Pakistan's deposed prime minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-supreme-court-turns-down-nawaz-sharifs-appeal-for-early-hearing-in-graft-case-201308">Nawaz Sharif's medical condition</a> is "life-threatening" and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo has suffered four angina attacks last week, his daughter Maryam Nawaz said on Tuesday.

Sharif, 69, is serving seven-year imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case at the Kot Lakhpat Jail since December 2018.

Maryam criticised the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government for&nbsp;mistreatment of the three-time elected premier, following her visit to the jail to meet her father, Dawn newspaper reported.

"There is no treatment offered to him (Sharif) even when he is taken to and kept in the hospital for days. He says he doesn't want to be in the hospital as an excuse or escape or just for the sake of it," she tweeted.

"MNS (Mian Nawaz Sharif) has been a three-time Prime Minister and the insensitivity and callousness regarding his health on part of the government is shocking. My family and I are extremely concerned given the grave risk to his health. His condition is life-threatening," she said.

Maryam said during her meeting with Sharif, "he had an episode of angina and asked for his nitrate spray. Then he divulged that he has had similar attacks four times last week".&nbsp;

"He reiterated that he will neither report nor complain," she said.&nbsp;

"It's a medical fact that every episode of angina worsens the heart disease and can damage the heart irreversibly. Who will I blame or who will be responsible if anything happens to him God forbid? The callousness, I repeat, is shocking," she said.

Maryam's comments came as the Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a plea moved on Sharif's behalf for early hearing of his appeal against last month's Islamabad High Court order of turning down his bail petition on medical grounds, the report said.

On February 15, Sharif was shifted to a hospital on the request of his personal physician to the government. It was the second time in February that he was shifted to a hospital from the prison.

Sharif resigned as Pakistan prime minister in 2017 after the Supreme Court disqualified him from holding public office and ruled that graft cases be filed against the beleaguered leader and his children over the Panama Papers scandal.

Sharif has denied any wrongdoing and says the charges are political motivated.&nbsp;

Pakistan's deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif's medical condition is "life-threatening" and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo has suffered four angina attacks last week, his daughter Maryam Nawaz said on Tuesday.

Pakistan's deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif's medical condition is "life-threatening" and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo has suffered four angina attacks last week, his daughter Maryam Nawaz said on Tuesday. Sharif, 69, is serving seven-year imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case at the Kot Lakhpat Jail since December 2018. Maryam criticised the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government for mistreatment of the three-time elected premier, following her visit to the jail to meet her father, Dawn newspaper reported. "There is no treatment offered to him (Sharif) even when he is taken to and kept in the hospital for days. He says he doesn't want to be in the hospital as an excuse or escape or just for the sake of it," she tweeted. "MNS (Mian Nawaz Sharif) has been a three-time Prime Minister and the insensitivity and callousness regarding his health on part of the government is shocking. My family and I are extremely concerned given the grave risk to his health. His condition is life-threatening," she said. Maryam said during her meeting with Sharif, "he had an episode of angina and asked for his nitrate spray. Then he divulged that he has had similar attacks four times last week". "He reiterated that he will neither report nor complain," she said. "It's a medical fact that every episode of angina worsens the heart disease and can damage the heart irreversibly. Who will I blame or who will be responsible if anything happens to him God forbid? The callousness, I repeat, is shocking," she said. Maryam's comments came as the Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a plea moved on Sharif's behalf for early hearing of his appeal against last month's Islamabad High Court order of turning down his bail petition on medical grounds, the report said. On February 15, Sharif was shifted to a hospital on the request of his personal physician to the government. It was the second time in February that he was shifted to a hospital from the prison. Sharif resigned as Pakistan prime minister in 2017 after the Supreme Court disqualified him from holding public office and ruled that graft cases be filed against the beleaguered leader and his children over the Panama Papers scandal. Sharif has denied any wrongdoing and says the charges are political motivated.

Former Pakistan PM Sharif's medical condition life-threatening: Maryam Nawaz

Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry Friday acknowledged his government's failure in reducing the economic burden on the country's middle class.

Addressing an event here, Chaudhry said that Prime Minister Imran Khan was aware of the role the country's middle class played in propelling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to power in last year's general elections.

"Our biggest regret is that we cannot provide immediate relief to the middle class that voted for us. Taxes are levied on the salaried class, and gas and electricity rates have increased for them," he said.

The minister said that the government succeeded to shield the poorest segments from the financial burden but it could not do so in case of the middle class due to lack of money.

He blamed the economic woes, which the current government inherited, for the failure to live up to the expectation of the people during the first six months.

"Our total income is approximately Rs 5.5 trillion, of which Rs 2 trillion goes to debt servicing, Rs 1.7 trillion towards our defence budget, and then for every 10 rupees, six go to the provinces," Chaudhry said.

The minister said that the federal government starts the budget-making process from the deficit.

He said the interest was paid on loans taken by the previous two successive governments which shook the foundation of the country.

Chaudhry also defended the 126-day sit-in by Imran Khan in 2014, saying it laid the foundation of 'Naya (new) Pakistan'.

The minister also accused former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's government of misusing fund and spending too much on mega-projects like the Orange Line Rail project in Lahore which costs US $ 3 billion.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry Friday acknowledged his government's failure in reducing the economic burden on the country's middle class. Addressing an event here, Chaudhry said that Prime Minister Imran Khan was aware of the role the country's middle class played in propelling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to power in last year's general elections.

Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry Friday acknowledged his government's failure in reducing the economic burden on the country's middle class. Addressing an event here, Chaudhry said that Prime Minister Imran Khan was aware of the role the country's middle class played in propelling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to power in last year's general elections. "Our biggest regret is that we cannot provide immediate relief to the middle class that voted for us. Taxes are levied on the salaried class, and gas and electricity rates have increased for them," he said. The minister said that the government succeeded to shield the poorest segments from the financial burden but it could not do so in case of the middle class due to lack of money. He blamed the economic woes, which the current government inherited, for the failure to live up to the expectation of the people during the first six months. "Our total income is approximately Rs 5.5 trillion, of which Rs 2 trillion goes to debt servicing, Rs 1.7 trillion towards our defence budget, and then for every 10 rupees, six go to the provinces," Chaudhry said. The minister said that the federal government starts the budget-making process from the deficit. He said the interest was paid on loans taken by the previous two successive governments which shook the foundation of the country. Chaudhry also defended the 126-day sit-in by Imran Khan in 2014, saying it laid the foundation of 'Naya (new) Pakistan'. The minister also accused former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's government of misusing fund and spending too much on mega-projects like the Orange Line Rail project in Lahore which costs US $ 3 billion.

Pakistan:  Information Minister acknowledges government's failure in addressing woes of middle class

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said the new year will be the beginning of Pakistan's golden era as he vowed to address the perennial issues of poverty, illiteracy, injustice and corruption in 2019.

Khan took to Twitter to greet people and share his New Year resolution with the countrymen.

"Our New Year resolution is to wage jihad against the 4 ills of our country: poverty, illiteracy, injustice and corruption," he said.

Khan further said that "InshaAllah (God willing) 2019 is the beginning of Pakistan's golden era."

His government also slashed petroleum prices billed a New Year gift. Petrol was reduced by Rs4.86 per litre, setting the price at Rs 90.97 per litre, while price of high speed diesel was slashed by Rs 4.26 per litre to fix it at Rs 196.68 per litre.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Our New Year resolution is to wage jihad against the 4 ills of our country: poverty, illiteracy, injustice and corruption. InshaAllah 2019 is the beginning of Pakistan's golden era.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1079958349213564928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The two variants of fuel are most commonly used in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Khan's government came to power in August riding on the pledge of create Naya (new) Pakistan but so far struggled to give any major relief to the public.

Its focus on accountability has already been receding into witch-hunt and the government was criticised by the Chief Justice on Monday for putting 172 people, including chief minister of Sindh province on a no-fly list after a probe into fake accounts.

Similarly, a pledge to start constructing 5 million houses for low income groups in the first 100 days is no where in sight.

Khan's promise of a "golden era" followed a similar message by army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor who termed 2019 as year of progress.

"In our national pursuit for a peaceful, prosperous and vibrant Pakistan, 2019 is year of progress," said Ghafoor. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said the new year will be the beginning of Pakistan's golden era as he vowed to address the perennial issues of poverty, illiteracy, injustice and corruption in 2019.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said the new year will be the beginning of Pakistan's golden era as he vowed to address the perennial issues of poverty, illiteracy, injustice and corruption in 2019. Khan took to Twitter to greet people and share his New Year resolution with the countrymen. "Our New Year resolution is to wage jihad against the 4 ills of our country: poverty, illiteracy, injustice and corruption," he said. Khan further said that "InshaAllah (God willing) 2019 is the beginning of Pakistan's golden era." His government also slashed petroleum prices billed a New Year gift. Petrol was reduced by Rs4.86 per litre, setting the price at Rs 90.97 per litre, while price of high speed diesel was slashed by Rs 4.26 per litre to fix it at Rs 196.68 per litre. Our New Year resolution is to wage jihad against the 4 ills of our country: poverty, illiteracy, injustice and corruption. InshaAllah 2019 is the beginning of Pakistan's golden era. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 1, 2019 × The two variants of fuel are most commonly used in Pakistan. Khan's government came to power in August riding on the pledge of create Naya (new) Pakistan but so far struggled to give any major relief to the public. Its focus on accountability has already been receding into witch-hunt and the government was criticised by the Chief Justice on Monday for putting 172 people, including chief minister of Sindh province on a no-fly list after a probe into fake accounts. Similarly, a pledge to start constructing 5 million houses for low income groups in the first 100 days is no where in sight. Khan's promise of a "golden era" followed a similar message by army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor who termed 2019 as year of progress. "In our national pursuit for a peaceful, prosperous and vibrant Pakistan, 2019 is year of progress," said Ghafoor.

New year will be beginning of Pakistan's golden era: PM Imran

At the Tanjai Cheena school in northwest Pakistan, students squeeze into makeshift classrooms where plastic tarps serve as walls and electricity is sparse, as a surging population overstretches the country's fragile education system.

Sandwiched behind desks like sardines, students repeat words learned in Pashto and English during an anatomy lesson: "Guta is finger, laas is hand".

Two teachers rotate between four classrooms at the school, which lacks even the most basic amenities including toilets.

"The girls usually go to my house and the boys to the bushes," says principal Mohammad Bashir Khan, who has worked at the school in the picturesque Swat Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province for 19 years.

With birth control and family planning virtually unheard of in this ultraconservative region, the ill-equipped public school system has not kept up with population growth.

"In 1984, when my father started the school, there were 20 to 25 kids. Now they are more than 140," Khan says.&nbsp;

Pakistan sits on a demographic time bomb after years of exponential growth and high fertility rates resulted in a population of 207 million -- two-thirds of whom are under the age of 30.&nbsp;

And each year the country gains three to four million more people, overburdening public services from schools to hospitals.

'Emergency education'&nbsp;

At the Malok Abad primary school in the town of Mingora, 700 boys share six classrooms, many of which remain damaged from a 2005 earthquake with clumps of plaster still falling from their ceilings.

The youngest students study in the courtyard sitting on the ground, while others are forced to gather on the roof under the baking sun.

"We are doing our best. But those kids are neglected by the system," says teacher Inamullah Munir.

On the girls' side, the situation is even more dire with the smallest classes hosting up to 135 students packed into a space measuring about 20 square metres.

"This is emergency education," said Faisal Khalid, a local director at the education department in Swat.

The stakes are high in a country where education has long been neglected and received little in the way of funding as Pakistan focused on fighting militancy.

Swat shouldered the extra burden of combating a deadly Taliban insurgency that saw dozens of schools destroyed and the shooting of schoolgirl and education activist Malala Yousafzai in 2012.

As peace has returned to the region, public spending on education has increased, but it still falls short of the province's growing needs.

Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party has made "quality education for all" its rallying cry since taking the helm of the provincial government in 2013.

In the last five years, 2,700 schools have been built or expanded, while 57,000 new teachers have been recruited.

Authorities have also more than doubled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's education budget between 2013 and 2018.

"That was the biggest increase in the history of this province," explains Atif Khan, the former provincial education minister.

Low literacy levels

But the rise in spending is no match for Pakistan's swelling demographics, even as the government plans to expand existing facilities and extend working hours in an attempt to meet demand.

The top-ranked public high school in provincial capital Peshawar is a striking example of the challenges facing educators and students, who number 70 to a room despite the addition of a dozen new classrooms.

"The more classrooms we build, the more they will be filled," says Jaddi Kalil, who heads the educational services department in the area.

Pakistan now spends 2.2 per cent of its GDP on education, the country's Minister of Education Shafqat Mahmood told AFP, adding that the amount was set to double in the coming years.

Even more worrying, the increased funding has failed to put a dent in the province's illiteracy rates, with only 53 per cent of children above 10 years of age able to read and write.

The situation is replicated across Pakistan, with 22.6 million children out of school nationwide -- a figure that is likely to increase, given the country's unbridled population growth.

The quality of teaching is also a cause for concern with just one in two students able to solve basic math problems upon completing primary school, according to the finance ministry.

"Only elites have access to quality education," a recent report by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) said.&nbsp;

With its economy already on the rocks, Pakistan faces the unenviable task of having to create between 1.2 and 1.5 million skilled jobs annually to employ recent graduates, the UNDP report said.

Poor education is a "recipe for frustration", while good education "allows for more cohesion and less extremism", said Adil Najam, the author of the UNDP study.

"All the important problems of Pakistan are related to education."

At the Tanjai Cheena school in northwest Pakistan, students squeeze into makeshift classrooms where plastic tarps serve as walls and electricity is sparse, as a surging population overstretches the country's fragile education system.

At the Tanjai Cheena school in northwest Pakistan, students squeeze into makeshift classrooms where plastic tarps serve as walls and electricity is sparse, as a surging population overstretches the country's fragile education system. Sandwiched behind desks like sardines, students repeat words learned in Pashto and English during an anatomy lesson: "Guta is finger, laas is hand". Two teachers rotate between four classrooms at the school, which lacks even the most basic amenities including toilets. "The girls usually go to my house and the boys to the bushes," says principal Mohammad Bashir Khan, who has worked at the school in the picturesque Swat Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province for 19 years. With birth control and family planning virtually unheard of in this ultraconservative region, the ill-equipped public school system has not kept up with population growth. "In 1984, when my father started the school, there were 20 to 25 kids. Now they are more than 140," Khan says. Pakistan sits on a demographic time bomb after years of exponential growth and high fertility rates resulted in a population of 207 million -- two-thirds of whom are under the age of 30. And each year the country gains three to four million more people, overburdening public services from schools to hospitals. 'Emergency education' At the Malok Abad primary school in the town of Mingora, 700 boys share six classrooms, many of which remain damaged from a 2005 earthquake with clumps of plaster still falling from their ceilings. The youngest students study in the courtyard sitting on the ground, while others are forced to gather on the roof under the baking sun. "We are doing our best. But those kids are neglected by the system," says teacher Inamullah Munir. On the girls' side, the situation is even more dire with the smallest classes hosting up to 135 students packed into a space measuring about 20 square metres. "This is emergency education," said Faisal Khalid, a local director at the education department in Swat. The stakes are high in a country where education has long been neglected and received little in the way of funding as Pakistan focused on fighting militancy. Swat shouldered the extra burden of combating a deadly Taliban insurgency that saw dozens of schools destroyed and the shooting of schoolgirl and education activist Malala Yousafzai in 2012. As peace has returned to the region, public spending on education has increased, but it still falls short of the province's growing needs. Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party has made "quality education for all" its rallying cry since taking the helm of the provincial government in 2013. In the last five years, 2,700 schools have been built or expanded, while 57,000 new teachers have been recruited. Authorities have also more than doubled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's education budget between 2013 and 2018. "That was the biggest increase in the history of this province," explains Atif Khan, the former provincial education minister. Low literacy levels But the rise in spending is no match for Pakistan's swelling demographics, even as the government plans to expand existing facilities and extend working hours in an attempt to meet demand. The top-ranked public high school in provincial capital Peshawar is a striking example of the challenges facing educators and students, who number 70 to a room despite the addition of a dozen new classrooms. "The more classrooms we build, the more they will be filled," says Jaddi Kalil, who heads the educational services department in the area. Pakistan now spends 2.2 per cent of its GDP on education, the country's Minister of Education Shafqat Mahmood told AFP, adding that the amount was set to double in the coming years. Even more worrying, the increased funding has failed to put a dent in the province's illiteracy rates, with only 53 per cent of children above 10 years of age able to read and write. The situation is replicated across Pakistan, with 22.6 million children out of school nationwide -- a figure that is likely to increase, given the country's unbridled population growth. The quality of teaching is also a cause for concern with just one in two students able to solve basic math problems upon completing primary school, according to the finance ministry. "Only elites have access to quality education," a recent report by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) said. With its economy already on the rocks, Pakistan faces the unenviable task of having to create between 1.2 and 1.5 million skilled jobs annually to employ recent graduates, the UNDP report said. Poor education is a "recipe for frustration", while good education "allows for more cohesion and less extremism", said Adil Najam, the author of the UNDP study. "All the important problems of Pakistan are related to education."

In Pakistan, public education suffocates under surging population

The Pakistan government has decided to cut by 10 per cent the non-salary current budget of the civilian setup as part of an austerity drive to solve the cash-strapped nation's economic woes,&nbsp;according to a media report.

The Express Tribune reported that the move will help save nearly Rs 10 billion in the remaining period of the fiscal year (2018-19) but would not address core fiscal problems.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has also decided to continue with a ban imposed on the creation of new posts excepts where the posts are required to be created under development projects, the report said. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The Ministry of Finance has issued an office memorandum to give effect to the austerity measures for the fiscal year 2018-19. Effectively, the cut in the current non-salary expenditure will be on the budget allocations for the period from December 2018 to June 2019, the report said.&nbsp;

"In consideration of fiscal constraints and keeping in view the austerity drive of the present government and to save public money, it has been decided to effect a saving of 10 per cent in current expenditures," said the ministry of finance office memorandum.&nbsp;

The 10 per cent cut will not be applicable to employees' related expenses, their retirement benefits, subsidies, transfers, and civil works. The military budget has also not been slashed.

The PTI government is implementing tight fiscal and monetary policies. The State Bank of Pakistan has already downward revised the economic growth rate projections to 4 per cent for this fiscal year as against 5.8 per cent growth rate in the last fiscal year.

The total downward revised annual budget for running the civil government is Rs 460 billion for the fiscal year 2018-19. Nearly 70 per cent expenditures have been exempted from the budget cut, which would reduce the net benefit to not more than Rs 10 billion, according to an official of the Ministry of Finance.

The total non-salary expenditures are Rs 180 billion and some components like transfers and civil works are exempted from the cut. The total budget for this fiscal year is Rs 5.3 trillion. Out of this, an amount of Rs 1.1 trillion has been allocated for defence and Rs 1.842 trillion for servicing of the public debt.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan, after his swearing on August 18, moved into a modest three-bedroom house of his military secretary along with two servants.

He had announced that he would not be staying in the sprawling PM House which has a staff of 524 and a fleet of 80 vehicles, keeping his pledge to cut down the expenditure of the cash-strapped government.&nbsp;

The Pakistan government has decided to cut by 10 per cent the non-salary current budget of the civilian setup as part of an austerity drive to solve the cash-strapped nation's economic woes, according to a media report.

The Pakistan government has decided to cut by 10 per cent the non-salary current budget of the civilian setup as part of an austerity drive to solve the cash-strapped nation's economic woes, according to a media report. The Express Tribune reported that the move will help save nearly Rs 10 billion in the remaining period of the fiscal year (2018-19) but would not address core fiscal problems. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has also decided to continue with a ban imposed on the creation of new posts excepts where the posts are required to be created under development projects, the report said. The Ministry of Finance has issued an office memorandum to give effect to the austerity measures for the fiscal year 2018-19. Effectively, the cut in the current non-salary expenditure will be on the budget allocations for the period from December 2018 to June 2019, the report said. "In consideration of fiscal constraints and keeping in view the austerity drive of the present government and to save public money, it has been decided to effect a saving of 10 per cent in current expenditures," said the ministry of finance office memorandum. The 10 per cent cut will not be applicable to employees' related expenses, their retirement benefits, subsidies, transfers, and civil works. The military budget has also not been slashed. The PTI government is implementing tight fiscal and monetary policies. The State Bank of Pakistan has already downward revised the economic growth rate projections to 4 per cent for this fiscal year as against 5.8 per cent growth rate in the last fiscal year. The total downward revised annual budget for running the civil government is Rs 460 billion for the fiscal year 2018-19. Nearly 70 per cent expenditures have been exempted from the budget cut, which would reduce the net benefit to not more than Rs 10 billion, according to an official of the Ministry of Finance. The total non-salary expenditures are Rs 180 billion and some components like transfers and civil works are exempted from the cut. The total budget for this fiscal year is Rs 5.3 trillion. Out of this, an amount of Rs 1.1 trillion has been allocated for defence and Rs 1.842 trillion for servicing of the public debt. Prime Minister Imran Khan, after his swearing on August 18, moved into a modest three-bedroom house of his military secretary along with two servants. He had announced that he would not be staying in the sprawling PM House which has a staff of 524 and a fleet of 80 vehicles, keeping his pledge to cut down the expenditure of the cash-strapped government.

Pakistan slashes non-salary budget by 10%

Voting opened Sunday for the by-election in 35 national and provincial assemblies in Pakistan amid heightened security, with over 600 candidates, including some political bigwigs, in the running.

The polling started at 8 AM and will continue until 5 PM.

The counting will start soon after closure of voting and result of every polling station would be announced on spot. However, the consolidated results would be announced by the Returning Officers.

Over five million registered voters&nbsp;about 2.3 million women and almost 2.7 million men will exercise their right to vote. Also, the overseas Pakistanis will be voting for the first time in the by-polls.

Elections are being held in nine national assembly constituencies in Punjab and one each in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 24 provincial assemblies seats, including 11 in Punjab, nine in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, two each in Sindh and Balochistan.

Most of these seats were vacated by those candidates who had won on more than one seat during general elections on July 25. Prime Minister Imran Khan had won five seats and vacated four.

Thousands of soldiers have been deployed to provide security at 7,489 polling stations. The deployment of troops started on Friday and they will remain on election duty till October 15.

The Election Commission designated as many as 1,727 polling stations as 'highly sensitive' where extra troops were deployed and security cameras installed. They include 848 polling stations in Punjab, 544 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 201 in Sindh and 134 in Balochistan.

Soldiers have been deployed inside and outside of the polling stations in order to avoid any untoward incident.&nbsp;

Designated army officers have powers of a magistrate first class for summarily trial of those guilty of impersonation, capturing of polling stations or violation of other relevant provisions of the law.

Tough competition is expected between ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and main opposition Pakistan Muslims League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is PML-N's candidate from NA-124. His opponent in the constituency is Ghulam Mohiuddin of the PTI. Abbasi lost from both Rawalpindi and Islamabad on July 25. He is now contesting from a secure seat, which PML-N never lost.&nbsp;

In Karachi's NA-243 constituency, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan is expected to give tough competition to the PTI.

On Thursday, the Election Commission constituted 27 monitoring teams to observe the by-polls. They will examine the distribution of polling equipment and training of the polling staff.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Voting opened Sunday for the by-election in 35 national and provincial assemblies in Pakistan amid heightened security, with over 600 candidates, including some political bigwigs, in the running.

Voting opened Sunday for the by-election in 35 national and provincial assemblies in Pakistan amid heightened security, with over 600 candidates, including some political bigwigs, in the running. The polling started at 8 AM and will continue until 5 PM. The counting will start soon after closure of voting and result of every polling station would be announced on spot. However, the consolidated results would be announced by the Returning Officers. Over five million registered voters about 2.3 million women and almost 2.7 million men will exercise their right to vote. Also, the overseas Pakistanis will be voting for the first time in the by-polls. Elections are being held in nine national assembly constituencies in Punjab and one each in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 24 provincial assemblies seats, including 11 in Punjab, nine in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, two each in Sindh and Balochistan. Most of these seats were vacated by those candidates who had won on more than one seat during general elections on July 25. Prime Minister Imran Khan had won five seats and vacated four. Thousands of soldiers have been deployed to provide security at 7,489 polling stations. The deployment of troops started on Friday and they will remain on election duty till October 15. The Election Commission designated as many as 1,727 polling stations as 'highly sensitive' where extra troops were deployed and security cameras installed. They include 848 polling stations in Punjab, 544 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 201 in Sindh and 134 in Balochistan. Soldiers have been deployed inside and outside of the polling stations in order to avoid any untoward incident. Designated army officers have powers of a magistrate first class for summarily trial of those guilty of impersonation, capturing of polling stations or violation of other relevant provisions of the law. Tough competition is expected between ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and main opposition Pakistan Muslims League-Nawaz (PML-N). Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is PML-N's candidate from NA-124. His opponent in the constituency is Ghulam Mohiuddin of the PTI. Abbasi lost from both Rawalpindi and Islamabad on July 25. He is now contesting from a secure seat, which PML-N never lost. In Karachi's NA-243 constituency, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan is expected to give tough competition to the PTI. On Thursday, the Election Commission constituted 27 monitoring teams to observe the by-polls. They will examine the distribution of polling equipment and training of the polling staff.

Voting underway for by-election in 35 constituencies in Pakistan

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said that his government is focusing on abolishing Balochistan's apprehensions regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), promising to give the province its due share from the deal.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government is conducting the review of the muti-billion dollar deal to address Balochistan's doubts, Khan confirmed during a meeting with the province's cabinet members here.

"Centre will work with Balochistan as a partner. We will not make any such promise for which we may have to excuse later on," said the Prime Minister.

He further bemoaned the damage caused to Pakistan by previous governments through the over-burdening loans they took, saying, "We hope that we will soon get rid of this difficulty."

While stating that the country's progress was connected with the development of the south-western province, Khan said that an agricultural revolution will be witnessed in Balochistan following the completion of the Kachhi canal.

The eighty-kilometres of the 363 kilometre-long canal lies in Balochistan, with the other 281 kilometres being in the Punjab province.

The PTI chief also called upon Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan to inculcate the newly instituted local bodies system, which also slated to be introduced in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

Khan said that his party was able to garner two-thirds majority in the KP Assembly as resources were sanctioned for the lowest levels of the government."There have been massive developments in KP villages as the basic living standards of people improved," said the Prime Minister.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said that his government is focusing on abolishing Balochistan's apprehensions regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), promising to give the province its due share from the deal.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said that his government is focusing on abolishing Balochistan's apprehensions regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), promising to give the province its due share from the deal. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government is conducting the review of the muti-billion dollar deal to address Balochistan's doubts, Khan confirmed during a meeting with the province's cabinet members here. "Centre will work with Balochistan as a partner. We will not make any such promise for which we may have to excuse later on," said the Prime Minister. He further bemoaned the damage caused to Pakistan by previous governments through the over-burdening loans they took, saying, "We hope that we will soon get rid of this difficulty." While stating that the country's progress was connected with the development of the south-western province, Khan said that an agricultural revolution will be witnessed in Balochistan following the completion of the Kachhi canal. The eighty-kilometres of the 363 kilometre-long canal lies in Balochistan, with the other 281 kilometres being in the Punjab province. The PTI chief also called upon Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan to inculcate the newly instituted local bodies system, which also slated to be introduced in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Khan said that his party was able to garner two-thirds majority in the KP Assembly as resources were sanctioned for the lowest levels of the government."There have been massive developments in KP villages as the basic living standards of people improved," said the Prime Minister.

Imran Khan promises to give Balochistan its due share in CPEC

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif termed the "ridiculous" arrest of his brother Shehbaz Sharif as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government`s "worst victimisation.''

This comes after Shehbaz was arrested on Friday by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Pakistan`s anti-corruption body, for his alleged involvement in the Rs.14 billion (Pakistani Rupee) Ashiana Housing Scheme scam.

Shehbaz was summoned by the court for his involvement in the allegedly corrupt Saaf Pani Company, the erstwhile Punjab government`s flagship programme aimed at providing access to safe drinking water in rural areas of the province.

"Shehbaz, being the chief minister of Punjab, (had) set an example of public service with honesty. His services were acknowledged by the people, foreign governments and international organisations," Nawaz was quoted by Geo News, as saying.

Nawaz also asked the Imran Khan-led government to not "cover up its incompetence through such acts."

Shehbaz was arrested on charges of misusing authority and corruption in the housing scheme during his tenure as the chief minister of Punjab province from 2013 to 2018. He is accused of providing contracts on high rates to unqualified companies of his friends.

Leader of the Opposition in Punjab Assembly and Shehbaz`s father, Hamza alleged that the PTI government was continuing its "pre-poll manipulation" of arresting key Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders before elections are conducted, as Shehbaz`s arrest comes about a week ahead of the by-polls on October 14.

The PML-N president was kept in a highly-secured lock-up inside the NAB`s Lahore office until he was scheduled to appear before the accountability court on Saturday.

Scores of party leaders, meanwhile, have gathered outside the Accountability Court in Lahore, chanting slogans in favour of Shehbaz.&nbsp;

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif termed the "ridiculous" arrest of his brother Shehbaz Sharif as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government`s "worst victimisation.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif termed the "ridiculous" arrest of his brother Shehbaz Sharif as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government`s "worst victimisation.'' This comes after Shehbaz was arrested on Friday by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Pakistan`s anti-corruption body, for his alleged involvement in the Rs.14 billion (Pakistani Rupee) Ashiana Housing Scheme scam. Shehbaz was summoned by the court for his involvement in the allegedly corrupt Saaf Pani Company, the erstwhile Punjab government`s flagship programme aimed at providing access to safe drinking water in rural areas of the province. "Shehbaz, being the chief minister of Punjab, (had) set an example of public service with honesty. His services were acknowledged by the people, foreign governments and international organisations," Nawaz was quoted by Geo News, as saying. Nawaz also asked the Imran Khan-led government to not "cover up its incompetence through such acts." Shehbaz was arrested on charges of misusing authority and corruption in the housing scheme during his tenure as the chief minister of Punjab province from 2013 to 2018. He is accused of providing contracts on high rates to unqualified companies of his friends. Leader of the Opposition in Punjab Assembly and Shehbaz`s father, Hamza alleged that the PTI government was continuing its "pre-poll manipulation" of arresting key Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders before elections are conducted, as Shehbaz`s arrest comes about a week ahead of the by-polls on October 14. The PML-N president was kept in a highly-secured lock-up inside the NAB`s Lahore office until he was scheduled to appear before the accountability court on Saturday. Scores of party leaders, meanwhile, have gathered outside the Accountability Court in Lahore, chanting slogans in favour of Shehbaz.

Pakistan: Nawaz accuses PTI of 'worst victimisation' after Shehbaz Sharif arrest

Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau(NAB) today arrested former PM Nawaz Sharif's brother PML(N) leader&nbsp;Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore on Friday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shehbaz-sharif-says-pak-should-fight-corruption-like-india-151159">Also Read: </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shehbaz-sharif-says-pak-should-fight-corruption-like-india-151159">Shehbaz</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shehbaz-sharif-says-pak-should-fight-corruption-like-india-151159"> Sharif says Pak should fight corruption like India</a>

Shehbaz Sharif, 67, is the leader of the Opposition in Pakistan's National Assembly and a key leader of PML(N).&nbsp;

"Shahbaz Sharif on Friday appeared before an investigation team of the National Accountability Bureau Lahore. He was arrested after he failed to satisfy the investigator for his alleged role in awarding contracts to his favourite firm in violations of rules in the Ashiana Housing scheme and Punjab Saaf Pani Company," NAB spokesperson Nawazish Ali Asim said.&nbsp;

The anti-graft agency&nbsp;spokesman added that the former Punjab chief minister will be presented before an accountability court for a physical remand.

Marriyum Aurangzeb, spokeswoman of (PML-N) said the arrest was a move to "influence" upcoming by-elections on October 14 that are crucial for PM Imran Khan's coalition government.

"This is nothing but political victimisation," she said.

PML(N) chief Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam were arrested ahead of the July 25th general election in Pakistan on corruption charges.

The ousted prime minister was sentenced to 10 years in prison by an anti-corruption agency after the Supreme Court removed him from power.

Nawaz Sharif was however&nbsp;released from prison last month after a court suspended his sentence pending an appeal.

Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau(NAB) today arrested former PM Nawaz Sharif's brother PML(N) leader Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore on Friday. Also Read: Shehbaz Sharif says Pak should fight corruption like India Shehbaz Sharif, 67, is the leader of the Opposition in Pakistan's National Assembly and a key leader of PML(N).

Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau(NAB) today arrested former PM Nawaz Sharif's brother PML(N) leader Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore on Friday. Also Read: Shehbaz Sharif says Pak should fight corruption like India Shehbaz Sharif, 67, is the leader of the Opposition in Pakistan's National Assembly and a key leader of PML(N). "Shahbaz Sharif on Friday appeared before an investigation team of the National Accountability Bureau Lahore. He was arrested after he failed to satisfy the investigator for his alleged role in awarding contracts to his favourite firm in violations of rules in the Ashiana Housing scheme and Punjab Saaf Pani Company," NAB spokesperson Nawazish Ali Asim said. The anti-graft agency spokesman added that the former Punjab chief minister will be presented before an accountability court for a physical remand. Marriyum Aurangzeb, spokeswoman of (PML-N) said the arrest was a move to "influence" upcoming by-elections on October 14 that are crucial for PM Imran Khan's coalition government. "This is nothing but political victimisation," she said. PML(N) chief Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam were arrested ahead of the July 25th general election in Pakistan on corruption charges. The ousted prime minister was sentenced to 10 years in prison by an anti-corruption agency after the Supreme Court removed him from power. Nawaz Sharif was however released from prison last month after a court suspended his sentence pending an appeal.

Pakistan's Accountability Bureau arrests PML(N) leader Shehbaz Sharif

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday said former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was "playing politics" in courts and would pay a heavy price one day.

His remarks came after Sharif said in the Avenfield reference trial at the Islamabad accountability court earlier today that the case was filed against him as a "reciprocal punishment for taking legal action against (former president Pervez) Musharraf despite being warned not to do so."

While recording his statement in Avenfield reference, Nawaz said an intelligence agency officials had told him to "resign or he would be sent on an extended leave", The Nation reported.

Reacting to the statements, Chaudhry said, "I heard what he said carefully and it is a political statement, something that he says during his rallies and the question remains regarding what is his legal stance. Nawaz was asked only two questions regarding the Avenfield properties and the money in the accounts and he neither spoke about the money trail nor the source of the money. It would have been better for Nawaz to have fought a legal case legally and kept politics out."

He claimed that Sharif's "conspiracy theory" will not influence the decision of the court.

On Monday, Sharif reiterated that he had never owned properties in London.

The responses came in reply to the 128 questions put to him. The questionnaire has multiple about four apartments in Park Lane, Avenfield, London, sale proceed of Gulf Steel Mills (GSM), shares of Ahli Steel Mills, investment with Qatari royals, clearance of GSM's liabilities, litigation with Al-Tawfeek Investment and offshore companies Nielson and Nescoll.

During the questioning session with the judge Mohammad Bashir, the deposed prime minister accused the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) for reporting selective evidence and portions from the witnesses' statements.

Sharif also criticised the inclusion of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligence (MI) in the JIT, claiming that the JIT members are biased.

The former prime minister could respond to 55 of the 128 questions. The judge adjourned the proceedings till May 22.

The Pakistan Supreme Court, 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.

On the orders of the country's Supreme Court, the JIT was formed last year to probe the allegations on the Sharif family.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Supreme Court, 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

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday said former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was "playing politics" in courts and would pay a heavy price one day. His remarks came after Sharif said in the Avenfield reference trial at the Islamabad accountability court earlier today that the case was filed against him as a "reciprocal punishment for taking legal action against (former president Pervez) Musharraf despite being warned not to do so." While recording his statement in Avenfield reference, Nawaz said an intelligence agency officials had told him to "resign or he would be sent on an extended leave", The Nation reported. Reacting to the statements, Chaudhry said, "I heard what he said carefully and it is a political statement, something that he says during his rallies and the question remains regarding what is his legal stance. Nawaz was asked only two questions regarding the Avenfield properties and the money in the accounts and he neither spoke about the money trail nor the source of the money. It would have been better for Nawaz to have fought a legal case legally and kept politics out." He claimed that Sharif's "conspiracy theory" will not influence the decision of the court. On Monday, Sharif reiterated that he had never owned properties in London. The responses came in reply to the 128 questions put to him. The questionnaire has multiple about four apartments in Park Lane, Avenfield, London, sale proceed of Gulf Steel Mills (GSM), shares of Ahli Steel Mills, investment with Qatari royals, clearance of GSM's liabilities, litigation with Al-Tawfeek Investment and offshore companies Nielson and Nescoll. During the questioning session with the judge Mohammad Bashir, the deposed prime minister accused the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) for reporting selective evidence and portions from the witnesses' statements. Sharif also criticised the inclusion of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligence (MI) in the JIT, claiming that the JIT members are biased. The former prime minister could respond to 55 of the 128 questions. The judge adjourned the proceedings till May 22. The Pakistan Supreme Court, 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. On the orders of the country's Supreme Court, the JIT was formed last year to probe the allegations on the Sharif family.

Nawaz Sharif will pay price for 'playing politics' in courts: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf

Pakistan's leading opposition leader Imran Khan today said he would take action against 20 provincial lawmakers of his party for allegedly selling their votes in elections to the upper house of parliament.

The elections to the Senate early last month were marred by allegations levelled by various political leaders that several lawmakers from different parties took money to vote against several policies.

Cricketer-turned-politician Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party (PTI) rules the northwestern province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa where allegedly many lawmakers were involved in the vote-for-money scandal.

In a press conference here, Khan who is campaigning for a corruption-free Pakistan, identified 20 party members and lawmakers of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assembly and accused each of them of selling their vote for Rs 40 million.

"We have issued them show cause notices to explain their position to the party. We will ask National Accountability Bureau to take action against them if they fail to satisfy the party," said Khan.

The Senate is 104-member upper chamber of parliament and the members are elected by the lawmakers of provincial and national assemblies on the basis of proportional representation. This makes selling and buying of votes easier.

Khan said money had been used in all elections to the Senate but it was for the first time that any party had initiated action against those who sold their votes.

Khan identified 20 party members and lawmakers of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assembly and accused each of them of selling their vote for Rs 40 million

Pakistan's leading opposition leader Imran Khan today said he would take action against 20 provincial lawmakers of his party for allegedly selling their votes in elections to the upper house of parliament. The elections to the Senate early last month were marred by allegations levelled by various political leaders that several lawmakers from different parties took money to vote against several policies. Cricketer-turned-politician Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party (PTI) rules the northwestern province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa where allegedly many lawmakers were involved in the vote-for-money scandal. In a press conference here, Khan who is campaigning for a corruption-free Pakistan, identified 20 party members and lawmakers of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assembly and accused each of them of selling their vote for Rs 40 million. "We have issued them show cause notices to explain their position to the party. We will ask National Accountability Bureau to take action against them if they fail to satisfy the party," said Khan. The Senate is 104-member upper chamber of parliament and the members are elected by the lawmakers of provincial and national assemblies on the basis of proportional representation. This makes selling and buying of votes easier. Khan said money had been used in all elections to the Senate but it was for the first time that any party had initiated action against those who sold their votes.

Pakistan: Imran Khan to act against party lawmakers in vote-for-money scandal

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan in series of tweets lambasted Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for his recent remarks claiming that horse trading and money played a key role in the outcome of the recent Senate elections.

"So now PM Abbasi is crying abt horse-trading & money deciding Senate elections! If his party was so concerned why didn't they support PTI's proposals to change Senate election format to prevent exactly these shenanigans?" the PTI chief tweeted.

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So now PM Abbasi is crying abt horse-trading & money deciding Senate elections! If his party was so concerned why didn't they support PTI's proposals to change Senate election format to prevent exactly these shenanigans?
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/977794522917851137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">25 March 2018</a></blockquote>
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Following his tweet, Khan posted a list of four questions over Abbasi's statements and asked him to clarify whether the Prime Minister felt a money launderer should be above the law because of "some imagined ongoing development".

"4 Qs for PM Abbasi after his histrionics yesterday 1: How could Panama case & it's verdict have derailed development when it indicted NS for money laundering? Does PM Abbasi feel a money launderer shd be above the law be of some imagined ongoing development?" he tweeted.

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4 Qs for PM Abbasi after his histrionics yesterday 1: How cld Panama case & it's verdict have derailed development when it indicted NS for money laundering? Does PM Abbasi feel a money launderer shd be above the law bec of some imagined ongoing development?
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/977796096557813762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">25 March 2018</a></blockquote>
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Khan also attacked the Prime Minister for ignoring the corruption in the ruling party.

"Does PM Abbasi regard the debilitating USD 10 billion money laundering per year that is destroying Pakistan a non-issue?" Imran asked in another tweet.

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3. Does PM Abbasi think NS is or is not involved in money laundering? if he thinks he is, then how can Abbasi as PM condone crime of money laundering? If Abbasi thinks NS is not guilty of money laundering then he is more foolish than one thought. <a href="https://t.co/TrxSQh9wYS">https://t.co/TrxSQh9wYS</a>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/977797171079794688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">25 March 2018</a></blockquote>
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Following this, the PTI chief said Abbasi is a fool if he thinks that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was not guilty of money laundering.

"If he thinks he is, then how can Abbasi as PM condone crime of money laundering? If Abbasi thinks Nawaz Sharif is not guilty of money laundering then he is more foolish than one thought," Imran posted on Twitter.

In his fourth question, Imran said, "How others expected to accept and respect the judgement of the Supreme Court when the Prime Minister of the country himself not ready to accept."

Earlier on Saturday, Abbasi said, "An election where votes were sold and purchased got us a chairman who was not known in the political circles before. It is sad to have such a person as chairman of the Senate, an institution that represents the federation."&nbsp;

Following his tweet, Khan posted a list of four questions over Abbasi's statements and asked him to clarify whether the Prime Minister felt a money launderer should be above the law because of "some imagined ongoing development".

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan in series of tweets lambasted Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for his recent remarks claiming that horse trading and money played a key role in the outcome of the recent Senate elections. "So now PM Abbasi is crying abt horse-trading & money deciding Senate elections! If his party was so concerned why didn't they support PTI's proposals to change Senate election format to prevent exactly these shenanigans?" the PTI chief tweeted. So now PM Abbasi is crying abt horse-trading & money deciding Senate elections! If his party was so concerned why didn't they support PTI's proposals to change Senate election format to prevent exactly these shenanigans? — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) 25 March 2018 × Following his tweet, Khan posted a list of four questions over Abbasi's statements and asked him to clarify whether the Prime Minister felt a money launderer should be above the law because of "some imagined ongoing development". "4 Qs for PM Abbasi after his histrionics yesterday 1: How could Panama case & it's verdict have derailed development when it indicted NS for money laundering? Does PM Abbasi feel a money launderer shd be above the law be of some imagined ongoing development?" he tweeted. 4 Qs for PM Abbasi after his histrionics yesterday 1: How cld Panama case & it's verdict have derailed development when it indicted NS for money laundering? Does PM Abbasi feel a money launderer shd be above the law bec of some imagined ongoing development? — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) 25 March 2018 × Khan also attacked the Prime Minister for ignoring the corruption in the ruling party. "Does PM Abbasi regard the debilitating USD 10 billion money laundering per year that is destroying Pakistan a non-issue?" Imran asked in another tweet. 3. Does PM Abbasi think NS is or is not involved in money laundering? if he thinks he is, then how can Abbasi as PM condone crime of money laundering? If Abbasi thinks NS is not guilty of money laundering then he is more foolish than one thought. https://t.co/TrxSQh9wYS — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) 25 March 2018 × Following this, the PTI chief said Abbasi is a fool if he thinks that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was not guilty of money laundering. "If he thinks he is, then how can Abbasi as PM condone crime of money laundering? If Abbasi thinks Nawaz Sharif is not guilty of money laundering then he is more foolish than one thought," Imran posted on Twitter. In his fourth question, Imran said, "How others expected to accept and respect the judgement of the Supreme Court when the Prime Minister of the country himself not ready to accept." Earlier on Saturday, Abbasi said, "An election where votes were sold and purchased got us a chairman who was not known in the political circles before. It is sad to have such a person as chairman of the Senate, an institution that represents the federation."

Imran Khan goes on Twitter tirade against Pakistan PM Abbasi

Members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf&rsquo;s (PTI) women wing attacked MNA Ayesha Gulali in anger as she arrived at a hotel in Bahawalpur Friday evening.

Women activists of the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party threw eggs and tomatoes on rebel MNA Gulalai. Gulalai, who had announced to quit the party in early August last year had levelled allegations of harassment and corruption against Imran Khan, was attacked outside her hotel in the city.&nbsp;

She quit the PTI in August 2017 after blaming Imran Khan for sending her inappropriate text messages in October 2013.

She was in the city to attend an event organised by the Suba Bahawalpur Bahali Tehreek (SBBT).

In response to the &lsquo;go Gulalai go&rsquo; chants by PTI members, activists of the SBBT shouted &lsquo;go Imran go&rsquo; and &lsquo;ro (cry) Imran ro (cry)&rsquo;. Gulalai said that those PTI activists shouting slogans at her were not at fault and described the protesting activists as her sisters.

Incidents of attacking political leaders have increased in the present month.&nbsp;

The shoe-throwing incident on former prime minister Nawaz Sharif during his visit to Jamia Naeemia seminary in Garhi Shahu on March 11, the ink-throwing incident on Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif during a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) convention and another shoe throwing episode on Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal in Narowal have surfaced recently.&nbsp;

Gulalai said that those PTI activists shouting slogans at her were not at fault and described the protesting activists as her sisters

Members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) women wing attacked MNA Ayesha Gulali in anger as she arrived at a hotel in Bahawalpur Friday evening. Women activists of the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party threw eggs and tomatoes on rebel MNA Gulalai. Gulalai, who had announced to quit the party in early August last year had levelled allegations of harassment and corruption against Imran Khan, was attacked outside her hotel in the city. She quit the PTI in August 2017 after blaming Imran Khan for sending her inappropriate text messages in October 2013. She was in the city to attend an event organised by the Suba Bahawalpur Bahali Tehreek (SBBT). In response to the ‘go Gulalai go’ chants by PTI members, activists of the SBBT shouted ‘go Imran go’ and ‘ro (cry) Imran ro (cry)’. Gulalai said that those PTI activists shouting slogans at her were not at fault and described the protesting activists as her sisters. Incidents of attacking political leaders have increased in the present month. The shoe-throwing incident on former prime minister Nawaz Sharif during his visit to Jamia Naeemia seminary in Garhi Shahu on March 11, the ink-throwing incident on Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif during a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) convention and another shoe throwing episode on Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal in Narowal have surfaced recently.

PTI women throw eggs, tomatoes at MNA Ayesha Gulali

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-ties-the-knot-for-third-time-33289">Imran Khan gets married for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-ties-the-knot-for-third-time-33289">third</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-ties-the-knot-for-third-time-33289"> time, to &#39;spiritual guide&#39; Bushra Maneka</a>

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has confirmed party chief Imran Khan&#39;s marriage to his &quot;spiritual guide&quot; Bushra Maneka, thus ending weeks of speculation about the union.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/south-africa-widens-zuma-corruption-probe-to-india-33308">South Africa widens Zuma corruption probe to India</a>

South Africa has widened a corruption probe into allies of ex-president Jacob Zuma to other countries including India, China and Dubai, the police minister said Sunday

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/florida-school-shooting-survivors-to-march-on-washington-call-for-gun-reform-33292">Florida school shooting survivors to march on Washington, call for gun reform</a>

Students who survived a mass shooting at their Florida school on Sunday announced plans to march on Washington in a bid to &quot;shame&quot; politicians into reforming laws that make firearms readily available.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-they-are-laughing-their-asses-off-in-moscow-33301">Trump: &#39;They are laughing their asses off in Moscow&#39;</a>

President Donald Trump said Sunday that Russia was succeeding beyond its &quot;wildest dreams&quot; in sowing US discord but refrained once more from directly challenging Moscow on its election meddling.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-hear-plea-seeking-sit-probe-into-justice-loya-case-33305">Supreme Court to hear plea seeking SIT probe into Justice Loya case</a>

The Supreme Court will continue hearing three pleas seeking a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the death of special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) judge BH Loya on Monday.

.

Imran Khan gets married for third time, to 'spiritual guide' Bushra Maneka Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has confirmed party chief Imran Khan's marriage to his "spiritual guide" Bushra Maneka, thus ending weeks of speculation about the union. South Africa widens Zuma corruption probe to India South Africa has widened a corruption probe into allies of ex-president Jacob Zuma to other countries including India, China and Dubai, the police minister said Sunday Florida school shooting survivors to march on Washington, call for gun reform Students who survived a mass shooting at their Florida school on Sunday announced plans to march on Washington in a bid to "shame" politicians into reforming laws that make firearms readily available. Trump: 'They are laughing their asses off in Moscow' President Donald Trump said Sunday that Russia was succeeding beyond its "wildest dreams" in sowing US discord but refrained once more from directly challenging Moscow on its election meddling. Supreme Court to hear plea seeking SIT probe into Justice Loya case The Supreme Court will continue hearing three pleas seeking a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the death of special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) judge BH Loya on Monday. .

WION Morning News Brief, February 19, 2018

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has confirmed party chief Imran Khan&#39;s marriage to his &quot;spiritual guide&quot;&nbsp;Bushra Maneka, thus ending weeks of speculation about the union.

Khan, a cricketer turned politician, married Bushra Bibi (also known as Pinki Pir) in a simple ceremony held in Lahore yesterday, PTI spokesman Fawad Chaudhry said in a tweet.

He said the marriage ceremony was held at Maneka&#39;s brother&#39;s residence in Lahore. PTI Central Executive Committee member Mufti Muhammad Saeed performed the &#39;nikah&#39;.

&quot;Marriage is the combination of two hearts and two souls which join each on this special day of wedding. I wish a very happy and blessed married life to Imran Khan,&quot; Chaudhry said.

&quot;The valima ceremony will also be held in a simple manner in a few days,&quot; he said.

The PTI&#39;s media wing released pictures of the marriage ceremony in which Khan is seen wearing shalwar kameez and black jacket while the bride is decked in red suit with woolen shawl.

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Congratulations to our Kaptaan <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a>. May he find joy &amp; happiness in marriage &amp; in his personal life. Wishing him all the best. <a href="https://t.co/2HuOLTCsgM">pic.twitter.com/2HuOLTCsgM</a>
&mdash; Munaza Hassan (@MunazaHassan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MunazaHassan/status/965289782921383937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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None of Imran&#39;s sisters was present in the ceremony triggering rumours that Khan had not taken them into confidence about his third marriage.

Khan&#39;s previous two marriages ended in divorce. His first marriage was with Jemima Goldsmith, daughter of a British billionaire, in 1995, which lasted nine years. Khan has two sons from her.

His second marriage with TV anchor Reham Khan in 2015 ended after a brief 10 months.

Earlier, Khan had rejected the reports that he had contracted his marriage with Maneka on January 1 in Lahore&#39;s Defence residence of his &#39;new&#39; brother-in-law.

A source in the party said Khan was under immense pressure from the PTI to disclose his third marriage after a humiliating defeat in Punjab&#39;s Lodhran district last week.

&quot;The PTI leadership was of the view that strong rumours about his third marriage had played a role in the defeat of the party&rsquo;s strong man Jahangir Tareen&#39;s son at the hands of a candidate of ruling PML-N,&quot; he said.

&quot;Khan was advised to disclose his marriage as early as possible because the general elections are not far away and the PTI may suffer more politically if this news was broken just before the polls,&quot; he said.

Maneka is in her late 40s and has five children from her first marriage. She is a resident of Pakpatan district, some 250 km from Lahore, which is known for the shrine of Baba Farid Ganj Shakar.

According to a source, Khan had started visiting her over a year ago to seek spiritual advice.

&quot;He got closer to her when some of political predictions she made about his party came true. Later, both developed some &#39;intimacy&#39; and finally Bushra took divorce from her husband and contracted marriage with Imran early last month,&quot; the source said.

Last month, Khan had admitted that he had proposed marriage to Maneka.

&quot;I would like to reiterate that every time I met her, with family and alone, she has been in purdah (veil). My interest in her lies in the fact that I have not seen or met anyone with her level of spirituality. I only sent the proposal for marriage after she divorced her husband,&quot; said Khan.&nbsp;

Khan married Bushra at a simple ceremony in Lahore yesterday

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has confirmed party chief Imran Khan's marriage to his "spiritual guide" Bushra Maneka, thus ending weeks of speculation about the union. Khan, a cricketer turned politician, married Bushra Bibi (also known as Pinki Pir) in a simple ceremony held in Lahore yesterday, PTI spokesman Fawad Chaudhry said in a tweet. He said the marriage ceremony was held at Maneka's brother's residence in Lahore. PTI Central Executive Committee member Mufti Muhammad Saeed performed the 'nikah'. "Marriage is the combination of two hearts and two souls which join each on this special day of wedding. I wish a very happy and blessed married life to Imran Khan," Chaudhry said. "The valima ceremony will also be held in a simple manner in a few days," he said. The PTI's media wing released pictures of the marriage ceremony in which Khan is seen wearing shalwar kameez and black jacket while the bride is decked in red suit with woolen shawl. Congratulations to our Kaptaan @ImranKhanPTI. May he find joy & happiness in marriage & in his personal life. Wishing him all the best. pic.twitter.com/2HuOLTCsgM — Munaza Hassan (@MunazaHassan) February 18, 2018 × None of Imran's sisters was present in the ceremony triggering rumours that Khan had not taken them into confidence about his third marriage. Khan's previous two marriages ended in divorce. His first marriage was with Jemima Goldsmith, daughter of a British billionaire, in 1995, which lasted nine years. Khan has two sons from her. His second marriage with TV anchor Reham Khan in 2015 ended after a brief 10 months. Earlier, Khan had rejected the reports that he had contracted his marriage with Maneka on January 1 in Lahore's Defence residence of his 'new' brother-in-law. A source in the party said Khan was under immense pressure from the PTI to disclose his third marriage after a humiliating defeat in Punjab's Lodhran district last week. "The PTI leadership was of the view that strong rumours about his third marriage had played a role in the defeat of the party’s strong man Jahangir Tareen's son at the hands of a candidate of ruling PML-N," he said. "Khan was advised to disclose his marriage as early as possible because the general elections are not far away and the PTI may suffer more politically if this news was broken just before the polls," he said. Maneka is in her late 40s and has five children from her first marriage. She is a resident of Pakpatan district, some 250 km from Lahore, which is known for the shrine of Baba Farid Ganj Shakar. According to a source, Khan had started visiting her over a year ago to seek spiritual advice. "He got closer to her when some of political predictions she made about his party came true. Later, both developed some 'intimacy' and finally Bushra took divorce from her husband and contracted marriage with Imran early last month," the source said. Last month, Khan had admitted that he had proposed marriage to Maneka. "I would like to reiterate that every time I met her, with family and alone, she has been in purdah (veil). My interest in her lies in the fact that I have not seen or met anyone with her level of spirituality. I only sent the proposal for marriage after she divorced her husband," said Khan.

Imran Khan gets married for third time, to 'spiritual guide' Bushra Maneka

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.

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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>
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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.

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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>
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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>
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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>
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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>
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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.

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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

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership is in crisis as the chief, Imran Khan, went incommunicado, on Tuesday. Prominent Pakistani journalist Salman Masood took to Twitter to inform about the situation, adding his WhatsApp was also shut down.&nbsp;

&quot;A huge sense of crisis within PTI leadership right now. Imran Khan is incommunicado with almost everyone. His WhatsApp has been shut down for the most part of the day. Bani Gala house does not have a lot of visitors right now,&quot; Masood tweeted.&nbsp;

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A huge sense of crisis within PTI leadership right now. Imran Khan is incommunicado with almost everyone. His WhatsApp has been shut down for most part of the day. Bani Gala house does not have a lot of visitors right now.
&mdash; Salman Masood (@salmanmasood) <a href="https://twitter.com/salmanmasood/status/950708006404153344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

This came hours after Imran Khan, in a move to defend himself over the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/is-wanting-to-marry-a-crime-asks-imran-khan-29026" target="_blank">recent marriage controversy revolving around him, went on a Twitter spree,</a> stating he had been wondering if he committed any crime.&nbsp;

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.

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.

A media report said the PTI chief got married on New Year's Day in Lahore. The rumours were later thrashed by the party

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership is in crisis as the chief, Imran Khan, went incommunicado, on Tuesday. Prominent Pakistani journalist Salman Masood took to Twitter to inform about the situation, adding his WhatsApp was also shut down. "A huge sense of crisis within PTI leadership right now. Imran Khan is incommunicado with almost everyone. His WhatsApp has been shut down for the most part of the day. Bani Gala house does not have a lot of visitors right now," Masood tweeted. A huge sense of crisis within PTI leadership right now. Imran Khan is incommunicado with almost everyone. His WhatsApp has been shut down for most part of the day. Bani Gala house does not have a lot of visitors right now. — Salman Masood (@salmanmasood) January 9, 2018 × This came hours after Imran Khan, in a move to defend himself over the recent marriage controversy revolving around him, went on a Twitter spree, stating he had been wondering if he committed any crime. 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. 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.

Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan goes incommunicado 

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has issued an official statement regarding the media reports claiming that<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/has-imran-khan-secretly-married-again-28703"> Imran Khan got married</a> third time on Saturday. According to the statement, Imran Khan did propose Bushra Maneka who will give Imran her reply after consulting her family members including kids.

The official statement was posted on Twitter on Sunday.

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Official Statement issued by Chairman Secretariat. <a href="https://t.co/29p2VJu20u">pic.twitter.com/29p2VJu20u</a>
&mdash; PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/949880867928903680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The reports added that if Bushra Maneka accepts Imran Khan&#39;s proposal, he himself&nbsp;will announce the wedding to the media.

There were media reports on Saturday that Imran Khan has secretly got married on New Year&#39;s Day for the third time.

Reports said that he got married to a woman he used to visit for spiritual guidance.

Later in the same day, PTI leaders rejected the report on Twitter.&nbsp;

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This is irresponsible yellow journalism.I had categorically denied the veracity of this planted gossip to cheema. Totally concocted story.
&mdash; Awn Chaudry (@AwnChaudry) <a href="https://twitter.com/AwnChaudry/status/949496710899929089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

In an official party statement, it said that Imran Khan did propose Bushra Maneka who will give Imran her answer after she consults her family including her kids.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has issued an official statement regarding the media reports claiming that Imran Khan got married third time on Saturday. According to the statement, Imran Khan did propose Bushra Maneka who will give Imran her reply after consulting her family members including kids. The official statement was posted on Twitter on Sunday. Official Statement issued by Chairman Secretariat. pic.twitter.com/29p2VJu20u — PTI (@PTIofficial) January 7, 2018 × The reports added that if Bushra Maneka accepts Imran Khan's proposal, he himself will announce the wedding to the media. There were media reports on Saturday that Imran Khan has secretly got married on New Year's Day for the third time. Reports said that he got married to a woman he used to visit for spiritual guidance. Later in the same day, PTI leaders rejected the report on Twitter. This is irresponsible yellow journalism.I had categorically denied the veracity of this planted gossip to cheema. Totally concocted story. — Awn Chaudry (@AwnChaudry) January 6, 2018 ×

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf denies Imran Khan's secret wedding rumours

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 top court asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif&#39;s family to establish ownership of Minerva Financial Services Limited on Friday.

The Supreme Court warned Sharif&#39;s lawyers that in case they failed to establish ownership, the court would have to &#39;imagine&#39; that the charges levelled against them by the opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), were true. The statements were made in the third consecutive hearing on the Panamagate case.

The Opposition&#39;s lead counsel, Naem Bokhari, argued that the flats under question were bought under the name of the premier&#39;s daughter, Maryam Nawaz, between 1993-1996. Maryam was a minor at that&nbsp;time.

Maryam&#39;s brother Hussain Nawaz was claimed by the family as the holder of the financial firm. PTI is trying to establish that Maryam was the beneficial owner of Minerva which held Nescoll Limited and Nielson Enterprises Limited&nbsp;&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;&nbsp;the owners of the four London flats.

Bokhari added that Maryam was gifted $544,398 in 2011 by her father. Sharif also gave her gifts valued over $441,403 in 2013.

Pakistan&#39;s Supreme Court had agreed to open a probe into Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif&#39;s alleged hidden wealth on November 1.

Panama leaks suggest that PM Sharif&#39;s three children own offshore companies and assets not shown on official records.

Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz had on November 15 handed over evidence documenting the legitimacy of their assets to the top court, The Dawn reported. The documents, totalling about 400 pages, contained the pertinent details of transactions and receipt payments dating back to 2011.

Opposition leader Imran Khan had called for a citywide strike on November 2 in order to force Sharif to step down from his position due to his name cropping up in the infamous scandal that came to be known as &quot;Panamagate.&quot;&nbsp;Khan called off the protest in the wake of the court&#39;s verdict and said the lockdown will instead be celebrated as a &#39;thanksgiving&#39;.

Khan&#39;s challenge stems from documents leaked from the Panama-based Mossack Fonseca law firm that appeared to show that Sharif&#39;s daughter and two sons owned offshore holding companies registered in the British Virgin Islands, Reuters reported.

Khan has alleged that the money and the flats held by the companies were gained by corrupt means.

In May, Khan had himself admitted to using an offshore company to avoid paying British tax on a London property sale.

The Panama Papers refers to 11.5 million leaked documents, some dating back to as far back as the 1970s, detailing the financial and attorney-client services by the Panamanian law firm, Mossack Fonseca. The International Consortium of International Journalists, in tandem with journalist from media outlets from around the world, inspected the leaks for wrondoing, before turning them over to the public.

The leaked documents illustrate how wealthy individuals and public officials keep their finances hidden. While offshore business entities are legal, reporters found some usages of shell corporations were used to fraud, kleptocracy, tax evasion, evading international sanctions, and other illegal purposes.

Most media dutifully pointed out, being singled out in connection with the Panama Papers is not proof of guilt.

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, is trying to establish that Sharif's daughter was the beneficial owner of Minerva

Pakistan's top court asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's family to establish ownership of Minerva Financial Services Limited on Friday. The Supreme Court warned Sharif's lawyers that in case they failed to establish ownership, the court would have to 'imagine' that the charges levelled against them by the opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), were true. The statements were made in the third consecutive hearing on the Panamagate case. The Opposition's lead counsel, Naem Bokhari, argued that the flats under question were bought under the name of the premier's daughter, Maryam Nawaz, between 1993-1996. Maryam was a minor at that time. Maryam's brother Hussain Nawaz was claimed by the family as the holder of the financial firm. PTI is trying to establish that Maryam was the beneficial owner of Minerva which held Nescoll Limited and Nielson Enterprises Limited — the owners of the four London flats. Bokhari added that Maryam was gifted $544,398 in 2011 by her father. Sharif also gave her gifts valued over $441,403 in 2013. Pakistan's Supreme Court had agreed to open a probe into Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's alleged hidden wealth on November 1. Panama leaks suggest that PM Sharif's three children own offshore companies and assets not shown on official records. Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz had on November 15 handed over evidence documenting the legitimacy of their assets to the top court, The Dawn reported. The documents, totalling about 400 pages, contained the pertinent details of transactions and receipt payments dating back to 2011. Opposition leader Imran Khan had called for a citywide strike on November 2 in order to force Sharif to step down from his position due to his name cropping up in the infamous scandal that came to be known as "Panamagate." Khan called off the protest in the wake of the court's verdict and said the lockdown will instead be celebrated as a 'thanksgiving'. Khan's challenge stems from documents leaked from the Panama-based Mossack Fonseca law firm that appeared to show that Sharif's daughter and two sons owned offshore holding companies registered in the British Virgin Islands, Reuters reported. Khan has alleged that the money and the flats held by the companies were gained by corrupt means. In May, Khan had himself admitted to using an offshore company to avoid paying British tax on a London property sale. The Panama Papers refers to 11.5 million leaked documents, some dating back to as far back as the 1970s, detailing the financial and attorney-client services by the Panamanian law firm, Mossack Fonseca. The International Consortium of International Journalists, in tandem with journalist from media outlets from around the world, inspected the leaks for wrondoing, before turning them over to the public. The leaked documents illustrate how wealthy individuals and public officials keep their finances hidden. While offshore business entities are legal, reporters found some usages of shell corporations were used to fraud, kleptocracy, tax evasion, evading international sanctions, and other illegal purposes. Most media dutifully pointed out, being singled out in connection with the Panama Papers is not proof of guilt. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Panamagate: Pakistan top court puts onus on PM Sharif's family to establish ownership of firm

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