried to assassinate me like Salman Taseer," alleged the PTI chief. Khan went on to say that the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the assassination attempt on him was sabotaged and that later his residence was attacked in an attempt to "kill me like Murtaza Bhutto." In a Tweet, the former Pakistan prime minister also expressed concern about the current government's actions and said that "dangerous ruling buffoons" are making a mockery of Pakistan "abroad." "The dangerous ruling buffoons don't realise the damage they are doing to Pak's image abroad by sham FIRs & absurd sedition charges against a former PM for using terms 'Dirty Harry' & 'psycopath'! They are making a mockery of Pakistan," he wrote. The dangerous ruling buffoons don't realise the damage they are doing to Pak's image abroad by sham FIRs & absurd sedition charges against a former PM for using terms "Dirty Harry" & "psycopath"! They are making a mockery of Pakistan. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 7, 2023 × Referring to the recent Supreme Court order in the Punjab polls delay case, he asked "what msg is being sent to foreign investors when govt itself is not accepting SC decisions? Investors need the security of contracts & that means faith in judicial system. What confidence can they have when govt itself casting aside SC orders? This happens in a banana republic." Also, what msg is being sent to foreign investors when govt itself is not accepting SC decisions? Investors need security of contracts & that means faith in judicial system. What confidence can they have when govt itself casting aside SC orders? This happens in a banana republic. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 7, 2023 × (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

One year since the regime change Imran Khan levies heavy charges against Shehbaz Sharif govt

<p>Pakistan's volatile political situation amid government's tussle with Opposition leader Imran Khan led Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to stop his cabinet's finance minister to visit Washington, country's finance minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday. Dar, however, assured that the much-delayed ninth review of $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) was on track.</p>

<p>India's neighbour at its west continues to be under the grip of severe economic crisis. Coupled with political crisis that began in the country shortly after former Prime Minister Imran Khan's government was scrapped with a no-trust-vote, Pakistan is continuing to struggle in its efforts to prevent a state of bankruptcy.</p>

<p>Dar said he would attend important attend bilateral and multilateral meetings virtually and a Pakistani delegation would be present in Washington.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, reports indicated that the Pakistani finance minister canceled his Washington trip on accounts of poor optics for Islamabad that may emerge if it once again fails to remove the deadlock related to the holdup of Pakistan's IMF bailout programme.</p>

<p>Pakistani finance minister downplayed these reports.</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan's tryst of aid from 'friendly' countries</strong></h2>

<p>Pakistan's finance minister, while not specifying any country by name, said that one of Islamabad's friendly nations gave IMF "the confirmation (of its commitment to help Pakistan) with $2 billion".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-jammu-and-kashmirs-budget-twice-the-size-of-pakistans-imf-bailout-request-578174">Jammu and Kashmir’s budget twice the size of Pakistan’s IMF bailout request, documents show</a></strong></p>

<p>"We are now only awaiting the confirmation of a USD 1 billion commitment from one friendly country. After that, all their requirements to conclude the staff-level agreement will be complete. Following that, it takes two more weeks to take the matter into the board meeting," Dar said.</p>

<p>Reports in Pakistani media said Saudi Arabia had given the commitment to the IMF on helping Pakistan.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Pakistan's Economic Crisis Explained</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-pakistans-economic-crisis-explained-568585/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Dar was expected to attend the spring meetings of the World Bank and IMF that are scheduled from April 10 to 16 in Washington.</p>

<p>In February this year, IMF officials and the Pakistan government held discussions, which remained inconclusive.</p>

<p>Pakistan remains under the grip of a major economic crisis, consisting of high external debt, a weak local currency and dwindling foreign exchange reserves enough to shore up for barely one month's imports.</p>

<p>The consumer price inflation in Pakistan jumped to a record 35.37 per cent in March this year, as food, beverage and transport prices surged to an astonishing 50 per cent year-on-year.</p>

<p>At least 22 people have been killed in stampedes at government-sponsored food distribution outlets across the country.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Pakistan's volatile political situation amid government's tussle with Opposition leader Imran Khan led Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to stop his cabinet's finance minister to visit Washington, country's finance minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday.

Pakistan's volatile political situation amid government's tussle with Opposition leader Imran Khan led Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to stop his cabinet's finance minister to visit Washington, country's finance minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday. Dar, however, assured that the much-delayed ninth review of $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) was on track. India's neighbour at its west continues to be under the grip of severe economic crisis. Coupled with political crisis that began in the country shortly after former Prime Minister Imran Khan's government was scrapped with a no-trust-vote, Pakistan is continuing to struggle in its efforts to prevent a state of bankruptcy. Dar said he would attend important attend bilateral and multilateral meetings virtually and a Pakistani delegation would be present in Washington. Earlier, reports indicated that the Pakistani finance minister canceled his Washington trip on accounts of poor optics for Islamabad that may emerge if it once again fails to remove the deadlock related to the holdup of Pakistan's IMF bailout programme. Pakistani finance minister downplayed these reports. Pakistan's tryst of aid from 'friendly' countries Pakistan's finance minister, while not specifying any country by name, said that one of Islamabad's friendly nations gave IMF "the confirmation (of its commitment to help Pakistan) with $2 billion". ALSO READ | Jammu and Kashmir’s budget twice the size of Pakistan’s IMF bailout request, documents show "We are now only awaiting the confirmation of a USD 1 billion commitment from one friendly country. After that, all their requirements to conclude the staff-level agreement will be complete. Following that, it takes two more weeks to take the matter into the board meeting," Dar said. Reports in Pakistani media said Saudi Arabia had given the commitment to the IMF on helping Pakistan. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas Plus: Pakistan's Economic Crisis Explained × Dar was expected to attend the spring meetings of the World Bank and IMF that are scheduled from April 10 to 16 in Washington. In February this year, IMF officials and the Pakistan government held discussions, which remained inconclusive. Pakistan remains under the grip of a major economic crisis, consisting of high external debt, a weak local currency and dwindling foreign exchange reserves enough to shore up for barely one month's imports. The consumer price inflation in Pakistan jumped to a record 35.37 per cent in March this year, as food, beverage and transport prices surged to an astonishing 50 per cent year-on-year. At least 22 people have been killed in stampedes at government-sponsored food distribution outlets across the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan claims crutches of aid from 'friendly' nation as IMF bailout hope dwindles

On 4 April, Pakistan’s three Judge Supreme Court (SC) bench led by Chief Justice (CJ) Umar Ata Bandial expectedly quashed as `illegal and unconstitutional’ the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)’s 22 March order to hold the provincial assembly polls in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on 24 October. The CJ directed the Punjab Assembly poll to be held now on 14 May. Various stages of the fresh election process were also delineated, not waiting for the CEC to perform this role! Dates for the KP poll would be given on a subsequent petition.

Is Pakistan headed towards martial law as political turmoil persists despite Supreme Court verdict?

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday termed the Supreme Court’s decision in the delayed Punjab polls case as another “murder of justice” akin to former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s “judicial murder”.

Pakistan: PM Shehbaz says SC’s Punjab polls verdict ‘judicial murder’

The ever-growing crises in Pakistan and the failing establishments raise the spectre of another military intervention in the south Asian nation. The economy is in shambles, and inflation is sky-high, but the ruling elites are engaged in an ugly tug-of-war.

Pakistan: A Tug of war between government and Judiciary

Pakistan’s Cabinet rejects Supreme Court’s verdict in Punjab election delay case

Is Pakistan's judiciary favouring Imran Khan? Pakistan's top court has upheld PTI's petition & announced elections in Punjab by May. Are the judges trying to orchestrate the country's politics? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Is Pakistan's judiciary favouring Imran Khan?

On Tuesday, Pakistan's former PM Imran Khan appeared for a court hearing wearing a 'bullet-proof' bucket. Why? Was this another political gimmick? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Bizarre! Imran Khan appears in court wearing a 'bulletproof bucket'

<p>Imran Khan,&nbsp;former prime minister of Pakistan, reportedly stated in a media report on Wednesday (April 5)&nbsp;that he was willing to wait until October if the coalition government led by the Pakistan Democratic Movement shared a plan with him for holding free and fair general elections in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since being ousted in April 2022,&nbsp;as a result of losing a vote of confidence in Parliament, Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Khan has pushed for the holding of early elections nationwide. By October, general elections would be held in Pakistan thanks to the election commission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per The News, Khan, a former cricketer who is now a politician, said he was willing to wait until October for elections. But, his choice hinges on the coalition government led by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDMreadiness )'s to delay the polls.</p>

<p>The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and other members of the ruling coalition form the majority of the PDM (PML-N).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan said he could postpone the elections until October if the coalition administration provided a roadmap assuring that everything would take place systematically.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The PTI leader thanked the Supreme Court for overturning the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) decision and ordering the Punjab Assembly elections for May 14 while speaking to his party's members and supporters through video link.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a victory for the Khan-led PTI party, the three-member bench set May 14 as the date for elections in the politically significant province.</p>

<p>Khan said: “The incumbent government is using all tactics to escape from elections, which is a part of the London plan,” apparently referring to the former prime minister and the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif.</p>

<p>Since an assassination attempt on him in November last year, Khan has been talking about a “London Plan” which as per his definition&nbsp;entails&nbsp;conspiracy regarding his murder and where commitments were made to bring “absconder” Nawaz Sharif to power as quid pro quo for agreeing to one appointment.</p>

<p>The last general election in Pakistan&nbsp;was held in July 2018 and the term of Pakistan’s current National Assembly is till October 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


Imran Khan, former prime minister of Pakistan, reportedly stated in a media report on Wednesday (April 5) that he was willing to wait until October if the coalition government led by the Pakistan Democratic Movement shared a plan with him for holding free and fair general elections in the country.

Imran Khan, former prime minister of Pakistan, reportedly stated in a media report on Wednesday (April 5) that he was willing to wait until October if the coalition government led by the Pakistan Democratic Movement shared a plan with him for holding free and fair general elections in the country. Since being ousted in April 2022, as a result of losing a vote of confidence in Parliament, Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Khan has pushed for the holding of early elections nationwide. By October, general elections would be held in Pakistan thanks to the election commission. As per The News, Khan, a former cricketer who is now a politician, said he was willing to wait until October for elections. But, his choice hinges on the coalition government led by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDMreadiness )'s to delay the polls. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and other members of the ruling coalition form the majority of the PDM (PML-N). Khan said he could postpone the elections until October if the coalition administration provided a roadmap assuring that everything would take place systematically. The PTI leader thanked the Supreme Court for overturning the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) decision and ordering the Punjab Assembly elections for May 14 while speaking to his party's members and supporters through video link. In a victory for the Khan-led PTI party, the three-member bench set May 14 as the date for elections in the politically significant province. Khan said: “The incumbent government is using all tactics to escape from elections, which is a part of the London plan,” apparently referring to the former prime minister and the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif. Since an assassination attempt on him in November last year, Khan has been talking about a “London Plan” which as per his definition entails conspiracy regarding his murder and where commitments were made to bring “absconder” Nawaz Sharif to power as quid pro quo for agreeing to one appointment. The last general election in Pakistan was held in July 2018 and the term of Pakistan’s current National Assembly is till October 2023. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pakistan: Imran Khan ready to wait till October if ruling coalition discloses plan for general elections

<p>Pakistan security forces are pulling out all the stops to protect former prime minister Imran Khan during his court appearances. As per a Twitter video posted by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, the forces are going to the extent of covering his entire head with what appeared to be a black bucket, presumably some kind of bullet-proof helmet. The extra caution&nbsp;stems from the PTI chairperson's claims that there could be another attempt on his life.</p>

<p>In the video, Imran Khan could be seen walking slowly towards the Lahore-based anti-terrorism court's entrance, surrounded by commandos carrying black bullet-resistant shields.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistan-pm-imran-khans-interim-bail-in-three-cases-extended-till-april-13-579092">Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's interim bail in three cases extended till April 13</a></strong></p>

<p>The black headgear Khan is wearing seems to be acting like a blinder; among his protection detail are two men guiding the 76-year-old cricketer-turned-politician. At one point Khan's seeing-eye men could be seen steering him through the gap between stone barricades.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here's the video:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="rtl" lang="ur">عمران خان سخت سیکیورٹی میں انسداد دہشتگردی عدالت پیش ہوئے۔ <a href="https://t.co/ZKetvQBQUe">pic.twitter.com/ZKetvQBQUe</a></p>
— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1643137166745149445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>On Twitter, the PTI party's video has already garnered close to 264,000 views and has been retweeted 3,280 times.Imran Khan's 'black bucket' has made him the butt of many jokes, with netizens asking if this was "in Imran Khan’s bucket list?."&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Was this in Imran Khan’s bucket list?</p>
— bhatnaturally  🇮🇳 (@bhatnaturally) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhatnaturally/status/1643281829276057600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>While many were quick to ask if this is how Pakistan, a nuclear power nation&nbsp;provides security to its leaders, others had a satirical take and compared Khan to Marshmello, an American DJ, who for years kept his identity a secret and is known for his iconic mask resembling a Marshmallow with eyes and a smile.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">According to Pakistani lockdown kids, Marshmello copied Imran Khan's Style . <a href="https://t.co/DPoodZJLPH">pic.twitter.com/DPoodZJLPH</a></p>
— Sir BoiesX 🕯 (@BoiesX45) <a href="https://twitter.com/BoiesX45/status/1643277582333534208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Marshmello who? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂</p>
— Muhammad Sarmad Khan (@sarmad_khan1997) <a href="https://twitter.com/sarmad_khan1997/status/1643139503068946433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>One user joked that Khan was taking with him the container after consuming "South Indian bucket biryani," and another dubbed him "The Bucket Man."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After eating South Indian bucket biryani. Imran khan taking it's own empty bucket.</p>
— senjitama (@senjitama) <a href="https://twitter.com/senjitama/status/1643254122756608001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Bucket 🪣 Man😂🤣💀 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ImranKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ImranKhan</a><br />
<a href="https://t.co/HuY7sCKk95">pic.twitter.com/HuY7sCKk95</a></p>
— My Thoughts 💭 (@paktekawal) <a href="https://twitter.com/paktekawal/status/1643272881449873410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Yet another user posts a screengrab from an old Kareena Kapoor Khan, Akshaye Khanna's movie 'Hulchul', where the characters use big cooking utensils to hide their faces and sneak into a wedding.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">😂<br />
"Imran Khan, former Pakistan PM, was taken to court in Lahore with a bucket on his head for security. The bucket was meant to protect him from potential harm". <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ImranKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ImranKhan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a><br />
(first time I see bulletproof bucket 😂😂) <a href="https://t.co/32aUEQx6Gb">pic.twitter.com/32aUEQx6Gb</a></p>
— yogesh koundel (@bencher_middle) <a href="https://twitter.com/bencher_middle/status/1643223390025834496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Here are some of the most hilarious reactions to Imran Khan’s bucket helmet:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is weird to see him like this, protected with shield.. 🙄<br />
<br />
Can you folks work out to see more modern solutions for self-protection...🤔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Transformer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Transformer</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SelfProtection?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SelfProtection</a> <a href="https://t.co/JyEjmkwkOm">pic.twitter.com/JyEjmkwkOm</a></p>
— Abu Saleh 🇵🇰 (@betheenablerpk) <a href="https://twitter.com/betheenablerpk/status/1643144353429303298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣ALLAH muafai ....jab mout ka farishta aanaa hai tou yeah security ka pata nahi chaley ga kidhar gai . Jo raat qabar mein hai woh kon taal sakta hai . Ees cartoon ko kon politics mein laayaa thaa🤣🤣🤣🤣</p>
— 🇵🇰 (@Naureenz1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Naureenz1/status/1643183178234966017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="rtl" lang="ur">سیکورٹی ضروری ہے لیکن یہ بلیک باکس چہرے پر؟🤨😡ہم جانتے ہیں کہ آپ بہادر ہیں لیکن آپ سیاست بھی کرتے ہیں اس لیے اس کوڑے کے بلیک باکس کو چھوڑ دیں.. یہ صرف غیر ضروری شرمندگی ہے اور کچھ نہیں۔<a href="https://twitter.com/AzharSiddique?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AzharSiddique</a><a href="https://twitter.com/fawadchaudhry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fawadchaudhry</a><a href="https://twitter.com/Hammad_Azhar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hammad_Azhar</a><a href="https://twitter.com/AndleebAbbas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AndleebAbbas</a><a href="https://twitter.com/iihtishamm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iihtishamm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranARaja1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranARaja1</a></p>
— #ILYAS@HMAD👀 (@ilyasah69872494) <a href="https://twitter.com/ilyasah69872494/status/1643142322496970752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Translation:&nbsp;Security is important but this black box on face? We know you are brave but you also do politics so drop this garbage black box.. It's just unnecessary embarrassment and nothing.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Isko ap leader kehtey hein? Iss banday ko sirf apni jaan ki fikr hai, baki sub jayein bharr mein 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️</p>
— Ayesha Saeed (@Ayesha2Saeed) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ayesha2Saeed/status/1643215656081321984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">U are making a joke of ur leader in these scenarios ...</p>
— Farrukh (@FarrukhShafiq11) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarrukhShafiq11/status/1643161199788400643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is how they provide security in Pakistan as former Pаkistаn PM Imran Khan was brought in Anti-terrorism Court in Lahore. <a href="https://t.co/cQDw28iHPI">pic.twitter.com/cQDw28iHPI</a></p>
— Hasna Zaroori Hai 🇮🇳 (@HasnaZarooriHai) <a href="https://twitter.com/HasnaZarooriHai/status/1643235990583250944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="rtl" lang="ur">Hhhhhaaaaaa<br />
جب اللہ ذلیل کرنےپے آٸے تو ایسے ہی کرتا ہے</p>
— P®ince (@rafaqat_yaar1) <a href="https://twitter.com/rafaqat_yaar1/status/1643144721840107520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Isn't there a better way to protect him? It does not go with his personality. There should be some wearable shield instead of this head cover.</p>
— Aymen Tarar (@aymentarar) <a href="https://twitter.com/aymentarar/status/1643138550370828289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a day for Imran Khan. He had a bucket and horns put on his head.</p>
— Shahab (@HashUrTag) <a href="https://twitter.com/HashUrTag/status/1643239788248539138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">See how Pakistan Army is providing security to former Prime Minister Imran Khan. They literally put bucket on his head for head protection. And Pakistan wants to host Asia Cup 2023 🤣😂😂😭<a href="https://t.co/80gNHDUyVw">pic.twitter.com/80gNHDUyVw</a></p>
— Sir BoiesX 🕯 (@BoiesX45) <a href="https://twitter.com/BoiesX45/status/1643264439179956226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan security forces are pulling out all the stops to protect former prime minister Imran Khan during his court appearances. As per a Twitter video posted by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, the forces are going to the extent of covering his entire head with what appeared to be a black bucket, presumably some kind of bullet-proof helmet.

Pakistan security forces are pulling out all the stops to protect former prime minister Imran Khan during his court appearances. As per a Twitter video posted by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, the forces are going to the extent of covering his entire head with what appeared to be a black bucket, presumably some kind of bullet-proof helmet. The extra caution stems from the PTI chairperson's claims that there could be another attempt on his life. In the video, Imran Khan could be seen walking slowly towards the Lahore-based anti-terrorism court's entrance, surrounded by commandos carrying black bullet-resistant shields. Also read | Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's interim bail in three cases extended till April 13 The black headgear Khan is wearing seems to be acting like a blinder; among his protection detail are two men guiding the 76-year-old cricketer-turned-politician. At one point Khan's seeing-eye men could be seen steering him through the gap between stone barricades. Here's the video: عمران خان سخت سیکیورٹی میں انسداد دہشتگردی عدالت پیش ہوئے۔ pic.twitter.com/ZKetvQBQUe — PTI (@PTIofficial) April 4, 2023 × On Twitter, the PTI party's video has already garnered close to 264,000 views and has been retweeted 3,280 times.Imran Khan's 'black bucket' has made him the butt of many jokes, with netizens asking if this was "in Imran Khan’s bucket list?." Was this in Imran Khan’s bucket list? — bhatnaturally  🇮🇳 (@bhatnaturally) April 4, 2023 × While many were quick to ask if this is how Pakistan, a nuclear power nation provides security to its leaders, others had a satirical take and compared Khan to Marshmello, an American DJ, who for years kept his identity a secret and is known for his iconic mask resembling a Marshmallow with eyes and a smile. According to Pakistani lockdown kids, Marshmello copied Imran Khan's Style . pic.twitter.com/DPoodZJLPH — Sir BoiesX 🕯 (@BoiesX45) April 4, 2023 × Marshmello who? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 — Muhammad Sarmad Khan (@sarmad_khan1997) April 4, 2023 × One user joked that Khan was taking with him the container after consuming "South Indian bucket biryani," and another dubbed him "The Bucket Man." After eating South Indian bucket biryani. Imran khan taking it's own empty bucket. — senjitama (@senjitama) April 4, 2023 × The Bucket 🪣 Man😂🤣💀 #ImranKhan pic.twitter.com/HuY7sCKk95 — My Thoughts 💭 (@paktekawal) April 4, 2023 × Yet another user posts a screengrab from an old Kareena Kapoor Khan, Akshaye Khanna's movie 'Hulchul', where the characters use big cooking utensils to hide their faces and sneak into a wedding. 😂 "Imran Khan, former Pakistan PM, was taken to court in Lahore with a bucket on his head for security. The bucket was meant to protect him from potential harm". #ImranKhan #Pakistan (first time I see bulletproof bucket 😂😂) pic.twitter.com/32aUEQx6Gb — yogesh koundel (@bencher_middle) April 4, 2023 × Here are some of the most hilarious reactions to Imran Khan’s bucket helmet: It is weird to see him like this, protected with shield.. 🙄 Can you folks work out to see more modern solutions for self-protection...🤔#Transformer#SelfProtection pic.twitter.com/JyEjmkwkOm — Abu Saleh 🇵🇰 (@betheenablerpk) April 4, 2023 × 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣ALLAH muafai ....jab mout ka farishta aanaa hai tou yeah security ka pata nahi chaley ga kidhar gai . Jo raat qabar mein hai woh kon taal sakta hai . Ees cartoon ko kon politics mein laayaa thaa🤣🤣🤣🤣 — 🇵🇰 (@Naureenz1) April 4, 2023 × سیکورٹی ضروری ہے لیکن یہ بلیک باکس چہرے پر؟🤨😡ہم جانتے ہیں کہ آپ بہادر ہیں لیکن آپ سیاست بھی کرتے ہیں اس لیے اس کوڑے کے بلیک باکس کو چھوڑ دیں.. یہ صرف غیر ضروری شرمندگی ہے اور کچھ نہیں۔@AzharSiddique@fawadchaudhry@Hammad_Azhar@AndleebAbbas@iihtishamm @ImranARaja1 — #ILYAS@HMAD👀 (@ilyasah69872494) April 4, 2023 × Translation: Security is important but this black box on face? We know you are brave but you also do politics so drop this garbage black box.. It's just unnecessary embarrassment and nothing. Isko ap leader kehtey hein? Iss banday ko sirf apni jaan ki fikr hai, baki sub jayein bharr mein 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ — Ayesha Saeed (@Ayesha2Saeed) April 4, 2023 × U are making a joke of ur leader in these scenarios ... — Farrukh (@FarrukhShafiq11) April 4, 2023 × This is how they provide security in Pakistan as former Pаkistаn PM Imran Khan was brought in Anti-terrorism Court in Lahore. pic.twitter.com/cQDw28iHPI — Hasna Zaroori Hai 🇮🇳 (@HasnaZarooriHai) April 4, 2023 × Hhhhhaaaaaa جب اللہ ذلیل کرنےپے آٸے تو ایسے ہی کرتا ہے — P®ince (@rafaqat_yaar1) April 4, 2023 × Isn't there a better way to protect him? It does not go with his personality. There should be some wearable shield instead of this head cover. — Aymen Tarar (@aymentarar) April 4, 2023 × What a day for Imran Khan. He had a bucket and horns put on his head. — Shahab (@HashUrTag) April 4, 2023 × See how Pakistan Army is providing security to former Prime Minister Imran Khan. They literally put bucket on his head for head protection. And Pakistan wants to host Asia Cup 2023 🤣😂😂😭pic.twitter.com/80gNHDUyVw — Sir BoiesX 🕯 (@BoiesX45) April 4, 2023 ×

Wait, what? Imran Khan appeared in court with head covered in a 'black bucket' as protection?

<p>Pakistan Supreme Court on Monday said that it will announce its judgement in the election delay petition case filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday (April 4th). The landmark case is over the country's national election regulator’s decision to postpone general elections in Pakistan's most populous province of Punjab until October 8.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
As per the news agency PTI, a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, and also comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar, reserved the judgment today. This was done after the bench heard all the parties, including the government, the PTI party, the ECP and others. &nbsp;</p>

<p>However, as per the Pakistan-based newspaper Dawn, the bench did not hear the counsel of the coalition parties.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-imran-khan-claims-general-bajwa-put-pressure-on-him-restore-ties-with-india-578187">Pakistan: Imran Khan claims General Bajwa put pressure on him to restore ties with India</a></strong></p>

<p>PTI reports that the case's hearing, which lasted over a week, witnessed high drama after two judges of the original five-member bench, Justices Jamal Khan Mandokhail and Aminuddin Khan, excused themselves from the case hearing.</p>

<p>Following this, the Chief Justice constituted a bench comprising himself, Justice Ahsan and Justice Akhtar to proceed with the PTI petition.</p>

<p>On Monday, the government put forth a statement through the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan, asking for the formation of a full court to hear the case. It also sought the dismissal of the PTI petition in the light of what it interpreted as a "4-3" order issued by the apex court on March 1.</p>

<p>The CJP, however, rejected the government's request for a full court and instead suggested that a larger bench could be sought.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-government-tables-bill-in-parliament-to-limit-chief-justices-powers-577317">Pakistan government tables bill in parliament to limit chief justice's powers</a></strong></p>

<p>The apex court, in a 3-2 verdict, had ruled on March 1 that elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, both of which have been under caretaker governments since the provincial assemblies were dissolved in January, should be held within 90 days.</p>

<p>The government, however, contested the court's instructions, labelling the judgement 4-3. Citing Dawn, PTI reports that the government&nbsp;disputed the court directions&nbsp;after Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail and Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, who were among the four judges who had written additional notes in the Feb 23 order, raised objections on the constitution of the bench as well as the invocation of the apex court's suo motu jurisdiction by the chief justice.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Pakistan Supreme Court on Monday said that it will announce its judgement in the election delay petition case filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday (April 4th).

Pakistan Supreme Court on Monday said that it will announce its judgement in the election delay petition case filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday (April 4th). The landmark case is over the country's national election regulator’s decision to postpone general elections in Pakistan's most populous province of Punjab until October 8. As per the news agency PTI, a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, and also comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar, reserved the judgment today. This was done after the bench heard all the parties, including the government, the PTI party, the ECP and others. However, as per the Pakistan-based newspaper Dawn, the bench did not hear the counsel of the coalition parties. Also read | Pakistan: Imran Khan claims General Bajwa put pressure on him to restore ties with India PTI reports that the case's hearing, which lasted over a week, witnessed high drama after two judges of the original five-member bench, Justices Jamal Khan Mandokhail and Aminuddin Khan, excused themselves from the case hearing. Following this, the Chief Justice constituted a bench comprising himself, Justice Ahsan and Justice Akhtar to proceed with the PTI petition. On Monday, the government put forth a statement through the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan, asking for the formation of a full court to hear the case. It also sought the dismissal of the PTI petition in the light of what it interpreted as a "4-3" order issued by the apex court on March 1. The CJP, however, rejected the government's request for a full court and instead suggested that a larger bench could be sought. Also read | Pakistan government tables bill in parliament to limit chief justice's powers The apex court, in a 3-2 verdict, had ruled on March 1 that elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, both of which have been under caretaker governments since the provincial assemblies were dissolved in January, should be held within 90 days. The government, however, contested the court's instructions, labelling the judgement 4-3. Citing Dawn, PTI reports that the government disputed the court directions after Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail and Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, who were among the four judges who had written additional notes in the Feb 23 order, raised objections on the constitution of the bench as well as the invocation of the apex court's suo motu jurisdiction by the chief justice. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan top court to announce verdict on PTI plea challenging delay in Punjab polls

<p>Imran Khan, the former Pakistan prime minister, has been granted interim bail until April 13 in three cases by a Lahore-based anti-terrorism court. The cases relate to the clashes between his supporters and the police outside his Lahore residence last month. As per the Pakistan-based newspaper Dawn, the cricketer-turned-politician appeared before the court in a personal capacity. A Twitter video posted by Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party showed the party chief arriving at the court with his face covered by black headgear and surrounded by security.</p>

<p>Here's the video:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="rtl" lang="ur">عمران خان سخت سیکیورٹی میں انسداد دہشتگردی عدالت پیش ہوئے۔ <a href="https://t.co/ZKetvQBQUe">pic.twitter.com/ZKetvQBQUe</a></p>
— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1643137166745149445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In the last hearing, Imran Khan was directed to ensure his presence at each subsequent hearing and join the police investigation into the cases.</p>

<p>The cases against Khan and his fellow PTI politician are for allegedly attacking police teams and burning official property vehicles outside the PTI chief's Zaman Park residence.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-top-court-to-announce-verdict-tomorrow-on-pti-plea-challenging-delay-in-punjab-polls-578758">Pakistan top court to announce verdict on PTI plea challenging delay in Punjab polls</a></strong></p>

<p>FIRs against them included Section 7 of the 1997 Anti-Terrorism Act and offences under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.</p>

<p>As per Geo News,&nbsp;the PTI Chairman appeared in court seeking bail concerning three instances;&nbsp;the Zille Shah murder case, arson, and interfering with state affairs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The clashes that erupted outside Khan's Zaman Park residence as per the press agency PTI were the result of a police operation to enforce an arrest warrant against Khan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/whats-next-for-pakistan-foreign-minister-bilawal-bhutto-fears-martial-law-578891">What's next for Pakistan? Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto fears 'martial law'</a></strong></p>

<p>The warrant was issued by an Islamabad court in the Toshakhana case which alleges that the former PM purchased gifts, including an expensive Graff wristwatch — which he had received during his premiership — at a discounted price from the state depository called Toshakhana, before proceeding to sell them for profit.&nbsp;Khan had repeatedly failed to attend case hearings, which led to the warrant being issued against him.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Imran Khan, the former Pakistan prime minister, has been granted interim bail until April 13 in three cases by a Lahore-based anti-terrorism court. The cases relate to the clashes between his supporters and the police outside his Lahore residence last month.

Imran Khan, the former Pakistan prime minister, has been granted interim bail until April 13 in three cases by a Lahore-based anti-terrorism court. The cases relate to the clashes between his supporters and the police outside his Lahore residence last month. As per the Pakistan-based newspaper Dawn, the cricketer-turned-politician appeared before the court in a personal capacity. A Twitter video posted by Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party showed the party chief arriving at the court with his face covered by black headgear and surrounded by security. Here's the video: عمران خان سخت سیکیورٹی میں انسداد دہشتگردی عدالت پیش ہوئے۔ pic.twitter.com/ZKetvQBQUe — PTI (@PTIofficial) April 4, 2023 × In the last hearing, Imran Khan was directed to ensure his presence at each subsequent hearing and join the police investigation into the cases. The cases against Khan and his fellow PTI politician are for allegedly attacking police teams and burning official property vehicles outside the PTI chief's Zaman Park residence. Also read | Pakistan top court to announce verdict on PTI plea challenging delay in Punjab polls FIRs against them included Section 7 of the 1997 Anti-Terrorism Act and offences under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. As per Geo News, the PTI Chairman appeared in court seeking bail concerning three instances; the Zille Shah murder case, arson, and interfering with state affairs. The clashes that erupted outside Khan's Zaman Park residence as per the press agency PTI were the result of a police operation to enforce an arrest warrant against Khan. Also read | What's next for Pakistan? Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto fears 'martial law' The warrant was issued by an Islamabad court in the Toshakhana case which alleges that the former PM purchased gifts, including an expensive Graff wristwatch — which he had received during his premiership — at a discounted price from the state depository called Toshakhana, before proceeding to sell them for profit. Khan had repeatedly failed to attend case hearings, which led to the warrant being issued against him. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's interim bail in three cases extended till April 13

The Punjab elections were scheduled by the electoral commission on dates that were deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, who ruled that the elections must take place on May 14th.

Ex-PM Imran Khan vindicated, apex court nullifies previous dates | WION Dispatch

Pakistan: Apex court nullifies previous election dates, ex-PM Khan vindicated

Pakistan Supreme Court: Elections in Punjab to be held on May 14

Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan has plead for the dismissal of 121 cases brought against him. The Lahore High Court (LHC) has scheduled a hearing for Monday to consider Imran Khan's plea asking for the dismissal of 121 cases brought against him, according to Dawn. A two-member bench led by Judge Ali Baqar Najafi will hear the petition.

Imran Khan seeks quashing of 121 criminal cases registered against him

<p>Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan has alleged that former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa pressurised him to extend friendship with neighbouring India. Khan suggested that apparently, Bajwa wanted to develop cordial relations with New Delhi. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Dunya News reported on Saturday (April 1) that the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party spoke to journalists in Lahore and also claimed that Bajwa was not a man of principles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan said that Bajwa said something one day and then retracted it the next day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India and Pakistan share complex ties with relations often impacted by cross-border terrorism, ceasefire violations, territorial disputes, and more.</p>

<p>Both India and Pakistan have reiterated their desire for a peaceful neighbourhood. Earlier this month, Islamabad had again denied it was holding any "back channel" talks with bordering India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Media reports noted that Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, responded to a question at a weekly briefing to answer that "at this stage, there is no back channel (talks) between Pakistan and India".&nbsp;</p>

<p>News agency Reuters had reported that there was a prospect for a potential breakthrough in relations when the two nations reportedly held secret discussions in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While talking about the political situation, the PTI chairman said if the elections were not held in 90 days, there would be no constitution left in the country and then he would take direct action.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><br />
<br />
<strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan has alleged that former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa pressurised him to extend friendship with neighbouring India.

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan has alleged that former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa pressurised him to extend friendship with neighbouring India. Khan suggested that apparently, Bajwa wanted to develop cordial relations with New Delhi. Dunya News reported on Saturday (April 1) that the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party spoke to journalists in Lahore and also claimed that Bajwa was not a man of principles. Khan said that Bajwa said something one day and then retracted it the next day. India and Pakistan share complex ties with relations often impacted by cross-border terrorism, ceasefire violations, territorial disputes, and more. Both India and Pakistan have reiterated their desire for a peaceful neighbourhood. Earlier this month, Islamabad had again denied it was holding any "back channel" talks with bordering India. Media reports noted that Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, responded to a question at a weekly briefing to answer that "at this stage, there is no back channel (talks) between Pakistan and India". News agency Reuters had reported that there was a prospect for a potential breakthrough in relations when the two nations reportedly held secret discussions in 2021. While talking about the political situation, the PTI chairman said if the elections were not held in 90 days, there would be no constitution left in the country and then he would take direct action. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan: Imran Khan claims General Bajwa put pressure on him to restore ties with India

imran-khan

Imran Khan, News on Imran Khan, stories on Imran Khan, articles on Imran Khan, Imran Khan stories at Wion, Imran Khan news, Imran Khan latest news

imran khan