A senator of the PPP Saleem Mandviwalla said that Pakistan should look out for itself and not stop dialogue or trade in any other country. These comments were made with regards to forming diplomatic ties with Israel.

Crisis-hit Pakistan ready to build ties with Israel?

Former president and PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari claimed that his party will form the next government in the center after winning the 2023 general elections.

Pakistan: PPP will form next government, says former president Zardari

Former Pakistan President and PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari has opposed the calls to hold early elections in the country to overcome political uncertainty that has marred the stock market and hindered economic revival.

PPP's Asif Ali Zardari opposes calls for early elections in Pakistan

Even after a change in the regime, Pakistan's trouble are far from over. The ruling coalition government that has inherited a falling economy, is not in a every strong position as of now and is also facing growing calls for early elections particularly form the ousted PM Imran Khan.

Pakistan elections: 'Elections after poll reforms,' stresses Zardari

Will Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) join the Cabinet of the new government led by Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif? &nbsp;

The question seems to be on the minds of several people in Pakistan and elsewhere. &nbsp;

Although the PM has been laying stress that the second largest party in the ruling coalition should join it, the co-chair of PPP, Asif Ali Zardari, has hinted that the party may not take up any ministries. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/raja-parvaiz-ashraf-elected-new-pak-national-assembly-speaker-471390" hreflang="en">Raja Parvaiz&nbsp;Ashraf elected new Pak National Assembly Speaker</a>

The party seems to be more interested in constitutional offices,&nbsp;Dawn reported quoting a PPP leader.&nbsp;It also wants to give a chance to other members of the coalition, which comprises eight political parties. &nbsp;

"I don't think we are taking any ministries. We want to give a chance to our friends,” PPP co-chair told journalists on Saturday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The remark came outside the National Assembly when Raja Pervaiz Ashraf of PPP was elected as speaker unopposed. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Shehbaz Sharif government yet to finalise cabinet, MQM-P likely to get Sindh governorship

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The Cabinet is yet to be decided. The PPP has earlier told the PM that it wants to support the government from the outside, Dawn said citing sources. &nbsp;

“We know the fragile nature of our alliance and we want to see the present government succeeding. We don’t want to give an impression that we have come to power only to get some portfolios or to enjoy perks and privileges. We want business,” a PPP leader had earlier said. &nbsp;

The PM has also been tight-lipped over the inclusion of PPP in the Cabinet. A decision on the federal Cabinet may come soon, media reports said citing sources in PML(N). &nbsp;

The PPP seems to have been preparing for the next elections as it has started accepting applications for ticket allotment for general elections, both for national and provincial assembly seats. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Will Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) join the Cabinet of the new government led by Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif? The question seems to be on the minds of several people in Pakistan and elsewhere.

Will Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) join the Cabinet of the new government led by Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif? The question seems to be on the minds of several people in Pakistan and elsewhere. Although the PM has been laying stress that the second largest party in the ruling coalition should join it, the co-chair of PPP, Asif Ali Zardari, has hinted that the party may not take up any ministries. Also Read: Raja Parvaiz Ashraf elected new Pak National Assembly Speaker The party seems to be more interested in constitutional offices, Dawn reported quoting a PPP leader. It also wants to give a chance to other members of the coalition, which comprises eight political parties. "I don't think we are taking any ministries. We want to give a chance to our friends,” PPP co-chair told journalists on Saturday. The remark came outside the National Assembly when Raja Pervaiz Ashraf of PPP was elected as speaker unopposed. Watch: Shehbaz Sharif government yet to finalise cabinet, MQM-P likely to get Sindh governorship × The Cabinet is yet to be decided. The PPP has earlier told the PM that it wants to support the government from the outside, Dawn said citing sources. “We know the fragile nature of our alliance and we want to see the present government succeeding. We don’t want to give an impression that we have come to power only to get some portfolios or to enjoy perks and privileges. We want business,” a PPP leader had earlier said. The PM has also been tight-lipped over the inclusion of PPP in the Cabinet. A decision on the federal Cabinet may come soon, media reports said citing sources in PML(N). The PPP seems to have been preparing for the next elections as it has started accepting applications for ticket allotment for general elections, both for national and provincial assembly seats. (With inputs from agencies)

Will PPP join Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's Cabinet? Leader Asif Ali Zardari gives a hint

As no-confidence motion against the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has delayed his ouster, rumours are rife that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari may get appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs when the new government, which will be composed of the present Opposition, takes charge, media reports said. &nbsp;

Bilawal has also said the decisions over the ministerial berths will be taken by the party, Geo News reported. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/what-is-a-cipher-pm-imran-khan-says-cant-share-threat-letter-as-it-contains-secret-info-of-pakistan-469476" hreflang="en">Pakistan Political Crisis: What is a cipher? Can’t share 'threat letter' as it has nation's secret info: PM</a>

The Supreme Court’s judgment is the "first step" towards ridding institutions of controversies, the PPP leader believed. &nbsp;

As there is a delay in the holding of the no-confidence motion, several eyes are on the candidates for the main positions if the joint opposition forms a new government. &nbsp;

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What a brilliant and powerful speech! <a href="https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBhuttoZardari</a> keeps raising the bar <a href="https://t.co/ZRhXQpQVxH">pic.twitter.com/ZRhXQpQVxH</a>
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Meanwhile, at no-trust debate in Parliament, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that PM Imran Khan seems to be the first captain, who is running from the pitch with wickets as he fears he’ll lose the match.

Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan National Assembly session resumes: Qureshi demands in house camera session

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Pointing at Imran's absence from Parliament, he said the captain had run away as he was not capable of defending himself. "This fight is not between Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) but its fight between supporters of democracy and who want to destroy the democracy. The reality is that Imran Khan is afraid of free and fair elections," Bilawal continued. &nbsp; &nbsp;

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Kudos to <a href="https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBhuttoZardari</a> 🙌 sane voice in the parliament! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalAssembly?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalAssembly</a> <a href="https://t.co/kAYWMAri3W">pic.twitter.com/kAYWMAri3W</a>
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Bilawal also urged the Speaker to follow the court order and conduct voting today. “If no voting is happening, we will remain sitting here,” he added. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As no-confidence motion against the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has delayed his ouster, rumours are rife that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari may get appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs when the new government, which will be composed of the present Opposition, takes charge, media reports said.

As no-confidence motion against the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has delayed his ouster, rumours are rife that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari may get appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs when the new government, which will be composed of the present Opposition, takes charge, media reports said. Bilawal has also said the decisions over the ministerial berths will be taken by the party, Geo News reported. Also Read: Pakistan Political Crisis: What is a cipher? Can’t share 'threat letter' as it has nation's secret info: PM The Supreme Court’s judgment is the "first step" towards ridding institutions of controversies, the PPP leader believed. As there is a delay in the holding of the no-confidence motion, several eyes are on the candidates for the main positions if the joint opposition forms a new government. What a brilliant and powerful speech! @BBhuttoZardari keeps raising the bar pic.twitter.com/ZRhXQpQVxH — Mehrooj Rai (@MehroojRai) April 9, 2022 × Meanwhile, at no-trust debate in Parliament, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that PM Imran Khan seems to be the first captain, who is running from the pitch with wickets as he fears he’ll lose the match. Watch: Pakistan National Assembly session resumes: Qureshi demands in house camera session × Pointing at Imran's absence from Parliament, he said the captain had run away as he was not capable of defending himself. "This fight is not between Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) but its fight between supporters of democracy and who want to destroy the democracy. The reality is that Imran Khan is afraid of free and fair elections," Bilawal continued. Kudos to @BBhuttoZardari 🙌 sane voice in the parliament! #NationalAssembly pic.twitter.com/kAYWMAri3W — Naz Baloch (@NazBaloch_) April 9, 2022 × Bilawal also urged the Speaker to follow the court order and conduct voting today. “If no voting is happening, we will remain sitting here,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

If Pak PM loses vote, PPP's Bilawal rumoured to get foreign minister post in new govt, say reports 

At a massive road-show in Islamabad, Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari vowed to send the Imran Khan govt packing. The Pak govt say his efforts are being funded by 'foreign conspirators'. Palki Sharma gets you the details of this political slugfest.

Gravitas: Bilawal Bhutto vows to 'dethrone' Imran Khan

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

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

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

Pakistan opposition to move no-trust motion against Imran Khan

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's trip to the United States has kicked off a political storm in Pakistan. Prime Minister Imran Khan's close aids accused Bilawal of trying to strike a deal with Washington.

Pakistan: PPP, PTI spar over Bilawal's 'private' visit to US

Polling for the 37 seats of Pakistan's Senate is underway via secret ballot as a total of 78 candidates are contesting from the federal capital and three provinces - Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.&nbsp;

According to Dawn, the first vote in the National Assembly was cast by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) Shafiq Arain while the second one was cast by federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, NA Speaker Asad Qaiser and Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif are among those, who have cast their votes for the elections of Pakistan's Upper House.&nbsp;

The polling began at 9 am on Wednesday and will continue till 5 pm without any break. Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) staff reached the Parliament House in Islamabad early morning on Wednesday to initiate proceedings of the elections. &nbsp;

Polling is also underway in provincial assemblies, except Punjab, where all Senate candidates were elected unopposed last month after disqualification or withdrawal of papers by other contestants.&nbsp;

The polls are being held after a long-drawn open ballot controversy, after President Arif Alvi had signed the Elections (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 to pave the way for Senate elections to be held via an 'open and identifiable ballot'.&nbsp;

The controversy kept the ruling and opposition in a war of words and a legal battle before the Supreme Court on Monday announced that the polls for the Upper House of Parliament will be held through secret ballot, according to Article 226 of the Constitution. &nbsp;

While the ruling PTI's numerical strength in the Senate is expected to almost double from the existing 14 seats, the fiercest contest is expected between former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who is contesting as a joint candidate of the 11-party opposition alliance - Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), and Hafeez Sheikh, Adviser to PM Imran Khan on Finance, Dawn reported.&nbsp;

Polling for the 37 seats of Pakistan's Senate is underway via secret ballot as a total of 78 candidates are contesting from the federal capital and three provinces - Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Polling for the 37 seats of Pakistan's Senate is underway via secret ballot as a total of 78 candidates are contesting from the federal capital and three provinces - Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. According to Dawn, the first vote in the National Assembly was cast by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) Shafiq Arain while the second one was cast by federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda. Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, NA Speaker Asad Qaiser and Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif are among those, who have cast their votes for the elections of Pakistan's Upper House. The polling began at 9 am on Wednesday and will continue till 5 pm without any break. Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) staff reached the Parliament House in Islamabad early morning on Wednesday to initiate proceedings of the elections. Polling is also underway in provincial assemblies, except Punjab, where all Senate candidates were elected unopposed last month after disqualification or withdrawal of papers by other contestants. The polls are being held after a long-drawn open ballot controversy, after President Arif Alvi had signed the Elections (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 to pave the way for Senate elections to be held via an 'open and identifiable ballot'. The controversy kept the ruling and opposition in a war of words and a legal battle before the Supreme Court on Monday announced that the polls for the Upper House of Parliament will be held through secret ballot, according to Article 226 of the Constitution. While the ruling PTI's numerical strength in the Senate is expected to almost double from the existing 14 seats, the fiercest contest is expected between former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who is contesting as a joint candidate of the 11-party opposition alliance - Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), and Hafeez Sheikh, Adviser to PM Imran Khan on Finance, Dawn reported.

Polling for Pakistan Senate's 37 seats underway after weeks of acrimony 

Pakistan's Opposition alliance has backed out from holding talks with the Imran Khan government, widening political rift between the two sides.

A three-member government delegation, which had met the Opposition leaders on Friday, seeking better relations at least in Parliament, were to hold another round of talks with Opposition parties on Monday. However, following the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) parliamentary party's meeting in the Parliament House, which was also addressed by party's vice president Maryam Nawaz, the Opposition dropped the idea of holding the talks, the Dawn News reported.

Instead, it was all set to stage a protest during the National Assembly session if the treasury had managed to bring in the required number of members to the House after quorum was pointed out by a PML-N member. But the treasury side could not meet the quorum following which proceedings of the Lower House were adjourned till Tuesday, according to the paper.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/arab-world-is-making-pakistan-pay-and-plan-is-to-mortgage-the-largest-park-359309" hreflang="en">Arab world is making Pakistan pay and plan is to mortgage the largest park</a>

It had been hoped that the government-opposition meeting on Monday would have lowered the political temperature, but instead, the gulf between both sides widened. The Opposition members even carried placards inscribed with anti-government slogans. They also placed portraits of their jailed leaders — Shahbaz Sharif, Khawaja Asif and Khursheed Shah — on their tables, facing the National Assembly Speaker. However, the Opposition did not stage a protest in the House after the proceedings stalled due to lack of quorum.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Syed Naveed Qamar said the Opposition did not go for the talks as the PML-N was busy in its parliamentary party meeting. "We cannot meet the government without PML-N,"&nbsp;he was quoted as saying by the daily.

One other hand, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Khan told Dawn that PPP members came for the meeting but not the PML-N representatives.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-calls-for-equitable-distribution-of-covid-19-vaccine-and-debt-relief-for-poor-countries-359287" hreflang="en">Pak PM calls for equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccine and debt relief for poor countries</a>

"It was decided in our (government-opposition) Friday's meeting that we will meet again on Monday but the opposition did not meet its commitment today,"&nbsp;he added.

The state minister, however, hinted that the government planned to invite the opposition for another round of talks in the coming days. The 11-party Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) was formed in September last year with the objective to force the government to hold early elections.

The PDM held several big rallies last year and has also said that its lawmakers will resign and make Parliament dysfunctional if Prime Minister Imran Khan government does not resign by January 31.

However, Prime Minister Khan rejected the PDM's call to step down or call snap polls.

Khan, the former cricket captain of Pakistan, came to power in 2018 by winning the general election but the PDM alleged that the election was rigged by the establishment to ensure his victory.

Pakistan's Opposition alliance has backed out from holding talks with the Imran Khan government, widening political rift between the two sides. A three-member government delegation, which had met the Opposition leaders on Friday, seeking better relations at least in Parliament, were to hold another round of talks with Opposition parties on Monday.

Pakistan's Opposition alliance has backed out from holding talks with the Imran Khan government, widening political rift between the two sides. A three-member government delegation, which had met the Opposition leaders on Friday, seeking better relations at least in Parliament, were to hold another round of talks with Opposition parties on Monday. However, following the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) parliamentary party's meeting in the Parliament House, which was also addressed by party's vice president Maryam Nawaz, the Opposition dropped the idea of holding the talks, the Dawn News reported. Instead, it was all set to stage a protest during the National Assembly session if the treasury had managed to bring in the required number of members to the House after quorum was pointed out by a PML-N member. But the treasury side could not meet the quorum following which proceedings of the Lower House were adjourned till Tuesday, according to the paper. Also read| Arab world is making Pakistan pay and plan is to mortgage the largest park It had been hoped that the government-opposition meeting on Monday would have lowered the political temperature, but instead, the gulf between both sides widened. The Opposition members even carried placards inscribed with anti-government slogans. They also placed portraits of their jailed leaders — Shahbaz Sharif, Khawaja Asif and Khursheed Shah — on their tables, facing the National Assembly Speaker. However, the Opposition did not stage a protest in the House after the proceedings stalled due to lack of quorum. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Syed Naveed Qamar said the Opposition did not go for the talks as the PML-N was busy in its parliamentary party meeting. "We cannot meet the government without PML-N," he was quoted as saying by the daily. One other hand, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Khan told Dawn that PPP members came for the meeting but not the PML-N representatives. Also read| Pak PM calls for equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccine and debt relief for poor countries "It was decided in our (government-opposition) Friday's meeting that we will meet again on Monday but the opposition did not meet its commitment today," he added. The state minister, however, hinted that the government planned to invite the opposition for another round of talks in the coming days. The 11-party Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) was formed in September last year with the objective to force the government to hold early elections. The PDM held several big rallies last year and has also said that its lawmakers will resign and make Parliament dysfunctional if Prime Minister Imran Khan government does not resign by January 31. However, Prime Minister Khan rejected the PDM's call to step down or call snap polls. Khan, the former cricket captain of Pakistan, came to power in 2018 by winning the general election but the PDM alleged that the election was rigged by the establishment to ensure his victory.

Pakistan opposition backs out from talks with government

Almost a week before the US President-elect is to take charge of the White House, he has sent an invitation to&nbsp;Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday.

The invitation for Biden's inauguration ceremony, to be held in Washington, has been addressed to Bilawal Bhutto and his father, party co-chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-china-together-form-a-potent-threat-says-indian-army-chief-general-naravane-356184" hreflang="en">Pakistan, China together form a potent threat: Army chief General Naravane</a>

As per local reports, while&nbsp;Bilawal Bhutto is expected to attend one of the most-awaited and talked about the ceremony, his father will not be able to travel to the US for the ceremony as his name is mentioned in the&nbsp;Exit Control List — a list generated by the government of Pakistan which names the people who are not allowed to leave the country.

The invite has not come as a surprise as the Zardari government had, during its days of power&nbsp;in the South Asian country, worked closely with the Barack Obama administration.&nbsp;

His invite has also come at a time when the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran khan is being targetted by the opposition leaders of the country, including the Zardari family.&nbsp;

The news of the invite has not yet been confirmed by the party, but several sources have been quoted by Pakistan's local media.

Almost a week before the US President-elect is to take charge of the White House, he has sent an invitation to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday.

Almost a week before the US President-elect is to take charge of the White House, he has sent an invitation to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday. The invitation for Biden's inauguration ceremony, to be held in Washington, has been addressed to Bilawal Bhutto and his father, party co-chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari. Also read| Pakistan, China together form a potent threat: Army chief General Naravane As per local reports, while Bilawal Bhutto is expected to attend one of the most-awaited and talked about the ceremony, his father will not be able to travel to the US for the ceremony as his name is mentioned in the Exit Control List — a list generated by the government of Pakistan which names the people who are not allowed to leave the country. The invite has not come as a surprise as the Zardari government had, during its days of power in the South Asian country, worked closely with the Barack Obama administration. His invite has also come at a time when the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran khan is being targetted by the opposition leaders of the country, including the Zardari family. The news of the invite has not yet been confirmed by the party, but several sources have been quoted by Pakistan's local media.

Pakistan's Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari gets invited to Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony

Ahead of opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement`s (PDM) sixth power show, Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday called on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz at her Jati Umra residence, and said that the party's Central Executive Committee (CEC) will decide on en masse resignation of lawmakers from national and provincial assemblies.

There has been no change in PPP's stance over resigning from the national and Sindh assemblies, as Bilawal reportedly told Maryam that his party's CEC would have a final say in it, Dawn reported.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-lion-of-punjab-maharaja-ranjit-singhs-statue-vandalised-again-349222" hreflang="en">Pakistan: 'Lion of Punjab' Maharaja Ranjit Singh's statue vandalised - again</a>

"Whether we have to sacrifice the Sindh government and come out of the National Assembly or not, I am taking this matter to the party`s CEC for a consultation so that the selected and his facilitators should be sent home," he said.

He further claimed that there was no division in PDM on the issue of resignations from assemblies, adding that he was receiving the resignations of his party lawmakers in bulk.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/video-shows-jaish-e-mohammad-has-resumed-terror-camps-in-balakot-349226" hreflang="en">Video shows Jaish-e-Mohammad has resumed terror camps in Balakot</a>

Reiterating that the upcoming rally would be historic, Bilawal said: "Imran should take stock of the situation and resign without further delay. Imran should accept the decision of the masses and step down."

Meanwhile, after the meeting, Maryam claimed that some ministers had contacted the PML-N and offered a dialogue, which she had outrightly declined, reported Dawn.

"For the last few days the senior leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), including ministers, have been contacting the PML-N for talks. It is an ironic fact that Imran Khan who for the last two-and-a-half-year had been saying that he would not give NRO (National Reconcilation Ordinance) is now seeking it for himself (from the PDM). There will be no talks with the PTI government that had been formed through a stolen mandate. I have been against holding talks with this government from day one," she said.

She further mentioned that Imran Khan`s government had been unnerved ahead of the PDM rally.

Earlier, PM Imran Khan had appealed to the opposition alliance to postpone the anti-government in an effort to stem the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country.

The Pakistan government also flooded the Minar-e-Pakistan lawns in a "failed effort" to stop PDM from holding their rally on December 13.

Ahead of opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement`s (PDM) sixth power show, Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday called on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz at her Jati Umra residence, and said that the party's Central Executive Committee (CEC) will decide on en masse resignation of lawmakers from national and provincial assemblies.

Ahead of opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement`s (PDM) sixth power show, Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday called on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz at her Jati Umra residence, and said that the party's Central Executive Committee (CEC) will decide on en masse resignation of lawmakers from national and provincial assemblies. There has been no change in PPP's stance over resigning from the national and Sindh assemblies, as Bilawal reportedly told Maryam that his party's CEC would have a final say in it, Dawn reported. Also read| Pakistan: 'Lion of Punjab' Maharaja Ranjit Singh's statue vandalised - again "Whether we have to sacrifice the Sindh government and come out of the National Assembly or not, I am taking this matter to the party`s CEC for a consultation so that the selected and his facilitators should be sent home," he said. He further claimed that there was no division in PDM on the issue of resignations from assemblies, adding that he was receiving the resignations of his party lawmakers in bulk. Also read| Video shows Jaish-e-Mohammad has resumed terror camps in Balakot Reiterating that the upcoming rally would be historic, Bilawal said: "Imran should take stock of the situation and resign without further delay. Imran should accept the decision of the masses and step down." Meanwhile, after the meeting, Maryam claimed that some ministers had contacted the PML-N and offered a dialogue, which she had outrightly declined, reported Dawn. "For the last few days the senior leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), including ministers, have been contacting the PML-N for talks. It is an ironic fact that Imran Khan who for the last two-and-a-half-year had been saying that he would not give NRO (National Reconcilation Ordinance) is now seeking it for himself (from the PDM). There will be no talks with the PTI government that had been formed through a stolen mandate. I have been against holding talks with this government from day one," she said. She further mentioned that Imran Khan`s government had been unnerved ahead of the PDM rally. Earlier, PM Imran Khan had appealed to the opposition alliance to postpone the anti-government in an effort to stem the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country. The Pakistan government also flooded the Minar-e-Pakistan lawns in a "failed effort" to stop PDM from holding their rally on December 13.

PPP to consult executive committee before resignation from assemblies: Bilawal Bhutto

Earlier today, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Ali Qasim Gilani along with 30 opposition members were arrested.

Pak govt cracks down on opposition ahead of PDM rally in Multan

It's a double whammy for the Imran Khan government&nbsp;in Pakistan. The opposition is set to go on a nation-wide offensive on October 16.

However, demonstrations of a different colour have erupted in the national capital as hundreds of Pakistan&nbsp;citizens have hit the streets of Islamabad.

Islamabad has been taken by a storm of union-led protests from various sectors. Yesterday thousands converged outside the Pakistani parliament and staged a sit-in. This included government employees, farmers, teachers, doctors, health workers and pensioners.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-450-opposition-workers-booked-ahead-of-anti-government-rally-in-pakistan-335448">Also read|&nbsp;Over 450 Opposition workers booked ahead of anti-government rally in Pakistan</a>

They were protesting against price hike and what they call 'anti-employee policies' of the local government. Most of them called-off their sit-ins after "successful negotiations" with the government.

However, women health workers are refusing to cede ground. They are on what you call a dharna at Islamabad's famous D-chowk.

They are demanding a unified pay structure, job insurance and physical security. These are not big demands, especially for the Pakistan Prime Minister who has always made tall claims about supporting daily wage earners.

He is now using the socio-economic crises and IMF loans as a pretext to reject these demands. At the same time he is cracking down on opposition voices.

Asif Ali Zardari, the former President of Pakistan and the leader of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has been issued an arrest warrant by the national accountability bureau of Pakistan — the country's anti-corruption watchdog.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-opposition-rally-on-parties-alliance-to-hold-first-rally-on-october-18-334905">Also read|&nbsp;Pak opposition rally on parties alliance to hold first rally on October 18</a>

Mr. Zardari is being accused of corruption worth 8 billion Pakistani rupees. The ant-graft body is investigating his alleged suspicious financial transactions.

His son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari says this is yet another attempt by Imran Khan to vilify the opposition's anti-corruption movement.

In a tweet,&nbsp;he said these tactics are not new and they will do nothing to deter his party.

The Zardaris are not the only ones being targeted by the Pakistan government. Maryam Nawaz of the Pakistan muslim league is also on the radar.

Reports say the Pakistan government may block all routes to Maryam Nawaz's residence to stop her from attending the first opposition demonstration scheduled for Friday.

Additionally, according to Dawn, more than 400 opposition workers have been detained for flouting COVID-19 guidelines. This is yet another exucse to sabotage the planned demonstrations. Those held include district presidents and lawmakers of both the Pakistan People's Party and the Pakistan Muslim League.

Nawaz Sharif, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan has requested the Pakistan police "to not comply with Imran Niazi's unlawful orders to arrest PMLN workers, raid their homes or hinder their travel to Gujranwala."

So Pakistani citizens are out on the streets, the opposition is gearing for nationwide demonstrations and the Prime Minister&nbsp;is responding with force. It is quite a fall from grace for Imran Khan — once a champion of free speech and civil rights movements, and now a Pakistan&nbsp;army puppet trying all he can to crush dissent.

"No matter how many problems pakistan is faced with and how difficult they might be, they all can be resolved. Everything is possible; all that is required is intent and desire. Nothing is impossible once the nation unites," said Imran Khan, Chairman of PTI.

It's a double whammy for the Imran Khan government in Pakistan. The opposition is set to go on a nation-wide offensive on October 16. However, demonstrations of a different colour have erupted in the national capital as hundreds of Pakistan citizens have hit the streets of Islamabad.

It's a double whammy for the Imran Khan government in Pakistan. The opposition is set to go on a nation-wide offensive on October 16. However, demonstrations of a different colour have erupted in the national capital as hundreds of Pakistan citizens have hit the streets of Islamabad. Islamabad has been taken by a storm of union-led protests from various sectors. Yesterday thousands converged outside the Pakistani parliament and staged a sit-in. This included government employees, farmers, teachers, doctors, health workers and pensioners. Also read| Over 450 Opposition workers booked ahead of anti-government rally in Pakistan They were protesting against price hike and what they call 'anti-employee policies' of the local government. Most of them called-off their sit-ins after "successful negotiations" with the government. However, women health workers are refusing to cede ground. They are on what you call a dharna at Islamabad's famous D-chowk. They are demanding a unified pay structure, job insurance and physical security. These are not big demands, especially for the Pakistan Prime Minister who has always made tall claims about supporting daily wage earners. He is now using the socio-economic crises and IMF loans as a pretext to reject these demands. At the same time he is cracking down on opposition voices. Asif Ali Zardari, the former President of Pakistan and the leader of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has been issued an arrest warrant by the national accountability bureau of Pakistan — the country's anti-corruption watchdog. Also read| Pak opposition rally on parties alliance to hold first rally on October 18 Mr. Zardari is being accused of corruption worth 8 billion Pakistani rupees. The ant-graft body is investigating his alleged suspicious financial transactions. His son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari says this is yet another attempt by Imran Khan to vilify the opposition's anti-corruption movement. In a tweet, he said these tactics are not new and they will do nothing to deter his party. The Zardaris are not the only ones being targeted by the Pakistan government. Maryam Nawaz of the Pakistan muslim league is also on the radar. Reports say the Pakistan government may block all routes to Maryam Nawaz's residence to stop her from attending the first opposition demonstration scheduled for Friday. Additionally, according to Dawn, more than 400 opposition workers have been detained for flouting COVID-19 guidelines. This is yet another exucse to sabotage the planned demonstrations. Those held include district presidents and lawmakers of both the Pakistan People's Party and the Pakistan Muslim League. Nawaz Sharif, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan has requested the Pakistan police "to not comply with Imran Niazi's unlawful orders to arrest PMLN workers, raid their homes or hinder their travel to Gujranwala." So Pakistani citizens are out on the streets, the opposition is gearing for nationwide demonstrations and the Prime Minister is responding with force. It is quite a fall from grace for Imran Khan — once a champion of free speech and civil rights movements, and now a Pakistan army puppet trying all he can to crush dissent. "No matter how many problems pakistan is faced with and how difficult they might be, they all can be resolved. Everything is possible; all that is required is intent and desire. Nothing is impossible once the nation unites," said Imran Khan, Chairman of PTI.

Nation-wide protests in Pakistan tell the story of fall of Imran Khan

Over 450 workers from Pakistan's Opposition parties have been booked in Lahore and other areas of Punjab province ahead of the first grand anti-government rally on Friday by an alliance formed to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan.

On September 20, the leaders of 11 major Opposition parties announced the formation of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and launch of a three-phased anti-government movement under an action plan&nbsp;starting with countrywide public meetings, protest demonstrations and rallies before a 'decisive long march'&nbsp;towards Islamabad in January 2021.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-opposition-rally-on-parties-alliance-to-hold-first-rally-on-october-18-334905">Pak opposition rally on parties alliance to hold first rally on October 18</a>

The first anti-government rally is scheduled on Friday in Gujranwala city, some 80 kms from Lahore, followed by another rally on October 18 in Karachi, in Quetta on October 25, Peshawar on November 22, Multan on November 30 and then a rally in Lahore on December 13.

The Opposition leaders announced that they would use all political and democratic options, including no-confidence motions and mass resignations from Parliament to seek "the selected" prime minister's resignation.

The Opposition parties have accused the powerful army of rigging the 2018 elections that brought Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party to power.

The Opposition parties are openly opposing the military's interference in politics and elections for the first time in the recent history of the country.

The PDM comprises mainly three mainstream Opposition parties:&nbsp;PML-N of Nawaz Sharif, PPP of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) of Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Launching a crackdown ahead of PDM's first major anti-government show, Punjab police got into action and booked over 450 workers, mostly of PML-N, in different parts of Punjab province under COVID-19 violations and also arrested scores of PDM workers.

Police stations in Gujranwala, Mandi Bahuddin and Lahore registered cases against over 450 Opposition workers under sections 269 and 188 of Pakistan Penal Code for holding a public gathering without observing COVID-19 SOPs.

The former prime minister and PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif, who is London since November last year, in a tweet, said that police should refrain from arresting the PDM leaders.

"Police must NOT comply with Imran Niazi's workers, raid their homes or hinder their travel to Gujranwala,"&nbsp;he said. 
Former premier and PDM leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the government's panic over the first public meeting of Opposition has exposed its reality.

"Blocking roads with containers, raiding corner meetings, arresting PDM workers across Punjab, won't deter the spirits of the masses who have decided to rid the country of this selected and inept government."

He said, "People are starving and struggling to feed their families because of the unprecedented inflation and unemployment created by this government which is the most corrupt government in the history of Pakistan."

Abbasi said no amount of threats, harassment or containers can stop the massive flood of Pakistanis participating in the October 16 public meeting.

PML-N secretary general Ahsan Iqbal said the PTI government is "shaking in its boots over the first Opposition's rally which goes to show how confident it is about itself."

He said the PTI government is doing all it can to "harass and sabotage" the upcoming congregation.

Meanwhile, the government has allowed the Opposition to hold the rally in Gujranwala Stadium with a direction that no speeches would be made against the military and judiciary.

In his back-to-back speeches from London last month, Sharif, who is facing a number of corruption cases, said there was 'a state above the state in the country'&nbsp;and declared that the Opposition's struggle was not against Prime Minister Khan but against those (military establishment) who had imposed such an incapable person&nbsp;upon the nation through a manipulated electoral process.

Since his anti-army rant, the PTI government has banned the media to broadcast his speeches.

Sharif, 70, has been living in London since November last year after he was allowed by the courts and the government to go there for a period of eight weeks for medical treatment. But he did not come back, while his lawyers told the court that he was still recovering.

The Islamabad High Court through newspaper advertisements has asked Sharif to appear before it by November 24 to avoid being declared a "proclaimed offender". 
&nbsp;

Over 450 workers from Pakistan's Opposition parties have been booked in Lahore and other areas of Punjab province ahead of the first grand anti-government rally on Friday by an alliance formed to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Over 450 workers from Pakistan's Opposition parties have been booked in Lahore and other areas of Punjab province ahead of the first grand anti-government rally on Friday by an alliance formed to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan. On September 20, the leaders of 11 major Opposition parties announced the formation of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and launch of a three-phased anti-government movement under an action plan starting with countrywide public meetings, protest demonstrations and rallies before a 'decisive long march' towards Islamabad in January 2021. Also read | Pak opposition rally on parties alliance to hold first rally on October 18 The first anti-government rally is scheduled on Friday in Gujranwala city, some 80 kms from Lahore, followed by another rally on October 18 in Karachi, in Quetta on October 25, Peshawar on November 22, Multan on November 30 and then a rally in Lahore on December 13. The Opposition leaders announced that they would use all political and democratic options, including no-confidence motions and mass resignations from Parliament to seek "the selected" prime minister's resignation. The Opposition parties have accused the powerful army of rigging the 2018 elections that brought Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party to power. The Opposition parties are openly opposing the military's interference in politics and elections for the first time in the recent history of the country. The PDM comprises mainly three mainstream Opposition parties: PML-N of Nawaz Sharif, PPP of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) of Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Launching a crackdown ahead of PDM's first major anti-government show, Punjab police got into action and booked over 450 workers, mostly of PML-N, in different parts of Punjab province under COVID-19 violations and also arrested scores of PDM workers. Police stations in Gujranwala, Mandi Bahuddin and Lahore registered cases against over 450 Opposition workers under sections 269 and 188 of Pakistan Penal Code for holding a public gathering without observing COVID-19 SOPs. The former prime minister and PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif, who is London since November last year, in a tweet, said that police should refrain from arresting the PDM leaders. "Police must NOT comply with Imran Niazi's workers, raid their homes or hinder their travel to Gujranwala," he said. Former premier and PDM leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the government's panic over the first public meeting of Opposition has exposed its reality. "Blocking roads with containers, raiding corner meetings, arresting PDM workers across Punjab, won't deter the spirits of the masses who have decided to rid the country of this selected and inept government." He said, "People are starving and struggling to feed their families because of the unprecedented inflation and unemployment created by this government which is the most corrupt government in the history of Pakistan." Abbasi said no amount of threats, harassment or containers can stop the massive flood of Pakistanis participating in the October 16 public meeting. PML-N secretary general Ahsan Iqbal said the PTI government is "shaking in its boots over the first Opposition's rally which goes to show how confident it is about itself." He said the PTI government is doing all it can to "harass and sabotage" the upcoming congregation. Meanwhile, the government has allowed the Opposition to hold the rally in Gujranwala Stadium with a direction that no speeches would be made against the military and judiciary. In his back-to-back speeches from London last month, Sharif, who is facing a number of corruption cases, said there was 'a state above the state in the country' and declared that the Opposition's struggle was not against Prime Minister Khan but against those (military establishment) who had imposed such an incapable person upon the nation through a manipulated electoral process. Since his anti-army rant, the PTI government has banned the media to broadcast his speeches. Sharif, 70, has been living in London since November last year after he was allowed by the courts and the government to go there for a period of eight weeks for medical treatment. But he did not come back, while his lawyers told the court that he was still recovering. The Islamabad High Court through newspaper advertisements has asked Sharif to appear before it by November 24 to avoid being declared a "proclaimed offender".

Over 450 Opposition workers booked ahead of anti-government rally in Pakistan

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

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

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

Pakistan: Opposition parties form alliance to oust Imran Khan

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has made a comeback to political landscape after a year long gap. Sharif has been invited by PPP leader to attend a joint opposition meeting. Accepting the invitation Sharif joined the meeting virtually while bieng seated in the London.

Nawaz Sharif joined Pak's multi-party meeting virtually from London

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif could be making a comeback into country's politics after a year long gap. Sharif has been invited by PPP leader to attend a joint opposition meeting.

Pakistan: PPP leader Bhutto invited Nawaz Sharif to key opposition meet

Cynthia Ritchie, an American writer, earlier this month accused several Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders, including former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to sexually harass her.

In a new development, Ritchie, who is questioned for her proximity to Pakistani establishment and country's all-powerful military, said that she has also faced "mild harassment" from ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders in the past.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/decoding-the-sex-scandal-that-has-rocked-politics-in-pakistan-304365">Decoding the sex scandal that has rocked politics in Pakistan</a>

"I have experienced a few cases of mild harassment from PTI workers in the past", the American writer said in an interview with DW.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/american-blogger-accuses-pakistans-zardari-govt-officials-of-rape-harassment-former-minister-denies-charges-303796">American blogger accuses Pakistan's Zardari govt officials of rape, harassment; former minister denies charges</a>

However, she added that the harassment was "nothing close to the violent, aggressive attacks" she has experienced by the people "affiliated with the PPP".&nbsp;

In the interview, Ritchie also said that the issue of sexual harassment in Pakistan "comes mostly from the educated elites".

She also said that she decided to come out with her reality after so long as some "detailed information" was shared by a person associated with PPP, but pretended to be his half-sibling.

"Abusing me is one thing. Abusing my family is where I draw the line," she added.

She also said that abuse is not openly discussed in Pakistan as it is in the West and is considered acceptable "as long as one maintains a luxury lifestyle".

In a Facebook Live video, Ritchie, earlier this month said that she was raped by former interior minister Rehman Malik. She also accused former federal minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin and ex-prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani of "physically manhandling" her.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Cynthia Ritchie, an American writer, earlier this month accused several Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders, including former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to sexually harass her.

Cynthia Ritchie, an American writer, earlier this month accused several Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders, including former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to sexually harass her. In a new development, Ritchie, who is questioned for her proximity to Pakistani establishment and country's all-powerful military, said that she has also faced "mild harassment" from ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders in the past. Also read | Decoding the sex scandal that has rocked politics in Pakistan "I have experienced a few cases of mild harassment from PTI workers in the past", the American writer said in an interview with DW. Also read | American blogger accuses Pakistan's Zardari govt officials of rape, harassment; former minister denies charges However, she added that the harassment was "nothing close to the violent, aggressive attacks" she has experienced by the people "affiliated with the PPP". In the interview, Ritchie also said that the issue of sexual harassment in Pakistan "comes mostly from the educated elites". She also said that she decided to come out with her reality after so long as some "detailed information" was shared by a person associated with PPP, but pretended to be his half-sibling. "Abusing me is one thing. Abusing my family is where I draw the line," she added. She also said that abuse is not openly discussed in Pakistan as it is in the West and is considered acceptable "as long as one maintains a luxury lifestyle". In a Facebook Live video, Ritchie, earlier this month said that she was raped by former interior minister Rehman Malik. She also accused former federal minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin and ex-prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani of "physically manhandling" her.

Have experienced 'mild' harassment from PTI leaders: Cynthia Ritchie

Pakistan is in the middle of a sex scandal and three of its Opposition leaders, including a former prime minister have come under scanner.&nbsp;

Cynthia Ritchie, an Islamabad-based US blogger has made allegations of sexual assault against three leaders of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/american-blogger-accuses-pakistans-zardari-govt-officials-of-rape-harassment-former-minister-denies-charges-303796">American blogger accuses Pakistan's Zardari govt officials of rape, harassment; former minister denies charges</a>

Ritchie has made the allegations during a Facebook Live session. She said that she was raped by then home minister Rehman Malik in 2011, saying that the incident took place at his residence where her drink was drugged.&nbsp;

She also accused former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani of physically manhandling her. Similar allegations have also been made against former federal minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-american-woman-accuses-top-pak-leaders-of-rape-assault-304372/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ritchie has also said that these were not the only politicians involved, adding that some of those also belonged to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the party of former PM Nawaz Sharif.&nbsp;

Now, the question is that why a nine-year-old incident has now come to light?

It all began in late May, when Ritchie accused former prime minister Benazir Bhutto of ordering her guards to rape women, who had affairs with her husband, &nbsp;

PPP filed a complaint accusing Ritchie of hateful comment and slander against their former leader.&nbsp;

A week later, Ritchie accused PPP leaders of assaulting and raping her.&nbsp;

Rehman Malik sent a legal notice to Ritchie, accusing her of character assassination.&nbsp;

In Pakistan, several people have questioned the US blogger's allegations, saying that she is close to establishment and Imran Khan government is using her to divert people's attention from health and economic crisis in the country.&nbsp;

Some people also question how could she manage to stay in the country for years. Some people also call her a CIA mole.&nbsp;

Ritchie's pictures with senior military leaders were also shared.&nbsp;

The blogger says that she narrated the incident to the US Embassy in 2011, but their response was "less than adequate".&nbsp;

On Twitter, Ritchie's supporters are describing her critics as traitors, anti-Pakistanis.&nbsp;

WION cannot fact-check the claims, but the scandal has given Pakistan PM an opportunity to launch a political tool against his opponents.&nbsp;

Also, if Ritchie's claims are right, it exposes an even-darker side of Pakistan's political elite.&nbsp;

Pakistan is in the middle of a sex scandal and three of its Opposition leaders, including a former prime minister have come under scanner. Cynthia Ritchie, an Islamabad-based US blogger has made allegations of sexual assault against three leaders of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Pakistan is in the middle of a sex scandal and three of its Opposition leaders, including a former prime minister have come under scanner. Cynthia Ritchie, an Islamabad-based US blogger has made allegations of sexual assault against three leaders of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Also read | American blogger accuses Pakistan's Zardari govt officials of rape, harassment; former minister denies charges Ritchie has made the allegations during a Facebook Live session. She said that she was raped by then home minister Rehman Malik in 2011, saying that the incident took place at his residence where her drink was drugged. She also accused former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani of physically manhandling her. Similar allegations have also been made against former federal minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin. Ritchie has also said that these were not the only politicians involved, adding that some of those also belonged to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the party of former PM Nawaz Sharif. Now, the question is that why a nine-year-old incident has now come to light? It all began in late May, when Ritchie accused former prime minister Benazir Bhutto of ordering her guards to rape women, who had affairs with her husband, PPP filed a complaint accusing Ritchie of hateful comment and slander against their former leader. A week later, Ritchie accused PPP leaders of assaulting and raping her. Rehman Malik sent a legal notice to Ritchie, accusing her of character assassination. In Pakistan, several people have questioned the US blogger's allegations, saying that she is close to establishment and Imran Khan government is using her to divert people's attention from health and economic crisis in the country. Some people also question how could she manage to stay in the country for years. Some people also call her a CIA mole. Ritchie's pictures with senior military leaders were also shared. The blogger says that she narrated the incident to the US Embassy in 2011, but their response was "less than adequate". On Twitter, Ritchie's supporters are describing her critics as traitors, anti-Pakistanis. WION cannot fact-check the claims, but the scandal has given Pakistan PM an opportunity to launch a political tool against his opponents. Also, if Ritchie's claims are right, it exposes an even-darker side of Pakistan's political elite.

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The appointment of retired Brigadier Ijaz Shah as Pakistan's new interior minister has been heavily criticised by the opposition Pakistan People's Party (PPP), whose slain former leader Benazir Bhutto regarded him as a deadly enemy.

Some analysts said it suggested Pakistan's powerful military continued to wield heavy influence over the civilian administration - a persistent allegation since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-hints-at-further-cabinet-changes-after-batting-order-shuffle-211904">Imran Khan</a> took office eight months ago that both his government and the generals deny.

In an interview with the BBC after his appointment, Shah said, "What power can I give the military as an interior minister? I left the army a long time ago, I am a civilian and have participated in elections."

Khan's office and the information ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Shah was among four members of the civilian-military establishment named by Bhutto in a letter written to the then President Pervez Musharraf months before her assassination as suspects who should be investigated if she was killed.

Many Pakistanis have long suspected that elements of the intelligence agencies colluded with militants in Bhutto's assassination in a gun and bomb attack in the garrison city of Rawalpindi in December 2007. An investigation at the time blamed an al Qaeda-allied Pakistani Taliban leader.

"Are you trying to send a message to the world that we have terrorists and the abettors of terrorists in our cabinet?" Bhutto's son and chairman of the PPP, Bilawal Bhutto, told the country's parliament this week, referring to Shah's appointment. "This cannot happen."&nbsp;

Shah's office did not respond to a request for an interview or a list of questions sent by Reuters, but earlier this month then Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry told local newspaper Dawn that "he is a clean man" and had been cleared of all allegations against him in a government inquiry.

Spy chief

The sweeping cabinet reshuffle comes as Pakistan is trying to attract foreign investment and present itself as a reformed country. But critics say the inclusion of an "old school" figure such as Shah in the government shows little has changed.

Under Musharraf, who as army chief seized power in a 1999 coup and ruled until 2008, Shah served as head of the military's leading spy agency in the Punjab province and was later appointed the head of the civilian Intelligence Bureau.&nbsp;

He oversaw the surrender of wanted militant Omar Saeed Shaikh, who masterminded the kidnapping and killing of Wall Street Journal correspondent Daniel Pearl in 2002.

That contributed to allegations he had been close to Islamist groups based along the lawless border with Afghanistan, where Pakistan's security services have long been accused of playing a double game.&nbsp;

"The biggest controversy is his links with the Afghan jihad and figures like Omar Saeed Sheikh," author and analyst Ayesha Siddiqa told Reuters, a longstanding critic of Pakistan's military. "Looks very much like the army chief`s choice."

The military did not respond to a request for comment on this article, but in the past has said it does not interfere in politics. The military has also repeatedly denied allegations levelled by the United States, Afghanistan and others that it has covertly sheltered militants based along its borders.

Under Khan's government, Islamabad has been trying to convince the outside world that it will not tolerate militants operating from inside Pakistan.

Pakistan currently finds itself on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) "grey list" for inadequately dealing with money laundering and terrorism financing, a designation that makes it harder for the country to access international markets at a time when its economy is stumbling.

Convincing the FATF that it is making sufficient efforts to crack down on militancy will be harder with a controversial figure such as Shah in the cabinet, said PPP Senator Mustafa Khokhar.

Some analysts agree.

"Ijaz Shah's appointment just reinforces the perception that nothing has changed in Pakistani politics," political analyst Aamer Ahmed Khan told Reuters. 
&nbsp;

The appointment of retired Brigadier Ijaz Shah as Pakistan's new interior minister has been heavily criticised by the opposition Pakistan People's Party (PPP), whose slain former leader Benazir Bhutto regarded him as a deadly enemy.

The appointment of retired Brigadier Ijaz Shah as Pakistan's new interior minister has been heavily criticised by the opposition Pakistan People's Party (PPP), whose slain former leader Benazir Bhutto regarded him as a deadly enemy. Some analysts said it suggested Pakistan's powerful military continued to wield heavy influence over the civilian administration - a persistent allegation since Imran Khan took office eight months ago that both his government and the generals deny. In an interview with the BBC after his appointment, Shah said, "What power can I give the military as an interior minister? I left the army a long time ago, I am a civilian and have participated in elections." Khan's office and the information ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Shah was among four members of the civilian-military establishment named by Bhutto in a letter written to the then President Pervez Musharraf months before her assassination as suspects who should be investigated if she was killed. Many Pakistanis have long suspected that elements of the intelligence agencies colluded with militants in Bhutto's assassination in a gun and bomb attack in the garrison city of Rawalpindi in December 2007. An investigation at the time blamed an al Qaeda-allied Pakistani Taliban leader. "Are you trying to send a message to the world that we have terrorists and the abettors of terrorists in our cabinet?" Bhutto's son and chairman of the PPP, Bilawal Bhutto, told the country's parliament this week, referring to Shah's appointment. "This cannot happen." Shah's office did not respond to a request for an interview or a list of questions sent by Reuters, but earlier this month then Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry told local newspaper Dawn that "he is a clean man" and had been cleared of all allegations against him in a government inquiry. Spy chief The sweeping cabinet reshuffle comes as Pakistan is trying to attract foreign investment and present itself as a reformed country. But critics say the inclusion of an "old school" figure such as Shah in the government shows little has changed. Under Musharraf, who as army chief seized power in a 1999 coup and ruled until 2008, Shah served as head of the military's leading spy agency in the Punjab province and was later appointed the head of the civilian Intelligence Bureau. He oversaw the surrender of wanted militant Omar Saeed Shaikh, who masterminded the kidnapping and killing of Wall Street Journal correspondent Daniel Pearl in 2002. That contributed to allegations he had been close to Islamist groups based along the lawless border with Afghanistan, where Pakistan's security services have long been accused of playing a double game. "The biggest controversy is his links with the Afghan jihad and figures like Omar Saeed Sheikh," author and analyst Ayesha Siddiqa told Reuters, a longstanding critic of Pakistan's military. "Looks very much like the army chief`s choice." The military did not respond to a request for comment on this article, but in the past has said it does not interfere in politics. The military has also repeatedly denied allegations levelled by the United States, Afghanistan and others that it has covertly sheltered militants based along its borders. Under Khan's government, Islamabad has been trying to convince the outside world that it will not tolerate militants operating from inside Pakistan. Pakistan currently finds itself on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) "grey list" for inadequately dealing with money laundering and terrorism financing, a designation that makes it harder for the country to access international markets at a time when its economy is stumbling. Convincing the FATF that it is making sufficient efforts to crack down on militancy will be harder with a controversial figure such as Shah in the cabinet, said PPP Senator Mustafa Khokhar. Some analysts agree. "Ijaz Shah's appointment just reinforces the perception that nothing has changed in Pakistani politics," political analyst Aamer Ahmed Khan told Reuters.

'This cannot happen!': Pakistan's opposition raises questions over Imran Khan's interior minister pick 

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