Imran's picture should be used for u-turn sign boards: Shehbaz

SARGODHA: PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif said Saturday that all u-turn sign boards should carry the picture of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan.While addressing a rally in Sargodha, the PML-N leader said he cannot see Punjab getting ruined like Peshawar and pledged to evolve Sargodha into Lahore.Taking a jibe against PTI's chief,  he said  Imran has  a  history of taking u-turns, where at  a time he   aims at building a college and  later he steps back.He said Imran has already ruined the Peshawar metro mass transit project  by handing it over to a black-listed company. He  added that the metro has been revealed of Rs.40 billion corruption.He said that the high court has given the orders to run a probe into the Peshawar metro project.Taking aim at defeating Imran   in the election, Shehbaz said he will bring Nawaz Sharif and  Maryam Nawaz out of jail through the power of vote.He  said  that the former premier has been  forced into jail  despite  no  corruption charges.He added that those who have been looting the country are now a part of the PTI.Shehbaz also apologized for any misconduct on behalf of his party workers in Sargodha.

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Imran Khan under fire for pushing party candidate during Karak rally

KARAK: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan was caught shoving a party candidate amid his rally here on Saturday.The footage shows the PTI chief shoving the party candidate Shahid Ahmed Khattak while escalating the stairs during his rally at Karak.Khattak had been given the PTI ticket to contest from NA-34 constituency.Earlier, the party supremo was also spotted elbowing a member while going down the stairs which had gained rapid social media attention.

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Elections 2018: Imran Khan vows to eradicate corruption

ISLAMABAD: PTI chairman Imran Khan on Saturday said that he had waged a long struggle against corrupt mafia.“I will introduce a new system to combat corruption which is the biggest menace in the country after coming into power,” Khan told a gathering of supporters in Karak. “We will improve the existing local bodies system across Pakistan to bring the development to grass-root level” Khan said."Development work is not the job of an MNA or an MPA. Their job is to do legislation," he explained. Khan lamented that international media had been supporting Nawaz Sharif despite his conviction for corruption. He promised that he would address the problem of water shortage being faced by the people of Karak. Launching a tirade against his opponents, Khan said that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz were sentenced to jail over corruption, adding that the Adiala jail was awaiting the corrupt elite.He said that the PPP and PML-N had signed a charter of democracy (CoD) and the increasing price of dollar is the first gift of that agreement.

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Armed forces requisitioned for assisting ECP in holding free, fair polls: ISPR

The Election Commission Pakistan (ECP) has requisitioned Pak Armed forces to assist them in holding free, fair and transparent conduct of elections 2018, ISPR said."ECP has requisitioned Pak Armed Forces under Article 220&245 of Constitution to assist them in free, fair & transparent conduct of Elections 2018," DG ISPR Maj-Gen Asif Ghafoor tweeted. "Shall undertake this mandated duty enabling people of Pakistan to freely exercise their democratic right in safe & secure environment.Pakistan will hold the general elections on July 25 amid heightened security. Troops will be deployed inside and outside the polling stations.

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Weak democracy is better than powerful dictatorship: Bilawal Bhutto

THARPARKAR: PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that even a weak democracy was better than a powerful dictatorship.“Our successful rallies have negated the false perception that PPP had been finished after the martyrdom of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto. Our work has just begun,” Bilawal said while addressing a massive rally in Nagarparkar area of Tharparkar.Puppet alliances had always been formed against the PPP but the nation has always stood with the PPP, he said. ‘Our jiyalas are not scared of Musharraf or Zia. Our supporters favour democracy.”He reiterated that Imran Khan had zero chance of becoming the next prime minister.The two so-called political parties — Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz — had taken Punjab’s politics hostage. “Alliances have always been formed against the PPP but the party has persevered and will continue to fight for what is right,” he said.

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COAS General Bajwa confirms death sentences of 12 hardcore terrorists

Chief of the Army Staff, General Qamar Bajwa, on Friday confirmed  death sentences of 12 hardcore terrorists.According to statement, the 12 terrorists were  convicted by special military courts where  six other convicts were also handed down  lief terms. The offenders had been involved in various appalling criminal activities that included attacks carried out on Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of the country, demolition of educational institutions and the killing of innocent civilians.Furthermore, the terrorists were also involved in attacks on prisons in Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan which killed two officials and four prisoners, with 21 others injured. On the whole, the total number of those murdered at the hands of the 12 terrorists equaled to 99 which includes seven civilians while the rest were Armed Forces personnel; whereas a total number of 58 were left injured.Details of the terrorists:Ghani Rehman:Son of Fazal Rehman, the convict belonged to the prohibited organization and was behind the strikes held in Bannu and DI Khan jails.Moreover, the convict was also involved in attacks conducted against Armed Forces personnel which concluded in the death of three including Captain Fasih Babar Amin.Rehman was sentenced to death subsequent to his declaration of guilt in front of the Judicial Magistrate and the trial court.Abdul Ghazi: Son of Sabeel Khan Ghazi was involved in attacks that took the lives of several including Major (retd) Khairul Haseeb and Superintendent of Police (Elite Force Bannu).Muhammad Zubair:Son of Nawab Shah, Zubair was found guilty of being involved in attacks that killed 22 including Captain Safer Khan, Assistant District Officer Karim Khan, Naib Subedar Muhammad Fayaz, Naib Subedar Fazal Wahid.Umar Nawaz:Nawaz was incarcerated for plotting the attack that claimed the lives of Subedar Said Karim, Subedar Shoukat, Naib Subedar Akhtar Munir, 11 soldiers and two civilians. The attack had also left 16 others gravely wounded.Sajid Khan:The son of Sher Rehman, Sajid Khan was involved in the strike against the Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan killing 12 including Subedar Janas Khan, Naib Subedar Kamran Khan and Havildar Sajid Khan. Haibat Khan:Khan was found guilty of plotting an assail on troops that killed Naib Subedar Ali Amir, Havildar Badshah Khan as well as 13 other soldiers. The terrorist was also found involved in garnering funds for other illicit activitews as well.Ahmed Shah:Shah was caught up in the murder of civilian Mian Mushtaq, former nazim Awami National Party, Subedar Sahib Gul Afridi and Havildar (retd) Namoos Khan.Baz Muhammad:Muhammad was penalized for conducting attacks in Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan which claimed the lives of two soldiers.Momeen Khan: Khyan, son of Noor Haleem Shah was part of an attack on LEAs personnel as well as the abduction of three people. Amongst his possessions explosives and firearms were included which were later recovered.Suleman Bahadur:Bahadur was found guilty of attacking Armed Forces of Pakistan and for firing on civilian residences that took the life of a soldier and left four others injured.

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Nawaz Sharif seeks support in video message recorded aboard flight

Ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif has released a video message ahead of his arrival in Pakistan, asking people to support him in his struggle which he said he is waging for the future of  coming generations.Nawaz’s three aborted, successful attempts to return in last 11 years"Pakistan is on the crossroad. I have done whatever  was possible . I know I have been convicted and awarded 10 years imprisonment   and will be taken straight to the jail," he said in the video which his daughter Maryam Nawaz, who is accompanying him , shared on Twitter. NAB planning to arrest Nawaz, Maryam midairIn the video recorded on board the plane, he said : "I request people--  I am rendering this sacrifice for you, for coming generations, for the future of the country - stand by me and walk side by side  with me holding my hands.He said asked his supports to seize  the opportunity which does not often arise. 

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Maryam, Hussain Nawaz's sons detained in London for scuffling with protester

LONDON: The United Kingdom (UK) police on Thursday arrested Maryam Nawaz’s son Junaid and Hussain Nawaz’s son Zikeriya in London.Junaid Safdar and Zakariya Hussain have been  detained for assaulting a  protester outside the Avenfield Apartments.In his defence, Junaid said that protesters had spitted on him  and tried to attack him outside their residence. According to reports,  Junaid Safdar was arrested and handcuffed by the police.  He was shifted to Charing Cross Police Station for questioning. The arrest comes  shortly former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz Sharif left for Heathrow Airport to board a flight for Pakistan. The father-daughter duo are scheduled to arrive in Lahore on Friday at 6pm to face an imminent arrest. In a Twitter statement, Maryam confirmed the arrest of her son. 

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NAB chalks out plan to arrest Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz upon return to Pakistan

LAHORE: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has chalked out strategy to arrest former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz upon their return to Pakistan on Friday.According to NAB officials Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz would be taken into custody and be shifted to Rawalpindi, adding that two NAB teams would be deployed at Lahore and two at Islamabad airport in this regard.Two helicopters have also been dispatched at Lahore airport, the NAB officials said.They said NAB chairman has directed to execute the court orders in letter and spirit.Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz are returning to Pakistan to face an imminent arrest after nearly a month-long stay in London. The father-daughter duo, who traveled to London just before Eid ul Fitr to be with ailing Begum Kulsoom Nawaz, are scheduled to arrive in Lahore on Friday at 6:15pm. Last week, an accountability court sentenced the former three-time premier to 11 years in jail and handed 8-year imprisonment to his daughter after their conviction in the Avenfield apartments case. Sharif’s son-in-law Capt (retd) Mohammad Safdar, who was awarded one-year jail term, has already been arrested and shifted to Adiala prison. 

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No order given to place Zardari, Faryal on ECL: CJP

ISLAMABAD - Chief Justice Saqib Nisar on Thursday said that Supreme Court had not summoned Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and Faryal Talpur in personal capacity nor it had ordered for their names to be placed on the Exit Control List (ECL).A two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, resumed hearing of a suo moto case pertaining to money laundering of Rs35 billion through fake bank accounts.The top court also directed Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to hold the probe against Asif Zardari and his sister until after the polls.The chief justice remarked that the summon was issued to the company directors, who were respondents in the case.Subsequently, the bench while seeking reply from all respondents in the money laundering case, including Zardari and Talpur, adjourned further hearing of the case till August 6. Advocate Aitzaz Ahsan, Advocate Farooq H Naek and Advocate Latif Khosa appeared before the court as legal team of the former president.Meanwhile, Farooq H Naik raised objection that his client had reservations regarding Najaf Mirza head of FIA investigation team and requested the bench to change him but the court rejected his plea and said court would deal with the matter after July 25. 

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Reham Khan says can prove content of book in court

LONDON: Reham Khan, the former wife of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, has said that she was fully satisfied with the truth of the events published in her book and could prove the content of the much-awaited book in the court.In an interview with Geo News anchor Munib Farooq in ‘Aapas Ki Baat’, Reham Khan said she had chosen the content of the book which she had evidences.“I can prove in the court that whatever is written in the book is completely truth and I am saying this with responsibility,” Reham told Munib.Reham Khan book, that had been in the midst of numerous controversies ever since it started taking shape, has been published online and its e-version is now available for readers on Amazon.com. The book had been alleged to act as a ploy to deter Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran's Khan's reputation ahead of the upcoming general elections of July 25.Speaking at Geo TV's morning show, Farooq said the book is a far cry from what has been earlier discussed on the social media.He, however, went on to say that the book is damning indictment of Imran Khan's character.According to Farooq, hundreds of pages give detailed accounts of the period during which she remained Khan's wife.Asked to what extent the book could impact Khan's election campaign, the journalist said it wouldn't make any difference because the voters who likes Khan are not going to change their decision.Munib Farooq said after the interview when he candidly asked Reham Khan whether she was satisfied with the contents of the book knowing that she will be answerable to Allah the woman said she was satisfied with whatever she has penned. 

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Public holiday declared on election day

ISLAMABAD: July 25 will be a public holiday in Pakistan, ruled the Election Commission of Pakistan on Thursday. Pakistan will hold the general elections on July 25, Wednesday.  The polling will take place from 8am to 6pm throughout the country. 

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Nobody with conscience will receive Nawaz Sharif: Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan said that he would not let ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif become a hero.“Nawaz Sharif has asked his workers to receive him at the airport. There will be no difference between donkeys and those who welcome Nawaz Sharif,” Khan told a gathering of supporters at Narowal. "He has plundered Rs300 billion of the nation for which he will be arrested. Those who have some iota of conscience left will not go to the airport to receive a convict,” he said. He said that those nations which do not differentiate between good and bad go into extinction.“Anyone with a living conscience will not vote for the PML-N,” said Imran, adding that the PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif is a ‘conman’.Imran said that the PTI has been struggling against corruption since 22 years.He also advised his workers to show patience upon Nawaz’s return to the country. Nawaz and Maryam are expected to leave London today evening and land in Lahore around 6:00pm on Friday (July 13).

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German envoy shares memories made during Shandor Polo Festival

CHITRAL: The German Ambassador to Pakistan Martin Kobler has  been in full spirits during his visit to  three-day Shandor Polo  Festival in Chitral and it's all evident on social media .Kobler, alongside  Marion Pfennigs, youth ambassador of the German Embassy, watched Chitral defeat Gilgit-Baltistan with 10-5 goals in the one-sided match held at world’s highest polo ground in the valley.Taking  memories to Twitter, the ambassador lauded Chitral for very welcoming people   and  great matches."Weather changed frequently at #shandur polo. but a bit of rain couldn’t stop @GERinPAK4youth and me from watching the fascinating matches! there is no such thing as bad weather, just wrong clothing," he wrote.

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Imran Khan summoned by NAB for govt helicopter use

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan has been called by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to explain his position for   allegedly using  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s helicopters. Sources say that Khan has been asked to appear  at NAB’s Peshawer office on July 18th.The bureau’s KP director was instructed by NAB chairman Javed Iqbal in February to carry out a probe into the matter of Khan utilizing the helicopter in official control of the previous chief minister of KP.The director general was further directed to discern what made the CM allow another individual to utilize his property and was also asked to find out if the same had occurred with others as well.Furthermore, it was also instructed to verify whether the authority by the KP CM had been abused.Earlier this year, it was reported that millions of rupees were spent by the KP government on Imran’s alleged use of the provincial government‘s helicopters. Former KP CM Pervez Khattak had earlier been called for in the case as well. 

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PAF Hercules arrives in UK to participate in Royal Air Tattoo Show 2018

ISLAMABAD: An artistically painted PAF C-130 aircraft, landed at Royal Air Force Base, Fairford (UK) to participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo Show-2018. The No 6 squadron Hercules would be vying for the coveted Concours D' Elegance trophy at the prestigious air show which will be opening for the general public from 13 July till 15 July. Theme of this year’s Airshow is the “International Centenary celebrations of the Royal Air Force”. The PAF contingent comprising air and ground crew will be participating in the various competitions and events organized at this mega event. PAF C-130 had also won the prestigious trophy in 2016, when it was adjudged the best aircraft for highlighting Pakistan's role and its sacrifices in the war against terror.Reputed to be one of the biggest military air show in the world, Royal International Air Tattoo Show features modern military and classic aircraft from the reputed air forces of the world. Various Air Forces, aircraft operators, aerospace and technology companies as well as organizations are also participating in this mega show.

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Nawaz Sharif returning to fulfill his commitment with people of Pakistan: Shahbaz Sharif

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) President and former chief minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has stated that Nawaz Sharif was coming back along with his daughter to fulfill his commitment with the people of Pakistan.Addressing a press conference here Thursday, a day before return of Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan, Shahbaz Sharif said, “Nawaz has left his seriously ill wife in the protection of Allah. He is coming back along with his daughter to fulfill his commitment with the people of Pakistan.”Shahbaz Sharif said “I will personally lead the reception rally from Lohari Gate tomorrow. I assure the authorities that our reception for Nawaz Sharif will be wholly peaceful.”PMLN President said rumours are being spread about cancellation of Nawaz Sharif's flight. “Both he and Maryam are coming to Lahore according to the schedule. Pakistan is Nawaz Sharif's first love and even jail cannot stop him from doing his duty towards the country.”He claimed the whole world now knows that the PMLN alone is being targeted. “Imran Khan has all the freedom to hold a public meeting in Lahore while section 144 has been imposed on the occasion of homecoming of PMLN Quaid Nawaz Sharif tomorrow.”Shahbaz Sharif went on to say hundreds of the PMLN workers have been rounded up in what is an illegal swoop in violation of our fundamental rights. Our workers have been incarcerated for 30 days under MPO, which means that they will not be able to take part in elections. This is naked rigging, pure and simple.“I visited Lahore yesterday and met people in different areas. I have gauged the mood of Lahorites. We are winning elections by the grace of Allah. If the results of elections are illegally changed, those doing so will be brought to justice.”He said established corruption cases have been lying in NAB courts for a decade now. Nawaz Sharif attended 109 hearings of NAB court but was handed down the punishment and when he is coming back for rule of law, coercive action has been initiated on his workers a few days ahead of elections.Page 171 of the NAB court judgment clearly states that allegations of corruption and corrupt practices could not be proven against Nawaz Sharif. Still he was sentenced for 10 years on presumption and his daughter, who never held any public office, was handed down 7 years in imprisonment for abetment. 

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Elections 2018: Polio-affected man contesting from Rawalpindi

ISLAMABAD: The most anticipated general elections in the country are coming with another exception where a polio hit candidate is also contesting the election from Rawalpindi.Raja Imran is one of such common persons who fights to defy all odds by contesting from the area of PP 14 in Rawalpindi. He claims that people with disabilities are often overlooked and not given proper rights in the society.Raja Imran, who has chosen a pencil as his election symbol, conducts door-to-door campaigns himself by asking for votes has been helping the locals in day-to-day affairs. Imran’s bravery has made it clear that for him disability is secondary and is something that can never come in the way of his dreams.He vows that if he was elected, he will raise his voice for the betterment of the disabled community of the country. “The elected candidates only visit the neighborhoods when they need to beg for votes. Otherwise, no one cares to look back at the poor individuals of the society”, he said. “I will make sure the special persons to get their due rights, if elected”, said Imran.

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Video: Nawaz Sharif's mother vows to go behind bars if son is arrested

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s mother has issued a video message, vowing to go behind bars as well if her son is arrested.The former premier’s mother Shamim Akhtar began her video message saying she will not let Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz and Captain Safdar go to jail. She continues stating that if the three are sent to jail then she will be going along with them. “I have faith that these three are innocent and Allah will protect them. Tormenters should fear Allah’s wrath,” she added.Furthermore, she observed that “the court’s verdict mentions that the corruption has not been proven, then what is the punishment for?” she goes on to ask.She concluded the note saying “my children are getting punished for being faithful to their country.”  

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Kulsoom Nawaz blinked her eyes, but still unconscious, says Maryam Nawaz

Former first lady Begum Kulsoom Nawaz remains unconscious despite blinking her eyes for the first time in a month, as confirmed by her daughter Maryam Nawaz on Thursday. The wife of former premier Nawaz Sharif had been ailing and unconscious after a heart attack earlier last month and was under medical observation at London’s Harley Clinic. "1st time in 30 days, Ami opened eyes for a few secs. Don’t know if she saw or registered us. Still not conscious& on vent. Prayers solicited," Maryam Nawaz tweeted.In a second tweet, Maryam said that her mother blinked her eyes but was still unconscious. Earlier in August 2017, Kulsoom Nawaz had also been diagnosed with lymphoma (throat) cancer subsequent to which she has weathered numerous chemotherapy session. Nawaz Sharif and daughter Maryam Nawaz had been in London since earlier last month and are expected to arrive tomorrow upon which the two will be detained following the verdict that sentenced them to 10 and seven years of jail term in regards to the Avenfield Reference case. 

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