A powerful blast tonight near the residence of Pakistan&#39;s ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif here killed at least seven persons, including three policemen.

The blast took place close to a police check post, a few kilometres from the palatial residence of the Sharif family and close to the congregation of the Tableeghi Jamaat.

&quot;Seven persons have been killed in the blast. Some seven policemen among the 20 or so suffered injuries. The condition of four policemen is stated to be critical,&quot; Rescue 1122 spokesman Jam Sajjad said.

He said the Rescue ambulances are shifting the injured to the Sharif medical complex and other nearby hospitals.

Deputy Inspector General Police Lahore Dr Haider Ashraf told reporters that three policemen were among the dead.

&quot;The condition of some policemen is critical,&quot; he said.

&quot;It is not confirmed yet whether it was a suicide blast or planted device,&quot; he said, adding &quot;police personnel&quot; were the target of the blast.

It was such a powerful blast that its sound was heard several kilometres from the site. A fireball was seen after the blast at the Nisar Police Check Post.

No militant group has claimed the responsibility of the blast so far.

Pakistan Rangers quick response force has reached the spot and cordoned off the area.

The blast took place close to a police check post, a few kilometres from the palatial residence of the Sharif family and close to the congregation of the Tableeghi Jamaat

A powerful blast tonight near the residence of Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif here killed at least seven persons, including three policemen. The blast took place close to a police check post, a few kilometres from the palatial residence of the Sharif family and close to the congregation of the Tableeghi Jamaat. "Seven persons have been killed in the blast. Some seven policemen among the 20 or so suffered injuries. The condition of four policemen is stated to be critical," Rescue 1122 spokesman Jam Sajjad said. He said the Rescue ambulances are shifting the injured to the Sharif medical complex and other nearby hospitals. Deputy Inspector General Police Lahore Dr Haider Ashraf told reporters that three policemen were among the dead. "The condition of some policemen is critical," he said. "It is not confirmed yet whether it was a suicide blast or planted device," he said, adding "police personnel" were the target of the blast. It was such a powerful blast that its sound was heard several kilometres from the site. A fireball was seen after the blast at the Nisar Police Check Post. No militant group has claimed the responsibility of the blast so far. Pakistan Rangers quick response force has reached the spot and cordoned off the area.

7 killed in blast near Nawaz Sharif's residence in Pakistan

Punjab Province Chief Minister and former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif`s brother Shehbaz Sharif has been elected as the new chairperson of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) by the party`s general council.

Shehbaz had contested for the party seat unopposed. The general council meeting was scheduled to be held last week. However, it had to be postponed after he was unwell, The Express Tribune reported.

After this, the decision of Shehbaz`s election would be sent to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for listing him as the new PML-N president.&nbsp;

The PML-N on February 27 appointed Shehbaz as its acting president while Nawaz Sharif was named the party`s &quot;Quaid (leader) for life.&quot;&nbsp;

According to Geo News, Shehbaz, who is said to be a consensus choice for the top party position, will become the permanent president after intra-party elections are held within 45 days.&nbsp;

The development comes after Pakistan`s Supreme Court disqualified Nawaz Sharif from the post of PML-N party chief last month, saying all decisions made by him &quot;now stand null and void.&quot;&nbsp;

Shehbaz had contested for the party seat unopposed

Punjab Province Chief Minister and former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif`s brother Shehbaz Sharif has been elected as the new chairperson of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) by the party`s general council. Shehbaz had contested for the party seat unopposed. The general council meeting was scheduled to be held last week. However, it had to be postponed after he was unwell, The Express Tribune reported. After this, the decision of Shehbaz`s election would be sent to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for listing him as the new PML-N president. The PML-N on February 27 appointed Shehbaz as its acting president while Nawaz Sharif was named the party`s "Quaid (leader) for life." According to Geo News, Shehbaz, who is said to be a consensus choice for the top party position, will become the permanent president after intra-party elections are held within 45 days. The development comes after Pakistan`s Supreme Court disqualified Nawaz Sharif from the post of PML-N party chief last month, saying all decisions made by him "now stand null and void."

Shehbaz Sharif elected new PML-N chairperson

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif&#39;s daughter Maryam Nawaz on Monday said that the recent shoe hurling incident on her father would make him even &quot;more popular&quot;.

In a veiled jibe to the attackers in the incident, Maryam called them &quot;cowards&quot; and asked those responsible for it to come to the public.

&quot;Don&#39;t attack under the veil. Nawaz Sharif will not get afraid of such a cowardly act. Lions do not fear jackals. Those who get defeats use such tactics. People will avenge those who are behind this act by voting in favour of Nawaz Sharif in the general election,&quot; she asserted.

While addressing a rally in Rawalpindi, Sharif&#39;s daughter removed the bullet-proof screen from the stage and challenged the crowd to &quot;attack her if they have courage&quot;.

She then lambasted at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan, alleging that he had been promoting a culture of intolerance in the society and use of foul language in politics, The Dawn reported.

&quot;Do you think, just one message of condemnation (of the shoe-hurling incident) is enough? You (Imran Khan) promoted the culture of abusive language over the last five years in sit-ins and public meetings. Haven&#39;t you talked about dragging opponents by their neck from Prime Minister House?&quot; she asked.

Maryam also criticised the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) on the handling of the Panama Papers case and said that it found &quot;nothing despite spending millions of Pakistani rupees&quot;.

&quot;The JIT head gave millions of rupees to his (Imran&#39;s) relatives in the name of investigations,&quot; she alleged.

A miscreant hurled a shoe at Sharif when he was about to address a gathering at the Jamia Naeemia mosque in Lahore on Sunday.

Sharif went to the mosque marking the death anniversary of a cleric Mufti Mohammad Hussain Naeemi.

This incident has added to the series of such attacks targeting various leaders across Pakistan in the recent days.

However, Sharif went ahead with his address, although reportedly shortening his speech, only to thank the organisers and saying words of prayer for the deceased cleric. The accused was caught and later thrashed by the audience before handing him to the security agencies present at the venue.

Earlier on Saturday, a miscreant smeared ink on the face of Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif at a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) convention.

Prior to that on February 24, Interior and Minister for Planning, Development, and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal was also attacked by a shoe while delivering a public address.&nbsp;

While addressing a rally in Rawalpindi, Sharif's daughter removed the bullet-proof screen from the stage and challenged the crowd to "attack her if they have courage"

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz on Monday said that the recent shoe hurling incident on her father would make him even "more popular". In a veiled jibe to the attackers in the incident, Maryam called them "cowards" and asked those responsible for it to come to the public. "Don't attack under the veil. Nawaz Sharif will not get afraid of such a cowardly act. Lions do not fear jackals. Those who get defeats use such tactics. People will avenge those who are behind this act by voting in favour of Nawaz Sharif in the general election," she asserted. While addressing a rally in Rawalpindi, Sharif's daughter removed the bullet-proof screen from the stage and challenged the crowd to "attack her if they have courage". She then lambasted at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan, alleging that he had been promoting a culture of intolerance in the society and use of foul language in politics, The Dawn reported. "Do you think, just one message of condemnation (of the shoe-hurling incident) is enough? You (Imran Khan) promoted the culture of abusive language over the last five years in sit-ins and public meetings. Haven't you talked about dragging opponents by their neck from Prime Minister House?" she asked. Maryam also criticised the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) on the handling of the Panama Papers case and said that it found "nothing despite spending millions of Pakistani rupees". "The JIT head gave millions of rupees to his (Imran's) relatives in the name of investigations," she alleged. A miscreant hurled a shoe at Sharif when he was about to address a gathering at the Jamia Naeemia mosque in Lahore on Sunday. Sharif went to the mosque marking the death anniversary of a cleric Mufti Mohammad Hussain Naeemi. This incident has added to the series of such attacks targeting various leaders across Pakistan in the recent days. However, Sharif went ahead with his address, although reportedly shortening his speech, only to thank the organisers and saying words of prayer for the deceased cleric. The accused was caught and later thrashed by the audience before handing him to the security agencies present at the venue. Earlier on Saturday, a miscreant smeared ink on the face of Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif at a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) convention. Prior to that on February 24, Interior and Minister for Planning, Development, and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal was also attacked by a shoe while delivering a public address.

Shoe-incident will make my father more popular, says Maryam Nawaz

As the airstair on Pakistan One slowly unraveled at Palam Airport in New Delhi on the 26th of May 2014, many naively hoped that this was the dawn of a new chapter in the historically tense Indo-Pak relationship. Pakistan One was carrying the Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif as he landed in Delhi to attend his counterpart&rsquo;s inauguration. The coveted handshake was beamed all over the world as those with a keen eye on South Asian affairs hoped that this BJP Prime Minister would bring the same vivacity to Indo-Pak relations that Atal Behari Vajpayee did. Understandably, Modi enjoyed a tainted reputation in Pakistan but if Sharif was willing to overlook it so were many others.&nbsp;

The presence of the other South Asian leaders was dwarfed by the Nawaz-Modi dynamic but as long as their union meant prosperity for their region, they did not mind. Fast forward four years and Indo-Pak relations are at their lowest ebb in perhaps a decade with cross-border attacks, the Jadhav case and lack of progress on terror cases causing discontent on both sides.

What many don&rsquo;t realise are the spillover effects of the enmity between the two warring neighbours. Due to the friction between Pakistan and India, all of South Asia has to suffer. Despite being home to a whopping 1.7 billion (almost one-fourth of the global population) and with an average economic growth per annum of 7 per cent, South Asia is perhaps the least socio-economically integrated region in the world. This fact is alarming in light of the fact that the region enjoys shared history, culture and geography and political systems.&nbsp;

The World Bank reports that Intra-regional trade accounts for only 5 per cent of South Asia&rsquo;s total trade, compared to 25 per cent in ASEAN republics and intra-regional investment is smaller than 1 per cent of overall investment. An interesting tidbit on the situation is the fact that it costs India 20 per cent less to trade with Brazil over 9000 miles away than it does with to trade with Pakistan just next door due to red tape. The South Asian region has one of the highest working-age populations and a fertile environment for entrepreneurship.&nbsp;

Despite this array of possible opportunities, this potential remains untapped. Due to this hitherto untapped potential the region is home to 40 per cent of the world&rsquo;s poor with high poverty and abysmal statistics for school enrolment and access to healthcare and sanitation.&nbsp;

All of these problems can be undone with greater regional integration but this seems a mammoth task due to a number of reasons. Chief amongst these are the historical political tensions, security issues and cross-border conflict as well as the relative asymmetry in the size of South Asian countries. Another hindrance is the high trade costs, regulatory impediments and lack of infrastructure.&nbsp;

Past experiences of efforts to foster regional cooperation have been met with hostility from skeptics (often right-wing) and those who oppose it due to sheer misinformation.&nbsp; Though risky, efforts at regional integration can pay high dividends and prove exceptionally rewarding. There are a number of reasons for doing so.&nbsp;

Let us look at the US-Mexico model for inspiration. Despite the underlying animosity, much of which came to the fore during President Trump&rsquo;s run for office both countries are major trading partners with the total money value of all commodities traded coming up to $580 billion dollars. This gives both countries a stake in the other and keeps a healthy relationship going despite any figurative or actual walls that might be built.&nbsp;

Similarly, despite being arch-rivals, the United States and China enjoy a total two-way trade of up to $578 billion. Even in the Middle East, despite a total diplomatic boycott, the Emirates still get 45 per cent of its energy needs from the state of Qatar. There is certainly a leaf to be taken out of the books of these countries as far as South Asian countries are concerned.&nbsp;

For the two largest economies in the region, Pakistan and India, economic ties are virtually non-existent. This vacuum gives way for extremist narratives to dominate mainstream discourse; the establishment on the Pakistani side and the socio-political right wing in India. For a stable peer dynamic, it is essential to rise above the extremist rhetoric and give each other a stake in each other&rsquo;s economy.&nbsp;

Not only will this greater communion make Indo-Pak tensions harder to come by but will also open doors for other South Asian countries, such as Afghanistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Again, as the World Bank reports, trade between India and Pakistan can rise up to $20 billion and Bangladesh can increase trade with India by up to 300 per cent.&nbsp; And one hopes this synergy will lead to greater constructive discourse on forums such as SAARC and also give us a fruitful implementation of treaties such as the SAFTA.&nbsp;

The implementation of greater regional cooperation requires a two-fold approach. Firstly, there needs to be a narrative built around this cooperation with greater people-to-people contacts. Secondly, there is the technical aspect of doing away with regulatory impediments and doing away with needless red tape and building the required infrastructure. Policymakers on both sides need to have an informed policy dialogue with an aim of realising the inimitable benefits of increased regional cooperation. Greater prosperity for the region awaits, all we need to do is look past petty biases.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Learning from the examples of US-Mexico and US-China, policymakers in India and Pakistan should rise above the extremist narrative to foster economic relation.

As the airstair on Pakistan One slowly unraveled at Palam Airport in New Delhi on the 26th of May 2014, many naively hoped that this was the dawn of a new chapter in the historically tense Indo-Pak relationship. Pakistan One was carrying the Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif as he landed in Delhi to attend his counterpart’s inauguration. The coveted handshake was beamed all over the world as those with a keen eye on South Asian affairs hoped that this BJP Prime Minister would bring the same vivacity to Indo-Pak relations that Atal Behari Vajpayee did. Understandably, Modi enjoyed a tainted reputation in Pakistan but if Sharif was willing to overlook it so were many others. The presence of the other South Asian leaders was dwarfed by the Nawaz-Modi dynamic but as long as their union meant prosperity for their region, they did not mind. Fast forward four years and Indo-Pak relations are at their lowest ebb in perhaps a decade with cross-border attacks, the Jadhav case and lack of progress on terror cases causing discontent on both sides. What many don’t realise are the spillover effects of the enmity between the two warring neighbours. Due to the friction between Pakistan and India, all of South Asia has to suffer. Despite being home to a whopping 1.7 billion (almost one-fourth of the global population) and with an average economic growth per annum of 7 per cent, South Asia is perhaps the least socio-economically integrated region in the world. This fact is alarming in light of the fact that the region enjoys shared history, culture and geography and political systems. The World Bank reports that Intra-regional trade accounts for only 5 per cent of South Asia’s total trade, compared to 25 per cent in ASEAN republics and intra-regional investment is smaller than 1 per cent of overall investment. An interesting tidbit on the situation is the fact that it costs India 20 per cent less to trade with Brazil over 9000 miles away than it does with to trade with Pakistan just next door due to red tape. The South Asian region has one of the highest working-age populations and a fertile environment for entrepreneurship. Despite this array of possible opportunities, this potential remains untapped. Due to this hitherto untapped potential the region is home to 40 per cent of the world’s poor with high poverty and abysmal statistics for school enrolment and access to healthcare and sanitation. All of these problems can be undone with greater regional integration but this seems a mammoth task due to a number of reasons. Chief amongst these are the historical political tensions, security issues and cross-border conflict as well as the relative asymmetry in the size of South Asian countries. Another hindrance is the high trade costs, regulatory impediments and lack of infrastructure. Past experiences of efforts to foster regional cooperation have been met with hostility from skeptics (often right-wing) and those who oppose it due to sheer misinformation. Though risky, efforts at regional integration can pay high dividends and prove exceptionally rewarding. There are a number of reasons for doing so. Let us look at the US-Mexico model for inspiration. Despite the underlying animosity, much of which came to the fore during President Trump’s run for office both countries are major trading partners with the total money value of all commodities traded coming up to $580 billion dollars. This gives both countries a stake in the other and keeps a healthy relationship going despite any figurative or actual walls that might be built. Similarly, despite being arch-rivals, the United States and China enjoy a total two-way trade of up to $578 billion. Even in the Middle East, despite a total diplomatic boycott, the Emirates still get 45 per cent of its energy needs from the state of Qatar. There is certainly a leaf to be taken out of the books of these countries as far as South Asian countries are concerned. For the two largest economies in the region, Pakistan and India, economic ties are virtually non-existent. This vacuum gives way for extremist narratives to dominate mainstream discourse; the establishment on the Pakistani side and the socio-political right wing in India. For a stable peer dynamic, it is essential to rise above the extremist rhetoric and give each other a stake in each other’s economy. Not only will this greater communion make Indo-Pak tensions harder to come by but will also open doors for other South Asian countries, such as Afghanistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Again, as the World Bank reports, trade between India and Pakistan can rise up to $20 billion and Bangladesh can increase trade with India by up to 300 per cent. And one hopes this synergy will lead to greater constructive discourse on forums such as SAARC and also give us a fruitful implementation of treaties such as the SAFTA. The implementation of greater regional cooperation requires a two-fold approach. Firstly, there needs to be a narrative built around this cooperation with greater people-to-people contacts. Secondly, there is the technical aspect of doing away with regulatory impediments and doing away with needless red tape and building the required infrastructure. Policymakers on both sides need to have an informed policy dialogue with an aim of realising the inimitable benefits of increased regional cooperation. Greater prosperity for the region awaits, all we need to do is look past petty biases. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: India and Pakistan can bond over economic issues to bypass enmity

Pakistan&#39;s election year has begun but the main political parties are in disarray. The &#39;Deep State&#39; has ensured this would be the scene in the run-up to the elections scheduled for later in the year.

The once great party, the PPP, has drifted into such irrelevance that political commentators in Pakistan barely mention it. What was once meant to be the King&#39;s Party - the PML (N) - when it was created by General Zia-ul-Haq, to oppose Benazir&#39;s PPP and led by his protege Nawaz Sharif, has been rendered leaderless by judicial activism.

It seems the &#39;Deep State&#39; has been acting with a two-word whip - Get Nawaz.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), whose cricketer-turned-political leader Imran Khan has pretensions to political greatness, now appears to be more a pantomime and less a serious party.

It would appear that for the present unless something dramatic happens, the GHQ (General Headquarters at Rawalpindi) has it all tied up safely for itself for the next five years.

The elections are still several weeks away, but a week is a long time in politics where strange things are known to happen.

No prime minister in Pakistan has served his or her full term; only one government, that of Asif Zardari, was able to complete its five-year tenure, but had to sacrifice its prime minster.

The elections in 2008 had brought Asif Zardari&#39;s PPP (after the assassinated Benazir Bhutto bequeathed the party leadership to her husband in her will - strange but may be true) to power.

The beleaguered dictator, General Pervez Musharraf, accused by Benazir of plotting her assassination, bolted from Pakistan. What the GHQ did not expect was the decrepit regime would last its full term of five years despite Memogate and other methods of skullduggery.

It was a landmark for Pakistani democracy when Zardari&#39;s elected government transferred power to another political party in Pakistan after the elections in 2013. Things were expected to change said many starry-eyed intellectuals, some to be found in India. Others were more pragmatic and did not wear rose-tinted glasses. Nothing had changed and nothing would change, they (including this author) said.

The Army would continue to rule; it no longer needed to stage a coup and come up front.

Far better to let the politicians pretend to rule, take the blame while the Army would continue to control and rake in all the profits of war and democracy.

Nawaz Sharif&#39;s election through a democratic process was not welcomed by the &#39;Deep State&#39; - the fear of democracy taking root in Pakistan was second only to the fear of India and had to be snuffed out.

Soon enough, they put Nawaz Sharif&#39;s government to the test in 2014. Imran Khan and his new ally, Tahir-ul- Qadri from Canada and leader of the Hizb-ut-Tehrir, mysteriously appeared on the streets of Islamabad, flush with money, organising protests and lock downs and accusing Nawaz Sharif of election malpractices and demanding re-elections.

Just as Nawaz Sharif himself had done in the last year of the Zardari government by taking issues to the streets, he was subjected to the same treatment early in his innings to let him know where the real power lay and to keep him on the back foot. But, Nawaz was tougher; he had been thrown out of power twice before and he did not want to be third time unlucky.

He took the battle to the &#39;enemy&#39; when he sought Musharraf&#39;s arrest and trial for treason. This broadside against a former army chief in Pakistan was blasphemy according to the Pindi Boys. Nawaz was being not only indiscreet but also positively rebellious. He committed another sin when he dared to seek better relations with &quot;enemy&quot; India, especially when he began to get friendly with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi.

Nawaz Sharif had become bad news. He had to go, but not in a military coup which would turn off all the money taps. The Panama Papers have helped and Sharif lost his premiership in July last year and followed by another harsh judgment delivered a few days ago.

The Supreme Court has now removed Nawaz Sharif even from the leadership of his party. The judgment is potentially dangerous for the future of democratic processes in Pakistan. The court is expected to interpret law, impart justice and not give person-specific judgments. The decision that nullifies all past decisions of Nawaz Sharif since his re-election last year is manifestly excessive and unfair.

At moments like this, there are questions about the future of the PML (N) and Nawaz himself. There will be the usual, including the bureaucrats with their secrets, who will jump ship but the party has also shown that in the past, it has held together.

Despite being sent into exile in Saudi Arabia by General Musharraf, Nawaz showed enough resilience and had the party&#39;s support to stage a political comeback in 2007. Even after Nawaz&#39;s ouster last year, the party held together. There will be the usual rumours of internal dissensions and family squabbles in a party that has been dynastic.

There may be a consensus building up around Nawaz&#39;s brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. A great deal would depend on the family holding together and Nawaz being willing to accept his role as &#39;eminence gris&#39;, or for that matter, the party accepting this role, and finally, would the GHQ have any preferences for the much-married younger brother.

Nawaz&#39;s posture since his ouster as prime minister has been aggressive, presumably trying to portray confidence about returning to power.

Imran Khan, the Pathan from Mianwali, is the newest overgrown kid on the block. Idol of many, he missed the bus when he could not capitalise on the political adversity of his arch rival Nawaz Sharif.

Apart from angry speeches and loose statements that have landed him in a legal suit last year by Pakistan&#39;s biggest media chain, the Jang Group, who had slapped a suit for one billion rupees and an unconditional apology. Many are not seeing Imran as an alternative to Nawaz.

Yasser Latif Hamdani, a visiting fellow at Harvard Law School has an interesting story to tell. He describes Imran as a deeply religious and superstitious type even if his antics as a notorious playboy contradict this reality.

He also has spiritual advisers telling him what he should do to become prime minister. His party, the PTI, announced earlier this month that he had married Bushra Manika (aka PinkiPirni), mother of five, on February 18. (Actually, they got married a few months ago). It seems that the woman had a dream. A most holy personage in Islam told her that for Imran Khan to become prime minister, she must marry him, and then, both Pakistan and Islam would truly prosper.

She consulted her husband, who promptly agreed to a divorce and, in November, the couple divorced, described by her son as having occurred on the orders of Allah and His Messenger.

Imran, eager to be prime minister swallowed this story. There is not much to commend Imran and this latest foray has not endeared him to many of his followers.

The &quot;burger&quot; class among his followers is unhappy that he has married a woman who is dressed in &quot;a shuttle cock burqa&quot;

This has also not pleased the hardened Deobandhis who constitute his most ardent followers, for, he has married a Sufi despite the fact that the bride wore a burqa.

It seems that Imran is actually a closet fundamentalist and has begun to play the religious card assiduously.

He has wooed former senator Sami ul-Haq, leader of his faction of the Jamaatul-Islam (S) and chancellor of the Darul Uloom Haqqania, for an alliance to fight the Senate elections together.

Sami ul-Haq&#39;s CV is impressive. Known as the father of the Taliban, his madrassa has been the alma mater of the Taliban. Haq has been Chairman of the right wing Difa-e-Pakistan Council - an alliance of more than 40 political and religious parties opposed to US and India. In 2013, he formed the Mutahida Deeni Mahaz, an alliance of right-wing political and religious parties to contest elections.

It is with this extreme right wing that Imran Khan has close relations and the PTI government in Khyber PakhtunKhwa announced an additional grant of Rs 227 million to the Haqqania madrassa. This is an addition to the Rs 300 million granted in the previous budget. The latest hand out has come just ahead of the Senate elections.

This kind of largesse to a madrassa globally acknowledged as the seminary of the Taliban comes at a time when the Pakistan government is battling the FATF resolution in Paris. This is not likely to embarrass the Pakistan government known for its double speak.

The election turf is essentially between the PTI and PML (N); more specifically in the Punjab province and in terms of personalities, between Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif/Shahbaz Sharif.

The Sharif family still has considerable control in the Punjab but the religious right and the Army will be the match referees.

The once great party, the PPP, has drifted into such irrelevance that political commentators in Pakistan barely mention it

Pakistan's election year has begun but the main political parties are in disarray. The 'Deep State' has ensured this would be the scene in the run-up to the elections scheduled for later in the year. The once great party, the PPP, has drifted into such irrelevance that political commentators in Pakistan barely mention it. What was once meant to be the King's Party - the PML (N) - when it was created by General Zia-ul-Haq, to oppose Benazir's PPP and led by his protege Nawaz Sharif, has been rendered leaderless by judicial activism. It seems the 'Deep State' has been acting with a two-word whip - Get Nawaz. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), whose cricketer-turned-political leader Imran Khan has pretensions to political greatness, now appears to be more a pantomime and less a serious party. It would appear that for the present unless something dramatic happens, the GHQ (General Headquarters at Rawalpindi) has it all tied up safely for itself for the next five years. The elections are still several weeks away, but a week is a long time in politics where strange things are known to happen. No prime minister in Pakistan has served his or her full term; only one government, that of Asif Zardari, was able to complete its five-year tenure, but had to sacrifice its prime minster. The elections in 2008 had brought Asif Zardari's PPP (after the assassinated Benazir Bhutto bequeathed the party leadership to her husband in her will - strange but may be true) to power. The beleaguered dictator, General Pervez Musharraf, accused by Benazir of plotting her assassination, bolted from Pakistan. What the GHQ did not expect was the decrepit regime would last its full term of five years despite Memogate and other methods of skullduggery. It was a landmark for Pakistani democracy when Zardari's elected government transferred power to another political party in Pakistan after the elections in 2013. Things were expected to change said many starry-eyed intellectuals, some to be found in India. Others were more pragmatic and did not wear rose-tinted glasses. Nothing had changed and nothing would change, they (including this author) said. The Army would continue to rule; it no longer needed to stage a coup and come up front. Far better to let the politicians pretend to rule, take the blame while the Army would continue to control and rake in all the profits of war and democracy. Nawaz Sharif's election through a democratic process was not welcomed by the 'Deep State' - the fear of democracy taking root in Pakistan was second only to the fear of India and had to be snuffed out. Soon enough, they put Nawaz Sharif's government to the test in 2014. Imran Khan and his new ally, Tahir-ul- Qadri from Canada and leader of the Hizb-ut-Tehrir, mysteriously appeared on the streets of Islamabad, flush with money, organising protests and lock downs and accusing Nawaz Sharif of election malpractices and demanding re-elections. Just as Nawaz Sharif himself had done in the last year of the Zardari government by taking issues to the streets, he was subjected to the same treatment early in his innings to let him know where the real power lay and to keep him on the back foot. But, Nawaz was tougher; he had been thrown out of power twice before and he did not want to be third time unlucky. He took the battle to the 'enemy' when he sought Musharraf's arrest and trial for treason. This broadside against a former army chief in Pakistan was blasphemy according to the Pindi Boys. Nawaz was being not only indiscreet but also positively rebellious. He committed another sin when he dared to seek better relations with "enemy" India, especially when he began to get friendly with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi. Nawaz Sharif had become bad news. He had to go, but not in a military coup which would turn off all the money taps. The Panama Papers have helped and Sharif lost his premiership in July last year and followed by another harsh judgment delivered a few days ago. The Supreme Court has now removed Nawaz Sharif even from the leadership of his party. The judgment is potentially dangerous for the future of democratic processes in Pakistan. The court is expected to interpret law, impart justice and not give person-specific judgments. The decision that nullifies all past decisions of Nawaz Sharif since his re-election last year is manifestly excessive and unfair. At moments like this, there are questions about the future of the PML (N) and Nawaz himself. There will be the usual, including the bureaucrats with their secrets, who will jump ship but the party has also shown that in the past, it has held together. Despite being sent into exile in Saudi Arabia by General Musharraf, Nawaz showed enough resilience and had the party's support to stage a political comeback in 2007. Even after Nawaz's ouster last year, the party held together. There will be the usual rumours of internal dissensions and family squabbles in a party that has been dynastic. There may be a consensus building up around Nawaz's brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. A great deal would depend on the family holding together and Nawaz being willing to accept his role as 'eminence gris', or for that matter, the party accepting this role, and finally, would the GHQ have any preferences for the much-married younger brother. Nawaz's posture since his ouster as prime minister has been aggressive, presumably trying to portray confidence about returning to power. Imran Khan, the Pathan from Mianwali, is the newest overgrown kid on the block. Idol of many, he missed the bus when he could not capitalise on the political adversity of his arch rival Nawaz Sharif. Apart from angry speeches and loose statements that have landed him in a legal suit last year by Pakistan's biggest media chain, the Jang Group, who had slapped a suit for one billion rupees and an unconditional apology. Many are not seeing Imran as an alternative to Nawaz. Yasser Latif Hamdani, a visiting fellow at Harvard Law School has an interesting story to tell. He describes Imran as a deeply religious and superstitious type even if his antics as a notorious playboy contradict this reality. He also has spiritual advisers telling him what he should do to become prime minister. His party, the PTI, announced earlier this month that he had married Bushra Manika (aka PinkiPirni), mother of five, on February 18. (Actually, they got married a few months ago). It seems that the woman had a dream. A most holy personage in Islam told her that for Imran Khan to become prime minister, she must marry him, and then, both Pakistan and Islam would truly prosper. She consulted her husband, who promptly agreed to a divorce and, in November, the couple divorced, described by her son as having occurred on the orders of Allah and His Messenger. Imran, eager to be prime minister swallowed this story. There is not much to commend Imran and this latest foray has not endeared him to many of his followers. The "burger" class among his followers is unhappy that he has married a woman who is dressed in "a shuttle cock burqa" This has also not pleased the hardened Deobandhis who constitute his most ardent followers, for, he has married a Sufi despite the fact that the bride wore a burqa. It seems that Imran is actually a closet fundamentalist and has begun to play the religious card assiduously. He has wooed former senator Sami ul-Haq, leader of his faction of the Jamaatul-Islam (S) and chancellor of the Darul Uloom Haqqania, for an alliance to fight the Senate elections together. Sami ul-Haq's CV is impressive. Known as the father of the Taliban, his madrassa has been the alma mater of the Taliban. Haq has been Chairman of the right wing Difa-e-Pakistan Council - an alliance of more than 40 political and religious parties opposed to US and India. In 2013, he formed the Mutahida Deeni Mahaz, an alliance of right-wing political and religious parties to contest elections. It is with this extreme right wing that Imran Khan has close relations and the PTI government in Khyber PakhtunKhwa announced an additional grant of Rs 227 million to the Haqqania madrassa. This is an addition to the Rs 300 million granted in the previous budget. The latest hand out has come just ahead of the Senate elections. This kind of largesse to a madrassa globally acknowledged as the seminary of the Taliban comes at a time when the Pakistan government is battling the FATF resolution in Paris. This is not likely to embarrass the Pakistan government known for its double speak. The election turf is essentially between the PTI and PML (N); more specifically in the Punjab province and in terms of personalities, between Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif/Shahbaz Sharif. The Sharif family still has considerable control in the Punjab but the religious right and the Army will be the match referees.

'Deep State' ensures Pakistan's political parties in disarray in election year

Pakistan&#39;s ousted premier Nawaz Sharif said on Friday it was slowly becoming clear that the corruption cases filed against him were &quot;baseless&quot; as he appeared before an anti-graft court for 19th time to face trial in the graft cases linked to the Panama Papers scandal.

The 67-year-old Sharif, who was disqualified as PML-N chief by the Supreme Court on Wednesday, appeared before the Accountability Court here along with his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Mohammad Safdar, who are co-accused in one of the three cases.

The court recorded evidence of two witnesses including forensic expert Robert Radley and Raja Akhtar of the London-based firm Quist law through video-link.

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had provided their names in the supplementary evidence which the court accepted by rejecting objections of the defence team.

Radley&#39;s recording of evidence began yesterday and was concluded today after he was cross-examined by Sharif&#39;s counsel Khawaja Harris. Akhtar also recorded his statement.

Talking to reporters after the hearing, Sharif said there was nothing in the case and the statement of Radley had strengthened the argument of defence lawyers.

&quot;You (journalists) must have a fair idea whether our stance has been strengthened or that of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT),&quot; Sharif said.

JIT, whose lengthy probe last year led the Supreme Court to order start of corruption cases against Sharif and his family, was led by Wajid Zia.

&quot;We are getting answers to the JIT&#39;s questions that are slowly coming forward, and people are realising now that the cases are baseless,&quot; Sharif said.

He also lashed out at the courts, saying after removing him as prime minister and president of his party &quot;there will be another decision soon to ban him from taking part in elections for life&quot;.

Sharif&#39;s daughter took to social media and stated that Radley&#39;s statement was a &quot;watershed&quot; moment in the case.

&quot;I was waiting for the day. I knew the witness they were banking on would be their watershed. I knew he could not lie. I had faith in Allah,&quot; she tweeted.

A five-member bench of the Supreme Court on July 28 had disqualified Sharif over his undeclared income. The apex court also directed the NAB to file cases against him, and his children in the Accountability Court and directed the trial court to decide the cases within six months.

The NAB had filed three cases on September 8 against Sharif and his family, and another case against Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

The three cases against the Sharifs are related to the Flagship Investment Ltd, the Avenfield (London) properties and Jeddah-based Al-Azizia Company and Hill Metal Establishment.

Maryam and her husband are accused in the Avenfield properties case.

The political future of Sharif, who leads the country&#39;s most powerful political family, has been hanging in balance since his disqualification. If convicted, Sharif could be jailed.

Sharif&#39;s family alleges that the cases are politically motivated.

&nbsp;

The 67-year-old Sharif, who was disqualified as PML-N chief by the Supreme Court on Wednesday, appeared before the Accountability Court here along with his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Mohammad Safdar, who are co-accused in one of the three cases

Pakistan's ousted premier Nawaz Sharif said on Friday it was slowly becoming clear that the corruption cases filed against him were "baseless" as he appeared before an anti-graft court for 19th time to face trial in the graft cases linked to the Panama Papers scandal. The 67-year-old Sharif, who was disqualified as PML-N chief by the Supreme Court on Wednesday, appeared before the Accountability Court here along with his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Mohammad Safdar, who are co-accused in one of the three cases. The court recorded evidence of two witnesses including forensic expert Robert Radley and Raja Akhtar of the London-based firm Quist law through video-link. National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had provided their names in the supplementary evidence which the court accepted by rejecting objections of the defence team. Radley's recording of evidence began yesterday and was concluded today after he was cross-examined by Sharif's counsel Khawaja Harris. Akhtar also recorded his statement. Talking to reporters after the hearing, Sharif said there was nothing in the case and the statement of Radley had strengthened the argument of defence lawyers. "You (journalists) must have a fair idea whether our stance has been strengthened or that of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT)," Sharif said. JIT, whose lengthy probe last year led the Supreme Court to order start of corruption cases against Sharif and his family, was led by Wajid Zia. "We are getting answers to the JIT's questions that are slowly coming forward, and people are realising now that the cases are baseless," Sharif said. He also lashed out at the courts, saying after removing him as prime minister and president of his party "there will be another decision soon to ban him from taking part in elections for life". Sharif's daughter took to social media and stated that Radley's statement was a "watershed" moment in the case. "I was waiting for the day. I knew the witness they were banking on would be their watershed. I knew he could not lie. I had faith in Allah," she tweeted. A five-member bench of the Supreme Court on July 28 had disqualified Sharif over his undeclared income. The apex court also directed the NAB to file cases against him, and his children in the Accountability Court and directed the trial court to decide the cases within six months. The NAB had filed three cases on September 8 against Sharif and his family, and another case against Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. The three cases against the Sharifs are related to the Flagship Investment Ltd, the Avenfield (London) properties and Jeddah-based Al-Azizia Company and Hill Metal Establishment. Maryam and her husband are accused in the Avenfield properties case. The political future of Sharif, who leads the country's most powerful political family, has been hanging in balance since his disqualification. If convicted, Sharif could be jailed. Sharif's family alleges that the cases are politically motivated.

Corruption cases against me are 'baseless': Sharif

In a major blow to ousted <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-indicts-nawaz-sharif-family-in-london-flats-case-22624">PM Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Supreme Court</a> said today that a person disqualified under Articles 62 and 63 cannot serve as party chief.

The Pakistan <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-senate-adopts-resolution-against-ousted-pm-nawaz-sharif-21316">Supreme Court had disqualified</a> the PML-N chief from the prime minister&#39;s post in July last year after a probe panel alleged his family could not account for its wealth.&nbsp;

Sharif later moved petitions challenging the corruption allegation in the Panama Papers scandal which was rejected by the top court.

The Elections Act 2017 was moved in both houses of Parliament in Pakistan last year in an attempt to allow&nbsp;Nawaz Sharif to continue as PML-N chief.

PML-N quickly nominated Sharif as the party head just hours after Parliament amended the law to allow Sharif re-elected as party chief, however, the Supreme Court today virtually rejected the move.

Justice Nisar who was part of the three-judge panel said in Pakistan&#39;s political setup, political parties are personality driven.

The previous election bill barred from office someone disqualified under Article 62 and 63 of the Constitution, which was used by the courts to remove Sharif.&nbsp;

Experts and PML-N party members who have keenly followed the events over the past months are now awaiting Sharif&#39;s next move.

The Elections Act 2017 was moved in both houses of Parliament in Pakistan last year in an attempt to allow Nawaz Sharif to continue as PML-N chief.

In a major blow to ousted PM Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Supreme Court said today that a person disqualified under Articles 62 and 63 cannot serve as party chief. The Pakistan Supreme Court had disqualified the PML-N chief from the prime minister's post in July last year after a probe panel alleged his family could not account for its wealth. Sharif later moved petitions challenging the corruption allegation in the Panama Papers scandal which was rejected by the top court. The Elections Act 2017 was moved in both houses of Parliament in Pakistan last year in an attempt to allow Nawaz Sharif to continue as PML-N chief. PML-N quickly nominated Sharif as the party head just hours after Parliament amended the law to allow Sharif re-elected as party chief, however, the Supreme Court today virtually rejected the move. Justice Nisar who was part of the three-judge panel said in Pakistan's political setup, political parties are personality driven. The previous election bill barred from office someone disqualified under Article 62 and 63 of the Constitution, which was used by the courts to remove Sharif. Experts and PML-N party members who have keenly followed the events over the past months are now awaiting Sharif's next move.

Person disqualified under Articles 62 and 63 cannot serve as party chief: Pak Supreme Court on ousted PM Sharif

Pakistan has billed India Rs 2.86 lakh as route navigation charges for Indian Air Force aircraft used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a stopover in Lahore and visits to Russia, Afghanistan, Iran and Qatar, an RTI response shows.

The data was gathered by activist Commodore (Retd) Lokesh Batra.

The RTI applications show that till June 2016, Indian Air Force aircraft were used for the Prime Minister&#39;s visits to 11 countries--Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Qatar, Australia, Pakistan, Russia, Iran, Fiji and Singapore.

Batra gave a copy of the RTI responses, received from August last year to January 30, 2018, to PTI.

During one such visit on December 25, 2015, Modi had a brief stopover in Lahore at the request of the Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The stopover took place when Modi was returning from Russia and Afghanistan. For this, a bill of Rs 1.49 lakh has been issued as route navigation charges, records accessed under the RTI Act from the Indian High Commission in Pakistan show.

Modi was received by Sharif with a warm hug at the tarmac of the Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore when he made the unexpected stopover on his way back home following a day-long trip to Afghanistan after concluding a two-day visit to Russia.

Modi was accorded a red carpet welcome as the PM&#39;s special Indian Air Force Boeing 737 plane touched down at 4.50 pm. He then took a helicopter to Sharif&#39;s Raiwind palatial residence on the outskirts of Lahore to attend Sharif&#39;s birthday celebrations. A bill of Rs 77,215 was imposed as route navigation charges by Pakistani authorities when Modi used an IAF aircraft to visit Iran on May 22-23, 2016, and Rs 59,215 when he visited Qatar on June 4-6, 2016, the RTI response shows. For both visits, he flew over Pakistan.

The records were part of a response collected from various missions of India on the expenditure incurred on the visits of Modi on IAF aircraft between 2014 and 2016.

According to the data collected, a total of about Rs 2 crore has been spent on foreign visits of the Prime Minister during the period for the use of IAF aircraft.

Generally, an Air India aircraft is hired for the foreign visits of the VVIPs &mdash; the President, the Vice President and the Prime Minister -- for which the national carrier sends the bill.

The bills for the Prime Minister&#39;s visits are borne by the External Affairs Ministry. The bills submitted by Indian missions in these countries include charges for fuelling, ground handling, airport charges, dearness allowance paid to the staff, hotel stay, catering and mobile for the crew, transport hiring, captain&#39;s imprest and other charges.&nbsp;

Pakistan has billed India Rs 2.86 lakh as route navigation charges for Indian Air Force aircraft used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a stopover in Lahore and visits to Russia, Afghanistan, Iran and Qatar, an RTI response shows

Pakistan has billed India Rs 2.86 lakh as route navigation charges for Indian Air Force aircraft used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a stopover in Lahore and visits to Russia, Afghanistan, Iran and Qatar, an RTI response shows. The data was gathered by activist Commodore (Retd) Lokesh Batra. The RTI applications show that till June 2016, Indian Air Force aircraft were used for the Prime Minister's visits to 11 countries--Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Qatar, Australia, Pakistan, Russia, Iran, Fiji and Singapore. Batra gave a copy of the RTI responses, received from August last year to January 30, 2018, to PTI. During one such visit on December 25, 2015, Modi had a brief stopover in Lahore at the request of the Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The stopover took place when Modi was returning from Russia and Afghanistan. For this, a bill of Rs 1.49 lakh has been issued as route navigation charges, records accessed under the RTI Act from the Indian High Commission in Pakistan show. Modi was received by Sharif with a warm hug at the tarmac of the Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore when he made the unexpected stopover on his way back home following a day-long trip to Afghanistan after concluding a two-day visit to Russia. Modi was accorded a red carpet welcome as the PM's special Indian Air Force Boeing 737 plane touched down at 4.50 pm. He then took a helicopter to Sharif's Raiwind palatial residence on the outskirts of Lahore to attend Sharif's birthday celebrations. A bill of Rs 77,215 was imposed as route navigation charges by Pakistani authorities when Modi used an IAF aircraft to visit Iran on May 22-23, 2016, and Rs 59,215 when he visited Qatar on June 4-6, 2016, the RTI response shows. For both visits, he flew over Pakistan. The records were part of a response collected from various missions of India on the expenditure incurred on the visits of Modi on IAF aircraft between 2014 and 2016. According to the data collected, a total of about Rs 2 crore has been spent on foreign visits of the Prime Minister during the period for the use of IAF aircraft. Generally, an Air India aircraft is hired for the foreign visits of the VVIPs — the President, the Vice President and the Prime Minister -- for which the national carrier sends the bill. The bills for the Prime Minister's visits are borne by the External Affairs Ministry. The bills submitted by Indian missions in these countries include charges for fuelling, ground handling, airport charges, dearness allowance paid to the staff, hotel stay, catering and mobile for the crew, transport hiring, captain's imprest and other charges.

Pakistan charges Rs 2.86 lakh for route navigation charges on PM Modi's flights

Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Bajwa has claimed that there are no safe havens for terrorists in his country and asked the US to stop blaming Islamabad for its failure in Afghanistan.

General Bajwa asked the American leadership to instead search for the reasons for its failures in the war-torn country.

Speaking at the three-day Munich Security Conference where military chiefs and civilian leaders have gathered to discuss the world&#39;s most pressing security issues, the army chief on Saturday categorically denied the existence of terrorist sanctuaries on the country&#39;s soil and recalled the steps taken to prevent unauthorised movements across the porous border, a media reported.

General Bajwa said Pakistan was being attacked from terrorist hideouts on Afghan soil. He also emphasised the need for repatriation of 2.7 million Afghan refugees currently residing in Pakistan.

Pointing to the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State safe havens, he said terrorists had established sanctuaries on the Afghan soil along the border with Pakistan.

General Bajwa said underscored the importance of international cooperation against terrorism.

Speaking about the operations launched in the country against terrorists, he said that besides kinetic operations, a lot of emphasis had been put on cutting off their financial sources.

He said Pakistan&rsquo;s counterterrorism operations were being carried out under a National Action Plan.

Last month, the Trump administration suspended nearly $ 2 billion in security assistance to Pakistan accusing the country of not doing enough in the fight against terrorism.

However, despite the US administration&#39;s tough stand against Islamabad, Pakistan has categorically denied the allegations of supporting terrorism.&nbsp;

Speaking at the three-day Munich Security Conference the army chief categorically denied the existence of terrorist sanctuaries on the country's soil and recalled the steps taken to prevent unauthorised movements across the porous border, a media reported

Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Bajwa has claimed that there are no safe havens for terrorists in his country and asked the US to stop blaming Islamabad for its failure in Afghanistan. General Bajwa asked the American leadership to instead search for the reasons for its failures in the war-torn country. Speaking at the three-day Munich Security Conference where military chiefs and civilian leaders have gathered to discuss the world's most pressing security issues, the army chief on Saturday categorically denied the existence of terrorist sanctuaries on the country's soil and recalled the steps taken to prevent unauthorised movements across the porous border, a media reported. General Bajwa said Pakistan was being attacked from terrorist hideouts on Afghan soil. He also emphasised the need for repatriation of 2.7 million Afghan refugees currently residing in Pakistan. Pointing to the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State safe havens, he said terrorists had established sanctuaries on the Afghan soil along the border with Pakistan. General Bajwa said underscored the importance of international cooperation against terrorism. Speaking about the operations launched in the country against terrorists, he said that besides kinetic operations, a lot of emphasis had been put on cutting off their financial sources. He said Pakistan’s counterterrorism operations were being carried out under a National Action Plan. Last month, the Trump administration suspended nearly $ 2 billion in security assistance to Pakistan accusing the country of not doing enough in the fight against terrorism. However, despite the US administration's tough stand against Islamabad, Pakistan has categorically denied the allegations of supporting terrorism.

Stop blaming Pakistan for failures in Afghanistan: Gen Bajwa to US

Pakistan&#39;s anti-graft watchdog has informed an accountability court here that ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family&#39;s declared assets were nearly Rs 58 million 18 years ago, a media report said Sunday.

Three corruption cases were filed against 68-year-old Sharif and some of his family members on September 8 following a Supreme Court verdict that disqualified him as prime minister and ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for the institution of cases against the PML-N leader.

The cases include Avenfield properties, Azizia &amp; Hill Metal Establishment, and Flagship Investments.

In two supplementary references &ndash; one pertaining to Flagship Investments Limited and 15 other companies, and the other to Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metal Establishment &ndash; against Sharif and his sons, NAB said the total declared financial worth of assets of the accused persons as per their tax record in 2000-01 was Rs 50,940,870 and $ 64,984 (Rs 7.18 million), a media reported Sunday.

&quot;The NAB chairman said in the reference that Sharif had acquired Al-Azizia Steel Mills as well as Hill Metal Establishment, but the proceeds were found disproportionate to his known sources of income,&quot; the paper said.

In the supplementary references, the NAB said that Hussain Nawaz and Hassan Nawaz, in connivance with each other, assisted, abetted and aided Sharif in accumulating and managing assets, the paper reported.

Al-Azizia and Hill Metal supplementary reference stated that the investigation officer had seized material evidence, including certified banking record, regarding remittances sent from Hill Metal Establishment to different persons. NAB claimed that Sharif had acquired and owned &quot;assets and its crime proceeds are in millions of rupees&quot; with the active connivance of his sons as dependents/benamidars, the paper said.

In the Flagship supplementary reference, NAB said that the bureau collected material evidence, including certified record, pertaining to companies and properties established in the UK by the accused persons.

Subsequently, the top anti-graft body said that the record establishes and reaffirms the ownership as well as the acquisition of assets by the accused persons.

The prosecution said that the accused persons were given fair opportunities to explain and provide evidence justifying the accumulation of assets but they failed to do so.

NAB stated that the accused persons&#39; public statements through media, as well as record produced in their defence before the Supreme Court and the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the Panama Papers, were found &quot;untrue&quot;.

Sharif and his sons have been named in all three interim and supplementary references while Maryam Nawaz and her husband Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar have only been named in the interim and supplementary reference pertaining to Avenfield properties.

Currently, Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir is recording evidence in the Avenfield properties reference.

On February 22, two foreign witnesses would record their statements via video link.

&nbsp;

Three corruption cases were filed against 68-year-old Sharif and some of his family members on September 8 following a Supreme Court verdict that disqualified him as prime minister and ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for the institution of cases against the PML-N leader

Pakistan's anti-graft watchdog has informed an accountability court here that ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family's declared assets were nearly Rs 58 million 18 years ago, a media report said Sunday. Three corruption cases were filed against 68-year-old Sharif and some of his family members on September 8 following a Supreme Court verdict that disqualified him as prime minister and ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for the institution of cases against the PML-N leader. The cases include Avenfield properties, Azizia & Hill Metal Establishment, and Flagship Investments. In two supplementary references – one pertaining to Flagship Investments Limited and 15 other companies, and the other to Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metal Establishment – against Sharif and his sons, NAB said the total declared financial worth of assets of the accused persons as per their tax record in 2000-01 was Rs 50,940,870 and $ 64,984 (Rs 7.18 million), a media reported Sunday. "The NAB chairman said in the reference that Sharif had acquired Al-Azizia Steel Mills as well as Hill Metal Establishment, but the proceeds were found disproportionate to his known sources of income," the paper said. In the supplementary references, the NAB said that Hussain Nawaz and Hassan Nawaz, in connivance with each other, assisted, abetted and aided Sharif in accumulating and managing assets, the paper reported. Al-Azizia and Hill Metal supplementary reference stated that the investigation officer had seized material evidence, including certified banking record, regarding remittances sent from Hill Metal Establishment to different persons. NAB claimed that Sharif had acquired and owned "assets and its crime proceeds are in millions of rupees" with the active connivance of his sons as dependents/benamidars, the paper said. In the Flagship supplementary reference, NAB said that the bureau collected material evidence, including certified record, pertaining to companies and properties established in the UK by the accused persons. Subsequently, the top anti-graft body said that the record establishes and reaffirms the ownership as well as the acquisition of assets by the accused persons. The prosecution said that the accused persons were given fair opportunities to explain and provide evidence justifying the accumulation of assets but they failed to do so. NAB stated that the accused persons' public statements through media, as well as record produced in their defence before the Supreme Court and the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the Panama Papers, were found "untrue". Sharif and his sons have been named in all three interim and supplementary references while Maryam Nawaz and her husband Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar have only been named in the interim and supplementary reference pertaining to Avenfield properties. Currently, Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir is recording evidence in the Avenfield properties reference. On February 22, two foreign witnesses would record their statements via video link.

Nawaz Sharif's assets worth Rs 58 million 18 yrs back: NAB tells court

Ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday attacked his opponents saying they would fail to punish him as he appeared before an anti-graft court for the 17th time to face trial in the infamous Panama Papers scandal.

Sharif, who was removed from the premier&#39;s position after a Supreme court&#39;s order, appeared before the Accountability Court Islamabad along with his daughter Maryam and son-in-law captain (retired) Mohmmad Safdar.

At the start of the hearing, the court was informed that lawyers are not attending courts to observe three-day mourning after the death of eminent lawyer and human rights activist Asma Jehangir who passed away in Lahore on Sunday.

Though the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor objected to it saying that witnesses were present to record statements but Judge Muhammad Bashir further adjourned the hearing till February 15.

Sharif and his family members are facing charges related to their ownership of posh properties in London.&nbsp;

Three cases were registered by the NAB against Sharif, his children and son-in-law in the court on September 8, last year.

Sharif in a brief interaction with the media said he was being victimised in the name of accountability.

&quot;They (opponents) want to punish Nawaz (Sharif) but they do not have any evidence. That is why supplementary cases are being filed. But they will fail as people of Pakistan are with us,&quot; he said.

Sharif also took a swipe at courts for failing to bring back to the country former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, who is living in Dubai by dodging several cases against him.

Meanwhile, Sharif&#39;s family alleges that the cases are politically motivated.

Sharif appeared before the NAB along with his daughter Maryam and son-in-law

Ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday attacked his opponents saying they would fail to punish him as he appeared before an anti-graft court for the 17th time to face trial in the infamous Panama Papers scandal. Sharif, who was removed from the premier's position after a Supreme court's order, appeared before the Accountability Court Islamabad along with his daughter Maryam and son-in-law captain (retired) Mohmmad Safdar. At the start of the hearing, the court was informed that lawyers are not attending courts to observe three-day mourning after the death of eminent lawyer and human rights activist Asma Jehangir who passed away in Lahore on Sunday. Though the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor objected to it saying that witnesses were present to record statements but Judge Muhammad Bashir further adjourned the hearing till February 15. Sharif and his family members are facing charges related to their ownership of posh properties in London. Three cases were registered by the NAB against Sharif, his children and son-in-law in the court on September 8, last year. Sharif in a brief interaction with the media said he was being victimised in the name of accountability. "They (opponents) want to punish Nawaz (Sharif) but they do not have any evidence. That is why supplementary cases are being filed. But they will fail as people of Pakistan are with us," he said. Sharif also took a swipe at courts for failing to bring back to the country former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, who is living in Dubai by dodging several cases against him. Meanwhile, Sharif's family alleges that the cases are politically motivated.

Opponents don't have any evidence: Ousted Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif

An accountability court in Islamabad dismissed objections of the Sharifs to a supplementary reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in connection with the Avenfield case on Tuesday.

According to the Dawn, the court decided that the supplementary reference would be made part of the record in the Avenfield flats case.

The accountability court resumed hearing the corruption references against former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family today.

The former premier, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and her husband retired Captain Muhammad Safdar were present in court for the hearing.

The supplementary reference - which names Nawaz, three of his children and Safdar - was filed after NAB investigators obtained additional evidence under the mutual legal assistance (MLA).

Sharif, his sons Hasan and Hussain, daughter Maryam, son-in-law Capt (retd) Mohammad Safdar and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar are facing multiple corruption references in the accountability court.

Nawaz&#39;s lawyer, Advocate Khawaja Harris, argued that, &quot;There was no need to file a supplementary reference in order to include new evidence in the record.&quot;

The Pakistan Supreme Court had, on July 28, disqualified Sharif from holding the office of the prime minister and asked the National Accountability Bureau to file references against the Sharif family in connection with corruption cases against them.

The references against the Sharif family pertain to the Al-Azizia Steel Mills, offshore companies including Flagship Investment Ltd, and Avenfield properties of London.

The court decided that the supplementary reference would be made part of the record in the Avenfield flats case

An accountability court in Islamabad dismissed objections of the Sharifs to a supplementary reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in connection with the Avenfield case on Tuesday. According to the Dawn, the court decided that the supplementary reference would be made part of the record in the Avenfield flats case. The accountability court resumed hearing the corruption references against former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family today. The former premier, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and her husband retired Captain Muhammad Safdar were present in court for the hearing. The supplementary reference - which names Nawaz, three of his children and Safdar - was filed after NAB investigators obtained additional evidence under the mutual legal assistance (MLA). Sharif, his sons Hasan and Hussain, daughter Maryam, son-in-law Capt (retd) Mohammad Safdar and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar are facing multiple corruption references in the accountability court. Nawaz's lawyer, Advocate Khawaja Harris, argued that, "There was no need to file a supplementary reference in order to include new evidence in the record." The Pakistan Supreme Court had, on July 28, disqualified Sharif from holding the office of the prime minister and asked the National Accountability Bureau to file references against the Sharif family in connection with corruption cases against them. The references against the Sharif family pertain to the Al-Azizia Steel Mills, offshore companies including Flagship Investment Ltd, and Avenfield properties of London.

Pak court rejects Sharif's objections to NAB's supplementary reference

The Pakistan Supreme Court has issued notice against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf&#39;s former secretary general Jahangir Tareen.

The notice issued seeks their presence in the court, either in person or through their counsel, on Tuesday for a hearing relating to Article 62(1) (f) of the Constitution.

The two leaders were disqualified under the Article 62 (1) (f).&nbsp;

The hearing will confirm the period of punishment of the two leaders.&nbsp;

A five-judge bench in the court is scheduled to hear 17 appeals against disqualification of some members of the parliament.&nbsp;

The disqualification of the leaders in Pakistan gained significance after the former prime minister of Pakistan was disqualified from contesting elections in the country.&nbsp;

His hearing has been pending before the bench for the past one year.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Supreme Court has issued notice against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf's former secretary general Jahangir Tareen

The Pakistan Supreme Court has issued notice against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf's former secretary general Jahangir Tareen. The notice issued seeks their presence in the court, either in person or through their counsel, on Tuesday for a hearing relating to Article 62(1) (f) of the Constitution. The two leaders were disqualified under the Article 62 (1) (f). The hearing will confirm the period of punishment of the two leaders. A five-judge bench in the court is scheduled to hear 17 appeals against disqualification of some members of the parliament. The disqualification of the leaders in Pakistan gained significance after the former prime minister of Pakistan was disqualified from contesting elections in the country. His hearing has been pending before the bench for the past one year.

Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif to appear before Supreme Court on Tuesday

Pakistan&#39;s firebrand cleric Tahir ul Qadri and top opposition leaders today kicked off a movement to &quot;force the PML-N out of power both in the centre and provinces&quot; with a sit-in on the busy Mall Road here.

Qadri, the Pakistan Awami Tehreek chief, was welcomed by a large crowd of supporters and top leaders from multiple political parties including Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan People&#39;s Party (PPP) when he arrived at the venue.

The chiefs of PTI, PPP, Jamaat-i-Islami and the PML-Q had yesterday reaffirmed their pledge to be part of the inaugural rally on the Mall Road.

PPP co-chairman Zardari, who began his speech by attacking ousted premier Nawaz Sharif, said the only danger to the country is from Jati Umra a reference to the Sharif family&#39;s residence near Lahore.

&quot;They (PML-N) know that they can be disqualified any time, but I just think for Pakistan,&quot; Zardari said while addressing the joint opposition protest rally.

&quot;My brothers and sisters, I thank you for coming to this protest here. We will get justice for Model Town victims, and Zainab,&quot; the former president said.

He also lashed out at military dictators taking over the country and denounced martial law administrator Zia-ul-Haq&#39;s decisions of the past.

&quot;Dictators do not build countries, they only destroy them. The problems that we have today are Zia-ul-Haq&#39;s memorabilia,&quot; he told the gathering.

Zardari also recalled that his late wife and two-time prime minister Benazir Bhutto had spoken against dictators but never against the country.

&quot;Today there is a bouquet of all people and we are one and we will move forward together,&quot; senior PPP leader Syed Khursheed Shah told the gathering.

The protest is being held against the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government ? to seek justice for victims of the Model Town tragedy, Geo TV reported.

At least 14 people were killed and 100 others injured during an &#39;anti-encroachment operation&#39; by police outside the PAT&#39;s head office in Model Town on June 17, 2014.

PTI chief Imran Khan is also likely to address the rally later this evening.

Earlier in the day, the Lahore High Court granted permission to PAT to go ahead with its anti-government sit-in, but with certain conditions including ending the sit-in by midnight.

The court also barred the media to cover the rally after midnight. It instructed the Lahore police to provide full security to the sit-in and also allowed the provincial government to take action if the sit-in gets violent.

The PAT workers earlier transported a container, hundreds of chairs, large screens to show documentaries of the Model Town incident, and a sound system to the venue.

Superintendent of Police Security Ammara Athar said the venue would have three-tier security, with more than 6,500 policemen and 1,500 wardens being assigned duties. This would be in addition to three companies of Punjab Rangers, who would be manning vulnerable points&nbsp;along the venue.

An upward of 40 walk-through gates would be used and six entry points were finalised, one of these for women participants, she said.&nbsp;

Tahir ul Qadri, the Pakistan Awami Tehreek chief, was welcomed by a large crowd of supporters

Pakistan's firebrand cleric Tahir ul Qadri and top opposition leaders today kicked off a movement to "force the PML-N out of power both in the centre and provinces" with a sit-in on the busy Mall Road here. Qadri, the Pakistan Awami Tehreek chief, was welcomed by a large crowd of supporters and top leaders from multiple political parties including Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) when he arrived at the venue. The chiefs of PTI, PPP, Jamaat-i-Islami and the PML-Q had yesterday reaffirmed their pledge to be part of the inaugural rally on the Mall Road. PPP co-chairman Zardari, who began his speech by attacking ousted premier Nawaz Sharif, said the only danger to the country is from Jati Umra a reference to the Sharif family's residence near Lahore. "They (PML-N) know that they can be disqualified any time, but I just think for Pakistan," Zardari said while addressing the joint opposition protest rally. "My brothers and sisters, I thank you for coming to this protest here. We will get justice for Model Town victims, and Zainab," the former president said. He also lashed out at military dictators taking over the country and denounced martial law administrator Zia-ul-Haq's decisions of the past. "Dictators do not build countries, they only destroy them. The problems that we have today are Zia-ul-Haq's memorabilia," he told the gathering. Zardari also recalled that his late wife and two-time prime minister Benazir Bhutto had spoken against dictators but never against the country. "Today there is a bouquet of all people and we are one and we will move forward together," senior PPP leader Syed Khursheed Shah told the gathering. The protest is being held against the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government ? to seek justice for victims of the Model Town tragedy, Geo TV reported. At least 14 people were killed and 100 others injured during an 'anti-encroachment operation' by police outside the PAT's head office in Model Town on June 17, 2014. PTI chief Imran Khan is also likely to address the rally later this evening. Earlier in the day, the Lahore High Court granted permission to PAT to go ahead with its anti-government sit-in, but with certain conditions including ending the sit-in by midnight. The court also barred the media to cover the rally after midnight. It instructed the Lahore police to provide full security to the sit-in and also allowed the provincial government to take action if the sit-in gets violent. The PAT workers earlier transported a container, hundreds of chairs, large screens to show documentaries of the Model Town incident, and a sound system to the venue. Superintendent of Police Security Ammara Athar said the venue would have three-tier security, with more than 6,500 policemen and 1,500 wardens being assigned duties. This would be in addition to three companies of Punjab Rangers, who would be manning vulnerable points along the venue. An upward of 40 walk-through gates would be used and six entry points were finalised, one of these for women participants, she said.

Pakistan: Firebrand cleric-led drive to topple PML-N government begins

Pakistan&#39;s ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday&nbsp;compared the corruption cases against him to a &#39;flop&#39; movie as he appeared before an accountability court trying him for graft in the Panama Papers scandal that forced him to resign.

The cases were launched on September 8 following the Supreme Court verdict of July 28 that disqualified Sharif as prime minister and ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for institution of cases against him.

Sharif, 68, arrived in the court - his 13th appearance&nbsp;in Islamabad.

He was accompanied by daughter Maryam and son-in-law Mohammad Safdar, who are co-accused in one of three cases.

During the hearing, at least two more witnesses produced by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) recorded their statements.

Sharif&#39;s lawyer Khawaja Harris cross-examined the witnesses.

Later, the court postponed hearing till January 23 and summoned three more witnesses.

Sharif after the court hearing narrated a story about a famous big-budget film in the 1960s to dismiss corruption charges against him.

&quot;After it was released, amid much fanfare, someone asked the producer and director how the movie was faring, to which they replied &#39;Pehlay haftay zabardast, doosray haftay zabardasti (The first week was great but the second was forced),&quot; Sharif said as he linked the &#39;flop&#39; movie to his own corruption cases.

&quot;You (media representatives) are here covering the case. You better know these cases and how strong they are&quot;, he said.

He also criticised his political opponents planning protests this week against his party&#39;s rule in Punjab province. He asked them to wait for another four months when general elections are due to be held.

The three cases against him pertain to the Al-Azizia Steel Mills, several companies including Flagship Investment Ltd, and London&#39;s Avenfield properties.

Sharif and some of his family members are facing charges relating to their overseas properties.

The political future of Sharif, who leads the country&#39;s most powerful political family and the ruling PML-N party, has been hanging in balance since then. If convicted, Sharif can be jailed.

A Supreme Court verdict of July 28 disqualified Sharif as Pakistan's Prime Minister and ordered an inquiry against him

Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday compared the corruption cases against him to a 'flop' movie as he appeared before an accountability court trying him for graft in the Panama Papers scandal that forced him to resign. The cases were launched on September 8 following the Supreme Court verdict of July 28 that disqualified Sharif as prime minister and ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for institution of cases against him. Sharif, 68, arrived in the court - his 13th appearance in Islamabad. He was accompanied by daughter Maryam and son-in-law Mohammad Safdar, who are co-accused in one of three cases. During the hearing, at least two more witnesses produced by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) recorded their statements. Sharif's lawyer Khawaja Harris cross-examined the witnesses. Later, the court postponed hearing till January 23 and summoned three more witnesses. Sharif after the court hearing narrated a story about a famous big-budget film in the 1960s to dismiss corruption charges against him. "After it was released, amid much fanfare, someone asked the producer and director how the movie was faring, to which they replied 'Pehlay haftay zabardast, doosray haftay zabardasti (The first week was great but the second was forced)," Sharif said as he linked the 'flop' movie to his own corruption cases. "You (media representatives) are here covering the case. You better know these cases and how strong they are", he said. He also criticised his political opponents planning protests this week against his party's rule in Punjab province. He asked them to wait for another four months when general elections are due to be held. The three cases against him pertain to the Al-Azizia Steel Mills, several companies including Flagship Investment Ltd, and London's Avenfield properties. Sharif and some of his family members are facing charges relating to their overseas properties. The political future of Sharif, who leads the country's most powerful political family and the ruling PML-N party, has been hanging in balance since then. If convicted, Sharif can be jailed.

Nawaz Sharif dismisses as 'flop' corruption charges against him

Breaking his silence on the marriage controversy surrounding him, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday went on a Twitter spree, questioning whether wanting to get married is a crime.

Khan said for the last three days he had been lamenting as to how he is being treated as a criminal.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
1. For 3 days I have been wondering have I looted a bank; or money laundered bns in nation&#39;s wealth; or ordered a model-town-like killing spree; or revealed state secrets to India? I have done none of these but discovered I have committed a bigger crime: wanting to get married.
&mdash; Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/950645476306702337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</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">&times;</a></div>

In a thread of tweets, Khan even lambasted ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Mir Shakil Ur Rehman, the founder of news channel Geo TV, accusing them of running a smear campaign against him.

He, however, said that their campaign has only strengthened his resolve to fight them.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
2. The vicious, gutter media campaign led by NS &amp; MSR mafia does not bother me as respect &amp; humiliation come from Allah Almighty.
&mdash; Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/950645784483155968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</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">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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3. However, my concern is for my children &amp; the very conservative family of Bushra begum, all of whom have been subjected to this malicious campaign by NS &amp; MSR.
&mdash; Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/950645925667655680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</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">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
4. NS &amp; MSR can rest assured that their vicious campaign has only strengthened my resolve to fight them all the way.
&mdash; Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/950646167515422720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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5. I have known the Sharifs for 40 years and I know all their sordid personal lives but I would never stoop to the level of exposing these sordid details.
&mdash; Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/950646554041430017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</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">&times;</a></div>

The former-cricketer turned politicians proposed marriage to Bushra Maneka, but she asked for time to make a final decision after consulting her family, including her children.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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6. All I ask of my well wishers and supporters is that they pray I find personal happiness which, except for a few years, I have been deprived of.
&mdash; Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/950646933562982400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Whereas, a media report, on Saturday said the PTI chief got married on New Year&#39;s Day in Lahore. The rumours were later thrashed by the party.

The 66-year-old politician previously married and divorced two women, socialite Jemima Goldsmith and journalist Reham Khan.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Khan said for the last three days he had been lamenting as to how he is being treated as a criminal.

Breaking his silence on the marriage controversy surrounding him, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday went on a Twitter spree, questioning whether wanting to get married is a crime. Khan said for the last three days he had been lamenting as to how he is being treated as a criminal. 1. For 3 days I have been wondering have I looted a bank; or money laundered bns in nation's wealth; or ordered a model-town-like killing spree; or revealed state secrets to India? I have done none of these but discovered I have committed a bigger crime: wanting to get married. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 9, 2018 × In a thread of tweets, Khan even lambasted ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Mir Shakil Ur Rehman, the founder of news channel Geo TV, accusing them of running a smear campaign against him. He, however, said that their campaign has only strengthened his resolve to fight them. 2. The vicious, gutter media campaign led by NS & MSR mafia does not bother me as respect & humiliation come from Allah Almighty. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 9, 2018 × 3. However, my concern is for my children & the very conservative family of Bushra begum, all of whom have been subjected to this malicious campaign by NS & MSR. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 9, 2018 × 4. NS & MSR can rest assured that their vicious campaign has only strengthened my resolve to fight them all the way. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 9, 2018 × 5. I have known the Sharifs for 40 years and I know all their sordid personal lives but I would never stoop to the level of exposing these sordid details. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 9, 2018 × The former-cricketer turned politicians proposed marriage to Bushra Maneka, but she asked for time to make a final decision after consulting her family, including her children. 6. All I ask of my well wishers and supporters is that they pray I find personal happiness which, except for a few years, I have been deprived of. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 9, 2018 × Whereas, a media report, on Saturday said the PTI chief got married on New Year's Day in Lahore. The rumours were later thrashed by the party. The 66-year-old politician previously married and divorced two women, socialite Jemima Goldsmith and journalist Reham Khan.

Is wanting to marry a crime, asks Imran Khan

Four more witnesses recorded their statements before an anti-graft court in Pakistan holding the trial of ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in corruption cases against him in the Panama Papers scandal that forced him to resign.

Three corruption cases were registered against Sharif on September 8 following the Supreme Court verdict of July 28 that also disqualified Sharif as the prime minister and ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for the institution of cases.

Sharif, 67, appeared before the court along with his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar.

The court later adjourned the hearing till January 16.

The three cases against Sharif pertain to the Al-Azizia Steel Mills, several companies including Flagship Investment Ltd, and London&#39;s Avenfield properties.

Sharif and some of his family members are facing charges relating to their overseas properties.

Sharif is accused in all three cases along with his sons. Maryam and her husband are only accused in the Avenfiled corruption case.

The political future of Sharif, who leads the country&#39;s most powerful political family and the ruling PML-N party, has been hanging in balance since then. If convicted, Sharif can be jailed.

Sharif&#39;s family alleges that the cases are politically motivated.

The three cases against Sharif pertain to the Al-Azizia Steel Mills, several companies including Flagship Investment Ltd, and London's Avenfield properties

Four more witnesses recorded their statements before an anti-graft court in Pakistan holding the trial of ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in corruption cases against him in the Panama Papers scandal that forced him to resign. Three corruption cases were registered against Sharif on September 8 following the Supreme Court verdict of July 28 that also disqualified Sharif as the prime minister and ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for the institution of cases. Sharif, 67, appeared before the court along with his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar. The court later adjourned the hearing till January 16. The three cases against Sharif pertain to the Al-Azizia Steel Mills, several companies including Flagship Investment Ltd, and London's Avenfield properties. Sharif and some of his family members are facing charges relating to their overseas properties. Sharif is accused in all three cases along with his sons. Maryam and her husband are only accused in the Avenfiled corruption case. The political future of Sharif, who leads the country's most powerful political family and the ruling PML-N party, has been hanging in balance since then. If convicted, Sharif can be jailed. Sharif's family alleges that the cases are politically motivated.

More witnesses record statements in Nawaz Sharif's corruption case

Pakistan&#39;s ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday lambasted cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan as a coward for putting the dignity of a family at stake by proposing marriage to a woman he has been visiting for spiritual guidance.&nbsp;

Khan, the leader of the Opposition, on Sunday had confirmed that he had proposed marriage to the woman named Bushra Maneka but denied reports that he had secretly wed her.&nbsp;

Sharif said Khan was cowardly hiding after putting the dignity of a family at stake.&nbsp;

&quot;What sort of person he is who hides like a coward while leaving an innocent family to face rumours,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

Khan, 66, was married twice earlier.&nbsp;

Khan had first tied the knot with Jemima Khan on May 16, 1995, that ended in divorce after nine years on June 22, 2004. His second marriage was with Reham, then a TV anchor, which continued barely 10 months. &nbsp;

Although that marriage was publicly announced on January 8, 2015, there were reports that a nikah had also taken place in early November 2014.

Imran Khan had confirmed that he had proposed marriage to the woman named Bushra Maneka but denied reports that he had secretly wed her

Pakistan's ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday lambasted cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan as a coward for putting the dignity of a family at stake by proposing marriage to a woman he has been visiting for spiritual guidance. Khan, the leader of the Opposition, on Sunday had confirmed that he had proposed marriage to the woman named Bushra Maneka but denied reports that he had secretly wed her. Sharif said Khan was cowardly hiding after putting the dignity of a family at stake. "What sort of person he is who hides like a coward while leaving an innocent family to face rumours," he said. Khan, 66, was married twice earlier. Khan had first tied the knot with Jemima Khan on May 16, 1995, that ended in divorce after nine years on June 22, 2004. His second marriage was with Reham, then a TV anchor, which continued barely 10 months. Although that marriage was publicly announced on January 8, 2015, there were reports that a nikah had also taken place in early November 2014.

Ousted Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif calls Imran Khan a coward after rumours of his marriage

&nbsp;

Reports are pouring in of the Indian force destroying two Pakistani posts in retaliation for the killing of its jawan in unprovoked firing. The BSF spokesperson said that two Pakistani mortar positions were &quot;located, targeted and destroyed by BSF troopers yesterday night only. The coordinated precision fire of BSF troopers silenced Pakistani guns.&quot;&nbsp;

Prior to this, only weeks ago, Indian security forces in retaliatory action against Pakistan, killed three Pakistani soldiers across the LoC and injured one as per media reports. The backdrop of this action was unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the LoC on Saturday, wherein three jawans and one Major of India were martyred. It is obvious that to avoid embarrassment to the Pakistani Army, Pakistan would avoid commenting that the Indian soldiers crossed the LoC.

The ceasefire violations by Pakistan and retaliatory actions by India has been a common feature ever since the truce between both the neighbours along the International Border (IB), Line of Control and the Actual Ground Position Line in Jammu and Kashmir came into force in November 2003.&nbsp;

The violations are mainly concentrated in Jammu and Kashmir which accounts for 221 km of the IB and 740 km of the LoC. The pattern of these violations has some serious strategic indicators.&nbsp;

Earlier, Pakistan used to start the firing along LoC to help the militants to infiltrate, which used to be responded appropriately by Indians. After innocent civilians suffered many casualties, they started preparing bunkers or redesigning their houses to minimise casualties along LoC, and the Indian security forces helped them to do so. Once Pakistanis realised the effect of firing across the LoC, they started firing along IB also, as the Indian population there was less used to firing in that area, the chances of getting casualties of innocent civilians were, therefore, higher.&nbsp;

Pakistan opts to target civilians to achieve greater impact because of sensitivities involved, and blames India to have started the firing first. It knows well that India will respond and the damages done due to response can be highlighted to the world. It will help to claim the status of a helpless country deterred by India, as Pakistan Prime Minister Abbasi, in New York, called India as &ldquo;Existential threat&rdquo;. Indians are not involved in a proxy war, hence, it cannot have any interest to start any cross-border firing. This pattern is continuing for many years now.

Having exhausted all kinds of peace initiatives in past, India tried some innovative ideas to send stronger messages to Pakistan. India decided and carried out surgical strikes on terrorist camps, well inside the Pakistani territory, to stop terrorist activities and proxy war. This was a daring act, which was required, but it has certain implications.&nbsp;

No defence analyst would expect that militancy will end by one such action, hence some militant attacks even after the surgical strikes were expected. It was, therefore, understandable that some more actions like this will be required at various intervals, whenever Pakistan hikes up its militant activities. The action of Indian Security Forces on Monday night needs to be read in that context.

In 2017, over 200 militants have been killed in Kashmir, which is an unprecedented number, indicating Pakistan that their proxy war may not work due to the synergised action of all Indian security forces, NIA, and the government agencies. The only option left for Pakistani Army now is to increase cross-border firing in softer areas (449 in 2016 to 881 in 2017), and increase Border Action Team ( BAT) actions along with militants to cause casualties to security forces and innocent civilians.&nbsp;

In future Indian security forces, as well as, civil population along IB/LoC have to be even more careful to beat Pakistan&rsquo;s design of proxy war and cross-border firing. India will have to be ready for all eventualities within its own comprehensive national power.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

In 2017, over 200 militants have been killed in Kashmir, which is an unprecedented number, indicating Pakistan that their proxy war may not work due to the synergised action of all Indian security forces, NIA, and the government agencies.

Reports are pouring in of the Indian force destroying two Pakistani posts in retaliation for the killing of its jawan in unprovoked firing. The BSF spokesperson said that two Pakistani mortar positions were "located, targeted and destroyed by BSF troopers yesterday night only. The coordinated precision fire of BSF troopers silenced Pakistani guns." Prior to this, only weeks ago, Indian security forces in retaliatory action against Pakistan, killed three Pakistani soldiers across the LoC and injured one as per media reports. The backdrop of this action was unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the LoC on Saturday, wherein three jawans and one Major of India were martyred. It is obvious that to avoid embarrassment to the Pakistani Army, Pakistan would avoid commenting that the Indian soldiers crossed the LoC. The ceasefire violations by Pakistan and retaliatory actions by India has been a common feature ever since the truce between both the neighbours along the International Border (IB), Line of Control and the Actual Ground Position Line in Jammu and Kashmir came into force in November 2003. The violations are mainly concentrated in Jammu and Kashmir which accounts for 221 km of the IB and 740 km of the LoC. The pattern of these violations has some serious strategic indicators. Earlier, Pakistan used to start the firing along LoC to help the militants to infiltrate, which used to be responded appropriately by Indians. After innocent civilians suffered many casualties, they started preparing bunkers or redesigning their houses to minimise casualties along LoC, and the Indian security forces helped them to do so. Once Pakistanis realised the effect of firing across the LoC, they started firing along IB also, as the Indian population there was less used to firing in that area, the chances of getting casualties of innocent civilians were, therefore, higher. Pakistan opts to target civilians to achieve greater impact because of sensitivities involved, and blames India to have started the firing first. It knows well that India will respond and the damages done due to response can be highlighted to the world. It will help to claim the status of a helpless country deterred by India, as Pakistan Prime Minister Abbasi, in New York, called India as “Existential threat”. Indians are not involved in a proxy war, hence, it cannot have any interest to start any cross-border firing. This pattern is continuing for many years now. Having exhausted all kinds of peace initiatives in past, India tried some innovative ideas to send stronger messages to Pakistan. India decided and carried out surgical strikes on terrorist camps, well inside the Pakistani territory, to stop terrorist activities and proxy war. This was a daring act, which was required, but it has certain implications. No defence analyst would expect that militancy will end by one such action, hence some militant attacks even after the surgical strikes were expected. It was, therefore, understandable that some more actions like this will be required at various intervals, whenever Pakistan hikes up its militant activities. The action of Indian Security Forces on Monday night needs to be read in that context. In 2017, over 200 militants have been killed in Kashmir, which is an unprecedented number, indicating Pakistan that their proxy war may not work due to the synergised action of all Indian security forces, NIA, and the government agencies. The only option left for Pakistani Army now is to increase cross-border firing in softer areas (449 in 2016 to 881 in 2017), and increase Border Action Team ( BAT) actions along with militants to cause casualties to security forces and innocent civilians. In future Indian security forces, as well as, civil population along IB/LoC have to be even more careful to beat Pakistan’s design of proxy war and cross-border firing. India will have to be ready for all eventualities within its own comprehensive national power. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: India's tough strike against Pakistan continues

Pakistan&#39;s ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday called former military dictator Pervez Musharraf a &quot;big coward&quot; and asked the country&#39;s judiciary to bring him back from self-exile and make him accountable for his crimes.

Musharraf is facing treason charges in Pakistan for imposing emergency rule in November 2007, arresting judges and limiting their powers. He could face the death penalty if convicted.

Musharraf, 75, who came to power in a bloodless coup in 1999, has been living in Dubai since last year when he was allowed to leave Pakistan on the pretext of medical treatment.

Sharif, 68, called Musharraf a &quot;big coward&quot; and said he should be brought to justice.

&quot;Musharraf is a big coward who is hiding abroad. If any courage is left in him he should return and face cases against him,&quot; Sharif said, adding Musharraf had abrogated the Constitution and he must be punished for that.

&quot;We will soon bring this traitor to justice,&quot; Sharif pledged and demanded the judiciary to bring Musharraf back and make him accountable for his sins.

&quot;This coward man is making excuses of his bad health to extend his stay abroad. Time is not far away to bring such traitors to justice,&quot; Sharif said.

Musharraf had toppled Sharif&#39;s government in 1999. He remained in power till 2008. Sharif who returned to power in 2013 instituted a treason case against Musharraf who left the country in 2016 when the apex court allowed him to travel abroad on medical grounds.

Sharif&#39;s comments came a day after Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto accused Musharraf of killing his mother Benazir Bhutto.

Bilawal said his mother paid the price for fighting against the dictatorship and Musharraf got her killed.

&quot;Pervez Musharraf directly threatened my mother that the guarantee of her security upon her return to Pakistan depended on Bhutto&#39;s cooperation with the government. I personally hold Pervez Musharraf responsible for the assassination of my mother,&quot; he said.

Musharraf, however, dismissed Bilawal&#39;s claim, saying some &quot;rouge&quot; elements in the establishment might have been involved in her killing.

Benazir, the Pakistan Peoples Party chief and a two-time prime minister, was killed along with more than 20 people in a gun and bomb attack in Rawalpindi&#39;s Liaquat Bagh during an election campaign rally on December 27, 2007. She was 54.

Musharraf, who came to power in a bloodless coup in 1999, has been living in Dubai since last year when he was allowed to leave Pakistan on the pretext of medical treatment.

Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday called former military dictator Pervez Musharraf a "big coward" and asked the country's judiciary to bring him back from self-exile and make him accountable for his crimes. Musharraf is facing treason charges in Pakistan for imposing emergency rule in November 2007, arresting judges and limiting their powers. He could face the death penalty if convicted. Musharraf, 75, who came to power in a bloodless coup in 1999, has been living in Dubai since last year when he was allowed to leave Pakistan on the pretext of medical treatment. Sharif, 68, called Musharraf a "big coward" and said he should be brought to justice. "Musharraf is a big coward who is hiding abroad. If any courage is left in him he should return and face cases against him," Sharif said, adding Musharraf had abrogated the Constitution and he must be punished for that. "We will soon bring this traitor to justice," Sharif pledged and demanded the judiciary to bring Musharraf back and make him accountable for his sins. "This coward man is making excuses of his bad health to extend his stay abroad. Time is not far away to bring such traitors to justice," Sharif said. Musharraf had toppled Sharif's government in 1999. He remained in power till 2008. Sharif who returned to power in 2013 instituted a treason case against Musharraf who left the country in 2016 when the apex court allowed him to travel abroad on medical grounds. Sharif's comments came a day after Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto accused Musharraf of killing his mother Benazir Bhutto. Bilawal said his mother paid the price for fighting against the dictatorship and Musharraf got her killed. "Pervez Musharraf directly threatened my mother that the guarantee of her security upon her return to Pakistan depended on Bhutto's cooperation with the government. I personally hold Pervez Musharraf responsible for the assassination of my mother," he said. Musharraf, however, dismissed Bilawal's claim, saying some "rouge" elements in the establishment might have been involved in her killing. Benazir, the Pakistan Peoples Party chief and a two-time prime minister, was killed along with more than 20 people in a gun and bomb attack in Rawalpindi's Liaquat Bagh during an election campaign rally on December 27, 2007. She was 54.

Nawaz Sharif calls Pervez Musharraf coward, asks judiciary to bring him back

Nawaz Sharif&#39;s daughter has claimed that her father was removed from the prime minister&#39;s office because he had ordered registration of a treason case against former military dictator Pervez Musharraf.

A five-member bench of the Supreme Court had disqualified 67-year-old Sharif from the office of prime minister on July 28 in the Panama Papers scandal.

&quot;When he (Sharif) got registered a treason case against Musharraf for abrogating the Constitution, sit-ins began in Islamabad (in 2014) against him. Then came the Dawn Leaks and Panama Papers case and finally he was disqualified on having &#39;Iqama&#39; (work permit of UAE),&quot; Sharif&#39;s daughter Maryam Nawaz told the social media team of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz while explaining reasons behind her father&#39;s ouster.

She further said this happened to her father because he did not bow and never took dictation.

&quot;It was easy for him to choose an easy path (cutting a deal with the establishment) but he didn&#39;t. Nawaz Sharif always chose a right path which is a difficult one. When you are on such a path, you have to pay a price,&quot; Maryam added.

She termed an attack on the prime minister as &quot;an attack on the people who have voted for him.&quot;

Sharif, who was also present during the interaction, demanded action against Musharraf for abrogating the Constitution and committing treason.

He asked would any court dare to bring Musharraf to justice. &quot;Will we see any court in Pakistan hold Musharraf accountable for his crimes?&quot; Sharif asked.

Musharraf is facing treason charges in Pakistan for imposing emergency rule in November 2007, arresting judges and limiting their powers.

He could face the death penalty if convicted. 
Musharraf, 74, who came to power in a bloodless coup in 1999, has been living in Dubai since last year when he was allowed to leave Pakistan on the pretext of medical treatment.

The former military dictator who had promised to return to face the cases against him later said former army chief Gen Raheel Sharif had used his influence to get him a relief.&nbsp;

A five-member bench of the Supreme Court had disqualified 67-year-old Sharif from the office of prime minister on July 28 in the Panama Papers scandal.

Nawaz Sharif's daughter has claimed that her father was removed from the prime minister's office because he had ordered registration of a treason case against former military dictator Pervez Musharraf. A five-member bench of the Supreme Court had disqualified 67-year-old Sharif from the office of prime minister on July 28 in the Panama Papers scandal. "When he (Sharif) got registered a treason case against Musharraf for abrogating the Constitution, sit-ins began in Islamabad (in 2014) against him. Then came the Dawn Leaks and Panama Papers case and finally he was disqualified on having 'Iqama' (work permit of UAE)," Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz told the social media team of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz while explaining reasons behind her father's ouster. She further said this happened to her father because he did not bow and never took dictation. "It was easy for him to choose an easy path (cutting a deal with the establishment) but he didn't. Nawaz Sharif always chose a right path which is a difficult one. When you are on such a path, you have to pay a price," Maryam added. She termed an attack on the prime minister as "an attack on the people who have voted for him." Sharif, who was also present during the interaction, demanded action against Musharraf for abrogating the Constitution and committing treason. He asked would any court dare to bring Musharraf to justice. "Will we see any court in Pakistan hold Musharraf accountable for his crimes?" Sharif asked. Musharraf is facing treason charges in Pakistan for imposing emergency rule in November 2007, arresting judges and limiting their powers. He could face the death penalty if convicted. Musharraf, 74, who came to power in a bloodless coup in 1999, has been living in Dubai since last year when he was allowed to leave Pakistan on the pretext of medical treatment. The former military dictator who had promised to return to face the cases against him later said former army chief Gen Raheel Sharif had used his influence to get him a relief.

Musharraf treason case behind Sharif's ouster: Nawaz Sharif's daughter

Former Pakistani prime minister and the president of the Pakistani Muslim League (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif chose his brother who is the current Chief Minister of the Punjab province (Pakistan), Shahbaz Sharif as the (PML)-N&rsquo;s prime ministerial candidate for the 2018 elections. The decision was made during the course of a meeting with senior leaders of the PML-N at Nawaz&rsquo;s Jatti Umra residence on December 20, 2017.

&nbsp;

There will be those who argue that this was very much expected, given the nature of dynastic politics, in general, and the family-centered politics of the PML-N in particular. There is some truth in this, yet it would be important to bear a few facts in mind.

&nbsp;

First, Nawaz Sharif&rsquo;s choice sends a clear message, that the reported strain between both brothers was caused, largely, by the ambitions of their respective children, Maryam Nawaz (daughter of Nawaz Sharif) and Hamza Shahbaz (son of Shahbaz Sharif). But much of the sources, Sharif claims, have been addressed at least for the time being. It would be pertinent to mention, that after the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif was expected to be the natural choice as his successor &ndash; both as prime minister and president.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

After his disqualification to hold Public Office by the Pakistan Supreme Court, Nawaz did name Shahbaz Sharif as his successor. Straining relations between both sides, however, resulted in Nawaz choosing current incumbent Abbasi as the interim prime minister. While the reason cited for not appointing Shahbaz as the prime minister in July 2017 was that the party wanted him to remain in Punjab and take care of the implementation of some key projects. A number of analysts believed, that if Shahbaz took over as the prime minister, Hamza Shahbaz would have become the Chief Minister of Punjab.&nbsp; Another point cited to reiterate the strains between Nawaz and Shahbaz families was the point that Hamza was not made in charge of the bye-election of Kulsoom Nawaz which was vacated as a result of Nawaz Sharif&rsquo;s resignation from Parliament

&nbsp;

During the meeting on December 20, Nawaz Sharif did allude to Shahbaz Sharif&rsquo;s differences with the party over certain issues. While of course, praising him for his commitment to the party.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

He said: &lsquo;Shahbaz has always worked to further the party policies for public welfare and this unflagging attitude earned him the opportunity to be trusted for a higher office. We are a democratic political party where everyone is free to voice their mind. Shahbaz has had difference of opinion over some issues yet his commitment to the party overrules all else, which is why he has never violated the party discipline,&rdquo;

&nbsp;

By choosing Shahbaz, Nawaz has arrested any further deterioration in ties between both brothers, but also any sort of rebellion, since a number of senior leaders in the PNL-N,&nbsp; have been uncomfortable with the rise of Nawaz&rsquo; daughter, Maryam Nawaz. Apart from the fact, that she is inexperienced, Maryam is also one of the accused in the Panama Papers case.

&nbsp;

If one were to look beyond the politics of the Sharif family, and the dynamics of the PML-N, Shahbaz&rsquo; is important at a time when ties between the civilian government and military are at a low point. Shahbaz is more acceptable to the army, and has a better relationship than Nawaz.

&nbsp;

In the past, Nawaz Sharif would have gone the whole hog against the army, but a mellowed and mature Nawaz Sharif realises that any sort of clash will not help the country either politically or economically, and the military too would seek to cash in on the corruption cases against Nawaz.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The establishment (Army and ISI) has played a role, not just in the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif, but it has also propped up the Milli Muslim League (a front of Lashkar-e-Taiba, LeT), yet publically it has been making the right noises. One of the important steps taken by the Army Chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa, was his briefing to a parliamentary committee on December 19, 2017. The briefing included a discussion of important national security issues, ties with India, the outcome of Army Chief&rsquo;s foreign visits and the Saudi-led military alliance of Muslim countries. The army chief also stated that the Army would back the government&rsquo;s initiatives to improve ties with India.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Pakistani army has always been good at PR exercises, and it realiSes that while there is disillusion with democratic forces, any sort of official take over, may not be taken to well by the Pakistani citizens. The recent moves by the army chief also seem to be in a similar direction.

&nbsp;

Third, Shahbaz is known for his stellar governance record in Punjab, and is a trusted face with the voters in a PML-N vs. PPP. Nawaz Sharif made mention of this during the meeting with senior PPP leaders. Shahbaz Sharif has been able to not just bring in some big infrastructural projects but has also been successful in implementing welfare schemes as well as citizen-friendly initiatives.

&nbsp;

Fourth, Shahbaz has close ties with a number of key countries. This includes China, GCC countries and Turkey. China has repeatedly praised Shahbaz Sharif for his administrative skills. With some dexterity, he may also be able to do some damage control in the context of ties with the US, which have witnessed a downward spiral.&nbsp; In the past, Shahbaz, as chief minister of Punjab, has tried to play a positive role in Indo-Pak peace efforts.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;In conclusion, PML-N Nawaz Sharif needs to be commended for making the correct decision. At this point, Shahbaz Sharif is the best bet for the PML-N as well as of Pakistan. Yet, PML-N would do well to become more consultative, and also address some of the genuine misgivings of the party. Shahbaz Sharif too will have to be more democratic in his functioning. While even his rivals confess that Sharif is a sound administrator, his style of functioning has been dubbed as abrasive at times.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Former Pakistani prime minister and the president of the Pakistani Muslim League (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif chose his brother who is the current Chief Minister of the Punjab province (Pakistan), Shahbaz Sharif as the (PML)-N?s prime ministerial candidate for the 2018 elections.

Former Pakistani prime minister and the president of the Pakistani Muslim League (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif chose his brother who is the current Chief Minister of the Punjab province (Pakistan), Shahbaz Sharif as the (PML)-N’s prime ministerial candidate for the 2018 elections. The decision was made during the course of a meeting with senior leaders of the PML-N at Nawaz’s Jatti Umra residence on December 20, 2017. There will be those who argue that this was very much expected, given the nature of dynastic politics, in general, and the family-centered politics of the PML-N in particular. There is some truth in this, yet it would be important to bear a few facts in mind. First, Nawaz Sharif’s choice sends a clear message, that the reported strain between both brothers was caused, largely, by the ambitions of their respective children, Maryam Nawaz (daughter of Nawaz Sharif) and Hamza Shahbaz (son of Shahbaz Sharif). But much of the sources, Sharif claims, have been addressed at least for the time being. It would be pertinent to mention, that after the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif was expected to be the natural choice as his successor – both as prime minister and president. After his disqualification to hold Public Office by the Pakistan Supreme Court, Nawaz did name Shahbaz Sharif as his successor. Straining relations between both sides, however, resulted in Nawaz choosing current incumbent Abbasi as the interim prime minister. While the reason cited for not appointing Shahbaz as the prime minister in July 2017 was that the party wanted him to remain in Punjab and take care of the implementation of some key projects. A number of analysts believed, that if Shahbaz took over as the prime minister, Hamza Shahbaz would have become the Chief Minister of Punjab. Another point cited to reiterate the strains between Nawaz and Shahbaz families was the point that Hamza was not made in charge of the bye-election of Kulsoom Nawaz which was vacated as a result of Nawaz Sharif’s resignation from Parliament During the meeting on December 20, Nawaz Sharif did allude to Shahbaz Sharif’s differences with the party over certain issues. While of course, praising him for his commitment to the party. He said: ‘Shahbaz has always worked to further the party policies for public welfare and this unflagging attitude earned him the opportunity to be trusted for a higher office. We are a democratic political party where everyone is free to voice their mind. Shahbaz has had difference of opinion over some issues yet his commitment to the party overrules all else, which is why he has never violated the party discipline,” By choosing Shahbaz, Nawaz has arrested any further deterioration in ties between both brothers, but also any sort of rebellion, since a number of senior leaders in the PNL-N, have been uncomfortable with the rise of Nawaz’ daughter, Maryam Nawaz. Apart from the fact, that she is inexperienced, Maryam is also one of the accused in the Panama Papers case. If one were to look beyond the politics of the Sharif family, and the dynamics of the PML-N, Shahbaz’ is important at a time when ties between the civilian government and military are at a low point. Shahbaz is more acceptable to the army, and has a better relationship than Nawaz. In the past, Nawaz Sharif would have gone the whole hog against the army, but a mellowed and mature Nawaz Sharif realises that any sort of clash will not help the country either politically or economically, and the military too would seek to cash in on the corruption cases against Nawaz. The establishment (Army and ISI) has played a role, not just in the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif, but it has also propped up the Milli Muslim League (a front of Lashkar-e-Taiba, LeT), yet publically it has been making the right noises. One of the important steps taken by the Army Chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa, was his briefing to a parliamentary committee on December 19, 2017. The briefing included a discussion of important national security issues, ties with India, the outcome of Army Chief’s foreign visits and the Saudi-led military alliance of Muslim countries. The army chief also stated that the Army would back the government’s initiatives to improve ties with India. The Pakistani army has always been good at PR exercises, and it realiSes that while there is disillusion with democratic forces, any sort of official take over, may not be taken to well by the Pakistani citizens. The recent moves by the army chief also seem to be in a similar direction. Third, Shahbaz is known for his stellar governance record in Punjab, and is a trusted face with the voters in a PML-N vs. PPP. Nawaz Sharif made mention of this during the meeting with senior PPP leaders. Shahbaz Sharif has been able to not just bring in some big infrastructural projects but has also been successful in implementing welfare schemes as well as citizen-friendly initiatives. Fourth, Shahbaz has close ties with a number of key countries. This includes China, GCC countries and Turkey. China has repeatedly praised Shahbaz Sharif for his administrative skills. With some dexterity, he may also be able to do some damage control in the context of ties with the US, which have witnessed a downward spiral. In the past, Shahbaz, as chief minister of Punjab, has tried to play a positive role in Indo-Pak peace efforts. In conclusion, PML-N Nawaz Sharif needs to be commended for making the correct decision. At this point, Shahbaz Sharif is the best bet for the PML-N as well as of Pakistan. Yet, PML-N would do well to become more consultative, and also address some of the genuine misgivings of the party. Shahbaz Sharif too will have to be more democratic in his functioning. While even his rivals confess that Sharif is a sound administrator, his style of functioning has been dubbed as abrasive at times. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: What can India, Pakistan and US expect from Shahbaz Sharif?

Pakistan&#39;s ousted premier Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday appeared before an Accountability Court in Islamabad to face the corruption charges filed against him by the National Accountability Bureau in the .

Sharif along with his daughter Maryam Sharif and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar directly went to the Accountability Court here after arriving from Lahore in a private jet.

Sharif, 67, came back from London on Sunday where he had gone with his daughter Maryam to see his ailing wife who is undergoing treatment for throat cancer there.

Judge Muhammad Bashir will conduct the trial proceedings and record testimonies of more prosecution witnesses.

NAB is expected to present three more witnesses in the court to have their statements recorded. So far, eight witnesses have testified against the Sharif family in three references.

The three references against the Sharif family are related to the Al-Azizia Company and Hill Metal Establishment, Flagship Investment Ltd and the Avenfield (London) properties.

Sharif and his sons, Hassan and Hussain, have been named in all three NAB references, while Maryam and husband Safdar have been named only in the Avenfield reference.

Last month, Sharif was indicted in all three cases while his daughter Maryam and her husband Muhammad Safdar, co-accused with Sharif in only one case, were also indicted along with Sharif.

Sharif&#39;s sons Hassan and Hussian have failed to appear in the court despite repeated summons. It promoted the court to separate their cases.

Heavy security arrangements were made around the court premises.

The cases are based on July 28 verdict by the Supreme Court which disqualified Sharif and ordered to launch three corruption cases against him and his family, and one case against finance minister Ishaq Dar.

On July 28, the SC disqualified Sharif and ordered to launch three corruption cases against him and his family

Pakistan's ousted premier Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday appeared before an Accountability Court in Islamabad to face the corruption charges filed against him by the National Accountability Bureau in the . Sharif along with his daughter Maryam Sharif and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar directly went to the Accountability Court here after arriving from Lahore in a private jet. Sharif, 67, came back from London on Sunday where he had gone with his daughter Maryam to see his ailing wife who is undergoing treatment for throat cancer there. Judge Muhammad Bashir will conduct the trial proceedings and record testimonies of more prosecution witnesses. NAB is expected to present three more witnesses in the court to have their statements recorded. So far, eight witnesses have testified against the Sharif family in three references. The three references against the Sharif family are related to the Al-Azizia Company and Hill Metal Establishment, Flagship Investment Ltd and the Avenfield (London) properties. Sharif and his sons, Hassan and Hussain, have been named in all three NAB references, while Maryam and husband Safdar have been named only in the Avenfield reference. Last month, Sharif was indicted in all three cases while his daughter Maryam and her husband Muhammad Safdar, co-accused with Sharif in only one case, were also indicted along with Sharif. Sharif's sons Hassan and Hussian have failed to appear in the court despite repeated summons. It promoted the court to separate their cases. Heavy security arrangements were made around the court premises. The cases are based on July 28 verdict by the Supreme Court which disqualified Sharif and ordered to launch three corruption cases against him and his family, and one case against finance minister Ishaq Dar.

Panama Papers scandal: Nawaz Sharif appears before accountability court in Pakistan

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif&rsquo;s daughter, Maryam Nawaz, has been featured on The New York Times list of 11 powerful women in 2017.

Maryam was chosen for the article run under the NYT&rsquo;s Saturday Profile section. According to the NYT article written on her on October 27, Maryam Sharif has emerged as the right hand of her father.

The other ten powerful women on the NYT list are: Henda Ayari, Margot Wallstrom, Yu Xiuhua, Manal al-Sharif, Emma Morano, Olive Yang, Asli Erdogan, Letizia Battaglia, Sinta Nuriyah, and Alice Schwarzer.

The list also includes Henda Ayari, Margot Wallstrom, Yu Xiuhua, Manal al-Sharif, Emma Morano and others.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s daughter, Maryam Nawaz, has been featured on The New York Times list of 11 powerful women in 2017. Maryam was chosen for the article run under the NYT’s Saturday Profile section. According to the NYT article written on her on October 27, Maryam Sharif has emerged as the right hand of her father. The other ten powerful women on the NYT list are: Henda Ayari, Margot Wallstrom, Yu Xiuhua, Manal al-Sharif, Emma Morano, Olive Yang, Asli Erdogan, Letizia Battaglia, Sinta Nuriyah, and Alice Schwarzer.

Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam in New York Times' powerful women list

Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) convener Hardik Patel on Wednesday rejected the reports of his meeting with businessman and Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi&#39;s brother-in-law Robert Vadra&quot; Robert Vadra.

Speaking to ANI, Hardik said that the reports of his meeting with Vadra were false.

&quot;Now they are alleging I met Robert Vadra. This is false. After ten days they can even claim I met Nawaz Sharif, then they will say I met Dawood Ibrahim,&quot; he said.

Hardik&#39;s former aide Dinesh Bambhania yesterday claimed that the Patidar leader had met Vadra at a five-star hotel in October.

Speaking about the Gujarat polls, Hardik said that he always pitched for people&#39;s right and never tried to put anyone down.

&quot;The people of Gujarat need a strong voice to support them. I have always raised my voice for people&#39;s right and asked everyone to fight for their right,&quot; he added.

Hardik has joined hands with the Congress party for the upcoming Gujarat assembly elections.

Last month, Hardik made headlines after he claimed that the Congress has agreed to give reservation to the Patidar community, if the party comes to power in Gujarat.

Patidars or Patels are an important group in Gujarat, who enjoy great political dominance in the state. (ANI)

'Now they are alleging I met Robert Vadra. This is false. After ten days they can even claim I met Nawaz Sharif, then they will say I met Dawood Ibrahim,' said Hardik

Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) convener Hardik Patel on Wednesday rejected the reports of his meeting with businessman and Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra" Robert Vadra. Speaking to ANI, Hardik said that the reports of his meeting with Vadra were false. "Now they are alleging I met Robert Vadra. This is false. After ten days they can even claim I met Nawaz Sharif, then they will say I met Dawood Ibrahim," he said. Hardik's former aide Dinesh Bambhania yesterday claimed that the Patidar leader had met Vadra at a five-star hotel in October. Speaking about the Gujarat polls, Hardik said that he always pitched for people's right and never tried to put anyone down. "The people of Gujarat need a strong voice to support them. I have always raised my voice for people's right and asked everyone to fight for their right," he added. Hardik has joined hands with the Congress party for the upcoming Gujarat assembly elections. Last month, Hardik made headlines after he claimed that the Congress has agreed to give reservation to the Patidar community, if the party comes to power in Gujarat. Patidars or Patels are an important group in Gujarat, who enjoy great political dominance in the state. (ANI)

Gujarat elections: Hardik rebuffs report of meeting with Robert Vadra

Former Pakistan Army chief and President Pervez Musharraf has said -- he was asked about his recent statements on Hafiz Saeed -- that he is not scared of Indian or international pressure.&nbsp;

Musharraf had recently said he is the banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba&#39;s (LeT) &quot;biggest supporter&quot; and that he is aware that they &quot;like&quot; him too.&nbsp;

He had added then that he is similarly appreciative of LeT co-founder and the man thought to be the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks Hafiz Saeed.&nbsp;

Musharraf&#39;s latest statements were made to Pakistani TV news channel AAJ News.&nbsp;

&quot;Hafiz Saeed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamat-ud-Dawa should not be banned. They are doing good work. US can&rsquo;t dictate terms to us about who we should arrest. They are not terrorists,&quot; Musharraf told AAJ News. &nbsp;

The Jamat-ud-Dawa is thought to be a front for the LeT, which has been banned by India, the US, and the UN.&nbsp;

Watch interview below:&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FR-mGfUYMtk" width="560"></iframe>

In the interview to AAJ News, Musharraf added that successive Pakistani government knew about the Lashkar&#39;s terror activities in Kashmir.&nbsp;

&quot;Lashkar has been there since 1991. It grew through the successive governments of Benazir Bhuttoo and Nawaz Sharif. They knew what Lashkar was doing in Kashmir. Can they deny it now?&quot; Musharraf told AAJ News. &nbsp;

&quot;I am not scared of Indian or international repercussion. Hafiz Saeed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamat-ud-Dawa should not be banned. They are doing good work.&quot;

&quot;Lashkar has made maximum sacrifices for us in Kashmir. It&rsquo;s a good organisation, not a terror group. If Lashkar wants to contest elections, why not?&quot; he added.&nbsp;

Musharraf also added that he would welcome an electoral alliance with Hafiz Saeed and his newly-launched Milli Muslim League in the 2018 Pakistani general elections.&nbsp;

&quot;If it has to happen, it will happen. By all means, I would welcome that,&quot; said Musharraf.&nbsp;

Musharraf is currently living in exile in London.&nbsp;

He has also set up a political party -- the All Pakistan Muslims League.&nbsp;

'I am not scared of Indian or international repercussion. Hafiz Saeed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamat-ud-Dawa should not be banned. They are doing good work.' Musharraf said

Former Pakistan Army chief and President Pervez Musharraf has said -- he was asked about his recent statements on Hafiz Saeed -- that he is not scared of Indian or international pressure. Musharraf had recently said he is the banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba's (LeT) "biggest supporter" and that he is aware that they "like" him too. He had added then that he is similarly appreciative of LeT co-founder and the man thought to be the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks Hafiz Saeed. Musharraf's latest statements were made to Pakistani TV news channel AAJ News. "Hafiz Saeed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamat-ud-Dawa should not be banned. They are doing good work. US can’t dictate terms to us about who we should arrest. They are not terrorists," Musharraf told AAJ News. The Jamat-ud-Dawa is thought to be a front for the LeT, which has been banned by India, the US, and the UN. Watch interview below: In the interview to AAJ News, Musharraf added that successive Pakistani government knew about the Lashkar's terror activities in Kashmir. "Lashkar has been there since 1991. It grew through the successive governments of Benazir Bhuttoo and Nawaz Sharif. They knew what Lashkar was doing in Kashmir. Can they deny it now?" Musharraf told AAJ News. "I am not scared of Indian or international repercussion. Hafiz Saeed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamat-ud-Dawa should not be banned. They are doing good work." "Lashkar has made maximum sacrifices for us in Kashmir. It’s a good organisation, not a terror group. If Lashkar wants to contest elections, why not?" he added. Musharraf also added that he would welcome an electoral alliance with Hafiz Saeed and his newly-launched Milli Muslim League in the 2018 Pakistani general elections. "If it has to happen, it will happen. By all means, I would welcome that," said Musharraf. Musharraf is currently living in exile in London. He has also set up a political party -- the All Pakistan Muslims League.

Musharraf on Hafiz Saeed statements: Not scared of Indian or international pressure

All roads leading to the residence of Nawaz Sharif have been closed and police commandos deployed to stop hundreds of protesters from reaching the house of the ousted prime minister of Pakistan, a police officer said today.

About 2,000 activists of Tehreek-i-Khatm-i-Nabuwwat, Tehreek-i-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLYR) and the Sunni Tehreek Pakistan (ST) for more than two weeks have been blocking the Islamabad Expressway and Murree Road that connects Islamabad with its only airport and the garrison city of Rawalpindi.

The protesters demand the resignation of law minister Zahid Hamid for changes made about Khatm-i-Nabuwwat or finality of prophethood oath in the Elections Act 2017 passed in September.

&quot;We have deployed elite police commandos on the roads leading to the residence of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif at Jati Umra Raiwind. The heavy contingent of police has also been deployed on all points where demonstration is taking place in the city,&quot; a senior Lahore police officer told PTI.

He said Sharif and his family members have been advised not to travel by road in the current situation.

The officer also said an additional police force had been sent to Shahdara to rescue the lives of the policemen besieged by the protesters there.

The protesters besieged the police station, forcing the policemen to lock themselves up from inside.

They also burnt the police vehicles outside the police station in Shahdara.

Sharif today presided over a meeting at Jati Umra residence which was also attended by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

They discussed the situation arising out of the protests in the country.

&quot;Mr Abbasi has ordered media blackout on the instruction of Nawaz Sharif,&quot; a party source said.

He said Sharif was of the view that if the police action and protests were continued to be broadcast, violence will spread across the country and it will be difficult for the government to control it.

The protesters have cut off Lahore from the rest of the country by staging demonstration on G T Road, motorway and railway lines that connect the city with other parts of the country.

They also blocked a number of roads in the city, making life miserable for people who virtually are confined to their residences or stuck on the roads.

The protesters from the barelvi sect have been staging sit-ins in Lahore and other parts of the country following police action in Islamabad that left scores of protesters and policemen injured.

Police and paramilitary troops launched an operation today to end the 20-day long Faizabad sit-in of the protesters who had cut off Islamabad from other parts of the country.

A five-member bench of the Supreme Court on July 28 had disqualified Sharif as Prime Minister of Pakistan in its verdict on the Panama Papers case.

All roads leading to the residence of Nawaz Sharif have been closed and police commandos deployed to stop hundreds of protesters from reaching the house of the ousted prime minister of Pakistan, a police officer said today

All roads leading to the residence of Nawaz Sharif have been closed and police commandos deployed to stop hundreds of protesters from reaching the house of the ousted prime minister of Pakistan, a police officer said today. About 2,000 activists of Tehreek-i-Khatm-i-Nabuwwat, Tehreek-i-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLYR) and the Sunni Tehreek Pakistan (ST) for more than two weeks have been blocking the Islamabad Expressway and Murree Road that connects Islamabad with its only airport and the garrison city of Rawalpindi. The protesters demand the resignation of law minister Zahid Hamid for changes made about Khatm-i-Nabuwwat or finality of prophethood oath in the Elections Act 2017 passed in September. "We have deployed elite police commandos on the roads leading to the residence of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif at Jati Umra Raiwind. The heavy contingent of police has also been deployed on all points where demonstration is taking place in the city," a senior Lahore police officer told PTI. He said Sharif and his family members have been advised not to travel by road in the current situation. The officer also said an additional police force had been sent to Shahdara to rescue the lives of the policemen besieged by the protesters there. The protesters besieged the police station, forcing the policemen to lock themselves up from inside. They also burnt the police vehicles outside the police station in Shahdara. Sharif today presided over a meeting at Jati Umra residence which was also attended by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. They discussed the situation arising out of the protests in the country. "Mr Abbasi has ordered media blackout on the instruction of Nawaz Sharif," a party source said. He said Sharif was of the view that if the police action and protests were continued to be broadcast, violence will spread across the country and it will be difficult for the government to control it. The protesters have cut off Lahore from the rest of the country by staging demonstration on G T Road, motorway and railway lines that connect the city with other parts of the country. They also blocked a number of roads in the city, making life miserable for people who virtually are confined to their residences or stuck on the roads. The protesters from the barelvi sect have been staging sit-ins in Lahore and other parts of the country following police action in Islamabad that left scores of protesters and policemen injured. Police and paramilitary troops launched an operation today to end the 20-day long Faizabad sit-in of the protesters who had cut off Islamabad from other parts of the country. A five-member bench of the Supreme Court on July 28 had disqualified Sharif as Prime Minister of Pakistan in its verdict on the Panama Papers case.

All roads leading to Nawaz Sharif's residence closed

Nawaz Sharif, who appeared before an accountability court in Islamabad, Pakistan today to face charges in corruption cases filed against him and members of his famil, said his &quot;family (was) being made to go through tough times&quot;.&nbsp;

I &quot;am hurt over PPP&#39;s move,&quot; local media reported him as saying.&nbsp;

Sharif added that we &quot;have no issues with PTI. Democracy has not even touched PTI&quot;.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-appears-in-pak-court-in-corruption-case-24792" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;Nawaz Sharif appears in Pak court in corruption case</a> 
&nbsp; 
PTI or the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is the party founded and headed by former cricketer Imran Khan.&nbsp;

The PPP or the Pakistan People&#39;s Party is the country&#39;s main Opposition party.&nbsp;

The National Accountability Bureau had filed three cases against Sharif and his family on September 8.&nbsp;

The cases were filed after revelations in the Panama Papers, and relate to the family owning assets beyond their known sources of income.&nbsp;

Sharif had been forced to step down as prime minister in July because&nbsp;of the charges.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sharif was in court to answer charges in cases of corruption filed against him and his family

Nawaz Sharif, who appeared before an accountability court in Islamabad, Pakistan today to face charges in corruption cases filed against him and members of his famil, said his "family (was) being made to go through tough times". I "am hurt over PPP's move," local media reported him as saying. Sharif added that we "have no issues with PTI. Democracy has not even touched PTI". Also read: Nawaz Sharif appears in Pak court in corruption case PTI or the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is the party founded and headed by former cricketer Imran Khan. The PPP or the Pakistan People's Party is the country's main Opposition party. The National Accountability Bureau had filed three cases against Sharif and his family on September 8. The cases were filed after revelations in the Panama Papers, and relate to the family owning assets beyond their known sources of income. Sharif had been forced to step down as prime minister in July because of the charges.

'Family being made to go through tough times', Nawaz Sharif says after appearing in court

Pakistan&#39;s ousted<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/accountability-case-hearing-against-nawaz-sharif-family-adjourned-23429"> prime minister Nawaz Sharif along</a> with his family members appeared before the court in the corruption case levelled against them.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/now-pak-court-indicts-nawaz-sharif-in-offshore-investments-case-22665">Nawaz Sharif was accompanied</a> by his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar to contest the corruption case filed by the National Accountability Bureau(NAB).

The Pakistan prime minister was accompanied by several PML-N party leaders.&nbsp;

The NAB has filed cases against the Sharif family in three cases - Flagship Investment Ltd, London properties case, Al-Azizia Company and Hill Metal Establishment.&nbsp;

Nawaz Sharif, who was forced out by the Supreme Court in July following a corruption investigation against him in the Panama Papers leak case. The court had issued an arrest warrant against him for failing to appear at hearings since early October.

The ex-prime minister had spent several months in London with his wife who is receiving treatment for cancer.

The court had indicted Nawaz Sharif in all three cases. Sharif pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.

Nawaz Sharif was accompanied by his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar

Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif along with his family members appeared before the court in the corruption case levelled against them. Nawaz Sharif was accompanied by his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar to contest the corruption case filed by the National Accountability Bureau(NAB). The Pakistan prime minister was accompanied by several PML-N party leaders. The NAB has filed cases against the Sharif family in three cases - Flagship Investment Ltd, London properties case, Al-Azizia Company and Hill Metal Establishment. Nawaz Sharif, who was forced out by the Supreme Court in July following a corruption investigation against him in the Panama Papers leak case. The court had issued an arrest warrant against him for failing to appear at hearings since early October. The ex-prime minister had spent several months in London with his wife who is receiving treatment for cancer. The court had indicted Nawaz Sharif in all three cases. Sharif pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.

Nawaz Sharif appears in Pak court in corruption case

Ousted Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif&#39;s daughter Maryam Nawaz on Saturday said that the people who are conspiring against the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) will be defeated.

According to the Dawn news, Maryam, while talking to journalists during her visit to NA-120 constituency in Lahore, said that those &quot;conspiring against the PML-N will gain nothing except defeat&quot;.

&quot;The party believes in politics of serving the people,&quot; she said. &quot;By the grace of Allah, we will win the 2018 general election.&quot;

Sharif&#39;s wife Kulsoom Nawaz had won the crucial NA-120 by-poll in September.

The seat fell vacant after the Supreme Court <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharifs-disqualification-murder-of-justice-daughter-23398">disqualified then prime minister Sharif</a> in Panamagate and instructed National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to file references in the regard.

The NAB presented two witnesses against Sharif, Maryam and son-in-law retired captain Muhammad Safdar in corruption references as the trial formally began on Wednesday.

The court began proceedings despite the Islamabad High Court (IHC) admitted Sharif&#39;s petition challenging the accountability court&#39;s refusal to club three separate references against him and fixed November 20 as the date for the next hearing.

Sharif was indicted by an anti-graft court in three cases of corruption related to his investments abroad and in other offshore companies.

Ousted Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz on Saturday said that the people who are conspiring against the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) will be defeated. According to the Dawn news, Maryam, while talking to journalists during her visit to NA-120 constituency in Lahore, said that those "conspiring against the PML-N will gain nothing except defeat". "The party believes in politics of serving the people," she said. "By the grace of Allah, we will win the 2018 general election." Sharif's wife Kulsoom Nawaz had won the crucial NA-120 by-poll in September. The seat fell vacant after the Supreme Court disqualified then prime minister Sharif in Panamagate and instructed National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to file references in the regard. The NAB presented two witnesses against Sharif, Maryam and son-in-law retired captain Muhammad Safdar in corruption references as the trial formally began on Wednesday. The court began proceedings despite the Islamabad High Court (IHC) admitted Sharif's petition challenging the accountability court's refusal to club three separate references against him and fixed November 20 as the date for the next hearing.

Conspirators will gain nothing but defeat: Maryam Nawaz

A hearing by Pakistan&#39;s accountability court against ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam and son-in-law, retired Captain Safdar, in Islamabad was today adjourned till November 7.

The hearing against Nawaz Sharif and his family was adjourned after the court was unable to procure an order passed by the Islamabad High Court regarding the clubbing of the three references against the Sharif family in time, The Dawn reported.

Nawaz Sharif, Maryam and Safdar appeared in court appeared together in court for the first time today.

The Supreme Court had directed National Accountability Bureau to file references against Nawaz and his children in six weeks in the accountability court, The Dawn report said, adding that the court also directed the trial court to decide the references within six months.

The Sharif family is facing trial in connection with National Accountability Bureau references pertaining to the Avenfield flats, the Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metal Establishment. 
 
Nawaz Sharif paid two surety bonds of five million rupees ($48,000) each before leaving under tight security after the brief hearing, his lawyer Khawaja Haris told AFP.

Nawaz Sharif, who was forced out by the Supreme Court in July following a corruption investigation against him following the Panama Papers leak case, had been facing an arrest warrant for failing to appear at hearings since early October.

On Thursday, he arrived in Islamabad from London where he has spent most of the time with his wife who is receiving treatment for cancer.&nbsp;

Sharif and his supporters have denied the allegations and hinted at a political conspiracy driven by the powerful military.&nbsp;

&quot;I am going to Pakistan despite (my wife&#39;s) chemotherapy to appear in a bogus case,&quot; he told media in London before departing.

&quot;Pakistan&#39;s system has contradictions... all this must be changed, now is the time to change it.&quot;

He said nothing to media outside the court in Islamabad, but his son-in-law Muhammad Safdar also hinted at a conspiracy.&nbsp;

&quot;Till the time the courts are... free from the fear of some other people, I can&#39;t expect any fair trial from this court,&quot; Safdar said outside the court.

(With inputs from AFP)

The hearing against Nawaz Sharif and his family was adjourned till November 7 after the court was unable to procure an order passed by the Islamabad High Court regarding the clubbing of the three references against the Sharif family, a media report said

A hearing by Pakistan's accountability court against ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam and son-in-law, retired Captain Safdar, in Islamabad was today adjourned till November 7. The hearing against Nawaz Sharif and his family was adjourned after the court was unable to procure an order passed by the Islamabad High Court regarding the clubbing of the three references against the Sharif family in time, The Dawn reported. Nawaz Sharif, Maryam and Safdar appeared in court appeared together in court for the first time today. The Supreme Court had directed National Accountability Bureau to file references against Nawaz and his children in six weeks in the accountability court, The Dawn report said, adding that the court also directed the trial court to decide the references within six months. The Sharif family is facing trial in connection with National Accountability Bureau references pertaining to the Avenfield flats, the Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metal Establishment. Nawaz Sharif paid two surety bonds of five million rupees ($48,000) each before leaving under tight security after the brief hearing, his lawyer Khawaja Haris told AFP. Nawaz Sharif, who was forced out by the Supreme Court in July following a corruption investigation against him following the Panama Papers leak case, had been facing an arrest warrant for failing to appear at hearings since early October. On Thursday, he arrived in Islamabad from London where he has spent most of the time with his wife who is receiving treatment for cancer. Sharif and his supporters have denied the allegations and hinted at a political conspiracy driven by the powerful military. "I am going to Pakistan despite (my wife's) chemotherapy to appear in a bogus case," he told media in London before departing. "Pakistan's system has contradictions... all this must be changed, now is the time to change it." He said nothing to media outside the court in Islamabad, but his son-in-law Muhammad Safdar also hinted at a conspiracy. "Till the time the courts are... free from the fear of some other people, I can't expect any fair trial from this court," Safdar said outside the court. (With inputs from AFP)

Accountability case hearing against Nawaz Sharif, family adjourned

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