Ahead of the general elections in Pakistan, former president Asif Ali Zardari said that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) may forge an alliance with Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The PPP and PTI earlier joined hands in the Senate elections.

"Necessity is the mother of all inventions. There was a necessity in the Senate and if there is a necessity we will do it [form an alliance] and if not we are willing to sit in the opposition or form the government," Zardari said while addressing a gathering in Lahore, Geo TV reported.

Zardari who is the PPP co-chairman was addressing a gathering in Lahore on Friday, stating that his party had no qualms being a part of the opposition as well, adding that his party had been in rule earlier.

"They (PTI) haven't seen the Prime Minister House.They are in a hurry to get power," the PPP co-chairman added.

He also slammed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for weakening the country's democracy, " Nawaz turned into Prince Saleem and became our undoing."

The general elections in Pakistan are due to be held in the last week of July or first week of August.

Asif Zardari said that Nawaz Sharif has weakened democracy and it is vulnerable in these times.&nbsp;On Thursday, Nawaz Sharif had also claimed that he is not contesting against the PPP or PTI but ‘outside beings’.

The PPP and PTI earlier joined hands in the Senate elections

Ahead of the general elections in Pakistan, former president Asif Ali Zardari said that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) may forge an alliance with Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The PPP and PTI earlier joined hands in the Senate elections. "Necessity is the mother of all inventions. There was a necessity in the Senate and if there is a necessity we will do it [form an alliance] and if not we are willing to sit in the opposition or form the government," Zardari said while addressing a gathering in Lahore, Geo TV reported. Zardari who is the PPP co-chairman was addressing a gathering in Lahore on Friday, stating that his party had no qualms being a part of the opposition as well, adding that his party had been in rule earlier. "They (PTI) haven't seen the Prime Minister House.They are in a hurry to get power," the PPP co-chairman added. He also slammed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for weakening the country's democracy, " Nawaz turned into Prince Saleem and became our undoing." The general elections in Pakistan are due to be held in the last week of July or first week of August. Asif Zardari said that Nawaz Sharif has weakened democracy and it is vulnerable in these times. On Thursday, Nawaz Sharif had also claimed that he is not contesting against the PPP or PTI but ‘outside beings’.

Former president Asif Ali Zardari may ally with Imran Khan's PTI for Pakistan elections

Pakistan's Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan on Sunday, addressing his party's power show at the iconic Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore, touted his 11-point agenda for "naya (new) Pakistan".

The cricketer-turned-politician's 11-point agenda lays emphasis on education, health, revenue generation, corruption, investment, employment, agriculture, federation, environment, police system, women education, Geo TV reported.

"Ask yourself, why was this country made?" Khan asked the crowd to question itself.

The PTI Chief lamented on the fact that Pakistan was nowhere close to the vision of the country's Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

"The Pakistan that Quaid-e-Azam wanted would afford equal rights to all citizens including the minorities, where the Hindu community, Sikhs, and Christians would be equal citizens. This country was to be formed on the model of Madina, where the basis of law was justice," Geo TV quoted Imran as saying.

According to the report, Imran Khan, who earlier branded the jalsa as "Tsunami plus show", expressed his gratitude to the participants who turned out in quite a huge chunks to witness the "historic" gathering.

"During Imran Khan's speech number is now between 90 Thousand to 1 lakh. Families and women seen leaving the venue to avail clear exits. Still good presence on the ground though," Pakistani journalist Mansoor Ali Khan tweeted.

Imran Khan told the crowd, "Whenever I gave a call to you, you never disappointed me."

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Imran Khan's 11-point agenda lays emphasis on education, health, revenue generation, corruption, investment, employment, agriculture, federation, environment, police system, women education

Pakistan's Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan on Sunday, addressing his party's power show at the iconic Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore, touted his 11-point agenda for "naya (new) Pakistan". The cricketer-turned-politician's 11-point agenda lays emphasis on education, health, revenue generation, corruption, investment, employment, agriculture, federation, environment, police system, women education, Geo TV reported. "Ask yourself, why was this country made?" Khan asked the crowd to question itself. The PTI Chief lamented on the fact that Pakistan was nowhere close to the vision of the country's Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. "The Pakistan that Quaid-e-Azam wanted would afford equal rights to all citizens including the minorities, where the Hindu community, Sikhs, and Christians would be equal citizens. This country was to be formed on the model of Madina, where the basis of law was justice," Geo TV quoted Imran as saying. According to the report, Imran Khan, who earlier branded the jalsa as "Tsunami plus show", expressed his gratitude to the participants who turned out in quite a huge chunks to witness the "historic" gathering. "During Imran Khan's speech number is now between 90 Thousand to 1 lakh. Families and women seen leaving the venue to avail clear exits. Still good presence on the ground though," Pakistani journalist Mansoor Ali Khan tweeted. Imran Khan told the crowd, "Whenever I gave a call to you, you never disappointed me."

Imran Khan touts 11-point agenda for 'naya' Pakistan

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

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

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

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

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf&#39;s (PTI) leader Imran Khan on Saturday claimed that he is ready to take on &quot;Sharif Mafia&quot;.

While addressing his party&#39;s social media team here Khan said, &quot;I am impatiently waiting for the &#39;big match&#39;, the general election 2018&quot;, as told by the Dawn.

He asked his social media team to expand and bring a change by introducing new ideas to develop public opinion against &quot;Sharif Mafia&quot; while alleging that ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had looted the national wealth and stashed it abroad.

He further said, &quot;The PTI volunteers and their passion must defeat the paid (social media) mafia of the Sharifs&#39; PML-N,&quot; he said adding the next general election would decide the fate of youth in Pakistan.

Khan claimed that people will be given the party tickets on the basis of merit and popularity in their respective constituencies. In case of multiple candidates from the same constituencies, a survey shall be conducted.

He also accused the ruling PML-N government of looting money on the name of projects.

On Saturday former Muttahida Qaumi Movement lawmaker Aamir Liaquat Hussain also decided to join the PTI.

Earlier on March 12, Imran Khan had promised to transform Pakistan into a nation, Pakistan leaders Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Muhammad Iqbal had envisaged.

He had also announced to contest the next general elections from the Karachi constituency.&nbsp;

Khan had also announced to contest the next general elections from the Karachi constituency

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf's (PTI) leader Imran Khan on Saturday claimed that he is ready to take on "Sharif Mafia". While addressing his party's social media team here Khan said, "I am impatiently waiting for the 'big match', the general election 2018", as told by the Dawn. He asked his social media team to expand and bring a change by introducing new ideas to develop public opinion against "Sharif Mafia" while alleging that ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had looted the national wealth and stashed it abroad. He further said, "The PTI volunteers and their passion must defeat the paid (social media) mafia of the Sharifs' PML-N," he said adding the next general election would decide the fate of youth in Pakistan. Khan claimed that people will be given the party tickets on the basis of merit and popularity in their respective constituencies. In case of multiple candidates from the same constituencies, a survey shall be conducted. He also accused the ruling PML-N government of looting money on the name of projects. On Saturday former Muttahida Qaumi Movement lawmaker Aamir Liaquat Hussain also decided to join the PTI. Earlier on March 12, Imran Khan had promised to transform Pakistan into a nation, Pakistan leaders Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Muhammad Iqbal had envisaged. He had also announced to contest the next general elections from the Karachi constituency.

Ready to take on 'Sharif Mafia', says Imran Khan

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

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

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

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

A man was beaten up&nbsp;by people and handed over to the police after he allegedly tried to hurl a shoe at Pakistan Tehreeke-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan&nbsp;when he was getting into his car after leaving the rally in Faisalabad on Sunday.

Khan&#39;s party workers and security staff caught the man when they saw him open the leader&#39;s car and was then beaten up.&nbsp;

The man, identified as Mirza Ramzan was sent by the son-in-law of Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, Sheharyar, reports said.&nbsp;

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Confessional video of the man sent by Rana Sanaullah to attack Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan. PMlN stooping to the lowest level! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PTI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PTI</a> <a href="https://t.co/H3Y5aPLyyT">pic.twitter.com/H3Y5aPLyyT</a>
&mdash; PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/972834240445460480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to police, the suspect admitted that Sanaullah&rsquo;s son-in-law directed him to throw a shoe at the PTI chief. The further action would only be taken after a written application by the PTI, they added.

Earlier today, a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shoe-thrown-at-former-pakistan-pm-nawaz-sharif-35386">man threw a shoe </a>at former prime minister Nawaz Sharif at Jamia Naeemia in Lahore during a ceremony.

The incident came a day after an individual hurled ink at Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, a member of the ruling party and a close Sharif aide, while he was speaking at a party rally in eastern Pakistan.

Khan's party workers and security staff caught the man when they saw him opening the leader's car and was then beaten up.

A man was beaten up by people and handed over to the police after he allegedly tried to hurl a shoe at Pakistan Tehreeke-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan when he was getting into his car after leaving the rally in Faisalabad on Sunday. Khan's party workers and security staff caught the man when they saw him open the leader's car and was then beaten up. The man, identified as Mirza Ramzan was sent by the son-in-law of Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, Sheharyar, reports said. Confessional video of the man sent by Rana Sanaullah to attack Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan. PMlN stooping to the lowest level! #PTI pic.twitter.com/H3Y5aPLyyT — PTI (@PTIofficial) March 11, 2018 × According to police, the suspect admitted that Sanaullah’s son-in-law directed him to throw a shoe at the PTI chief. The further action would only be taken after a written application by the PTI, they added. Earlier today, a man threw a shoe at former prime minister Nawaz Sharif at Jamia Naeemia in Lahore during a ceremony. The incident came a day after an individual hurled ink at Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, a member of the ruling party and a close Sharif aide, while he was speaking at a party rally in eastern Pakistan.

Watch: Man beaten up after hurling shoe at PTI chief Imran Khan

Police in Pakistan&#39;s Mardan District on Thursday confirmed the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Councillor Mohammad Arif for his role in the lynching of Mashal Khan, a student of the Abdul Wali Khan University in April last year.

Geo TV quoted police, as saying that Arif was arrested near Chamtar on the Ring Road. They said that he is one of the three accused of murdering Mashal Khan.

Arif was serving as the tehsil councillor of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Mashal Khan was brutally beaten and shot dead at the Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan over allegations of blasphemy in April 2017. The allegations of blasphemy were later proved to be false by a joint investigation team.

Hailing the police action, PTI Chairman Imran Khan shared a message on Twitter:

He said, &quot;I want to commend the KP police for succeeding in arresting the main accused in the Mashal Khan murder case, Arif Rangi, a PTI councillor. This is how a professional and depoliticised police force works, in contrast to the politicised police forces of Punjab and Sindh.&quot;

The punishment for the rest of the accused who were arrested was announced by an anti-terrorism court in Haripur on February 7 this year.

According to the verdict, one person was awarded death sentence, five life imprisonment, 25 were jailed for four years each, while 26 were acquitted over lack of evidence.

The 26 suspects released by the court received a &#39;hero&#39;s welcome&#39; in their native towns of Swabi and Mardan after their release.

Later, Mashal&#39;s family challenged their acquittal as did the provincial government.

In an appeal filed with the Peshawar High Court, Mashal&#39;s brother Aimal Khan expressed reservations over the verdict, stating those who have been acquitted can be seen in the video of the incident when Mashal was tortured to death.

On February 27, a PHC division bench ordered the release on bail of the 25 accused who had been awarded three to four-year sentences in the case.

The 25 accused had pleaded that there was a provision in the law under which those sentenced to less than five years in jail could be released on bail while their appeal was being heard.

Mashal Khan was brutally beaten and shot dead at the Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan over allegations of blasphemy in April 2017

Police in Pakistan's Mardan District on Thursday confirmed the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Councillor Mohammad Arif for his role in the lynching of Mashal Khan, a student of the Abdul Wali Khan University in April last year. Geo TV quoted police, as saying that Arif was arrested near Chamtar on the Ring Road. They said that he is one of the three accused of murdering Mashal Khan. Arif was serving as the tehsil councillor of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Mashal Khan was brutally beaten and shot dead at the Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan over allegations of blasphemy in April 2017. The allegations of blasphemy were later proved to be false by a joint investigation team. Hailing the police action, PTI Chairman Imran Khan shared a message on Twitter: He said, "I want to commend the KP police for succeeding in arresting the main accused in the Mashal Khan murder case, Arif Rangi, a PTI councillor. This is how a professional and depoliticised police force works, in contrast to the politicised police forces of Punjab and Sindh." The punishment for the rest of the accused who were arrested was announced by an anti-terrorism court in Haripur on February 7 this year. According to the verdict, one person was awarded death sentence, five life imprisonment, 25 were jailed for four years each, while 26 were acquitted over lack of evidence. The 26 suspects released by the court received a 'hero's welcome' in their native towns of Swabi and Mardan after their release. Later, Mashal's family challenged their acquittal as did the provincial government. In an appeal filed with the Peshawar High Court, Mashal's brother Aimal Khan expressed reservations over the verdict, stating those who have been acquitted can be seen in the video of the incident when Mashal was tortured to death. On February 27, a PHC division bench ordered the release on bail of the 25 accused who had been awarded three to four-year sentences in the case. The 25 accused had pleaded that there was a provision in the law under which those sentenced to less than five years in jail could be released on bail while their appeal was being heard.

Pakistan: PTI councillor arrested for lynching of man accused of blasphemy

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership is in crisis as the chief, Imran Khan, went incommunicado, on Tuesday. Prominent Pakistani journalist Salman Masood took to Twitter to inform about the situation, adding his WhatsApp was also shut down.&nbsp;

&quot;A huge sense of crisis within PTI leadership right now. Imran Khan is incommunicado with almost everyone. His WhatsApp has been shut down for the most part of the day. Bani Gala house does not have a lot of visitors right now,&quot; Masood tweeted.&nbsp;

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A huge sense of crisis within PTI leadership right now. Imran Khan is incommunicado with almost everyone. His WhatsApp has been shut down for most part of the day. Bani Gala house does not have a lot of visitors right now.
&mdash; Salman Masood (@salmanmasood) <a href="https://twitter.com/salmanmasood/status/950708006404153344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This came hours after Imran Khan, in a move to defend himself over the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/is-wanting-to-marry-a-crime-asks-imran-khan-29026" target="_blank">recent marriage controversy revolving around him, went on a Twitter spree,</a> stating he had been wondering if he committed any crime.&nbsp;

The former-cricketer turned politicians proposed marriage to Bushra Maneka, but she asked for time to make a final decision after consulting her family, including her children.

Whereas, a media report, on Saturday said the PTI chief got married on New Year&#39;s Day in Lahore. The rumours were later thrashed by the party.

The 66-year-old politician previously married and divorced two women, socialite Jemima Goldsmith and journalist Reham Khan.

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

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership is in crisis as the chief, Imran Khan, went incommunicado, on Tuesday. Prominent Pakistani journalist Salman Masood took to Twitter to inform about the situation, adding his WhatsApp was also shut down. "A huge sense of crisis within PTI leadership right now. Imran Khan is incommunicado with almost everyone. His WhatsApp has been shut down for the most part of the day. Bani Gala house does not have a lot of visitors right now," Masood tweeted. A huge sense of crisis within PTI leadership right now. Imran Khan is incommunicado with almost everyone. His WhatsApp has been shut down for most part of the day. Bani Gala house does not have a lot of visitors right now. — Salman Masood (@salmanmasood) January 9, 2018 × This came hours after Imran Khan, in a move to defend himself over the recent marriage controversy revolving around him, went on a Twitter spree, stating he had been wondering if he committed any crime. The former-cricketer turned politicians proposed marriage to Bushra Maneka, but she asked for time to make a final decision after consulting her family, including her children. Whereas, a media report, on Saturday said the PTI chief got married on New Year's Day in Lahore. The rumours were later thrashed by the party. The 66-year-old politician previously married and divorced two women, socialite Jemima Goldsmith and journalist Reham Khan.

Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan goes incommunicado 

Nawaz Sharif, who appeared before an accountability court in Islamabad, Pakistan today to face charges in corruption cases filed against him and members of his famil, said his &quot;family (was) being made to go through tough times&quot;.&nbsp;

I &quot;am hurt over PPP&#39;s move,&quot; local media reported him as saying.&nbsp;

Sharif added that we &quot;have no issues with PTI. Democracy has not even touched PTI&quot;.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-appears-in-pak-court-in-corruption-case-24792" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;Nawaz Sharif appears in Pak court in corruption case</a> 
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PTI or the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is the party founded and headed by former cricketer Imran Khan.&nbsp;

The PPP or the Pakistan People&#39;s Party is the country&#39;s main Opposition party.&nbsp;

The National Accountability Bureau had filed three cases against Sharif and his family on September 8.&nbsp;

The cases were filed after revelations in the Panama Papers, and relate to the family owning assets beyond their known sources of income.&nbsp;

Sharif had been forced to step down as prime minister in July because&nbsp;of the charges.&nbsp;

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Sharif was in court to answer charges in cases of corruption filed against him and his family

Nawaz Sharif, who appeared before an accountability court in Islamabad, Pakistan today to face charges in corruption cases filed against him and members of his famil, said his "family (was) being made to go through tough times". I "am hurt over PPP's move," local media reported him as saying. Sharif added that we "have no issues with PTI. Democracy has not even touched PTI". Also read: Nawaz Sharif appears in Pak court in corruption case PTI or the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is the party founded and headed by former cricketer Imran Khan. The PPP or the Pakistan People's Party is the country's main Opposition party. The National Accountability Bureau had filed three cases against Sharif and his family on September 8. The cases were filed after revelations in the Panama Papers, and relate to the family owning assets beyond their known sources of income. Sharif had been forced to step down as prime minister in July because of the charges.

'Family being made to go through tough times', Nawaz Sharif says after appearing in court

Pakistan&#39;s opposition Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by former cricket hero&nbsp;Imran&nbsp;Khan, swept to a comfortable by-election victory on the edge of the northwestern city of Peshawar, through its majority was trimmed by new hardline religious parties.

PTI candidate Arbab Amir Ayub clinched 45,631 votes, about 34.8 percent of the total, on Thursday to ensure PTI kept the parliamentary seat in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) that it governs.

The by-election was seen as a litmus test of PTI&#39;s popularity in KP, where it has focused on police, health and education reforms in contrast to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party betting on road and energy infrastructure projects.

Khan, the PTI chairman, touted the victory as a direct vote of confidence&nbsp;in his party&#39;s performance governing KP since the 2013 election, when it won the National Assembly seat, known as Peshawar NA-4, with a majority of about 40 percent.

The next general election is due in mid-2018 but&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;has called for early polls after PML-N leader and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was toppled in July by a Supreme Court disqualification over an undeclared source of income.

Analysts say&nbsp;Khan&#39;s chances of becoming prime minister have been boosted by Sharif&#39;s ouster, and the sportsman has doubled down on his populist message by saying he will pull the country away from infrastructure spending towards improving schools, hospitals and the lives of the poor.

&quot;Most of the youngsters like&nbsp;Imran&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;and believe he can steer the country out of crisis and stop corruption,&quot; said Zahid Hussain, a government contractor.

Awami National Party (ANP) candidate Khushdil&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;secured 24,830 votes, or 18.9 percent of the total, to pip PML-N&#39;s Nasir&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;Musazai, who won 23,169 votes to finish third.

Khushdil&nbsp;Khan&#39;s showing will hearten the ANP, whose candidates barely campaigned in 2013 as the Pakistani Taliban targeted and killed many of its leaders and activists in KP.

But it was the performance of two new hardline religious parties that caught the eye of political observers.

Muhammad Shafiq Ameeni, a candidate for the Tehreek-i-Labaik party, won 7.6 percent of the ballot campaigning on a platform of support for Pakistan&rsquo;s strict blasphemy laws that are already some of the world&#39;s harshest.

Labaik supporters have spread their hardline message, including the notion that those who commit blasphemy against Islam should be killed, through mosques and seminaries.

Syed Moharram Shah, a Labaik activist, said the party was surprised it captured 9,060 votes because it wasn&#39;t fully prepared for the election.

&quot;This is our first attempt but look at people&#39;s response. It&#39;s very much encouraging,&quot; he said.

Alhaj Liaqat Ali&nbsp;Khan, an independent candidate backed by the Milli Muslim League (MML) party, loyal to Hafiz Saeed, an Islamist under house arrest, obtained 3,557 votes.

Washington accuses Saeed of being the mastermind behind the 2008 attacks in the Indian city of Mumbai that killed 166 people, and has placed a $10 million bounty on his head. Saeed denies the charge.

Last month, candidates backed by Labaik and MML won about 11 percent of the ballot in a by-election for Sharif&#39;s vacated seat in a by-election in the eastern city of Lahore.

PTI candidate Arbab Amir Ayub clinched 45,631 votes, about 34.8 percent of the total, on Thursday to ensure PTI kept the parliamentary seat in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) that it governs.

Pakistan's opposition Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by former cricket hero Imran Khan, swept to a comfortable by-election victory on the edge of the northwestern city of Peshawar, through its majority was trimmed by new hardline religious parties. PTI candidate Arbab Amir Ayub clinched 45,631 votes, about 34.8 percent of the total, on Thursday to ensure PTI kept the parliamentary seat in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) that it governs. The by-election was seen as a litmus test of PTI's popularity in KP, where it has focused on police, health and education reforms in contrast to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party betting on road and energy infrastructure projects. Khan, the PTI chairman, touted the victory as a direct vote of confidence in his party's performance governing KP since the 2013 election, when it won the National Assembly seat, known as Peshawar NA-4, with a majority of about 40 percent. The next general election is due in mid-2018 but Khan has called for early polls after PML-N leader and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was toppled in July by a Supreme Court disqualification over an undeclared source of income. Analysts say Khan's chances of becoming prime minister have been boosted by Sharif's ouster, and the sportsman has doubled down on his populist message by saying he will pull the country away from infrastructure spending towards improving schools, hospitals and the lives of the poor. "Most of the youngsters like Imran Khan and believe he can steer the country out of crisis and stop corruption," said Zahid Hussain, a government contractor. Awami National Party (ANP) candidate Khushdil Khan secured 24,830 votes, or 18.9 percent of the total, to pip PML-N's Nasir Khan Musazai, who won 23,169 votes to finish third. Khushdil Khan's showing will hearten the ANP, whose candidates barely campaigned in 2013 as the Pakistani Taliban targeted and killed many of its leaders and activists in KP. But it was the performance of two new hardline religious parties that caught the eye of political observers. Muhammad Shafiq Ameeni, a candidate for the Tehreek-i-Labaik party, won 7.6 percent of the ballot campaigning on a platform of support for Pakistan’s strict blasphemy laws that are already some of the world's harshest. Labaik supporters have spread their hardline message, including the notion that those who commit blasphemy against Islam should be killed, through mosques and seminaries. Syed Moharram Shah, a Labaik activist, said the party was surprised it captured 9,060 votes because it wasn't fully prepared for the election. "This is our first attempt but look at people's response. It's very much encouraging," he said. Alhaj Liaqat Ali Khan, an independent candidate backed by the Milli Muslim League (MML) party, loyal to Hafiz Saeed, an Islamist under house arrest, obtained 3,557 votes. Washington accuses Saeed of being the mastermind behind the 2008 attacks in the Indian city of Mumbai that killed 166 people, and has placed a $10 million bounty on his head. Saeed denies the charge. Last month, candidates backed by Labaik and MML won about 11 percent of the ballot in a by-election for Sharif's vacated seat in a by-election in the eastern city of Lahore.

Imran Khan's PTI retains seat in bypoll, but new religious parties gain

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan led a host of PTI leaders as he addressed a huge rally in Islamabad &nbsp;to celebrate &quot;thanksgiving day&quot; celebrations after Nawaz Sharif&#39;s disqualification by the Supreme Court over corruption.

The former cricketer, whose party spearheaded the corruption complaint that led to Nawaz Sharif&#39;s disqualification, thanked Pakistan&#39;s Supreme Court for the crucial verdict, based on a probe by a Joint Investigation Team (JIT).

&quot;I want to thank five supreme court judges and I salute the JIT members,&quot; the PTI chief said.

&quot;We knocked on judiciary&rsquo;s doors instead of taking to the roads because the SC judges asked us to come to the court,&rdquo; he told jubilant supporters. &quot;We are thankful to the judiciary because with the judgment, they brought us a new hope.&quot;

PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi earlier congratulated the members of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) and the &quot;brave 5 judges who gave a historical decision.&quot; 
 
PTI leaders Jahangir Tareen&nbsp;and Asad Umar, and Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed also addressed the rally.

Pakistan&#39;s parliament will elect the new prime minister on Tuesday.

Pakistan&#39;s ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has named Nawaz Sharif&#39;s younger brother Shahbaz as his successor, but he must first get himself elected to Parliament by contesting the seat left vacant by Sharif.

The PML-N has meanwhile nominated ex-oil minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as interim prime minister.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief led a host of party leaders as he addressed a huge rally in Islamabad to celebrate Nawaz Sharif's disqualification by the Supreme Court

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan led a host of PTI leaders as he addressed a huge rally in Islamabad to celebrate "thanksgiving day" celebrations after Nawaz Sharif's disqualification by the Supreme Court over corruption. The former cricketer, whose party spearheaded the corruption complaint that led to Nawaz Sharif's disqualification, thanked Pakistan's Supreme Court for the crucial verdict, based on a probe by a Joint Investigation Team (JIT). "I want to thank five supreme court judges and I salute the JIT members," the PTI chief said. "We knocked on judiciary’s doors instead of taking to the roads because the SC judges asked us to come to the court,” he told jubilant supporters. "We are thankful to the judiciary because with the judgment, they brought us a new hope." PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi earlier congratulated the members of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) and the "brave 5 judges who gave a historical decision." PTI leaders Jahangir Tareen and Asad Umar, and Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed also addressed the rally. Pakistan's parliament will elect the new prime minister on Tuesday. Pakistan's ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has named Nawaz Sharif's younger brother Shahbaz as his successor, but he must first get himself elected to Parliament by contesting the seat left vacant by Sharif. The PML-N has meanwhile nominated ex-oil minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as interim prime minister.

At 'thanksgiving day' rally, Imran Khan thanks Pakistan Supreme Court for verdict against Nawaz Sharif

Pakistan&#39;s Opposition Tehreek-e- Insaf party on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court&#39;s unanimous decision to disqualify Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, describing it an end to &quot;godfather&#39;s rule&quot;.

Other Opposition party politicians also gave all the credit to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan for the legal victory.

The top court had taken up the case in October last year on petitions filed by Imran&#39;s party, Awami Muslim League and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI).

&quot;Godfather&#39;s rule has ended for good! Truth &amp; Justice have prevailed!,&quot; the party tweeted.

&quot;Godfather&#39;s ally, the Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has been disqualified in Panamagate Case!,&quot; it added.

The party&#39;s vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi while addressing the press soon after the judgement, said: &quot;It?s a historic day, let&#39;s strengthen Pakistan, let&#39;s get rid of terrorism from the country.

&quot;Let us take this moment to express gratitude to the armed forces, police and other law enforcement agencies. We should also thank the JIT members for not succumbing to the enormous pressure and serving the cause of justice,&quot; he added.

Pakistan People&#39;s Party leader Zaman Kaira praised Imran fro taking the case to the court.

&quot;The judgement came it was expected. It was on the cards for long. All the opposition parties played their part in this, but the credit does go to PTI and Imran Khan for taking this issue to court and fighting this long legal battle.&quot;

JI&#39;s Siraj ul Haq congratulated the apex court, journalists, lawyers and political workers.

Sharif today resigned as Pakistan Prime Minister after the Supreme Court disqualified him from holding public office and ruled that graft cases be filed against the beleaguered leader and his children over the Panama Papers scandal.

Sharif today resigned as Pakistan Prime Minister after the Supreme Court disqualified him from holding public office and ruled that graft cases be filed against the beleaguered leader and his children over the Panama Papers scandal

Pakistan's Opposition Tehreek-e- Insaf party on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court's unanimous decision to disqualify Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, describing it an end to "godfather's rule". Other Opposition party politicians also gave all the credit to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan for the legal victory. The top court had taken up the case in October last year on petitions filed by Imran's party, Awami Muslim League and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI). "Godfather's rule has ended for good! Truth & Justice have prevailed!," the party tweeted. "Godfather's ally, the Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has been disqualified in Panamagate Case!," it added. The party's vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi while addressing the press soon after the judgement, said: "It?s a historic day, let's strengthen Pakistan, let's get rid of terrorism from the country. "Let us take this moment to express gratitude to the armed forces, police and other law enforcement agencies. We should also thank the JIT members for not succumbing to the enormous pressure and serving the cause of justice," he added. Pakistan People's Party leader Zaman Kaira praised Imran fro taking the case to the court. "The judgement came it was expected. It was on the cards for long. All the opposition parties played their part in this, but the credit does go to PTI and Imran Khan for taking this issue to court and fighting this long legal battle." JI's Siraj ul Haq congratulated the apex court, journalists, lawyers and political workers. Sharif today resigned as Pakistan Prime Minister after the Supreme Court disqualified him from holding public office and ruled that graft cases be filed against the beleaguered leader and his children over the Panama Papers scandal.

Pakistan: Tehreek-e- Insaf party celebrates Nawaz Sharif's dismissal, calls it end to 'godfather's rule'

In a bid to thwart Imran Khan&#39;s attempt to lockdown Islamabad on November 2, Nawaz Sharif-led Pakistan government is planning to &nbsp;put the cricketer-turned-politician under house arrest, local media reports suggested today.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Responding to the reports of arrests of PTI leadership on Thursday,the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief said: &quot;We are ready for everything, We have learned from the 2014 dharna&nbsp; (protest) and the party is now well prepared to face any untoward situation.&quot; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Khan had earlier invited the people, &#39;suppressed by corruption&#39;, to join the November 2 protest as he hits out at the Prime Minister over his Panama Papers links, the Express Tribune reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

According to media reports, a list of senior PTI leaders and party workers is being prepared to avert the protest.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

These key party leaders and workers will be taken into custody and arrested before November 2, the reports suggested.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from&nbsp;Taha Siddiqui)&nbsp;

The PTI chief earlier called the people of Pakistan to join the November 2 protest in Islamabad against corruption

In a bid to thwart Imran Khan's attempt to lockdown Islamabad on November 2, Nawaz Sharif-led Pakistan government is planning to put the cricketer-turned-politician under house arrest, local media reports suggested today. Responding to the reports of arrests of PTI leadership on Thursday,the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief said: "We are ready for everything, We have learned from the 2014 dharna (protest) and the party is now well prepared to face any untoward situation." Khan had earlier invited the people, 'suppressed by corruption', to join the November 2 protest as he hits out at the Prime Minister over his Panama Papers links, the Express Tribune reported. According to media reports, a list of senior PTI leaders and party workers is being prepared to avert the protest. These key party leaders and workers will be taken into custody and arrested before November 2, the reports suggested. (WION with inputs from Taha Siddiqui)

Ready to face anything: Imran Khan on Pak government's 'attempts' to foil Nov 2 protest

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