Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party has reportedly hired a firm for lobbying in the United States to make authorities aware of the threats faced by Pakistan’s former prime minister.

Dawn newspaper, quoting a senior party leader, reported that the PTI’s US unit signed a contract with a Washington-based lobbying firm, Praia Consultants LLC, on February 21 this year. The contract will be valid for six months and can be renewed for another six-month term with mutual consent.

The New York-based PTI unit will pay $8,333 per month to the US firm. Under the contract, the firm “shall provide expert advice regarding the client’s relationship with the US government and institutions”.

The firm shall also “organise meetings with several key US decision-makers and will provide guidance in terms of the content of the meetings”.

The details of the agreement were revealed only on Wednesday, a month after the contract was signed after Pakistan’s former US ambassador Hussain Haqqani posted a copy of the contract on his Twitter handle.

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اندرون مُلک بیانیہ ہے کہ امریکہ سے “حقیقی آزادی” چاہئیے۔ اُدھر امریکہ میں لابئسٹوں کو ڈالروں میں ادائیگیاں جاری ہیں۔ عمران خان کی پی ٹی آئی نے امریکہ میں ایک اور لابئیسٹ ہائر کر لیا۔ 🤔 <a href="https://t.co/g0vaFzFHA5">pic.twitter.com/g0vaFzFHA5</a>
— Husain Haqqani (@husainhaqqani) <a href="https://twitter.com/husainhaqqani/status/1638503568134090754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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This prompted strong reactions from the adviser to the PTI chairman on overseas affairs, Atif Khan, who then publicly acknowledged the contract.

“What we are paying the firm, does not come from Pakistan. It’s our money that we are spending to protect Imran Khan,” he wrote.

“The firm will help us in making Americans aware of the threat to Khan’s life,” he told Dawn.

The need to hire a lobbying firm to repair relations between Khan and the Biden administration marks a departure from the party’s previous policy where Washington has been blamed for the cricketer-turned-politician’s ouster from the government in April last year.

With this, the PTI hopes to win over the sympathies for the former prime minister in Washington where he is believed to be unpopular.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party has reportedly hired a firm for lobbying in the United States to make authorities aware of the threats faced by Pakistan’s former prime minister.

Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party has reportedly hired a firm for lobbying in the United States to make authorities aware of the threats faced by Pakistan’s former prime minister. Dawn newspaper, quoting a senior party leader, reported that the PTI’s US unit signed a contract with a Washington-based lobbying firm, Praia Consultants LLC, on February 21 this year. The contract will be valid for six months and can be renewed for another six-month term with mutual consent. The New York-based PTI unit will pay $8,333 per month to the US firm. Under the contract, the firm “shall provide expert advice regarding the client’s relationship with the US government and institutions”. The firm shall also “organise meetings with several key US decision-makers and will provide guidance in terms of the content of the meetings”. The details of the agreement were revealed only on Wednesday, a month after the contract was signed after Pakistan’s former US ambassador Hussain Haqqani posted a copy of the contract on his Twitter handle. اندرون مُلک بیانیہ ہے کہ امریکہ سے “حقیقی آزادی” چاہئیے۔ اُدھر امریکہ میں لابئسٹوں کو ڈالروں میں ادائیگیاں جاری ہیں۔ عمران خان کی پی ٹی آئی نے امریکہ میں ایک اور لابئیسٹ ہائر کر لیا۔ 🤔 pic.twitter.com/g0vaFzFHA5 — Husain Haqqani (@husainhaqqani) March 22, 2023 × This prompted strong reactions from the adviser to the PTI chairman on overseas affairs, Atif Khan, who then publicly acknowledged the contract. “What we are paying the firm, does not come from Pakistan. It’s our money that we are spending to protect Imran Khan,” he wrote. “The firm will help us in making Americans aware of the threat to Khan’s life,” he told Dawn. The need to hire a lobbying firm to repair relations between Khan and the Biden administration marks a departure from the party’s previous policy where Washington has been blamed for the cricketer-turned-politician’s ouster from the government in April last year. With this, the PTI hopes to win over the sympathies for the former prime minister in Washington where he is believed to be unpopular. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pakistan: Imran Khan’s party PTI hires US lobbying firm to win over Washington pessimists

In a series of audio leaks, Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has landed itself into more visible trouble where two of his key party members are allegedly heard talking about derailing the IMF program.&nbsp;

The audio leaks, that between Senator Shaukat Tareen, the former finance minister and his conversations with Mohsin Laghari, the finance minister of Punjab province and Taimur Saleem Jhagra, the finance minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, both of whom are ruled by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in the provincial governments.&nbsp;

In the audio leaked, Shaukat Tareen is heard giving instructions on writing a letter to the Federal showing the provinces' ineligibility to fulfil the commitments with the federal government in order to proceed with the IMF, owing to the flood situation. The Punjab finance minister is heard asking Shaukat Tareen, whether this would damage the state of Pakistan, KP Finance Minister also calls the move in his conversation as a blackmailing tactic.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/international-aid-reaches-flood-stricken-pakistan-511096">International aid reaches flood-stricken Pakistan; death toll crosses 1000-mark</a>&nbsp;

While the call talks about sending a copy of the letters informally to the IMF, KPKs finance minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra has denied sending any such copy to any IMF representative.&nbsp;

On Friday, a letter surfaced on social media which was confirmed by the KP minister as his writing where the province of KPK expressed their ineligibility to the federal government to fulfil their commitments to the IMF, due to mis-commitments and flood situation.&nbsp;

The move was widely critiqued and was seen as PTI's efforts to torpedo the IMF deal ahead of the groups board meeting on Monday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-journalist-booked-for-misquoting-imran-khan-over-blasphemous-remarks-511047">Pak journalist booked for misquoting Imran Khan over 'blasphemous' remarks</a>

The ruling parties criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for “playing politics” after it allegedly refused to implement the terms of the IMF agreement in a letter as part of “a ploy to plunge Pakistan into a flood of economic crisis.&nbsp;

While the veracity of the audio has been confirmed by PTI while defending that there was nothing wrong said or against law in it, it also remains unclear until the filing of this report as to who recorded and leaked the conversation.&nbsp;

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So audio call btwn Tarin &amp; prov FM leaked. There is nothing illegal or wrong in the convo. We have publicly opposed the terms on which imported govt is taking loan from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IMF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IMF</a>. But what is illegal is the wire tapping done on conversation without court order. A criminal offence.
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShireenMazari1/status/1564169775768641536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In a series of audio leaks, Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has landed itself into more visible trouble where two of his key party members are allegedly heard talking about derailing the IMF program.

In a series of audio leaks, Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has landed itself into more visible trouble where two of his key party members are allegedly heard talking about derailing the IMF program. The audio leaks, that between Senator Shaukat Tareen, the former finance minister and his conversations with Mohsin Laghari, the finance minister of Punjab province and Taimur Saleem Jhagra, the finance minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, both of whom are ruled by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in the provincial governments. In the audio leaked, Shaukat Tareen is heard giving instructions on writing a letter to the Federal showing the provinces' ineligibility to fulfil the commitments with the federal government in order to proceed with the IMF, owing to the flood situation. The Punjab finance minister is heard asking Shaukat Tareen, whether this would damage the state of Pakistan, KP Finance Minister also calls the move in his conversation as a blackmailing tactic. ALSO READ | International aid reaches flood-stricken Pakistan; death toll crosses 1000-mark While the call talks about sending a copy of the letters informally to the IMF, KPKs finance minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra has denied sending any such copy to any IMF representative. On Friday, a letter surfaced on social media which was confirmed by the KP minister as his writing where the province of KPK expressed their ineligibility to the federal government to fulfil their commitments to the IMF, due to mis-commitments and flood situation. The move was widely critiqued and was seen as PTI's efforts to torpedo the IMF deal ahead of the groups board meeting on Monday. ALSO READ | Pak journalist booked for misquoting Imran Khan over 'blasphemous' remarks The ruling parties criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for “playing politics” after it allegedly refused to implement the terms of the IMF agreement in a letter as part of “a ploy to plunge Pakistan into a flood of economic crisis. While the veracity of the audio has been confirmed by PTI while defending that there was nothing wrong said or against law in it, it also remains unclear until the filing of this report as to who recorded and leaked the conversation. So audio call btwn Tarin & prov FM leaked. There is nothing illegal or wrong in the convo. We have publicly opposed the terms on which imported govt is taking loan from #IMF. But what is illegal is the wire tapping done on conversation without court order. A criminal offence. — Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) August 29, 2022 × WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf in trouble following more audio leaks

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party dissident Noor Alam Khan was seen involved in a fight with an elderly at a hotel in Islamabad on Tuesday (April 12). The identity of the elderly has not been revealed, however, the video of the incident has gone viral on social media.&nbsp;

Apart from Noor Alam Khan, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Faisal Karim Kundi and Nadeem Afzal Khan were also there as they can be seen in the video.&nbsp;

Pakistan media reports have mentioned that the elderly allegedly called Noor Alam&nbsp;a 'turncoat' and used cuss words against him at the private hotel where the politicians were having an iftar dinner.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mending-ties-with-india-other-neighbours-will-be-priority-of-my-government-pak-pm-sharif-470594">Mending ties with India, other neighbours will be priority of my government: Pak PM Sharif</a>

In the viral video, some of the mentioned politicians can be seen approaching the elderly. The surroundings looked like a dining hall. In the same video, Kundi can be seen picking up a glass and hurling its contents at the elderly.&nbsp;

The video also shows how Khan and Khokhar thrashed the citizen after he threw a bottle at the dissident PTI lawmaker. The elderly citizen is said to be a PTI worker.&nbsp;

So far, there is no official statement on how the fight was started and who instigated it. But Pakistan-based media outlet Dawn reported that Noor Alam had called the police later to submit his version of the events.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/newly-elected-pak-pm-sharif-to-visit-china-saudi-arabia-report-470581">Newly elected Pak PM Sharif to visit China, Saudi Arabia: Report</a>

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/NOORALAMKHAN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NOORALAMKHAN</a> ; <a href="https://twitter.com/Mustafa_PPP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mustafa_PPP</a> beating up an old citizen at Iftaar <a href="https://twitter.com/Marriott?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Marriott</a> for calling Noor Alam Khan a 'Lota', which he most definitely is. <a href="https://twitter.com/ICT_Police?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICT_Police</a> what's going on?? <a href="https://t.co/yk7SPg9tx1">pic.twitter.com/yk7SPg9tx1</a>
— Major Adil Raja (R) (@soldierspeaks) <a href="https://twitter.com/soldierspeaks/status/1513922198582579204?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In his complaint, Noor Alam said that the unidentified man started to use cuss words when he was at the hotel with his friends. He also mentioned that the man threatened to kill him.&nbsp;

He claimed, "The man did not stop and assaulted me and Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar with intent to kill, at which point we tried to stop him in our defence."&nbsp;

Important to note that Noor Alam Khan is among other PTI dissidents, who took refuge at the Sindh House in the federal capital before the vote of no-confidence against former Prime Minister Imran Khan.&nbsp;

The PTI dissidents had parted ways with the then-ruling party and had stated that they would not contest the next elections on a PTI ticket.&nbsp;

They had reportedly mentioned that they would vote against Imran Khan in the no-confidence vote. But eventually, they didn't have to as the then-opposition managed to gather enough votes to oust Imran Khan from power.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party dissident Noor Alam Khan was seen involved in a fight with an elderly at a hotel in Islamabad on Tuesday (April 12). The identity of the elderly has not been revealed, however, the video of the incident has gone viral on social media.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party dissident Noor Alam Khan was seen involved in a fight with an elderly at a hotel in Islamabad on Tuesday (April 12). The identity of the elderly has not been revealed, however, the video of the incident has gone viral on social media. Apart from Noor Alam Khan, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Faisal Karim Kundi and Nadeem Afzal Khan were also there as they can be seen in the video. Pakistan media reports have mentioned that the elderly allegedly called Noor Alam a 'turncoat' and used cuss words against him at the private hotel where the politicians were having an iftar dinner. ALSO READ | Mending ties with India, other neighbours will be priority of my government: Pak PM Sharif In the viral video, some of the mentioned politicians can be seen approaching the elderly. The surroundings looked like a dining hall. In the same video, Kundi can be seen picking up a glass and hurling its contents at the elderly. The video also shows how Khan and Khokhar thrashed the citizen after he threw a bottle at the dissident PTI lawmaker. The elderly citizen is said to be a PTI worker. So far, there is no official statement on how the fight was started and who instigated it. But Pakistan-based media outlet Dawn reported that Noor Alam had called the police later to submit his version of the events. ALSO READ | Newly elected Pak PM Sharif to visit China, Saudi Arabia: Report Watch the video here: @NOORALAMKHAN ; @Mustafa_PPP beating up an old citizen at Iftaar @Marriott for calling Noor Alam Khan a 'Lota', which he most definitely is. @ICT_Police what's going on?? pic.twitter.com/yk7SPg9tx1 — Major Adil Raja (R) (@soldierspeaks) April 12, 2022 × In his complaint, Noor Alam said that the unidentified man started to use cuss words when he was at the hotel with his friends. He also mentioned that the man threatened to kill him. He claimed, "The man did not stop and assaulted me and Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar with intent to kill, at which point we tried to stop him in our defence." Important to note that Noor Alam Khan is among other PTI dissidents, who took refuge at the Sindh House in the federal capital before the vote of no-confidence against former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The PTI dissidents had parted ways with the then-ruling party and had stated that they would not contest the next elections on a PTI ticket. They had reportedly mentioned that they would vote against Imran Khan in the no-confidence vote. But eventually, they didn't have to as the then-opposition managed to gather enough votes to oust Imran Khan from power. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: PTI dissident Noor Alam Khan, PPP leaders 'thrash elderly' Pakistani at hotel

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and six others were indicted by an anti-corruption court on Monday over alleged corruption in granting approval to a power generation project that caused losses worth billions of rupees to the national exchequer.

Accountability court judge Mohammad Arshad Malik indicted Pakistan Peoples Party leader Ashraf and six others including Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Babar Awan in the Nandipur power project corruption case.

The court framed the charges, which include causing a delay in according approval to the project, which caused losses worth billions of rupees to the national exchequer. 
All the accused in the case have pleaded 'not guilty'.

The court also summoned the first witness on March 19 when the formal trial of the accused will start, as Judge Malik announced to conclude the trial at the earliest.

The case was filed by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on September 5 last year and is based on delay in the execution of the project and hurdles created by the Ashraf while serving as minister of water and power and Awan who was then minister of law.

The project was approved on December 27, 2007, at a cost of $329 million. Its contract was signed on January 28, 2008, to Dong Fang Electric Corporation, China and two consortiums including Coface and Sinosure.

The auditor general of Pakistan (AGP) later on found irregularities of over Rs 8000 crores in the project, including over Rs 1700 crores losses due to the delay.

Ashraf was Prime Minister of Pakistan from June 22, 2012, until March 16, 2013. Earlier, he served as minister of water and power in the Yousaf Raza Gillani-led government from March 2008 to February 2011.&nbsp;

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and six others were indicted by an anti-corruption court on Monday over alleged corruption in granting approval to a power generation project that caused losses worth billions of rupees to the national exchequer.

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and six others were indicted by an anti-corruption court on Monday over alleged corruption in granting approval to a power generation project that caused losses worth billions of rupees to the national exchequer. Accountability court judge Mohammad Arshad Malik indicted Pakistan Peoples Party leader Ashraf and six others including Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Babar Awan in the Nandipur power project corruption case. The court framed the charges, which include causing a delay in according approval to the project, which caused losses worth billions of rupees to the national exchequer. All the accused in the case have pleaded 'not guilty'. The court also summoned the first witness on March 19 when the formal trial of the accused will start, as Judge Malik announced to conclude the trial at the earliest. The case was filed by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on September 5 last year and is based on delay in the execution of the project and hurdles created by the Ashraf while serving as minister of water and power and Awan who was then minister of law. The project was approved on December 27, 2007, at a cost of $329 million. Its contract was signed on January 28, 2008, to Dong Fang Electric Corporation, China and two consortiums including Coface and Sinosure. The auditor general of Pakistan (AGP) later on found irregularities of over Rs 8000 crores in the project, including over Rs 1700 crores losses due to the delay. Ashraf was Prime Minister of Pakistan from June 22, 2012, until March 16, 2013. Earlier, he served as minister of water and power in the Yousaf Raza Gillani-led government from March 2008 to February 2011.

Pakistan's former PM Raja Pervez Ashraf, six others indicted in power project corruption case

Polling for Pakistan's second round of by-elections in three national and provincial assembly constituencies in Karachi and Peshawar were underway amidst strict security.

A total of 858,866 voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the by-polls, which were necessitated after the candidates elected on them in the July 25 general elections tendered their resignations.&nbsp;

All three of the winners belonged to the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).

Arif Alvi, who was elected from NA-247, resigned after being elected the country's president. Imran Ismail, who had won from PS-111 (Karachi South), gave up his seat after being appointed as the Sindh governor, while Shah Farman resigned from PK-71 Peshawar after being named the governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The elections to the NA-247 seat will see a close contest between PTI's billionaire businessman and real estate developer nominee Aftab Hussain Siddiqui and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) showbiz celebrity candidate Qaiser Nizamani.&nbsp;

There are around 5,46,451 voters in the constituency where 240 polling stations have been set-up.

Heavy security arrangements were seen for the NA-247 by-election in Karachi. Hundreds of army and paramilitary personnel, and policemen were seen on duty around and inside the polling stations.&nbsp;

Twelve candidates are in the fray for the NA-247 seat, while 15 for PS-111 and five for PK-71.

The first phase was held on October 14 for 11 National and 24 Provincial Assemblies where the ruling PTI and the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won most of the seats.&nbsp;

Polling for Pakistan's second round of by-elections in three national and provincial assembly constituencies in Karachi and Peshawar were underway amidst strict security.

Polling for Pakistan's second round of by-elections in three national and provincial assembly constituencies in Karachi and Peshawar were underway amidst strict security. A total of 858,866 voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the by-polls, which were necessitated after the candidates elected on them in the July 25 general elections tendered their resignations. All three of the winners belonged to the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). Arif Alvi, who was elected from NA-247, resigned after being elected the country's president. Imran Ismail, who had won from PS-111 (Karachi South), gave up his seat after being appointed as the Sindh governor, while Shah Farman resigned from PK-71 Peshawar after being named the governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The elections to the NA-247 seat will see a close contest between PTI's billionaire businessman and real estate developer nominee Aftab Hussain Siddiqui and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) showbiz celebrity candidate Qaiser Nizamani. There are around 5,46,451 voters in the constituency where 240 polling stations have been set-up. Heavy security arrangements were seen for the NA-247 by-election in Karachi. Hundreds of army and paramilitary personnel, and policemen were seen on duty around and inside the polling stations. Twelve candidates are in the fray for the NA-247 seat, while 15 for PS-111 and five for PK-71. The first phase was held on October 14 for 11 National and 24 Provincial Assemblies where the ruling PTI and the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won most of the seats.

People cast their vote in second round of Pakistan bypolls

A woman lawmaker has slapped a Rs 5 billion defamation suit against Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan after being accused by her party of horse-trading during the Senate elections earlier this year.

Member of the former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Bibi Fauzia filed a defamation suit with the Peshawar district and sessions judge yesterday, Dawn newspaper reported today.&nbsp

On April 18, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Khan had alleged that as many as 18 party lawmakers in the provincial assembly had sold their votes.

Amongst those accused of selling their votes was PTI lawmaker Fauzia. She had been elected to the provincial legislature on a reserved seat for women from Chitral.

The suit sought Rs 5 billion as damages from the PTI chief ahead of general elections in Pakistan on July 25.&nbsp

The case was assigned to additional district and sessions judge Shah Waliullah Hamid Hashmi, who fixed the preliminary hearing on June 27, it said.

She said she had followed the PTI's directions in the Senate elections by voting for the candidates named by it for general and reserved seats.

Fauzia said after the elections, the PTI chief began "uttering, spreading and resorting to publication, communication and circulation of maliciously false, baseless and unfounded oral statements and representation" against her.

She said Khan accused her of selling vote for money through electronic, print and social media.

The former lawmaker said she denied the charge by taking oath on the Holy Quran and replied to the show cause notice issued by the PTI Secretariat within the stipulated time.

She said she asked Khan of holding an 'open inquiry' into the matter, provide her with an opportunity of hearing, and confront her with all witnesses and material against her.

Fauzia however said the PTI chief failed to hold the inquiry and prove the horse-trading charge against her.

She claimed that the defamatory statement of Khan had damaged her political, social and family life besides destroying her personality.

"I served a legal notice on Imran Khan under Section 8 of the Defamation Ordinance asking him to tender an apology but he failed to respond to it," she said.&nbsp

A woman lawmaker has slapped a Rs 5 billion defamation suit against Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan after being accused by her party of horse-trading during the Senate elections earlier this year

A woman lawmaker has slapped a Rs 5 billion defamation suit against Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan after being accused by her party of horse-trading during the Senate elections earlier this year. Member of the former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Bibi Fauzia filed a defamation suit with the Peshawar district and sessions judge yesterday, Dawn newspaper reported today. On April 18, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Khan had alleged that as many as 18 party lawmakers in the provincial assembly had sold their votes. Amongst those accused of selling their votes was PTI lawmaker Fauzia. She had been elected to the provincial legislature on a reserved seat for women from Chitral. The suit sought Rs 5 billion as damages from the PTI chief ahead of general elections in Pakistan on July 25. The case was assigned to additional district and sessions judge Shah Waliullah Hamid Hashmi, who fixed the preliminary hearing on June 27, it said. She said she had followed the PTI's directions in the Senate elections by voting for the candidates named by it for general and reserved seats. Fauzia said after the elections, the PTI chief began "uttering, spreading and resorting to publication, communication and circulation of maliciously false, baseless and unfounded oral statements and representation" against her. She said Khan accused her of selling vote for money through electronic, print and social media. The former lawmaker said she denied the charge by taking oath on the Holy Quran and replied to the show cause notice issued by the PTI Secretariat within the stipulated time. She said she asked Khan of holding an 'open inquiry' into the matter, provide her with an opportunity of hearing, and confront her with all witnesses and material against her. Fauzia however said the PTI chief failed to hold the inquiry and prove the horse-trading charge against her. She claimed that the defamatory statement of Khan had damaged her political, social and family life besides destroying her personality. "I served a legal notice on Imran Khan under Section 8 of the Defamation Ordinance asking him to tender an apology but he failed to respond to it," she said.

Former Pak woman lawmaker sues Imran Khan for defamation

Pakistan's minister for privatisation Daniyal Aziz was slapped by a senior leader of Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf during a TV talk show.

A 36-second clip posted on Geo News website showed Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Naeemul Haque and Aziz mudslinging each other's party in the Aapas Ki Baat programme yesterday.&nbsp

Then all of a sudden Aziz, in an aggressive tone, addressed Haque and said: "Am I afraid of you... Afraid of thieves like you".

Haque lost his temper when Aziz called him a "thief".

Aziz kept his cool after being slapped and just said: "How dare you slap me?" At this Haque retorted: "How dare you call me a thief?"

Pakistan's former ousted prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supemo Nawaz Sharif said that "it showed culture of PTI".

This is not the first time Haque is getting involved in such trouble. In 2011, during a TV show, he threw a glass of water on Pakistan Peoples Party leader Jameel Soomro.

This is not the first time Haque is getting involved in such trouble.

Pakistan's minister for privatisation Daniyal Aziz was slapped by a senior leader of Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf during a TV talk show. A 36-second clip posted on Geo News website showed Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Naeemul Haque and Aziz mudslinging each other's party in the Aapas Ki Baat programme yesterday. Then all of a sudden Aziz, in an aggressive tone, addressed Haque and said: "Am I afraid of you... Afraid of thieves like you". Haque lost his temper when Aziz called him a "thief". Aziz kept his cool after being slapped and just said: "How dare you slap me?" At this Haque retorted: "How dare you call me a thief?" Pakistan's former ousted prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supemo Nawaz Sharif said that "it showed culture of PTI". This is not the first time Haque is getting involved in such trouble. In 2011, during a TV show, he threw a glass of water on Pakistan Peoples Party leader Jameel Soomro.

Imran's Khan's party member slaps Pakistan minister

&nbsp;A shoe was hurled at Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan on Tuesday during a rally in Gujrat city in Pakistan&#39;s Punjab province.

The shoe hit PTI leader Aleem Khan as he was standing alongside Imran Khan, reported Geo News.

The PTI chief had just turned to face a different direction when the shoe came flying in, hitting Aleem squarely on the chest, the report said.

Imran was addressing a public gathering and was present on top of a vehicle with fellow PTI leaders and staff.

Imran Khan concluded his address soon after the attack.

According to the reports, this isn&#39;t the first such attack on the PTI chief. Last week, a man was beaten up and handed over to police for allegedly trying to hurl a shoe at Imran as he was getting into his vehicle to leave the venue of a rally in Faisalabad.

Earlier on Sunday, a miscreant hurled a shoe at Pakistan&#39;s former prime minister Nawaz Sharif when he was about to address a gathering at Jamia Naeemia&#39;s mosque in Lahore.

Furthermore, on Saturday a man threw ink at Pakistan&#39;s Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif during his speech at the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz&#39;s (PML-N) workers&#39; convention in Sialkot, The man was taken into police custody.&nbsp;

The shoe hit PTI leader Aleem Khan as he was standing alongside Imran Khan

A shoe was hurled at Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan on Tuesday during a rally in Gujrat city in Pakistan's Punjab province. The shoe hit PTI leader Aleem Khan as he was standing alongside Imran Khan, reported Geo News. The PTI chief had just turned to face a different direction when the shoe came flying in, hitting Aleem squarely on the chest, the report said. Imran was addressing a public gathering and was present on top of a vehicle with fellow PTI leaders and staff. Imran Khan concluded his address soon after the attack. According to the reports, this isn't the first such attack on the PTI chief. Last week, a man was beaten up and handed over to police for allegedly trying to hurl a shoe at Imran as he was getting into his vehicle to leave the venue of a rally in Faisalabad. Earlier on Sunday, a miscreant hurled a shoe at Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif when he was about to address a gathering at Jamia Naeemia's mosque in Lahore. Furthermore, on Saturday a man threw ink at Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif during his speech at the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) workers' convention in Sialkot, The man was taken into police custody.

Shoe hurled at Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan

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Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad hit out at the Congress saying that the entire banking system was out of control under the leadership of Economist Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

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China today announced a 8.1 per cent hike in its defence expenditure for this year to a whopping $175 billion, which is over three times higher than India&#39;s defence budget as it seeks to further advance an ambitious modernisation drive for its military.

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Sri Lanka imposed a curfew Monday in a central hill station town popular with tourists after days of communal unrest that saw a man killed and Muslim businesses set alight.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/italy-faces-political-gridlock-after-5-star-surges-34756">Italy faces political gridlock after 5-Star surges</a>

Italy faces a prolonged period of political instability after voters delivered a hung parliament on Sunday, spurning traditional parties and flocking to anti-establishment and far-right groups in record numbers.

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Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan on Monday announced he would contest the upcoming general election from Karachi.

Chidambaram helped Mehul Choksi in 2014: Ravi Shankar Prasad Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad hit out at the Congress saying that the entire banking system was out of control under the leadership of Economist Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. China increases defence budget to $175 billion, three times higher than India's China today announced a 8.1 per cent hike in its defence expenditure for this year to a whopping $175 billion, which is over three times higher than India's defence budget as it seeks to further advance an ambitious modernisation drive for its military. Sri Lanka imposes curfew after anti-Muslim riots Sri Lanka imposed a curfew Monday in a central hill station town popular with tourists after days of communal unrest that saw a man killed and Muslim businesses set alight. Italy faces political gridlock after 5-Star surges Italy faces a prolonged period of political instability after voters delivered a hung parliament on Sunday, spurning traditional parties and flocking to anti-establishment and far-right groups in record numbers. Imran Khan to contest 2018 general elections from Karachi Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan on Monday announced he would contest the upcoming general election from Karachi.

WION Evening News brief, March 8, 2018

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

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

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

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