As Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to face a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly on Friday, several reports say that this motion is expected to be proven as the 'last ball'&nbsp;to decide former cricketer turned politician's fate.

The Opposition parties in Pakistan are jettisoning mutual hatred to oust Imran Khan as they submitted the no-trust motion in the National Assembly secretariat on March 8.

About two dozen members of his own Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have closed ranks with the Opposition parties and said they will vote for the motion against him.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-says-he-wont-resign-ahead-of-no-confidence-move-465114">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan says he won't resign ahead of no-confidence move</a>

The trust vote indicates very clearly that Khan does not have the majority support in the 342-member Parliament.

That seems unlikely, given his wide unpopularity amongst the lawmakers, and the country as a whole. And to his dismay, the all-powerful Army, the final arbiter of many things in Pakistan, has decided to stay "neutral" in the tussle between cricketer turned politician, Imran Khan and his detractors.

All the escape routes for Pakistan PM are closing as the voting date or the no-confidence motion inches closer and if Imran Khan denies to put in his papers and "fight it out" then the situation in Islamabad could turn ugly, forcing General Bajwa to stomp hard on his protege.

The Pakistan Army's top brass has reportedly asked Imran Khan to resign after the conference of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Pakistan media reports stated that the decision to oust Imran Khan was taken by General Bajwa and three other senior Lt. Generals. It was reported that all four military leaders decided not to give any escape route to Imran Khan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-calls-for-ukraine-ceasefire-offers-mediation-by-china-and-islamic-nations-465100">Pakistan calls for Ukraine ceasefire, offers mediation by China and Islamic nations</a>

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister apologised to the Pakistan army as he praised India for its independent foreign policy. He will have to face a crucial no-confidence motion in the National Assembly of Pakistan where his ouster seems all but certain.

Imran Khan was referring to the Indian decision to buy oil from Russia despite the sanction and despite India being a member of the Quadrilateral Alliance. "Their policy is for the betterment of people," he said while addressing a public rally at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on March 20. He seems to have realized his own folly of trying to preside over the government of a failed state.

The possible ouster of Imran Khan would once again establish that democracy cannot survive in Pakistan, a country where the army and its powerful wing the Inter-Service Intelligence control everything. Imran Khan has committed the cardinal sin of offending the army. In Pakistan, the support of the politically powerful military is critical for any political party to retain power.

He has used the ISI to stay in power, and now the same ISI is trying to remove him from power. Imran Khan had stood in the way of what was being seen as a routine transfer in the army, with Pak army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa planning to shift Director General of ISI Lt Gen Faiz Hamid as the commander of Peshawar-based XI Corps and replacing him with Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum as the DG ISI. The Prime Minister had refused to issue the formal notification.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ahead-of-no-confidence-vote-3-allies-of-khan-join-opposition-pak-pm-says-wont-resign-464991">Ahead of no-confidence vote, 3 allies of Khan join opposition; Pak PM says ‘won’t resign'</a>

The fact, possibly, is that Imran Khan himself had become too dependent on Lt Gen Faiz Hamid and was using the ISI for his political survival. Finally, Imran Khan had to eat the humble pie in October 2021 and accept the face-saver of choosing the same Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum as the DG ISI from a panel of three names presented to him by Gen Bajwa. It is reported that Imran Khan had been warned against any attempt by him to replace the army chief.

While domestic issues like rapid inflation have been highlighted by opposition parties in seeking Imran Khan's ouster, the former cricket captain of Pakistan must also share a part of the blame himself for having made a mess of Pakistan's foreign relations.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: End of the road for Imran Khan?

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As Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to face a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly on Friday, several reports say that this motion is expected to be proven as the 'last ball' to decide former cricketer turned politician's fate.

As Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to face a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly on Friday, several reports say that this motion is expected to be proven as the 'last ball' to decide former cricketer turned politician's fate. The Opposition parties in Pakistan are jettisoning mutual hatred to oust Imran Khan as they submitted the no-trust motion in the National Assembly secretariat on March 8. About two dozen members of his own Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have closed ranks with the Opposition parties and said they will vote for the motion against him. Also read| Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan says he won't resign ahead of no-confidence move The trust vote indicates very clearly that Khan does not have the majority support in the 342-member Parliament. That seems unlikely, given his wide unpopularity amongst the lawmakers, and the country as a whole. And to his dismay, the all-powerful Army, the final arbiter of many things in Pakistan, has decided to stay "neutral" in the tussle between cricketer turned politician, Imran Khan and his detractors. All the escape routes for Pakistan PM are closing as the voting date or the no-confidence motion inches closer and if Imran Khan denies to put in his papers and "fight it out" then the situation in Islamabad could turn ugly, forcing General Bajwa to stomp hard on his protege. The Pakistan Army's top brass has reportedly asked Imran Khan to resign after the conference of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Pakistan media reports stated that the decision to oust Imran Khan was taken by General Bajwa and three other senior Lt. Generals. It was reported that all four military leaders decided not to give any escape route to Imran Khan. Also read | Pakistan calls for Ukraine ceasefire, offers mediation by China and Islamic nations Meanwhile, the Prime Minister apologised to the Pakistan army as he praised India for its independent foreign policy. He will have to face a crucial no-confidence motion in the National Assembly of Pakistan where his ouster seems all but certain. Imran Khan was referring to the Indian decision to buy oil from Russia despite the sanction and despite India being a member of the Quadrilateral Alliance. "Their policy is for the betterment of people," he said while addressing a public rally at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on March 20. He seems to have realized his own folly of trying to preside over the government of a failed state. The possible ouster of Imran Khan would once again establish that democracy cannot survive in Pakistan, a country where the army and its powerful wing the Inter-Service Intelligence control everything. Imran Khan has committed the cardinal sin of offending the army. In Pakistan, the support of the politically powerful military is critical for any political party to retain power. He has used the ISI to stay in power, and now the same ISI is trying to remove him from power. Imran Khan had stood in the way of what was being seen as a routine transfer in the army, with Pak army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa planning to shift Director General of ISI Lt Gen Faiz Hamid as the commander of Peshawar-based XI Corps and replacing him with Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum as the DG ISI. The Prime Minister had refused to issue the formal notification. Also read | Ahead of no-confidence vote, 3 allies of Khan join opposition; Pak PM says ‘won’t resign' The fact, possibly, is that Imran Khan himself had become too dependent on Lt Gen Faiz Hamid and was using the ISI for his political survival. Finally, Imran Khan had to eat the humble pie in October 2021 and accept the face-saver of choosing the same Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum as the DG ISI from a panel of three names presented to him by Gen Bajwa. It is reported that Imran Khan had been warned against any attempt by him to replace the army chief. While domestic issues like rapid inflation have been highlighted by opposition parties in seeking Imran Khan's ouster, the former cricket captain of Pakistan must also share a part of the blame himself for having made a mess of Pakistan's foreign relations. Watch | Gravitas: End of the road for Imran Khan?

Pakistan Opposition's no-trust motion a 'last ball' for Imran Khan's political fate

After nearly a year of strained relations over the issue of en masse resignations from assemblies, the top PPP and PML-N leaders met in Lahore on Saturday and agreed to put the thorny issue behind them for a common cause: to send Prime Minister Imran Khan home.&nbsp;

They also pledged to consider all options to achieve the goal, including a no-confidence motion and a joint long march.&nbsp;

Former President Asif Ali Zardari and his son, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, had lunch with PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif and vice president Maryam Nawaz in Model Town, where they reviewed the many possibilities put out by both parties to depose the PTI government.

According to analysts, the opposition parties appear to be making a real effort to meet their long-term goal.&nbsp;

It was a rare sight that Zardari visited the residence of Sharif exclusively to see him. Earlier, the PPP co-chairman would only call on former prime minister Nawaz Sharif here.

During the meeting, PML-N leader Maryam Sharif connected the elder Zardari with her father, Nawaz, over the phone, and they talked about moving together for a common cause.

At a joint media talk with Bilawal, Shehbaz confirmed to journalists outside his house at a joint media talk that there was a "difference of opinion" within his party over the issue of a no-confidence motion against the PTI government, which had pretty much cleared now, according to Dawn.

"The PPP was always clear about a no-confidence motion against the federal government, but the PML-N had a difference of opinion. But now there has been a consensus to a large extent in the party. This proposal will be presented before the PML-N's central executive committee (CEC) and supremo Nawaz Sharif in a couple of days," Shehbaz Sharif announced."

According to the PML-N, the party president spoke to Nawaz, over the phone and told him about the meeting with the PPP leadership. Shehbaz also spoke to Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the president of the opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), and told him about the meeting.&nbsp;

He said the PDM would be taken into confidence about the PML-N`s contacts with the PPP.Both the PPP and PML-N have announced separate long marches on Islamabad with the former`s starting on Feb 27 and the latter`s March 23. Both parties have not yet confirmed whether they will stage a sit-in after reaching the capital, as noted by Dawn.

(With inputs from agencies)

After nearly a year of strained relations over the issue of en masse resignations from assemblies, the top PPP and PML-N leaders met in Lahore on Saturday and agreed to put the thorny issue behind them for a common cause: to send Prime Minister Imran Khan home.

After nearly a year of strained relations over the issue of en masse resignations from assemblies, the top PPP and PML-N leaders met in Lahore on Saturday and agreed to put the thorny issue behind them for a common cause: to send Prime Minister Imran Khan home. They also pledged to consider all options to achieve the goal, including a no-confidence motion and a joint long march. Former President Asif Ali Zardari and his son, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, had lunch with PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif and vice president Maryam Nawaz in Model Town, where they reviewed the many possibilities put out by both parties to depose the PTI government. According to analysts, the opposition parties appear to be making a real effort to meet their long-term goal. It was a rare sight that Zardari visited the residence of Sharif exclusively to see him. Earlier, the PPP co-chairman would only call on former prime minister Nawaz Sharif here. During the meeting, PML-N leader Maryam Sharif connected the elder Zardari with her father, Nawaz, over the phone, and they talked about moving together for a common cause. At a joint media talk with Bilawal, Shehbaz confirmed to journalists outside his house at a joint media talk that there was a "difference of opinion" within his party over the issue of a no-confidence motion against the PTI government, which had pretty much cleared now, according to Dawn. "The PPP was always clear about a no-confidence motion against the federal government, but the PML-N had a difference of opinion. But now there has been a consensus to a large extent in the party. This proposal will be presented before the PML-N's central executive committee (CEC) and supremo Nawaz Sharif in a couple of days," Shehbaz Sharif announced." According to the PML-N, the party president spoke to Nawaz, over the phone and told him about the meeting with the PPP leadership. Shehbaz also spoke to Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the president of the opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), and told him about the meeting. He said the PDM would be taken into confidence about the PML-N`s contacts with the PPP.Both the PPP and PML-N have announced separate long marches on Islamabad with the former`s starting on Feb 27 and the latter`s March 23. Both parties have not yet confirmed whether they will stage a sit-in after reaching the capital, as noted by Dawn. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan opposition to move no-trust motion against Imran Khan

Following the massive power blackout, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) information secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb slammed the Imran Khan-led government for becoming "habitual of blaming everything on PML-N and the opposition" and said that "when the ruler is a thief and incompetent, darkness becomes the destiny of the nation".

Dawn quoted Aurangzeb as saying that while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has no idea of the reason behind the massive blackout, its ministers have "shamelessly" blamed the earlier PML-N governments.

"The PTI government has become habitual of blaming everything on PML-N and the opposition. Though the government still has no idea what caused the breakdown, its ministers are shamelessly blaming it on the past PML-N government," she said.

Questioning the PTI's accusation, she said, "The system was working great when it was handling maximum load in summers. And during wintertime when the load is less than half, it crashed due to Nawaz Sharif."

"Nawaz Sharif saved the nation from 18-hour load-shedding and commissioned new power plants. If the transmission system was bad then how did the 18-hour load shedding come to zero? When the ruler is a thief and incompetent, darkness becomes the destiny of the nation," she added.

Meanwhile, the party spokesperson said that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif-led government used to supply up to 25,000 MW of electricity during summers. The PTI's "incompetence" led to the "breakdown of this system" but it preferred to blame the past government, the spokesperson added.

PML-N secretary general Ahsan Iqbal said the worst-ever power shutdown proved that the incumbent government was "inept" and "incompetent" as the national economy was plunging due to new crises being caused by the rulers on a daily basis, Dawn reported.

A massive power blackout was reported in Pakistan before midnight on Saturday, which plunged several cities into darkness, reported Pakistan daily.

The blackout was reported from several cities such as Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Multan, Kasur among others.

The incident evoked humorous reactions from social media users in the country. Soon after the breakdown, the term #blackout became a top trend on Twitter with over 52,800 tweets till 2:18 am.

"So finally Pakistan showed unity in something that sounds good. 2021 game strong," said a Twitter user.

Another user on Twitter commented: "Finally Imran khan introduces Night mode in Naya Pakistan."

"Everyone in Pakistan on Twitter will be an electrical engineer till morning," said another Twitterati.

Following the massive power blackout, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) information secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb slammed the Imran Khan-led government for becoming "habitual of blaming everything on PML-N and the opposition" and said that "when the ruler is a thief and incompetent, darkness becomes the destiny of the nation".

Following the massive power blackout, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) information secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb slammed the Imran Khan-led government for becoming "habitual of blaming everything on PML-N and the opposition" and said that "when the ruler is a thief and incompetent, darkness becomes the destiny of the nation". Dawn quoted Aurangzeb as saying that while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has no idea of the reason behind the massive blackout, its ministers have "shamelessly" blamed the earlier PML-N governments. "The PTI government has become habitual of blaming everything on PML-N and the opposition. Though the government still has no idea what caused the breakdown, its ministers are shamelessly blaming it on the past PML-N government," she said. Questioning the PTI's accusation, she said, "The system was working great when it was handling maximum load in summers. And during wintertime when the load is less than half, it crashed due to Nawaz Sharif." "Nawaz Sharif saved the nation from 18-hour load-shedding and commissioned new power plants. If the transmission system was bad then how did the 18-hour load shedding come to zero? When the ruler is a thief and incompetent, darkness becomes the destiny of the nation," she added. Meanwhile, the party spokesperson said that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif-led government used to supply up to 25,000 MW of electricity during summers. The PTI's "incompetence" led to the "breakdown of this system" but it preferred to blame the past government, the spokesperson added. PML-N secretary general Ahsan Iqbal said the worst-ever power shutdown proved that the incumbent government was "inept" and "incompetent" as the national economy was plunging due to new crises being caused by the rulers on a daily basis, Dawn reported. A massive power blackout was reported in Pakistan before midnight on Saturday, which plunged several cities into darkness, reported Pakistan daily. The blackout was reported from several cities such as Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Multan, Kasur among others. The incident evoked humorous reactions from social media users in the country. Soon after the breakdown, the term #blackout became a top trend on Twitter with over 52,800 tweets till 2:18 am. "So finally Pakistan showed unity in something that sounds good. 2021 game strong," said a Twitter user. Another user on Twitter commented: "Finally Imran khan introduces Night mode in Naya Pakistan." "Everyone in Pakistan on Twitter will be an electrical engineer till morning," said another Twitterati.

'Darkness becomes destiny of nation if ruler is a thief': PML-N slams Imran Khan

The anti-government coalition Pakistan democratic movement holds its rally in the city of Mardan, despite the ban imposed by district administration.

Pakistan's anti-government coalition holds rally in Mardan

The political crisis in Pakistan has deepened after an 11-party Opposition alliance announced that their lawmakers will resign en masse by the end of this month from parliament to paralyse the government and force Prime Minister Imran Khan to call early snap polls.

The decision was taken after the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance of 11 Opposition parties formed in September this year to overthrow Prime Minister Khan's government, held a marathon meeting in Islamabad.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-pak-opposition-decides-on-mass-resignation-pm-imran-khan-faces-heat-from-military-348414" hreflang="en">As Pak opposition decides to resign, PM Imran Khan faces heat from military</a>

PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced on Tuesday night that a consensus was reached on resigning from parliament. 
"All lawmakers will submit their resignation letter to their party chiefs by 31st December," he said, flanked by PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz and PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

The exact timing of stomping out of assemblies would be decided later, said Rehman.

Soon after the election in 2018, he had urged the Opposition leaders not to take oath to join parliament due to alleged rigging. But his idea was overruled by others, chiefly by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the The Pakistani Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

It is believed that en masse resignation is the only way to bring the government on its knees and force it to call early elections.

The PPP government in the Sindh province was considered as a hurdle as it was not sure if that it would sacrifice its government to help the Opposition alliance.

The leaders also agreed to go ahead with a rally in Lahore on December 13 as a show of power to the government. It will be the sixth rally after similar gatherings held in Gujranwala, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, and Multan.

The Opposition parties succeeded in attracting a huge number of people despite hurdles created by the government.

Prime Minister Imran Khan rejected the demand to step down or call early elections and consistently advocated that the Opposition was protesting to put pressure to stop probes in corruption cases against their leaders.

Speaking to a group of senior journalists and columnists on Tuesday, he said that "by-election will be held on the vacant seats" and no concession would be given to the protesting parties.

However, experts and Opposition leaders argue that when hundreds of lawmakers resign from the national and provincial assemblies, it would be virtually impossible to avoid general elections.

"The government will be forced to call general elections, otherwise the legitimacy of the entire process will be questionable," said PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal, warning the more protests would follow in case elections were not held.

The Opposition alliance has alleged that Khan was supported in elections by the 'establishment' and also failed to run the country and address chronic issues.

PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif has directly named Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and ISI head Lt Gen Faiz Hameed for meddling in political affairs

The political crisis in Pakistan has deepened after an 11-party Opposition alliance announced that their lawmakers will resign en masse by the end of this month from parliament to paralyse the government and force Prime Minister Imran Khan to call early snap polls.

The political crisis in Pakistan has deepened after an 11-party Opposition alliance announced that their lawmakers will resign en masse by the end of this month from parliament to paralyse the government and force Prime Minister Imran Khan to call early snap polls. The decision was taken after the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance of 11 Opposition parties formed in September this year to overthrow Prime Minister Khan's government, held a marathon meeting in Islamabad. Also read: As Pak opposition decides to resign, PM Imran Khan faces heat from military PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced on Tuesday night that a consensus was reached on resigning from parliament. "All lawmakers will submit their resignation letter to their party chiefs by 31st December," he said, flanked by PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz and PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. The exact timing of stomping out of assemblies would be decided later, said Rehman. Soon after the election in 2018, he had urged the Opposition leaders not to take oath to join parliament due to alleged rigging. But his idea was overruled by others, chiefly by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the The Pakistani Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). It is believed that en masse resignation is the only way to bring the government on its knees and force it to call early elections. The PPP government in the Sindh province was considered as a hurdle as it was not sure if that it would sacrifice its government to help the Opposition alliance. The leaders also agreed to go ahead with a rally in Lahore on December 13 as a show of power to the government. It will be the sixth rally after similar gatherings held in Gujranwala, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, and Multan. The Opposition parties succeeded in attracting a huge number of people despite hurdles created by the government. Prime Minister Imran Khan rejected the demand to step down or call early elections and consistently advocated that the Opposition was protesting to put pressure to stop probes in corruption cases against their leaders. Speaking to a group of senior journalists and columnists on Tuesday, he said that "by-election will be held on the vacant seats" and no concession would be given to the protesting parties. However, experts and Opposition leaders argue that when hundreds of lawmakers resign from the national and provincial assemblies, it would be virtually impossible to avoid general elections. "The government will be forced to call general elections, otherwise the legitimacy of the entire process will be questionable," said PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal, warning the more protests would follow in case elections were not held. The Opposition alliance has alleged that Khan was supported in elections by the 'establishment' and also failed to run the country and address chronic issues. PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif has directly named Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and ISI head Lt Gen Faiz Hameed for meddling in political affairs

Pak lawmakers to resign en masse to paralyse government: PDM chief Rehman

Pakistan`s Opposition leader Fazlur Rehman has warned that they will retaliate if the Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government uses force to disrupt the Pakistan Democratic Movement`s (PDM) Lahore rally.

Addressing the late Sheikhul Hadith Maulana Amanullah Conference in Sarai Naurang, Lakki Marwat, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader blamed "selected rulers" for destroying the country`s economy, Geo News reported.

The opposition parties wanted their armed forces to carry on their duties as professional soldiers, he said, adding that "They are our strength and should concentrate to protect the geographical frontiers of the country."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-christian-girl-killed-for-turning-down-muslim-mans-marriage-proposal-347920" hreflang="en">Pakistan: Christian girl killed for turning down Muslim man's marriage proposal</a>

Every institution should play its due role under the Constitution so that the country could face the challenges with unity, Marwat said, urging party workers to participate in the PDM`s Lahore rally to send a strong message to "selected rulers".

Deploring the arrest and registration of cases against opposition workers, Rehman said: "The Opposition cannot be cowed down through such tactics. The Lahore rally would be the last nail in the coffin of the selected government."

Rehman remarks come a day after Imran Khan ruled out the possibility of the government granting permission to the PDM for holding anti-government rallies and warned that police cases will be lodged against organisers.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bureaucrats-to-be-sacked-if-found-doing-corruption-pm-imran-khan-347753" hreflang="en">Bureaucrats to be sacked if found doing corruption: PM Imran Khan</a>

In an interview to a private news channel, the premier had said the government has decided against allowing the Opposition to hold the public gathering, Geo News reported. "We will file FIRs against everyone -- from the kursi wala to the sound system handlers but will not stop them [Opposition leaders] from going there," he said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz senior leader Rana Sanaullah said people will express solidarity with the PDM at the Minar-e-Pakistan. He also said that the final decision about en masse resignation from national and provincial assemblies will be taken by the leadership of the Opposition`s 11-party alliance - PDM.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cash-strapped-pakistan-seeks-debt-suspension-for-some-nations-till-covid-19-crisis-gets-over-347475">Cash-strapped Pakistan seeks debt suspension for some nations till Covid-19 crisis gets over</a>

"I was first accused of owning property worth two billion rupees in Australia. A fake case was lodged against me. Drug peddlers were brought from Faisalabad to testify against me, but the government did not find any witness against me despite all the pressure," said Sanaullah.

Underscoring the need for dialogues, Sanaullah said that if the Imran Khan-led government had held negotiations with the Opposition, the country`s current situation would have been different, reported ARY News.

He also said that his party will comply with the PDM leadership`s decision.

Pakistan`s Opposition leader Fazlur Rehman has warned that they will retaliate if the Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government uses force to disrupt the Pakistan Democratic Movement`s (PDM) Lahore rally.

Pakistan`s Opposition leader Fazlur Rehman has warned that they will retaliate if the Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government uses force to disrupt the Pakistan Democratic Movement`s (PDM) Lahore rally. Addressing the late Sheikhul Hadith Maulana Amanullah Conference in Sarai Naurang, Lakki Marwat, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader blamed "selected rulers" for destroying the country`s economy, Geo News reported. The opposition parties wanted their armed forces to carry on their duties as professional soldiers, he said, adding that "They are our strength and should concentrate to protect the geographical frontiers of the country." Also read| Pakistan: Christian girl killed for turning down Muslim man's marriage proposal Every institution should play its due role under the Constitution so that the country could face the challenges with unity, Marwat said, urging party workers to participate in the PDM`s Lahore rally to send a strong message to "selected rulers". Deploring the arrest and registration of cases against opposition workers, Rehman said: "The Opposition cannot be cowed down through such tactics. The Lahore rally would be the last nail in the coffin of the selected government." Rehman remarks come a day after Imran Khan ruled out the possibility of the government granting permission to the PDM for holding anti-government rallies and warned that police cases will be lodged against organisers. Also read| Bureaucrats to be sacked if found doing corruption: PM Imran Khan In an interview to a private news channel, the premier had said the government has decided against allowing the Opposition to hold the public gathering, Geo News reported. "We will file FIRs against everyone -- from the kursi wala to the sound system handlers but will not stop them [Opposition leaders] from going there," he said. Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz senior leader Rana Sanaullah said people will express solidarity with the PDM at the Minar-e-Pakistan. He also said that the final decision about en masse resignation from national and provincial assemblies will be taken by the leadership of the Opposition`s 11-party alliance - PDM. Also read| Cash-strapped Pakistan seeks debt suspension for some nations till Covid-19 crisis gets over "I was first accused of owning property worth two billion rupees in Australia. A fake case was lodged against me. Drug peddlers were brought from Faisalabad to testify against me, but the government did not find any witness against me despite all the pressure," said Sanaullah. Underscoring the need for dialogues, Sanaullah said that if the Imran Khan-led government had held negotiations with the Opposition, the country`s current situation would have been different, reported ARY News. He also said that his party will comply with the PDM leadership`s decision.

Pak opposition warns Imran Khan govt of retaliation if it uses force to disrupt Lahore rally

Maryam Nawaz has dared the Imran Khan government to arrest her in a Press Conference attended by all opposition parties in Pakistan. Maryam Nawaz accused the Imran Khan govt on being behind the detention of her husband.

Your Story: Maryam Nawaz dares Imran Khan govt

Maryam Nawaz, daughter of former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, on Monday (October 19) tweeted that her husband Captain Safdar Awan has been arrested by Karachi police.

After Maryam Nawaz's fiery speech against Pakistan PM, her husband Safdar arrested

The anti-government rally is organised to protest against army atrocities and demand for PM Imran Khan's resignation in the backdrop of corruption, economic slowdown, and poor governance.

Pakistan's opposition holds mega power rally in Gujranwala

Pakistan's Opposition parties announced on Monday to hold their first anti-government rally on October 16, four weeks after an alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) was setup to launch a campaign to oust the Imran Khan-led government.

On September 20, the leaders of 11 major Opposition parties announced formation of the PDM and launch of a three-phased anti-government movement under an 'action plan'&nbsp;starting with countrywide public meetings, protest demonstrations and rallies before a ''decisive long march''&nbsp;towards Islamabad in January 2021.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ex-pm-nawaz-sharif-daughter-face-sedition-charges-for-criticising-pakistani-military-332719" hreflang="en">Nawaz Sharif, daughter face sedition charges for criticising Pak military</a>

''Pakistan's Opposition parties announced on Monday to hold their first anti-government rally on October 16,''&nbsp;PDM leader Ahsan Iqbal said.

The Opposition leaders had announced that they would use all political and democratic options, including no-confidence motions and en mass resignations from the parliament to seek "the selected prime minister's resignation and an end to the role of the establishment in politics."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/terror-funding-watchdog-fatf-to-decide-on-paks-grey-list-status-this-month-report-332618" hreflang="en">Terror funding watchdog FATF to decide on Pak's grey list status this month</a>

They also issued a 26-point declaration in the form a resolution containing various demands, including "end of establishment's interference in politics, new free and fair elections after formulation of election reforms with no role of armed forces and intelligence agencies, release of political prisoners, withdrawal of cases against journalists, implementation of the National Action Plan against terrorism, speeding up of the projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and across-the-board accountability under a new accountability law.''

As per the new schedule unveiled by Iqbal showed that the Gujranwala rally would be followed by a rally in Karachi on October 18, Quetta on October 25, Peshawar on November 22, Multan on November 30 and then a rally in Lahore on December 13, said Iqbal. 
The schedule announced earlier showed that the first rally would be held on Oct 18 in Quetta.

The change was made at the request of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) which commemorates the day October 18 to pay homage to victims of Karsaz bombing in 2007 that killed scores of people attending a rally in Karachi to welcome Benazir Bhutto.

The PDM leaders also condemned the registration of an FIR against Nawaz Sharif for allegedly defaming the state institutions. 
Earlier on Monday, a case was filed against Sharif in Lahore.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Opposition parties announced on Monday to hold their first anti-government rally on October 16, four weeks after an alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) was setup to launch a campaign to oust the Imran Khan-led government.

Pakistan's Opposition parties announced on Monday to hold their first anti-government rally on October 16, four weeks after an alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) was setup to launch a campaign to oust the Imran Khan-led government. On September 20, the leaders of 11 major Opposition parties announced formation of the PDM and launch of a three-phased anti-government movement under an 'action plan' starting with countrywide public meetings, protest demonstrations and rallies before a ''decisive long march'' towards Islamabad in January 2021. Also read: Nawaz Sharif, daughter face sedition charges for criticising Pak military ''Pakistan's Opposition parties announced on Monday to hold their first anti-government rally on October 16,'' PDM leader Ahsan Iqbal said. The Opposition leaders had announced that they would use all political and democratic options, including no-confidence motions and en mass resignations from the parliament to seek "the selected prime minister's resignation and an end to the role of the establishment in politics." Also read: Terror funding watchdog FATF to decide on Pak's grey list status this month They also issued a 26-point declaration in the form a resolution containing various demands, including "end of establishment's interference in politics, new free and fair elections after formulation of election reforms with no role of armed forces and intelligence agencies, release of political prisoners, withdrawal of cases against journalists, implementation of the National Action Plan against terrorism, speeding up of the projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and across-the-board accountability under a new accountability law.'' As per the new schedule unveiled by Iqbal showed that the Gujranwala rally would be followed by a rally in Karachi on October 18, Quetta on October 25, Peshawar on November 22, Multan on November 30 and then a rally in Lahore on December 13, said Iqbal. The schedule announced earlier showed that the first rally would be held on Oct 18 in Quetta. The change was made at the request of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) which commemorates the day October 18 to pay homage to victims of Karsaz bombing in 2007 that killed scores of people attending a rally in Karachi to welcome Benazir Bhutto. The PDM leaders also condemned the registration of an FIR against Nawaz Sharif for allegedly defaming the state institutions. Earlier on Monday, a case was filed against Sharif in Lahore.

Pakistan's opposition parties alliance to hold first rally on October 16

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has accused political rival and former premier&nbsp;Nawaz Sharif of getting backing from&nbsp;India.

"Sharif has gone to the United Kingdom and is playing India's game. He is attacking Pakistan sitting over there. He is 100 per cent getting backing from India,"&nbsp;Imran Khan said in statement.

The Pakistan&nbsp;prime minister is trying to politicise the cases against the former Opposition leaders&nbsp;and by portraying them as a India versus Pakistan issue so that he can win the support of the military which plays a crucial role in the country in deciding who stays in power.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-government-to-push-for-nawaz-sharifs-deportation-from-uk-331398">Pakistan government to push for Nawaz Sharif's deportation from UK</a>

He has asked authorities to take steps to bring back PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif from London, where he has been staying since November 2019 on medical grounds, and to ensure that the former premier faces the corruption cases pending against him in various Pakistan&nbsp;courts.

A Pakistan anti-corruption court on Thursday ordered seizure of assets of deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif for his failure to appear in the Toshakhana graft case, days after he was declared an absconder in the matter that allegedly caused heavy loss to the national exchequer.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-orders-seizure-of-nawaz-sharifs-assets-in-toshakhana-graft-case-331805">Pak court orders seizure of Nawaz Sharif's assets in Toshakhana graft case</a>

An anti-corruption court on September 9 had indicted former president Asif Ali Zardari and ex-prime minister Yusuf Raza Gillani, while declared Sharif an absconder in the case.

The Islamabad-based accountability court was hearing the case filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), which submitted a detailed record of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo's movable and immovable properties.

The accountability Judge Asghar Ali ordered the authorities to freeze Sharif's national and international bank accounts and seize his 206 acres of agricultural land in Lahore and 12.75 acres in Sheikhupura, as well as his house in Murree in Punjab province.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-pemra-bans-speeches-of-proclaimed-offenders-331953" hreflang="en">Pakistan's PEMRA bans speeches of 'proclaimed offenders'</a>

Two tractors and cars that the 70-year-old leader allegedly obtained from the Toshakhana (state gift depository) after paying 15 per cent of the price are also included among assets the court has ordered to seize.

The Toshakhana graft case is about alleged relaxation of rules by Gilani, 68, for the benefit of Zardari, 65, and Sharif to buy vehicles gifted by foreign countries.

Sharif is accused of obtaining luxury cars from the treasury house by paying just 15 per cent of the price of these vehicles.

Similarly, Zardari and Gilani, are also accused of receiving luxury vehicles and gifts from the treasure house.

These investigations are a part of PM Imran Khan's anti-corruption drive which is partially targetting Opposition members.

Khan is also censoring the media.&nbsp;The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has banned broadcast and rebroadcast of any speech, interview or public address of absconders or proclaimed offenders, it was reported.

The PEMRA order cites a 2019 rule that prevents channels from giving a platform to convicts and absconders. However, &nbsp;the government was not always this eager to de-platform convicts.

Imran Khan seems rattled by the Opposition's unity and&nbsp;is keen on ensuring that Nawaz Sharif's political comeback does not receive traction within the country.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has accused political rival and former premier Nawaz Sharif of getting backing from India. "Sharif has gone to the United Kingdom and is playing India's game.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has accused political rival and former premier Nawaz Sharif of getting backing from India. "Sharif has gone to the United Kingdom and is playing India's game. He is attacking Pakistan sitting over there. He is 100 per cent getting backing from India," Imran Khan said in statement. The Pakistan prime minister is trying to politicise the cases against the former Opposition leaders and by portraying them as a India versus Pakistan issue so that he can win the support of the military which plays a crucial role in the country in deciding who stays in power. Also read: Pakistan government to push for Nawaz Sharif's deportation from UK He has asked authorities to take steps to bring back PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif from London, where he has been staying since November 2019 on medical grounds, and to ensure that the former premier faces the corruption cases pending against him in various Pakistan courts. A Pakistan anti-corruption court on Thursday ordered seizure of assets of deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif for his failure to appear in the Toshakhana graft case, days after he was declared an absconder in the matter that allegedly caused heavy loss to the national exchequer. Also read: Pak court orders seizure of Nawaz Sharif's assets in Toshakhana graft case An anti-corruption court on September 9 had indicted former president Asif Ali Zardari and ex-prime minister Yusuf Raza Gillani, while declared Sharif an absconder in the case. The Islamabad-based accountability court was hearing the case filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), which submitted a detailed record of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo's movable and immovable properties. The accountability Judge Asghar Ali ordered the authorities to freeze Sharif's national and international bank accounts and seize his 206 acres of agricultural land in Lahore and 12.75 acres in Sheikhupura, as well as his house in Murree in Punjab province. Also read: Pakistan's PEMRA bans speeches of 'proclaimed offenders' Two tractors and cars that the 70-year-old leader allegedly obtained from the Toshakhana (state gift depository) after paying 15 per cent of the price are also included among assets the court has ordered to seize. The Toshakhana graft case is about alleged relaxation of rules by Gilani, 68, for the benefit of Zardari, 65, and Sharif to buy vehicles gifted by foreign countries. Sharif is accused of obtaining luxury cars from the treasury house by paying just 15 per cent of the price of these vehicles. Similarly, Zardari and Gilani, are also accused of receiving luxury vehicles and gifts from the treasure house. These investigations are a part of PM Imran Khan's anti-corruption drive which is partially targetting Opposition members. Khan is also censoring the media. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has banned broadcast and rebroadcast of any speech, interview or public address of absconders or proclaimed offenders, it was reported. The PEMRA order cites a 2019 rule that prevents channels from giving a platform to convicts and absconders. However, the government was not always this eager to de-platform convicts. Imran Khan seems rattled by the Opposition's unity and is keen on ensuring that Nawaz Sharif's political comeback does not receive traction within the country.

Now, Pak PM Imran Khan accuses Nawaz Sharif of 'playing India's game'

Major opposition parties in Pakistan formed an alliance on Sunday to hold nationwide protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/imran-khan">Imran Khan</a>.&nbsp;

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslims League-Nawaz (PML-N), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), and many other parties came together to form All Parties Conference (APC) which adopted a 26-point joint resolution on Sunday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-calls-pakistan-army-a-state-above-state-opposition-comes-together-against-military-328924">Nawaz Sharif calls Pakistan Army a 'state above state', opposition comes together against military</a>

The press conference was also addressed virtually by former PM Nawaz Sharif, who is currently in the UK for medical treatment, as he asked the nation's powerful army to stay away from politics.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/legal-options-will-be-used-if-nawazs-mpc-address-is-aired-imran-khan-aide-328807">'Legal options' will be used if Nawaz's MPC address is aired: Imran Khan aide</a>

"Our struggle is not against Imran Khan. Today, our struggle is against those who installed Imran Khan and who manipulated elections (of 2018) to bring an inefficient man like him into power and thus destroyed the country," in a veiled attack on Pakistani Army.

The resolution also indirectly slammed the army alleging that the Imran Khan-government has been given "fake stability by the same establishment" that interfered with the elections to bring him to power.&nbsp;

It also expressed "extreme concern" over the army's increasing meddling into internal affairs of the country, describing it as a "danger to the nation's stability and institutions".

It also demanded electoral reforms for conducting free, fair and transparent polls.&nbsp;

The alliance will protest in three phases that will start from joint rallies in October and end with "decisive" march in the capital city of Islamabad in January next year to bring down the government.&nbsp;

Major opposition parties in Pakistan formed an alliance on Sunday to hold nationwide protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslims League-Nawaz (PML-N), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), and many other parties came together to form All Parties Conference (APC) which adopted a 26-point joint resolution on Sunday.

Major opposition parties in Pakistan formed an alliance on Sunday to hold nationwide protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslims League-Nawaz (PML-N), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), and many other parties came together to form All Parties Conference (APC) which adopted a 26-point joint resolution on Sunday. Also read | Nawaz Sharif calls Pakistan Army a 'state above state', opposition comes together against military The press conference was also addressed virtually by former PM Nawaz Sharif, who is currently in the UK for medical treatment, as he asked the nation's powerful army to stay away from politics. Also read | 'Legal options' will be used if Nawaz's MPC address is aired: Imran Khan aide "Our struggle is not against Imran Khan. Today, our struggle is against those who installed Imran Khan and who manipulated elections (of 2018) to bring an inefficient man like him into power and thus destroyed the country," in a veiled attack on Pakistani Army. The resolution also indirectly slammed the army alleging that the Imran Khan-government has been given "fake stability by the same establishment" that interfered with the elections to bring him to power. It also expressed "extreme concern" over the army's increasing meddling into internal affairs of the country, describing it as a "danger to the nation's stability and institutions". It also demanded electoral reforms for conducting free, fair and transparent polls. The alliance will protest in three phases that will start from joint rallies in October and end with "decisive" march in the capital city of Islamabad in January next year to bring down the government.

Pakistan: Opposition parties form alliance to oust Imran Khan

Pakistan Azadi March: Opposition calls for Imran Khan's resignation. Watch video to know more.

Pakistan Azadi March: Opposition calls for Imran Khan's resignation

Anti-Government Azadi Protest March Garners The Support Of Pakistan's Opposition Parties.

Gravitas: Pakistan Opposition's 'Azadi March': A Status Check

Politician Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party has urged the government to immediately sever trade ties with India over the death of 13 people including three soldiers in alleged Indian firing along the Line of Control (LoC).

&quot;Indian forces are killing innocent civilians and our army personnel along the LoC but our prime minister is fondly eating bananas being imported from India. It is high time we sever trade ties with India and unite on one platform to pat the enemy in the same coin,&quot; the party&#39;s vice-chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi said.

Qureshi said defence minister Khawaja Asif, who should have been at the border to defend the country, was defending Sharif in the Panamagate case in the apex court.

At a public meeting in Chhachhro town, Qureshi said the Nawaz Sharif-led PML-N government &quot;had no courage to respond to Indian prime minister Narendra Modi&#39;s bluff and called for immediately severing trade ties with India&quot;, Pakistan daily Dawn reported.

In Umerkot, Qureshi told the press that despite Indian bombing along the LoC, the government had not broken trade ties with the &quot;belligerent neighbour&quot; and urged the UN to get its resolutions on Kashmir implemented, the report in Dawn stated.

He lashed out at the government for the lack of a full-time foreign minister who could fight the Kashmir case in world fora. He also blamed the lack of a full-time foreign minister for the government&#39;s weak foreign policy.

He added that Pakistan had yet to respond to Indian aggression along the LoC.

(PTI) 
&nbsp;

The party also slammed the government for the absence of a full-time foreign minister who could raise the issue of Kashmir in world fora

Politician Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party has urged the government to immediately sever trade ties with India over the death of 13 people including three soldiers in alleged Indian firing along the Line of Control (LoC). "Indian forces are killing innocent civilians and our army personnel along the LoC but our prime minister is fondly eating bananas being imported from India. It is high time we sever trade ties with India and unite on one platform to pat the enemy in the same coin," the party's vice-chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi said. Qureshi said defence minister Khawaja Asif, who should have been at the border to defend the country, was defending Sharif in the Panamagate case in the apex court. At a public meeting in Chhachhro town, Qureshi said the Nawaz Sharif-led PML-N government "had no courage to respond to Indian prime minister Narendra Modi's bluff and called for immediately severing trade ties with India", Pakistan daily Dawn reported. In Umerkot, Qureshi told the press that despite Indian bombing along the LoC, the government had not broken trade ties with the "belligerent neighbour" and urged the UN to get its resolutions on Kashmir implemented, the report in Dawn stated. He lashed out at the government for the lack of a full-time foreign minister who could fight the Kashmir case in world fora. He also blamed the lack of a full-time foreign minister for the government's weak foreign policy. He added that Pakistan had yet to respond to Indian aggression along the LoC. (PTI)

High time we sever trade ties with India, says Pakistan opposition party

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