Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is in London to meet his elder brother and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif. Shehbaz was accompanied by a delegation which comprises federal ministers and PML-N leaders.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif in London to meet Nawaz Sharif

The swearing-in of Shehbaz Sharif as Pakistan's new Prime Minister has naturally raised the odds for the return of his elder brother Nawaz Sharif. The deposed PM of Pakistan of is currently in London.

PML-N Supremo Nawaz Sharif returning to Pakistan?

PML-N Chief Shehbaz Sharif becomes Pakistan’s new Prime Minister replacing Imran Khan. Sharif is expected to take an oath at 8:00 pm local time. 174 votes have been polled in his favour. Sharif says that this is a victory for the people of Pakistan and calls Imran’s foreign consipracy claim a ‘drama’

Shehbaz Sharif becomes new Pak PM, 174 votes in favour of Sharif

PML-N Chief Shehbaz Sharif becomes Pakistan’s new Prime Minister replacing Imran Khan. Sharif will take an oath shortly. 174 votes have been polled in his favour. Sharif says that this is a victory for the people of Pakistan and calls Imran’s foreign consipracy claim a ‘drama’

Shehbaz Sharif becomes the new Prime Minister of Pakistan, will take oath shortly

The challenge of dethroning Imran Khan was just the beginning for Shehbaz Sharif. Now, PM Shehbaz Sharif will be staring at a list of challenges to be tackled urgently that were left behind by the Khan Government as he inherits a crippling Pak economy

Big challenges for Pakistan's new PM Shehbaz Sharif as he inherits a crippling Pak economy

PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz looked to gather support of the people of Pakistan to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday. &nbsp;

The PML-N leader addressed a Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) rally at Dhobi Ghat ground in Faisalabad. &nbsp;

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Maryam said the people were fully aware of how the prime minister had "disrespected the vote's sanctity". &nbsp;She added the PM had fulfilled only one promise that he would "make everyone cry" and today, "the entire nation is crying". &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/with-hefty-fine-new-social-media-rules-give-more-teeth-to-pakistan-govt-421291" hreflang="en">With hefty fine, new social media rules give more teeth to Pakistan govt</a>

The PML-N vice-president also spoke about PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and said that he has "left everything in the hands of God". Sharif is in London and has been declared an absconder by Pakistani courts. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The leader slammed the prime minister over the power crisis and petrol price rise, and said the country is facing a shortage of electricity in the summer and a shortage of gas in the winter. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-pakistan-where-inflation-is-at-an-all-time-high-a-cup-of-tea-costs-rs-40-420964" hreflang="en">In Pakistan, where inflation is at an all-time high, a cup of tea costs Rs 40&nbsp;</a>

She claimed the PM used the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for taking revenge on political opponents, and when the time came for his own accountability, he just amended the law. &nbsp;

Nawaz Sharif’s daughter said Imran Khan's party, PTI, has been ranked "number 1" in the Pandora Papers. "The nation was told Imran Khan's name isn't included in the list [...] have you ever heard that the leader of a pack of thieves was an honest person?" Maryam asked. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz looked to gather support of the people of Pakistan to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday. The PML-N leader addressed a Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) rally at Dhobi Ghat ground in Faisalabad.

PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz looked to gather support of the people of Pakistan to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday. The PML-N leader addressed a Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) rally at Dhobi Ghat ground in Faisalabad. ایسی محبتیں کسی کسی پہ نچھاور ہوتی ہیں pic.twitter.com/UopFsSsWok — Zeeshan Malik (@ZeshanMalick) October 16, 2021 × Maryam said the people were fully aware of how the prime minister had "disrespected the vote's sanctity". She added the PM had fulfilled only one promise that he would "make everyone cry" and today, "the entire nation is crying". Also Read: With hefty fine, new social media rules give more teeth to Pakistan govt The PML-N vice-president also spoke about PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and said that he has "left everything in the hands of God". Sharif is in London and has been declared an absconder by Pakistani courts. The leader slammed the prime minister over the power crisis and petrol price rise, and said the country is facing a shortage of electricity in the summer and a shortage of gas in the winter. Also Read: In Pakistan, where inflation is at an all-time high, a cup of tea costs Rs 40 She claimed the PM used the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for taking revenge on political opponents, and when the time came for his own accountability, he just amended the law. Nawaz Sharif’s daughter said Imran Khan's party, PTI, has been ranked "number 1" in the Pandora Papers. "The nation was told Imran Khan's name isn't included in the list [...] have you ever heard that the leader of a pack of thieves was an honest person?" Maryam asked. (With inputs from agencies)

'Entire nation is crying': Maryam Nawaz slams Pakistan PM Imran Khan

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

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

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

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

Pakistan&nbsp;Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed on Wednesday announced that&nbsp;PML-N supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's passport will be cancelled on February 16.

When questioned by reporters on the arrest of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former foreign minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, in connection with assets beyond means case,&nbsp;Rashid said it wasn't yet known but added: "[We] will cancel Nawaz Sharif's passport on February 16." He did not provide any details.

Nawaz Sharif has been living in London since November last&nbsp;year&nbsp;after he was permitted to leave the nation for clinical treatment.&nbsp;

Recently, the PML-N supremo has been declared proclaimed offender by the Islamabad High Court after he failed to appear before the court.

The very day, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Accountability and Interior Mirza Shahzad Akbar said that United Kingdom specialists had been approached to extradite the sentenced previous leader from their nation.&nbsp;

He said Pakistan had composed a letter to the UK to drop the visa of Nawaz which was given for clinical treatment in the wake of taking an endeavour.&nbsp;

PM Imran Khan in October said he would contact British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, if necessary, to talk about his removal and his guide Akbar composed a letter to British Home Secretary Priti Patel on October 5 asking her to oust the previous head whom he said is "liable for looting the state".&nbsp;

For Nawaz's situation, the public authority of Pakistan is planning to convince UK specialists to achieve a "constrained evacuation", at times called "regulatory expulsion" — a situation in which the Home Office upholds a person's expulsion from the UK on the off chance that they don't have leave to remain for example in the event that their application has been declined or if their leave to remain has terminated, Dawn announced.&nbsp;

While the Nawaz case is outstanding in that it includes a significant political character, it has gone to the UK Home Office when it is enduring an onslaught at home for being an asylum for outside nationals blamed for defilement.

Pakistan Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed on Wednesday announced that PML-N supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's passport will be cancelled on February 16.

Pakistan Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed on Wednesday announced that PML-N supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's passport will be cancelled on February 16. When questioned by reporters on the arrest of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former foreign minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, in connection with assets beyond means case, Rashid said it wasn't yet known but added: "[We] will cancel Nawaz Sharif's passport on February 16." He did not provide any details. Nawaz Sharif has been living in London since November last year after he was permitted to leave the nation for clinical treatment. Recently, the PML-N supremo has been declared proclaimed offender by the Islamabad High Court after he failed to appear before the court. The very day, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Accountability and Interior Mirza Shahzad Akbar said that United Kingdom specialists had been approached to extradite the sentenced previous leader from their nation. He said Pakistan had composed a letter to the UK to drop the visa of Nawaz which was given for clinical treatment in the wake of taking an endeavour. PM Imran Khan in October said he would contact British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, if necessary, to talk about his removal and his guide Akbar composed a letter to British Home Secretary Priti Patel on October 5 asking her to oust the previous head whom he said is "liable for looting the state". For Nawaz's situation, the public authority of Pakistan is planning to convince UK specialists to achieve a "constrained evacuation", at times called "regulatory expulsion" — a situation in which the Home Office upholds a person's expulsion from the UK on the off chance that they don't have leave to remain for example in the event that their application has been declined or if their leave to remain has terminated, Dawn announced. While the Nawaz case is outstanding in that it includes a significant political character, it has gone to the UK Home Office when it is enduring an onslaught at home for being an asylum for outside nationals blamed for defilement.

Nawaz Sharif's passport will be cancelled on February 16: Shaikh Rasheed

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has slammed the ruling government for delivering a harsh treatment to party president Shehbaz Sharif by continuing to transport him from jail to courts despite the National Assembly Opposition leader suffering from chronic backache.

"We condemn the shifting of Shehbaz Sharif to [General] hospital [for his CT Scan there] in an armoured car instead of being provided a better vehicle, keeping in view his chronic backache problem," said party spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb in a statement here on Monday.

Alleging that Prime Minister Imran Khan was doing politics on the health of the opposition leader, she said Khan could only tease Sharif as the Prime Minister took pride in persecuting the opposition while his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was failing to run the country.

She further alleged that the Gilgit-Baltistan election was stolen by incarcerating Sharif. Meanwhile, Dawn reported that PML-N Punjab information Secretary Azma Bukhari stated that the prosperous Punjab of Shehbaz Sharif was now at the mercy of "wheat and sugar mafias" as the government was engaged in "persecution" of the former chief minister and his son Hamza Shehbaz.

She also alleged that the Punjab cabinet meeting held on Monday discussed ways and means to further distress the Sharifs through tactics like forcing the Anti-Corruption Establishment to act against the opposition.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Sunday registered cases against Sharif and his two sons among others in the multibillion rupee sugar scam, under money laundering, fraud, and other charges.

Last year, Sharif and his son Hamza were indicted in connection with the Ramzan Sugar Mills case.

NAB had then alleged that Sharif misused his post as the former Punjab chief minister to build a bridge amounting to rupees five hundred million to facilitate the Ramzan mills.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has slammed the ruling government for delivering a harsh treatment to party president Shehbaz Sharif by continuing to transport him from jail to courts despite the National Assembly Opposition leader suffering from chronic backache.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has slammed the ruling government for delivering a harsh treatment to party president Shehbaz Sharif by continuing to transport him from jail to courts despite the National Assembly Opposition leader suffering from chronic backache. "We condemn the shifting of Shehbaz Sharif to [General] hospital [for his CT Scan there] in an armoured car instead of being provided a better vehicle, keeping in view his chronic backache problem," said party spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb in a statement here on Monday. Alleging that Prime Minister Imran Khan was doing politics on the health of the opposition leader, she said Khan could only tease Sharif as the Prime Minister took pride in persecuting the opposition while his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was failing to run the country. She further alleged that the Gilgit-Baltistan election was stolen by incarcerating Sharif. Meanwhile, Dawn reported that PML-N Punjab information Secretary Azma Bukhari stated that the prosperous Punjab of Shehbaz Sharif was now at the mercy of "wheat and sugar mafias" as the government was engaged in "persecution" of the former chief minister and his son Hamza Shehbaz. She also alleged that the Punjab cabinet meeting held on Monday discussed ways and means to further distress the Sharifs through tactics like forcing the Anti-Corruption Establishment to act against the opposition. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Sunday registered cases against Sharif and his two sons among others in the multibillion rupee sugar scam, under money laundering, fraud, and other charges. Last year, Sharif and his son Hamza were indicted in connection with the Ramzan Sugar Mills case. NAB had then alleged that Sharif misused his post as the former Punjab chief minister to build a bridge amounting to rupees five hundred million to facilitate the Ramzan mills.

Nawaz Sharif's PML-N slams Imran Khan government for mistreating party chief Shehbaz Sharif

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday termed the report of an inquiry carried out by the army regarding the arrest of his son-in-law retired Captain Safdar Awan as a "cover-up", saying that the report was "rejected".

"Inquiry report on the Karachi incident is a cover-up scapegoating juniors and shielding the real culprits. Report "Rejected"," the ousted premier tweeted, reported Dawn.

No other PML-N leader has commented on the party's official stance on the report, although Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) spokesperson Mian Iftikhar Hussain termed the inquiry as "a victory of the democratic forces."

"Now those responsible should be brought to justice. PDM will hold further consultations in this regard," he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had also welcomed the development as "good news", reported Dawn.

While addressing a public meeting in Gulmit, Gilgit-Baltistan, Bilawal said: "I have received good news that the chief of army staff [ordered] an inquiry, that inquiry has been completed and action has also been taken. We should welcome this step."

The Pakistan Army on Tuesday said that it has found officials of secret intel agency, ISI, and Rangers guilty of the "abduction" of Sindh IGP Mushtaq Mehr and the "overzealous" arrest of Capt Awan in a desecration case, adding that they have been removed from their posts.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) -- the military media affairs wing -- said that the court of inquiry constituted to redress the grievances of the Sindh inspector general on the orders of Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, has been completed.

Last month, the ISPR said the Army chief had taken notice of and ordered an immediate inquiry into the "Karachi incident", minutes after PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called on General Bajwa and ISI Director General Faiz Hameed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Awam, husband of PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz, from his hotel room on October 19.

Almost all police officers in Sindh applied for leave in protest against the humiliation meted out to IGP Mehr.

PML-N spokesman Muhammad Zubair, who is also a former Sindh governor, said that the IGP Sindh was "kidnapped" by the Rangers who forced him to file an FIR for Safdar's arrest.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday termed the report of an inquiry carried out by the army regarding the arrest of his son-in-law retired Captain Safdar Awan as a "cover-up", saying that the report was "rejected".

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday termed the report of an inquiry carried out by the army regarding the arrest of his son-in-law retired Captain Safdar Awan as a "cover-up", saying that the report was "rejected". "Inquiry report on the Karachi incident is a cover-up scapegoating juniors and shielding the real culprits. Report "Rejected"," the ousted premier tweeted, reported Dawn. No other PML-N leader has commented on the party's official stance on the report, although Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) spokesperson Mian Iftikhar Hussain termed the inquiry as "a victory of the democratic forces." "Now those responsible should be brought to justice. PDM will hold further consultations in this regard," he added. Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had also welcomed the development as "good news", reported Dawn. While addressing a public meeting in Gulmit, Gilgit-Baltistan, Bilawal said: "I have received good news that the chief of army staff [ordered] an inquiry, that inquiry has been completed and action has also been taken. We should welcome this step." The Pakistan Army on Tuesday said that it has found officials of secret intel agency, ISI, and Rangers guilty of the "abduction" of Sindh IGP Mushtaq Mehr and the "overzealous" arrest of Capt Awan in a desecration case, adding that they have been removed from their posts. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) -- the military media affairs wing -- said that the court of inquiry constituted to redress the grievances of the Sindh inspector general on the orders of Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, has been completed. Last month, the ISPR said the Army chief had taken notice of and ordered an immediate inquiry into the "Karachi incident", minutes after PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called on General Bajwa and ISI Director General Faiz Hameed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Awam, husband of PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz, from his hotel room on October 19. Almost all police officers in Sindh applied for leave in protest against the humiliation meted out to IGP Mehr. PML-N spokesman Muhammad Zubair, who is also a former Sindh governor, said that the IGP Sindh was "kidnapped" by the Rangers who forced him to file an FIR for Safdar's arrest.

Pakistan army inquiry into Safdar Awan's arrest a 'cover-up', says PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif

2 major confessions have been made in Pakistan's parliament. 1 - Pakistan orchestrated the 2019 Pulwama attack 2 - Pakistan released Wg. Cdr. Abhinandan under Indian pressure WION's Palki Sharma deconstructs the confessions & their impact on Imran Khan's political future.

Gravitas: Pakistan admits to Pulwama attack

A Pakistan politician claimed that fearing an attack by India, the Imran Khan Government had abruptly released Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. In a speech in the National Assembly, Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader Ayaz Sadiq said that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had in an important meeting pointed out that if Pakistan did not release Abhinandan Varthaman, India would attack Pakistan "that night by 9 pm."

Pakistan: Ayaz Sadiq reveals truth behind Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's release

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif continued to face sedition charges as all senior leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) were declared innocent. The case is registered with Shahdara Police in Lahore. As per Dawn, the decision to declare seniors leaders of PML-N innocent was taken late on Saturday by the police. 41 senior leaders of PML-N have been named in the FIR besides Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz.

Nawaz Sharif now faces sedition charges alone: Police drop cases against PML-N members

Pakistan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-day-after-release-from-sub-jail-asif-ali-zardari-to-be-shifted-to-karachi-hospital-268059">National Accountability Bureau</a> (NAB) on Monday arrested former Interior Minister and senior <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pml-n-leaders-meet-in-london-to-discuss-army-chiefs-tenure-other-parliamentary-affairs-266915">Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz</a> (PML-N) leader Ahsan Iqbal for alleged corruption in a spots city project. 
 
Iqbal was arrested from NAB's office in Rawalpindi where he had appeared to record his statement in the case regarding alleged corruption in Narowal Sports City (NSC) Project, Dawn reported. 
 
The PML-N leader will be produced before an accountability court today, where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/auqaf-dept-case-nab-approves-fresh-probe-against-shahbaz-sharif-252217">NAB</a> will ask for his physical remand. 
 
Iqbal, who served as the Interior Minister from August 2017 to May 2018, is accused of using funds of the federal government and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for a sports city being established in Narowal.

Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Monday arrested former Interior Minister and senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ahsan Iqbal for alleged corruption in a spots city project.

Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Monday arrested former Interior Minister and senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ahsan Iqbal for alleged corruption in a spots city project. Iqbal was arrested from NAB's office in Rawalpindi where he had appeared to record his statement in the case regarding alleged corruption in Narowal Sports City (NSC) Project, Dawn reported. The PML-N leader will be produced before an accountability court today, where NAB will ask for his physical remand. Iqbal, who served as the Interior Minister from August 2017 to May 2018, is accused of using funds of the federal government and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for a sports city being established in Narowal.

Pakistan: NAB arrests former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal in sports complex corruption case

A group of PML-N leaders on Saturday held a meeting in London with party president Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the party's role in various parliamentary matters including legislation on an army chief`s tenure and the suspended appointments of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

"We will inquire after the party's supreme leader and also take guidance (from Nawaz and Shehbaz) mainly on the issues of legislation on the extension in service of the army chief and the appointment of the new chief election commissioner (CEC)," PML-N spokesperson Maryam Aurangzeb had told Dawn News before the group's departure from Pakistan on Thursday.

She said the party leaders would return in a week after the consultation.

The Supreme Court in the last week of November had allowed General Qamar Bajwa to serve as army chief for another six months and asked the government to determine the tenure, terms, and conditions of the service of an army chief through legislation within the period.

Meanwhile, the opposition and government are facing a deadlock over the appointments of ECP members, as both sides have failed to reach a consensus on the matter.

Though both Shehbaz and Prime Minister Imran Khan have sent their recommendations for the post to the relevant parliamentary committee, an agreement is yet to be reached.

Sources said that the leaders would mainly be given the party line on the issues by Nawaz.

"The style of politics of these main parliamentarians of the PML-N on their return will reflect the mood of the elder Sharif," they added.

PML-N leaders Khawaja Asif, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Rana Tanveer, Shehbaz Sharif, Ayaz Sadiq, Ahsan Iqbal, and Amir Muqam took part in the meeting that was held at Maroush gardens in central London.

A group of PML-N leaders on Saturday held a meeting in London with party president Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the party's role in various parliamentary matters including legislation on an army chief`s tenure and the suspended appointments of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

A group of PML-N leaders on Saturday held a meeting in London with party president Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the party's role in various parliamentary matters including legislation on an army chief`s tenure and the suspended appointments of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). "We will inquire after the party's supreme leader and also take guidance (from Nawaz and Shehbaz) mainly on the issues of legislation on the extension in service of the army chief and the appointment of the new chief election commissioner (CEC)," PML-N spokesperson Maryam Aurangzeb had told Dawn News before the group's departure from Pakistan on Thursday. She said the party leaders would return in a week after the consultation. The Supreme Court in the last week of November had allowed General Qamar Bajwa to serve as army chief for another six months and asked the government to determine the tenure, terms, and conditions of the service of an army chief through legislation within the period. Meanwhile, the opposition and government are facing a deadlock over the appointments of ECP members, as both sides have failed to reach a consensus on the matter. Though both Shehbaz and Prime Minister Imran Khan have sent their recommendations for the post to the relevant parliamentary committee, an agreement is yet to be reached. Sources said that the leaders would mainly be given the party line on the issues by Nawaz. "The style of politics of these main parliamentarians of the PML-N on their return will reflect the mood of the elder Sharif," they added. PML-N leaders Khawaja Asif, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Rana Tanveer, Shehbaz Sharif, Ayaz Sadiq, Ahsan Iqbal, and Amir Muqam took part in the meeting that was held at Maroush gardens in central London.

PML-N leaders meet in London to discuss army chief's tenure, other parliamentary affairs

Danger to former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's health is increasing day by day as he was not being allowed to travel abroad for treatment, said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) representative Marriyum Aurangzeb on Sunday. 
 
Aurangzeb, while speaking to media, said the doctors had given Sharif a heavy dose of steroids to prepare him for his travel abroad, reported Geo News. 
 
"Nawaz Sharif's treatment abroad is being delayed by the delay in taking his name off the ECL. The doctors have said that he cannot be given heavy doses of steroids time and again," she said. 
 
Adding that it will become almost impossible to shift Sharif overseas for treatment in case of a medical emergency, Aurangzeb said: "Doctors have said that Sharif needs to be shifted abroad at once. Delay in his travel will increase dangers to his health." 
 
Further, she said that medical experts were doing their best to increase the platelet count of the former premier to ensure his health does not deteriorate when he travels. 
After his health deteriorated, the Pakistan government earlier this week allowed Sharif to travel abroad for treatment. However, his name wasn't removed from the Exit Control List (ECL). 
 
Sharif, 69, was admitted to the Services Hospital in Lahore on October 22 from Pakistan's anti-graft body's custody after his platelets dropped to a critically low level of 2,000. 
According to Pakistani media reports, the former premier is likely to travel abroad along with his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif, who is the president of PML-N. 
Nawaz had earlier insisted on getting treated only in Lahore. 
 
The Islamabad High Court had last week granted bail to Sharif for eight weeks, suspending his seven-year sentence in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption reference on medical grounds. Earlier, he had also secured bail in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case from the Lahore High Court on the same ground.

Danger to former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's health is increasing day by day as he was not being allowed to travel abroad for treatment, said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) representative Marriyum Aurangzeb on Sunday.

Danger to former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's health is increasing day by day as he was not being allowed to travel abroad for treatment, said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) representative Marriyum Aurangzeb on Sunday. Aurangzeb, while speaking to media, said the doctors had given Sharif a heavy dose of steroids to prepare him for his travel abroad, reported Geo News. "Nawaz Sharif's treatment abroad is being delayed by the delay in taking his name off the ECL. The doctors have said that he cannot be given heavy doses of steroids time and again," she said. Adding that it will become almost impossible to shift Sharif overseas for treatment in case of a medical emergency, Aurangzeb said: "Doctors have said that Sharif needs to be shifted abroad at once. Delay in his travel will increase dangers to his health." Further, she said that medical experts were doing their best to increase the platelet count of the former premier to ensure his health does not deteriorate when he travels. After his health deteriorated, the Pakistan government earlier this week allowed Sharif to travel abroad for treatment. However, his name wasn't removed from the Exit Control List (ECL). Sharif, 69, was admitted to the Services Hospital in Lahore on October 22 from Pakistan's anti-graft body's custody after his platelets dropped to a critically low level of 2,000. According to Pakistani media reports, the former premier is likely to travel abroad along with his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif, who is the president of PML-N. Nawaz had earlier insisted on getting treated only in Lahore. The Islamabad High Court had last week granted bail to Sharif for eight weeks, suspending his seven-year sentence in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption reference on medical grounds. Earlier, he had also secured bail in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case from the Lahore High Court on the same ground.

Danger to Nawaz Sharif's health increasing everyday: PML-N

Lahore High Court on Friday granted bail to former Pakistan prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hearing-on-nawaz-sharifs-bail-plea-adjourned-till-october-29-258098">Nawaz Sharif, 69</a>, on medical grounds in the Sugar Mills case.

Nawaz Sharif was admitted in hospital on Monday night after his doctor said the former prime minister had "critically low" platelet count. Sharif's condiction continued to be critical throughout the week as doctors attended to him.

On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-issues-directives-to-allow-maryam-nawaz-to-stay-with-ailing-father-258082">Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz</a> was also admitted in the same hospital after complaining of low blood pressure.

However, it is still not clear if the relief for the former Pakistan prime minister would allow him to travel abroad for further treatment. Sharif who was jailed in the Sugar Mills case has a number of other money laundering cases lodged against him. &nbsp;

Nawaz Sharif's lawyers told the court during the hearing that the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader remained critical as his platelet count continued to dip.

Earlier in the week, Maryam Nawaz was released on parole for an hour by the Punjab government to see her father after she claimed authorities had denied her permission to meet her father.

Earlier today, Maryam Sharif was produced before Pakistan's Accountability court today but she broke down in tears. Pakistan's Accountability Bureau has requested the court to extend Maryam Nawaz's remand for further investigation.

Two months ago, the former prime minister's daughter was detained for skipping appearance due to a meeting with her father. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Lahore High Court on Friday granted bail to former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, 69, on medical grounds in the Sugar Mills case. Nawaz Sharif was admitted in hospital on Monday night after his doctor said the former prime minister had "critically low" platelet count.

Lahore High Court on Friday granted bail to former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, 69, on medical grounds in the Sugar Mills case. Nawaz Sharif was admitted in hospital on Monday night after his doctor said the former prime minister had "critically low" platelet count. Sharif's condiction continued to be critical throughout the week as doctors attended to him. On Wednesday, Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz was also admitted in the same hospital after complaining of low blood pressure. However, it is still not clear if the relief for the former Pakistan prime minister would allow him to travel abroad for further treatment. Sharif who was jailed in the Sugar Mills case has a number of other money laundering cases lodged against him. Nawaz Sharif's lawyers told the court during the hearing that the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader remained critical as his platelet count continued to dip. Earlier in the week, Maryam Nawaz was released on parole for an hour by the Punjab government to see her father after she claimed authorities had denied her permission to meet her father. Earlier today, Maryam Sharif was produced before Pakistan's Accountability court today but she broke down in tears. Pakistan's Accountability Bureau has requested the court to extend Maryam Nawaz's remand for further investigation. Two months ago, the former prime minister's daughter was detained for skipping appearance due to a meeting with her father.

Pak court grants bail to Nawaz Sharif on medical grounds

The Islamabad High Court has adjourned the hearing in former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's bail plea till Tuesday.

In today's hearing, Nawaz Sharif's lawyers told the court that the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader remained critical as his platelet count continued to dip.

However, the lawyer of Pakistan's top anti-corruption body- the national accountability bureau argued that Sharif should not be allowed to travel abroad in this condition and he should remain hospitalised in Pakistan.

The 69-year-old might go abroad for treatment if granted bail.&nbsp;

Sharif who has been jailed in a corruption case and faces trials in a series of other money laundering cases was hospitalised after a massive dip in his platelet count.&nbsp;

He was rushed to the hospital from Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail.

Meanwhile, in a change of heart, Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has softened his stance on sharif. This as opposition PML-N accused the government of neglecting the ailing sharif's health.

The PML-N leader's daughter Maryam Nawaz has been allowed to stay with her father at the hospital.

Remember, Maryam is among the accused in the graft cases involving her father.&nbsp;

Earlier, PM Imran Khan had said that political differences, he has ensured that the former prime minister received the best possible healthcare.

Directing his minister not to speak on Sharif's health, Khan said that he will oblige if the court allows sharif to seek treatment in a foreign country.

The Islamabad High Court has adjourned the hearing in former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's bail plea till Tuesday. In today's hearing, Nawaz Sharif's lawyers told the court that the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader remained critical as his platelet count continued to dip.

The Islamabad High Court has adjourned the hearing in former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's bail plea till Tuesday. In today's hearing, Nawaz Sharif's lawyers told the court that the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader remained critical as his platelet count continued to dip. However, the lawyer of Pakistan's top anti-corruption body- the national accountability bureau argued that Sharif should not be allowed to travel abroad in this condition and he should remain hospitalised in Pakistan. The 69-year-old might go abroad for treatment if granted bail. Sharif who has been jailed in a corruption case and faces trials in a series of other money laundering cases was hospitalised after a massive dip in his platelet count. He was rushed to the hospital from Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail. Meanwhile, in a change of heart, Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has softened his stance on sharif. This as opposition PML-N accused the government of neglecting the ailing sharif's health. The PML-N leader's daughter Maryam Nawaz has been allowed to stay with her father at the hospital. Remember, Maryam is among the accused in the graft cases involving her father. Earlier, PM Imran Khan had said that political differences, he has ensured that the former prime minister received the best possible healthcare. Directing his minister not to speak on Sharif's health, Khan said that he will oblige if the court allows sharif to seek treatment in a foreign country.

Hearing on Nawaz Sharif's bail plea adjourned till October 29

In yet another incident of media censorship in Pakistan, an interview of PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz with a Pakistani news channel went off air "forcefully" within a few minutes of broadcasting.

"Just came to know @MaryamNSharif interview has been stopped forcefully just (a) few minutes after it started Live #Pakistan #PMLN #PTI #PPP #HumNews," tweeted Nadeem Malik, a Pakistani journalist working with 'Hum News'.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Just came to know <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryamNSharif?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaryamNSharif</a> interview has been stopped forcefully just few minutes after it started Live <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMLN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMLN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PTI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PTI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PPP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PPP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumNews</a>
— Nadeem Malik (@nadeemmalik) <a href="https://twitter.com/nadeemmalik/status/1149338689350373377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The news channel also posted a statement on its Twitter handle shortly after the blackout.

"Hum News believes in a free and responsible media. Protecting freedom of expression is one of our core values. At the same time, we stand for the respect and dignity of (the) judiciary in line with our ethical values and the Consitution," a tweet from Hum News said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumNews</a> firmly believes in a free &amp; responsible media. Protecting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreedomOfExpression?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreedomOfExpression</a> is one of our core values. At the same time, we stand for the respect &amp; dignity of judiciary in line with our ethical values &amp; the constitution. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PressFreedom?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PressFreedom</a>
— HUM News (@humnewspakistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/humnewspakistan/status/1149354164906070016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The interview was, however, available, on Malik's Twitter handle.

This comes after three Pakistani news channels -- Channel-24, Abb Takk and Capital TV -- were taken off air for showing a press conference of Maryam.

The news channels were put off air reportedly on the orders of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).

Maryam had then termed the incident as "unbelievable fascism" and a "shame."

On July 6, Maryam had released a purported video of Accountability Court Judge Arshad Malik telling a PML-N worker that there was a lack of evidence against her father and jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case and that he was "pressurised and blackmailed" to convict him.

The judge had refuted the allegations put forth by Sharif`s daughter soon after.

Previously on July 1, an interview of former President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari conducted by the country's senior journalist Hamid Mir was taken off air on Geo News within a few minutes of broadcasting.

In yet another incident of media censorship in Pakistan, an interview of PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz with a Pakistani news channel went off air "forcefully" within a few minutes of broadcasting.

In yet another incident of media censorship in Pakistan, an interview of PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz with a Pakistani news channel went off air "forcefully" within a few minutes of broadcasting. "Just came to know @MaryamNSharif interview has been stopped forcefully just (a) few minutes after it started Live #Pakistan #PMLN #PTI #PPP #HumNews," tweeted Nadeem Malik, a Pakistani journalist working with 'Hum News'. Just came to know @MaryamNSharif interview has been stopped forcefully just few minutes after it started Live #Pakistan #PMLN #PTI #PPP #HumNews — Nadeem Malik (@nadeemmalik) July 11, 2019 × The news channel also posted a statement on its Twitter handle shortly after the blackout. "Hum News believes in a free and responsible media. Protecting freedom of expression is one of our core values. At the same time, we stand for the respect and dignity of (the) judiciary in line with our ethical values and the Consitution," a tweet from Hum News said. #HumNews firmly believes in a free & responsible media. Protecting #FreedomOfExpression is one of our core values. At the same time, we stand for the respect & dignity of judiciary in line with our ethical values & the constitution. #PressFreedom — HUM News (@humnewspakistan) July 11, 2019 × The interview was, however, available, on Malik's Twitter handle. This comes after three Pakistani news channels -- Channel-24, Abb Takk and Capital TV -- were taken off air for showing a press conference of Maryam. The news channels were put off air reportedly on the orders of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). Maryam had then termed the incident as "unbelievable fascism" and a "shame." On July 6, Maryam had released a purported video of Accountability Court Judge Arshad Malik telling a PML-N worker that there was a lack of evidence against her father and jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case and that he was "pressurised and blackmailed" to convict him. The judge had refuted the allegations put forth by Sharif`s daughter soon after. Previously on July 1, an interview of former President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari conducted by the country's senior journalist Hamid Mir was taken off air on Geo News within a few minutes of broadcasting.

Maryam Nawaz's interview 'forcefully' taken off air, alleges Pakistan scribe

The International Monetary Fund has lashed out at ruling Imran Khan-led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-hasnt-acknowledged-presence-of-indian-prisoners-of-war-defence-personnel-in-its-custody-government-in-lok-sabha-234803">Pakistan</a> Tehreek-i-Insaf for not adopting adequate policies to address the economic crisis in the country.

The IMF blamed the current PTI government for delayed and yet unsatisfactory policy action for correction.

Hence despite some exchange rate depreciation and significant monetary policy tightening, sizeable foreign exchange interventions continued through April 2019, reported Dawn.

"Similarly, fiscal slippages in the first half of the fiscal year have been significant despite the adoption of two budget amendments. Finally, increases in power and gas tariffs have not been sufficient to stem the accumulation of quasi-fiscal losses," the IMF noted.

IMF made these remarks in its staff report on $6 billion bailouts to Pakistan approved by its executive board earlier this week.

The agency held the PML-N government responsible for unbalanced policies and unfinished reforms.

"Misaligned economic policies, including large fiscal deficits, loose monetary policy, and defence of an overvalued exchange rate, fuelled consumption and short-term growth in recent years, but steadily eroded macroeconomic buffers, increased external and public debt, and depleted international reserves," it said.

IMF also pointed out that dull progress in structural progress continued to hamper investment and allowed "inefficient state-owned entities (SOEs) to linger and a large informal economy to expand".

The three-year bailout package was approved by the IMF's Executive Board last week."IMF Executive Board approved today a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imf-approves-6-billion-loan-for-pakistan-to-right-the-nations-economy-232863">three-year $6 billion loan</a> to support Pakistan's economic plan, which aims to return sustainable growth to the country's economy and improve the standards of living," Gerry Rice, the IMF's spokesperson had confirmed the news on Twitter on July 3.

The Asian Development Bank has also announced plans to lend $10 billion to Pakistan for various development projects over the next five years.&nbsp;

The International Monetary Fund has lashed out at ruling Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf for not adopting adequate policies to address the economic crisis in the country.

The International Monetary Fund has lashed out at ruling Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf for not adopting adequate policies to address the economic crisis in the country. The IMF blamed the current PTI government for delayed and yet unsatisfactory policy action for correction. Hence despite some exchange rate depreciation and significant monetary policy tightening, sizeable foreign exchange interventions continued through April 2019, reported Dawn. "Similarly, fiscal slippages in the first half of the fiscal year have been significant despite the adoption of two budget amendments. Finally, increases in power and gas tariffs have not been sufficient to stem the accumulation of quasi-fiscal losses," the IMF noted. IMF made these remarks in its staff report on $6 billion bailouts to Pakistan approved by its executive board earlier this week. The agency held the PML-N government responsible for unbalanced policies and unfinished reforms. "Misaligned economic policies, including large fiscal deficits, loose monetary policy, and defence of an overvalued exchange rate, fuelled consumption and short-term growth in recent years, but steadily eroded macroeconomic buffers, increased external and public debt, and depleted international reserves," it said. IMF also pointed out that dull progress in structural progress continued to hamper investment and allowed "inefficient state-owned entities (SOEs) to linger and a large informal economy to expand". The three-year bailout package was approved by the IMF's Executive Board last week."IMF Executive Board approved today a three-year $6 billion loan to support Pakistan's economic plan, which aims to return sustainable growth to the country's economy and improve the standards of living," Gerry Rice, the IMF's spokesperson had confirmed the news on Twitter on July 3. The Asian Development Bank has also announced plans to lend $10 billion to Pakistan for various development projects over the next five years.

International Monetary Fund blames PTI, PLM-N for Pakistan's economic crisis

An accountability court on Friday rejected the National Accountability Bureau's (NAB) request to further extend the physical remand of PML-N leader Hamza Shahbaz in the Ramzan Sugar Mills case.

However, the judge Naeem Arshad sent Hamza to judicial remand till July 20, reported Dawn.

The leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly will remain in the accountability bureau custody as he is on physical remand till July in a money laundering and assets beyond means case.

Hamza, whose father Shahbaz Sharif was also indicated in the same case, was arrested on June 11 after Lahore High Court dismissed withdrawn of his bail petitions in two cases--money laundering or assets beyond means and Ramzan Sugar Mills case.

The court had granted physical remand of Hamza to the NAB till June 26 which was later extended.

During the proceeding, PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif said that NAB made a 'propaganda fake and baseless case'.

In February, NAB had alleged that Sharif misused his post as the former Punjab chief minister to build a bridge amounting to Rs 500 million to facilitate the Ramzan mills.&nbsp;

An accountability court on Friday rejected the National Accountability Bureau's (NAB) request to further extend the physical remand of PML-N leader Hamza Shahbaz in the Ramzan Sugar Mills case.

An accountability court on Friday rejected the National Accountability Bureau's (NAB) request to further extend the physical remand of PML-N leader Hamza Shahbaz in the Ramzan Sugar Mills case. However, the judge Naeem Arshad sent Hamza to judicial remand till July 20, reported Dawn. The leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly will remain in the accountability bureau custody as he is on physical remand till July in a money laundering and assets beyond means case. Hamza, whose father Shahbaz Sharif was also indicated in the same case, was arrested on June 11 after Lahore High Court dismissed withdrawn of his bail petitions in two cases--money laundering or assets beyond means and Ramzan Sugar Mills case. The court had granted physical remand of Hamza to the NAB till June 26 which was later extended. During the proceeding, PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif said that NAB made a 'propaganda fake and baseless case'. In February, NAB had alleged that Sharif misused his post as the former Punjab chief minister to build a bridge amounting to Rs 500 million to facilitate the Ramzan mills.

Pakistan: Accountability court rejects NAB request to extend PML-N leader Hamza physical remand

&nbsp;An accountability court Wednesday remanded Opposition leader in Pakistan's Punjab Assembly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-restrains-anti-graft-body-from-arresting-hamza-shehbaz-208787">Hamza Shahbaz</a> to 14-day physical custody, a day after the country's anti-graft body arrested him in cases related to money laundering and corruption.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was granted Hamza's custody till June 26. Judge Jawadul Hassan pronounced the reserved verdict after hearing the arguments from both sides in the case.

A NAB team earlier brought Hamza, 44, to the court amid tight security. Hamza is the son of PML-N president and National Assembly opposition leader Shahbaz Sharif.

The NAB prosecutor informed the court that the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) vice president had failed to disclose the means from which he received Rs 500 million transferred into his account.

The NAB had requested for a 15-day physical remand of the PML-N leader. The court has ordered Hamza to be presented before the accountability court on June 26, Geo News reported.

Hamza was arrested Tuesday by the NAB officials after a two-member Lahore High Court (LHC) bench dismissed bail applications filed by him.

His arrest came a day after former president Asif Ali Zardari was arrested by NAB in Islamabad.

Hamza is accused of laundering money through his front men who are already in NAB's custody.

He is under investigation in the Ramzan Sugar Mills, Saaf Paani project and assets beyond known means of income cases.

The NAB has found evidence of money laundering on a massive scale through which Shehbaz and his family accumulated assets in the UK.

According to sources privy to NAB's investigation, the illegally accumulated assets are worth Rs 85 billion to Rs 100 billion and were bought during Shebaz's tenure as the Punjab Chief Minister.

In the Ramzan Sugar Mills corruption case, Shehbaz and his son Hamza are accused of "fraudulently and dishonestly" causing a Rs 213 million loss to the national exchequer.

Shehbaz was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau in October 2018 and released on bail on February 14.

His brother and three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have been serving a seven-year prison term at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore since December 24, 2018, when an accountability court convicted him in one of the three corruption cases filed in the wake of the apex court's July 28, 2017 order in the Panama Papers case.

Both Sharif and his daughter Maryam have been sentenced to seven years in prison, respectively. Maryam's husband Muhammad Safdar was jailed for one year in the same case.

Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them are politically motivated.

An accountability court Wednesday remanded Opposition leader in Pakistan's Punjab Assembly Hamza Shahbaz to 14-day physical custody, a day after the country's anti-graft body arrested him in cases related to money laundering and corruption.

An accountability court Wednesday remanded Opposition leader in Pakistan's Punjab Assembly Hamza Shahbaz to 14-day physical custody, a day after the country's anti-graft body arrested him in cases related to money laundering and corruption. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was granted Hamza's custody till June 26. Judge Jawadul Hassan pronounced the reserved verdict after hearing the arguments from both sides in the case. A NAB team earlier brought Hamza, 44, to the court amid tight security. Hamza is the son of PML-N president and National Assembly opposition leader Shahbaz Sharif. The NAB prosecutor informed the court that the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) vice president had failed to disclose the means from which he received Rs 500 million transferred into his account. The NAB had requested for a 15-day physical remand of the PML-N leader. The court has ordered Hamza to be presented before the accountability court on June 26, Geo News reported. Hamza was arrested Tuesday by the NAB officials after a two-member Lahore High Court (LHC) bench dismissed bail applications filed by him. His arrest came a day after former president Asif Ali Zardari was arrested by NAB in Islamabad. Hamza is accused of laundering money through his front men who are already in NAB's custody. He is under investigation in the Ramzan Sugar Mills, Saaf Paani project and assets beyond known means of income cases. The NAB has found evidence of money laundering on a massive scale through which Shehbaz and his family accumulated assets in the UK. According to sources privy to NAB's investigation, the illegally accumulated assets are worth Rs 85 billion to Rs 100 billion and were bought during Shebaz's tenure as the Punjab Chief Minister. In the Ramzan Sugar Mills corruption case, Shehbaz and his son Hamza are accused of "fraudulently and dishonestly" causing a Rs 213 million loss to the national exchequer. Shehbaz was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau in October 2018 and released on bail on February 14. His brother and three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have been serving a seven-year prison term at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore since December 24, 2018, when an accountability court convicted him in one of the three corruption cases filed in the wake of the apex court's July 28, 2017 order in the Panama Papers case. Both Sharif and his daughter Maryam have been sentenced to seven years in prison, respectively. Maryam's husband Muhammad Safdar was jailed for one year in the same case. Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them are politically motivated.

Hamza Shahbaz remanded into 14-day National Accountability Bureau custody

PPP Leaders & PML-N Leaders Come Together In An Iftar-Dinner Hosted By PPP Chief Bilawal Bhutto. The Leaders Are Planning To Protest Against Imran Khan's Government.

Gravitas: Iftar Dinner Brings Pakistan's Opposition Together

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pti-to-challenge-maryams-appointment-as-pml-n-vice-president-216570&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi236u81YjiAhVC4nMBHZG1AjkQFjAEegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3ecdfjfK7Gh0PHUEKEYw_u">The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf</a> (PTI) on Monday said that it will challenge the decision of the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) to appoint Maryam Nawaz as one of the 16 vice presidents of the party.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that PTI was preparing to challenge PML-N`s decision to grant a party post to a convicted person, Express Tribune reported. He said that the ruling party was exploring various options and will decide the best way to take the matter forward.

"We have the option to take this up in the Parliament, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), or the country`s courts," Qureshi said."She (Maryam) has been convicted by the country`s courts and is not eligible to hold a party position. She has been granted temporary relief by the court. Her conviction has not been reversed," he added.

Maryam, along with her husband Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar and her father and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, was sentenced by an accountability court on corruption charges in Avenfield reference case in June last year. While Maryam was sentenced to seven years, her father was awarded a 10-year jail term.

Safdar was given a one-year prison sentence. In September last year, the Islamabad High Court suspended the sentence of the trio. According to sources, Qureshi has started consulting with party leaders and lawyers on the matter. He is also said to have been thinking of approaching ECP on Maryam`s appointment.

On May 3, the PML-N underwent a major reshuffle initiated by president Shehbaz Sharif. His son, Hamza Shehbaz, along with Maryam, was named as one of the 16 vice presidents of the party. Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was named as PML-N`s senior vice president and former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was appointed as the party`s general secretary.

While Marriyum Aurangzeb was retained as the party`s spokesperson, former finance minister Ishaq Dar, who is facing corruption charges and is living in London, has been named as the president of the party`s International Affairs Committee.&nbsp;

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday said that it will challenge the decision of the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) to appoint Maryam Nawaz as one of the 16 vice presidents of the party.

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday said that it will challenge the decision of the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) to appoint Maryam Nawaz as one of the 16 vice presidents of the party. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that PTI was preparing to challenge PML-N`s decision to grant a party post to a convicted person, Express Tribune reported. He said that the ruling party was exploring various options and will decide the best way to take the matter forward. "We have the option to take this up in the Parliament, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), or the country`s courts," Qureshi said."She (Maryam) has been convicted by the country`s courts and is not eligible to hold a party position. She has been granted temporary relief by the court. Her conviction has not been reversed," he added. Maryam, along with her husband Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar and her father and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, was sentenced by an accountability court on corruption charges in Avenfield reference case in June last year. While Maryam was sentenced to seven years, her father was awarded a 10-year jail term. Safdar was given a one-year prison sentence. In September last year, the Islamabad High Court suspended the sentence of the trio. According to sources, Qureshi has started consulting with party leaders and lawyers on the matter. He is also said to have been thinking of approaching ECP on Maryam`s appointment. On May 3, the PML-N underwent a major reshuffle initiated by president Shehbaz Sharif. His son, Hamza Shehbaz, along with Maryam, was named as one of the 16 vice presidents of the party. Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was named as PML-N`s senior vice president and former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was appointed as the party`s general secretary. While Marriyum Aurangzeb was retained as the party`s spokesperson, former finance minister Ishaq Dar, who is facing corruption charges and is living in London, has been named as the president of the party`s International Affairs Committee.

Pakistan's PTI to challenge Maryam's appointment as PML-N vice president

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb claimed that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-begging-for-funds-worldwide-sindh-cm-188736">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> is the real owner of his sister Aleema Khan`s illegal property.

Addressing the media on Sunday, Aurangzeb inquired why Aleema's assets and money laundering allegations levelled against her were not being investigated.

Furthermore, the PML-N leader took a dig at the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and said the bureau should rename itself to 'Noon Accountability Bureau', according to Dunya News.

On December 25, the Prime Minister had taken a potshot at the Pakistan People`s Party (PPP) and PML-N, saying that the Joint Investigation Teams' (JIT) reports on Panama Papers and fake accounts cases were "case studies in how states fail."

Chiding the supporters of PPP and PML-N and accusing them of supporting those who 'plundered' public money, the cricketer-turned-politician further said: "I am puzzled and perplexed by those who, despite having read the two reports, are still defending the plunderers."

Addressing the media on Sunday, Marriyum Aurangzeb inquired why Aleema's assets and money laundering allegations levelled against her were not being investigated.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb claimed that Prime Minister Imran Khan is the real owner of his sister Aleema Khan`s illegal property. Addressing the media on Sunday, Aurangzeb inquired why Aleema's assets and money laundering allegations levelled against her were not being investigated. Furthermore, the PML-N leader took a dig at the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and said the bureau should rename itself to 'Noon Accountability Bureau', according to Dunya News. On December 25, the Prime Minister had taken a potshot at the Pakistan People`s Party (PPP) and PML-N, saying that the Joint Investigation Teams' (JIT) reports on Panama Papers and fake accounts cases were "case studies in how states fail." Chiding the supporters of PPP and PML-N and accusing them of supporting those who 'plundered' public money, the cricketer-turned-politician further said: "I am puzzled and perplexed by those who, despite having read the two reports, are still defending the plunderers."

Imran Khan the real owner of sister's illegal property: PML-N leader Marriyum Aurangzeb

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-elections-2018-when-pakistan-witnessed-its-second-democratic-transfer-of-power-since-1947-186357">Pakistan's</a> ousted<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-rise-and-fall-of-pakistans-nawaz-sharif-186358"> Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif </a>was shifted to Kot Lakhpat jail here on Tuesday, a day after an anti-corruption court sentenced him to seven years in prison in a graft case linked to the high-profile Panama Papers scandal.

Sharif, 69, was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-convicts-ex-pm-nawaz-sharif-in-corruption-case-sentenced-to-7-years-in-prison-186144">sentenced to seven years </a>of rigorous imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case but was acquitted in the Flagship Investments reference by Islamabad-based Accountability Court on Monday.

After the verdict, Sharif was arrested in the court and taken to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. He was shifted to the Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore after the court accepted his request.

Sharif in his application to the court said that he wanted to serve the sentence at Kot Lakhpat jail as his family members and his personal physicians live in Lahore.

A number of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supporters gathered outside the jail to have a glimpse of their leader.

However, due to high security, they were not allowed to come close to the prison. Police also baton charged the workers for trying to reach the jail.

According to the jail administration, Sharif is provided with "better class" facilities.

"The better class prisoners are provided with a mattress, a study table, two chairs, a TV set and newspaper," they said.

Sharif has been shifted to the barrack where former president Asif Ali Zardari was also kept in corruption cases in the 1990s.

Upon reaching Kot Lakhpat jail, doctors carried out a medical examination of Sharif and found him physically fit.

Commenting on the verdict on Monday, Sharif said his conscience was clear as he was never involved in any kind of corruption.

"I was never involved in misuse of authority and corruption so my conscience is at peace," he said.

Sharif's lawyers said the accountability court's verdict will be challenged in the Islamabad High Court.

The Accountability Court verdict concluded a series of three court cases Avenfield properties case, Flagship investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched against the Sharif family by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on September 8, 2017 following a judgment by the Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif in the Panama Papers case in July last year.

Sharif, his daughter Maryam and his son-in-law Captain (retd) M Safdar were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year respectively in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices. However, the three were bailed out by the Islamabad High Court in September.

The apex court set the deadline for December 24 to wrap up the remaining two corruption cases against the Sharif family.

The three-time former prime minister has maintained that the cases against him were initiated on the basis of allegations levelled by his political rivals and the report of a joint investigation team in the Panama Papers case was biased.&nbsp;

Pakistan's ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was shifted to Kot Lakhpat jail here on Tuesday, a day after an anti-corruption court sentenced him to seven years in prison in a graft case linked to the high-profile Panama Papers scandal.

Pakistan's ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was shifted to Kot Lakhpat jail here on Tuesday, a day after an anti-corruption court sentenced him to seven years in prison in a graft case linked to the high-profile Panama Papers scandal. Sharif, 69, was sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case but was acquitted in the Flagship Investments reference by Islamabad-based Accountability Court on Monday. After the verdict, Sharif was arrested in the court and taken to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. He was shifted to the Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore after the court accepted his request. Sharif in his application to the court said that he wanted to serve the sentence at Kot Lakhpat jail as his family members and his personal physicians live in Lahore. A number of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supporters gathered outside the jail to have a glimpse of their leader. However, due to high security, they were not allowed to come close to the prison. Police also baton charged the workers for trying to reach the jail. According to the jail administration, Sharif is provided with "better class" facilities. "The better class prisoners are provided with a mattress, a study table, two chairs, a TV set and newspaper," they said. Sharif has been shifted to the barrack where former president Asif Ali Zardari was also kept in corruption cases in the 1990s. Upon reaching Kot Lakhpat jail, doctors carried out a medical examination of Sharif and found him physically fit. Commenting on the verdict on Monday, Sharif said his conscience was clear as he was never involved in any kind of corruption. "I was never involved in misuse of authority and corruption so my conscience is at peace," he said. Sharif's lawyers said the accountability court's verdict will be challenged in the Islamabad High Court. The Accountability Court verdict concluded a series of three court cases Avenfield properties case, Flagship investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched against the Sharif family by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on September 8, 2017 following a judgment by the Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif in the Panama Papers case in July last year. Sharif, his daughter Maryam and his son-in-law Captain (retd) M Safdar were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year respectively in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices. However, the three were bailed out by the Islamabad High Court in September. The apex court set the deadline for December 24 to wrap up the remaining two corruption cases against the Sharif family. The three-time former prime minister has maintained that the cases against him were initiated on the basis of allegations levelled by his political rivals and the report of a joint investigation team in the Panama Papers case was biased.

Ousted Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif shifted to Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore

A medical report of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif has revealed that the 67-year-old leader is suffering from cancer, sources said on Friday.

Quoting sources, Geo News reported that Sharif's medical test was conducted after the Pakistani opposition leader complained of throat pain.

The report showed signs of Chromogranin A (CgA) and his adenoid cystic carcinoma node level was found to be at 688. The normal level is considered to be 100, sources added.

Taking cognisance, doctors have recommended a Computed Tomography (CT) scan to be conducted immediately, sources further said.

Sharif, who is a cancer patient, told an accountability court last week that he was suffering from cancer and alleged that he was not being allowed a medical examination by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) officials.

Sharif, who was arrested by the NAB on charges of misusing authority and corruption in the Rs 14 billion Ashiana Housing Scheme during his tenure as the Punjab Chief Minister (2013 to 2018), has been in custody since October 5.&nbsp;

The PML-N chief has, however, denied any wrongdoings and dubbed the allegations as "baseless".

A medical report of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif has revealed that the 67-year-old leader is suffering from cancer, sources said on Friday.

A medical report of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif has revealed that the 67-year-old leader is suffering from cancer, sources said on Friday. Quoting sources, Geo News reported that Sharif's medical test was conducted after the Pakistani opposition leader complained of throat pain. The report showed signs of Chromogranin A (CgA) and his adenoid cystic carcinoma node level was found to be at 688. The normal level is considered to be 100, sources added. Taking cognisance, doctors have recommended a Computed Tomography (CT) scan to be conducted immediately, sources further said. Sharif, who is a cancer patient, told an accountability court last week that he was suffering from cancer and alleged that he was not being allowed a medical examination by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) officials. Sharif, who was arrested by the NAB on charges of misusing authority and corruption in the Rs 14 billion Ashiana Housing Scheme during his tenure as the Punjab Chief Minister (2013 to 2018), has been in custody since October 5. The PML-N chief has, however, denied any wrongdoings and dubbed the allegations as "baseless".

Shehbaz Sharif's medical report shows signs of cancer

The Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) on Saturday passed a resolution in the Punjab Assembly, condemning party president Shehbaz Sharif`s arrest in connection with his alleged involvement in the Ashiana Iqbal Housing Scheme case.

The resolution noted that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government is using the unfair ruse to salvage their failed governance, Geo News reported.

The resolution also stated that nation-wide protests will be held if the current Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly is not released before the forthcoming by-elections.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Friday arrested Shehbaz on Friday for his alleged involvement in the Rs 14 billion scam and produced him before accountability court judge Najmul Hasan.

The NAB has been granted a 10-day physical remand of Shehbaz.

He is accused of having provided contracts at high rates to unqualified companies of his friends.

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.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is himself jailed for his involvement in corruption references, termed the "ridiculous" arrest of his brother Shehbaz Sharif as the PTI government`s "worst victimisation."&nbsp;

The Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) on Saturday passed a resolution in the Punjab Assembly, condemning party president Shehbaz Sharif`s arrest in connection with his alleged involvement in the Ashiana Iqbal Housing Scheme case.

The Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) on Saturday passed a resolution in the Punjab Assembly, condemning party president Shehbaz Sharif`s arrest in connection with his alleged involvement in the Ashiana Iqbal Housing Scheme case. The resolution noted that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government is using the unfair ruse to salvage their failed governance, Geo News reported. The resolution also stated that nation-wide protests will be held if the current Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly is not released before the forthcoming by-elections. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Friday arrested Shehbaz on Friday for his alleged involvement in the Rs 14 billion scam and produced him before accountability court judge Najmul Hasan. The NAB has been granted a 10-day physical remand of Shehbaz. He is accused of having provided contracts at high rates to unqualified companies of his friends. 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. Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is himself jailed for his involvement in corruption references, termed the "ridiculous" arrest of his brother Shehbaz Sharif as the PTI government`s "worst victimisation."

PML-N pass resolution condemning Shehbaz Sharif's arrest

Intensifying allegations of military interference threaten to cast a shadow over Pakistan's general election on July 25, a historic event that will mark only the country's second ever democratic transition of power.

On Friday the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party handed over to a technocratic caretaker administration after completing a full five-year term, another democratic milestone.

But as campaigning begins, tensions between the civilian politicians and the powerful military, which has ruled for about half of Pakistan's history since independence in 1947, are running high.

Four PML-N lawmakers told Reuters they had received threats and pressure to switch allegiance to rival parties, while newspapers are awash with accusations of military "engineering" and journalists and media houses complain of growing censorship.

"It is a chipping away. It's behind the scenes, under the covers, below the radar," PML-N's outgoing Privatisation Minister Daniyal Aziz told Reuters, using typically coded language to hint at meddling by the generals without naming them.

The military, which strongly denies interfering in politics, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The political tensions come at a time of growing economic instability in the nuclear-armed nation of 208 million people. Islamabad's rapidly depleting currency reserves and a widening current account deficit have prompted many analysts to predict the next government will need to seek the country's second International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout since 2013.

PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court as prime minister in July and now faces corruption charges, events he has described as "pre-poll rigging" aimed at denying his party another term. He has cast the campaign as a battle to protect the "sanctity of the vote".

ANTI-CORRUPTION PLATFORM

PML-N's main challenge is expected to come from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party led by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, who is betting his anti-corruption message will propel him to power.

Khan has denied the generals have thrown their weight behind PTI, and accuses Sharif of hiding behind such allegations to avoid accountability.

Also read: <a href="Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections">Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections</a>

In a statement, the PTI this week said: "Any deliberate or unconscious effort to compromise the sanctity of ballot could cause irreparable damage to national interests".

But analysts and Western diplomats who spoke to Reuters said the military was squeezing PML-N ahead of polls.

"This kind of interference has always been there, but this time it is so naked that everyone is seeing it and everyone is talking about it," said Ijaz Khan, a retired international relations professor at Peshawar University.&nbsp

A "Pre-Election Assessment Report" published this week by an independent think-tank, Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), deemed the pre-poll process to have been "unfair overall" in the 12 months before the election was called last week.

PILDAT said "surreptitious muzzling" of the media, a rise in bias from the military establishment and a "perceived partisanship in judicial and political accountability have nearly eroded the prospects of a free and fair election in 2018".

Pakistan's biggest TV channel, Geo, went off air for several weeks in April and only returned after its executives struck a deal with the military over their coverage of Sharif, two executives told Reuters.

Distribution of Dawn, the biggest English-language newspaper in the country, has been suspended from some military cantonment areas in several cities, a senior Dawn executive told Reuters. Many prominent columnists have put out statements about their work being censored, often by their own editors.

MENACING PHONE CALLS

A frequent complaint by Sharif, whose second term as prime minister was ended by a bloodless army coup in 1999, is that PML-N lawmakers are being intimidated.

Four PML-N lawmakers from the Punjab province described to Reuters a similar pattern of strange calls and visits from unknown men who would pretend to be well-wishers, but then make clear to them it would be in their interest to ditch Sharif.

None of the lawmakers wished to be identified. One recounted a recent, seemingly random, encounter with a man claiming to be a supporter that ended with the well-wisher telling him: "Your boss is a traitor. Traitors have no future in this country".

Three of the lawmakers are sticking with PML-N but one has defected to PTI. All four said they believed the calls were from intelligence agents, though they did not have any proof. Reuters could not independently corroborate the events they described.

In the last few months at least 15 National Assembly PML-N lawmakers have left the party, mostly to join PTI. PML-N officials say most were politicians who won their seats as independents in 2013 and joined PML-N afterwards.

Khan has dismissed PML-N accusations the lawmakers were pressured into switching sides, but predicted in a recent meeting with foreign media that many more would follow. He believes such defections will be vital to gaining a foothold in Punjab, long a PML-N stronghold that returns 141 of the 272 directly contested seats in the National Assembly.

IN THE DOCK

Several senior PML-N figures are currently facing court cases after a flurry of charges against them.

Among them, Sharif could be jailed for 14 years before the polls in a corruption trial he calls a "witch hunt", while Aziz, the former privatisation minister, is facing contempt of court charges that could bar him from standing in the election.

The judiciary has denied targeting, or favouring, any political party, and rejects allegations from PML-N of collusion with the military to weaken the party.

The Election Commision of Pakistan's code of conduct for the pre-poll campaign period is shaping up to be the next battleground.

Proposed new rules would prohibit anyone from criticising the military and the judiciary, while also banning politicians from talking about what they have achieved in government.

With PML-N's electoral campaign built around touting mega infrastructure projects and defending civilian rule, the party is no doubt who this would hurt the most.

Newspapers are awash with accusations of military 'engineering' and journalists and media houses complain of growing censorship. The elections are scheduled to take place on June 25

Intensifying allegations of military interference threaten to cast a shadow over Pakistan's general election on July 25, a historic event that will mark only the country's second ever democratic transition of power. On Friday the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party handed over to a technocratic caretaker administration after completing a full five-year term, another democratic milestone. But as campaigning begins, tensions between the civilian politicians and the powerful military, which has ruled for about half of Pakistan's history since independence in 1947, are running high. Four PML-N lawmakers told Reuters they had received threats and pressure to switch allegiance to rival parties, while newspapers are awash with accusations of military "engineering" and journalists and media houses complain of growing censorship. "It is a chipping away. It's behind the scenes, under the covers, below the radar," PML-N's outgoing Privatisation Minister Daniyal Aziz told Reuters, using typically coded language to hint at meddling by the generals without naming them. The military, which strongly denies interfering in politics, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. The political tensions come at a time of growing economic instability in the nuclear-armed nation of 208 million people. Islamabad's rapidly depleting currency reserves and a widening current account deficit have prompted many analysts to predict the next government will need to seek the country's second International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout since 2013. PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court as prime minister in July and now faces corruption charges, events he has described as "pre-poll rigging" aimed at denying his party another term. He has cast the campaign as a battle to protect the "sanctity of the vote". ANTI-CORRUPTION PLATFORM PML-N's main challenge is expected to come from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party led by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, who is betting his anti-corruption message will propel him to power. Khan has denied the generals have thrown their weight behind PTI, and accuses Sharif of hiding behind such allegations to avoid accountability. Also read: Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections In a statement, the PTI this week said: "Any deliberate or unconscious effort to compromise the sanctity of ballot could cause irreparable damage to national interests". But analysts and Western diplomats who spoke to Reuters said the military was squeezing PML-N ahead of polls. "This kind of interference has always been there, but this time it is so naked that everyone is seeing it and everyone is talking about it," said Ijaz Khan, a retired international relations professor at Peshawar University. A "Pre-Election Assessment Report" published this week by an independent think-tank, Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), deemed the pre-poll process to have been "unfair overall" in the 12 months before the election was called last week. PILDAT said "surreptitious muzzling" of the media, a rise in bias from the military establishment and a "perceived partisanship in judicial and political accountability have nearly eroded the prospects of a free and fair election in 2018". Pakistan's biggest TV channel, Geo, went off air for several weeks in April and only returned after its executives struck a deal with the military over their coverage of Sharif, two executives told Reuters. Distribution of Dawn, the biggest English-language newspaper in the country, has been suspended from some military cantonment areas in several cities, a senior Dawn executive told Reuters. Many prominent columnists have put out statements about their work being censored, often by their own editors. MENACING PHONE CALLS A frequent complaint by Sharif, whose second term as prime minister was ended by a bloodless army coup in 1999, is that PML-N lawmakers are being intimidated. Four PML-N lawmakers from the Punjab province described to Reuters a similar pattern of strange calls and visits from unknown men who would pretend to be well-wishers, but then make clear to them it would be in their interest to ditch Sharif. None of the lawmakers wished to be identified. One recounted a recent, seemingly random, encounter with a man claiming to be a supporter that ended with the well-wisher telling him: "Your boss is a traitor. Traitors have no future in this country". Three of the lawmakers are sticking with PML-N but one has defected to PTI. All four said they believed the calls were from intelligence agents, though they did not have any proof. Reuters could not independently corroborate the events they described. In the last few months at least 15 National Assembly PML-N lawmakers have left the party, mostly to join PTI. PML-N officials say most were politicians who won their seats as independents in 2013 and joined PML-N afterwards. Khan has dismissed PML-N accusations the lawmakers were pressured into switching sides, but predicted in a recent meeting with foreign media that many more would follow. He believes such defections will be vital to gaining a foothold in Punjab, long a PML-N stronghold that returns 141 of the 272 directly contested seats in the National Assembly. IN THE DOCK Several senior PML-N figures are currently facing court cases after a flurry of charges against them. Among them, Sharif could be jailed for 14 years before the polls in a corruption trial he calls a "witch hunt", while Aziz, the former privatisation minister, is facing contempt of court charges that could bar him from standing in the election. The judiciary has denied targeting, or favouring, any political party, and rejects allegations from PML-N of collusion with the military to weaken the party. The Election Commision of Pakistan's code of conduct for the pre-poll campaign period is shaping up to be the next battleground. Proposed new rules would prohibit anyone from criticising the military and the judiciary, while also banning politicians from talking about what they have achieved in government. With PML-N's electoral campaign built around touting mega infrastructure projects and defending civilian rule, the party is no doubt who this would hurt the most.

Allegations of Army interference cast shadow over Pakistan general election

Pakistan's outgoing defence and foreign minister said today that positive developments had been made in giving India non-discriminatory market access (NDMA) on the pattern of most-favoured nation status but the decision was delayed due to the regional situation.

Khurram Dastagir Khan was addressing the media in the Foreign Office here on the last day of the current PML-N government. He was asked about reports on giving India MFN status.

"Negotiations were ongoing to grant India non-discriminatory market access (NDMA). In this regard, we had many positive developments. But in view of the developments in the region, it was decided that this would be dealt with at a time more congenial and appropriate for the two countries," he said.

He said the Indian leadership after the election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi started issuing "aggressive statements and postures against Pakistan" but Pakistan in reaction followed a measured approach to provocations.

"We believe that regional connectivity and enhanced regional cooperation is the panacea for all ills facing our region," he said, adding "Pakistan faces Indian aggressive posture on the LoC and WB with equal and proportionate equanimity".

He hoped for a new vigour in ties with India after the upcoming general election in Pakistan.

"With a new government in Pakistan in less than three months, and one to form in India next year, we hope that a fresh vigour and mandate will be brought to the relations between both countries," he said. 
At one point the minister said that Pakistan adopted "a future oriented approach" with India but "our gestures were not reciprocated".

"In return, we have received negativity and aggression from India, with no dialogue at any level. We really hope that the new governments in both Pakistan and India are able to instill a fresh impetus in the relations between both the countries," he said.

He, however also warned India over continued firing across the Line of Control.

"If India has an assessment that it can pressurise Pakistan by deliberately heating up the LoC and the WB (working boundary), they are mistaken. We are vigilant at our physical, as well as ideological and diplomatic borders and are fully prepared to defend and safeguard them," he said.

"A large number of population in the South Asian region lives below the poverty line. Therefore, it is very important that economic and regional connectivity takes place, as other regions have managed to do so. But there has been no reciprocity so far from the Indian side," he said.

The minister also welcomed the statement after the recent Indo-Pak DGMOs meeting to restore the 2003 ceasefire agreement.

"The agreement recently reached by the DGMOs is a welcome development. This is the same 2003 agreement that both sides have pledged to honour and uphold. With this, a working level understanding on ground has been established," he said.&nbsp;

Khan welcomed the statement after the recent Indo-Pak DGMOs meeting to restore the 2003 ceasefire agreement.

Pakistan's outgoing defence and foreign minister said today that positive developments had been made in giving India non-discriminatory market access (NDMA) on the pattern of most-favoured nation status but the decision was delayed due to the regional situation. Khurram Dastagir Khan was addressing the media in the Foreign Office here on the last day of the current PML-N government. He was asked about reports on giving India MFN status. "Negotiations were ongoing to grant India non-discriminatory market access (NDMA). In this regard, we had many positive developments. But in view of the developments in the region, it was decided that this would be dealt with at a time more congenial and appropriate for the two countries," he said. He said the Indian leadership after the election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi started issuing "aggressive statements and postures against Pakistan" but Pakistan in reaction followed a measured approach to provocations. "We believe that regional connectivity and enhanced regional cooperation is the panacea for all ills facing our region," he said, adding "Pakistan faces Indian aggressive posture on the LoC and WB with equal and proportionate equanimity". He hoped for a new vigour in ties with India after the upcoming general election in Pakistan. "With a new government in Pakistan in less than three months, and one to form in India next year, we hope that a fresh vigour and mandate will be brought to the relations between both countries," he said. At one point the minister said that Pakistan adopted "a future oriented approach" with India but "our gestures were not reciprocated". "In return, we have received negativity and aggression from India, with no dialogue at any level. We really hope that the new governments in both Pakistan and India are able to instill a fresh impetus in the relations between both the countries," he said. He, however also warned India over continued firing across the Line of Control. "If India has an assessment that it can pressurise Pakistan by deliberately heating up the LoC and the WB (working boundary), they are mistaken. We are vigilant at our physical, as well as ideological and diplomatic borders and are fully prepared to defend and safeguard them," he said. "A large number of population in the South Asian region lives below the poverty line. Therefore, it is very important that economic and regional connectivity takes place, as other regions have managed to do so. But there has been no reciprocity so far from the Indian side," he said. The minister also welcomed the statement after the recent Indo-Pak DGMOs meeting to restore the 2003 ceasefire agreement. "The agreement recently reached by the DGMOs is a welcome development. This is the same 2003 agreement that both sides have pledged to honour and uphold. With this, a working level understanding on ground has been established," he said.

Positive developments with India on granting market access: Pakistan

Former Pakistani foreign minister Khawaja Asif will be allowed to contest a July 25 general election after the Supreme Court on Friday overturned his disqualification from politics, in a boost to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

Asif, a staunch ally of ousted prime minister and PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif, was disqualified from parliament by a lower court in April as he was deemed not "honest" under a constitutional provision also used to oust Sharif.

Asif was removed for not declaring his employment and a source income from a United Arab Emirates (UAE) company, but the top court overturned the earlier ruling, which carried a lifetime ban from politics.

"God has granted mercy on a sinner like me, there is no count of God’s blessings. I am thankful to the judiciary," Khawaja Asif tweeted shortly after the verdict was announced.

Munir Malik, a senior member of Asif's counsel, told the English-language Dawn newspaper that Asif "can contest the upcoming election" after the ruling.

Asif, one of Pakistan's most prominent politicians, is part of Sharif's inner circle and one of the most senior figures in the ruling part.

He earlier headed the defence and power ministries and was foreign minister until the court disqualified him.

The Supreme Court's decision will have come as a surprise to many PML-N figures who have criticised the judiciary for bringing about a slew of cases against party officials and alleged bias from judges.

The judiciary and in particular the chief justice, Saqib Nisar, who has embraced an activist role in politics and the running of government, deny favouring any party.

Asif, one of Pakistan's most prominent politicians, is part of Sharif's inner circle and one of the most senior figures in the ruling part.

Former Pakistani foreign minister Khawaja Asif will be allowed to contest a July 25 general election after the Supreme Court on Friday overturned his disqualification from politics, in a boost to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party. Asif, a staunch ally of ousted prime minister and PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif, was disqualified from parliament by a lower court in April as he was deemed not "honest" under a constitutional provision also used to oust Sharif. Asif was removed for not declaring his employment and a source income from a United Arab Emirates (UAE) company, but the top court overturned the earlier ruling, which carried a lifetime ban from politics. "God has granted mercy on a sinner like me, there is no count of God’s blessings. I am thankful to the judiciary," Khawaja Asif tweeted shortly after the verdict was announced. Munir Malik, a senior member of Asif's counsel, told the English-language Dawn newspaper that Asif "can contest the upcoming election" after the ruling. Asif, one of Pakistan's most prominent politicians, is part of Sharif's inner circle and one of the most senior figures in the ruling part. He earlier headed the defence and power ministries and was foreign minister until the court disqualified him. The Supreme Court's decision will have come as a surprise to many PML-N figures who have criticised the judiciary for bringing about a slew of cases against party officials and alleged bias from judges. The judiciary and in particular the chief justice, Saqib Nisar, who has embraced an activist role in politics and the running of government, deny favouring any party.

Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections

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