Former Pakistan Fellow at
@TheWilsonCenter
; Foreign Affairs/NatSec Correspondent at
@dawn_com
. It's personal acc & doesn't reflect my employer's opinions.
A group of masked gunmen broke into my Islamabad home, held my ailing father& mother at gunpoint & after searching home took away cash &jewellry. Though it looks to be robbery, but gunmen told my parents that they had come looking for my brother in law an ex-PTI MPA.
@ICT_Police
No matter how many turncoats switch sides, the fact remains that credibility can't be bought. Everyone knows who has the people's trust. PDM-II won't gain trust by purchasing 'independents'. It will get further discredited by such actions.
پی ٹی آئی کے ووٹرز کے ساتھ پہلا دھوکہ!
لاہور کے حلقہ این اے 121 میں شیخ روحیل اصغر کو شکست دینے والے پی ٹی آئی کے آزاد امیدوار وسیم قادر ن لیگ میں شامل ہوگئے
Here is the man that few days ago pro-Israeli Western media was making the world believe that he has gone into hiding in some bunker. He has arrived to lead Friday prayers in Tehran.
Pakistan Army's approval for trying protesters under the Army Act and Official Secrets Act is worrisome. It raises doubts about fairness of trials& respect for defendants' rights. Justice should be served in civilian courts, ensuring transparency& adherence to fundamental rights.
Is this the person the government invited as sort of a state guest? Look he is bad mouthing Pakistan and its national carrier. Who advised the govt to host him?
UAE President MbZ in a conversation with COAS Gen Asim Munir offered his good offices for defusing political situation in Pakistan saying UAE is keen "to support everything that achieves harmony and stability in" Pakistan.
Emirati sources say Gen Munir wasn't too receptive.
Received my electricity bill for PKR 20,000. Looks a reasonable figure given the heavy bills everyone’s getting... but here's the kicker - NO ONE WAS HOME during the entire billing period!
"🚨 Warning! 🚨 Brutal repression of opposition in Pakistan is sowing seeds of hatred that will bear long-term consequences for the country. Sacrificing harmony for ego satisfaction of a few will only fuel division & unrest. Let's choose unity, respect,& dialogue over oppression.
Behind Islamabad's dazzling lights for SCO 2024, lies a darker reality: a city in lockdown, citizens inconvenienced, and movements curtailed. Let's not be fooled by the facade. What's the true cost of this 'charm'?
Appalled to see the inhuman treatment of
#political
activists in
#Pakistan
. Presenting alleged
#women
rioters with their heads covered in polythene bags is a blatant violation of their dignity and rights. Such actions have no place in a
#democratic
society.
A security expert after enhancing video footages of attack on IK has claimed that the person overwhelmed by PTI workers and handed over to Punjab Police is different from the one featuring in the "confession clip" released in hurry by the LEAs.
That's wrong. I know the complainant and his complaint was against Usman Buzdar, who is currently CM Punjab & was then (in 1998) contesting for membership of District Council
Was it a mere coincidence that Prime Minister
@CMShehbaz
's trip to
#Qatar
coincided with a visit by Mossad delegation to Doha? More interesting was the proximity of the Pak & Israeli jets in the parking area.
Anyone with insights?
Rejection of PTI candidates' nomination papers at large scale raises concerns about election authorities' intent. Are they trying to eliminate
@PTIofficial
from race? Instead of seeking level playing field, focus should've been on asking for basic right to participate in polls
Same Police two different treatments - 1st clip A cop humiliating a decorated airforce veteran & in 2nd clip police cops assisting militants belonging to a religious party prepare for anti-judiciary protest. That's regrettably 'humara Pakistan'.
Enough PTI's workers may not have reached D-Chowk, but the party has already won the battle of public opinion. The government's heavy-handed response has only amplified PTI's message. Fear-driven leadership that prioritises control over stability is catastrophic.
Absurd move by the government to implicate
@SMQureshiPTI
in 12 new cases just to block his release on bail in the cipher case. This desperate tactic only exposes the government to ridicule and undermines the principles of justice.
Has Pakistan's Tunisia (2010) moment arrived? For those who can't recall 2010, self immolation by a Tunisian vendor Bouazizi as a protest against corruption and economic crisis had set off Arab Spring.
@SdqJaan
Couldnt ve expected better from
@Marriyum_A
. She may deny
@ImranRiazKhan
was a journalist, but she cant deny that he is a human being& enforced disappearances in Pak are severe violation of HR, robing individuals of freedom. Time to end to this practice& ensure justice prevails.
In Pakistan, a prominent pro-Imran Khan commentator has "disappeared." Imran Riaz Khan was detained by the police last week, but they say they don't have him in custody any more 🤨
I spoke to Information Minister
@Marriyum_A
about his case & press freedom under the current govt:
Let's set the record straight. Those involved in Capitol Hill incident were sentenced after transparent process, respecting rule of law. No unlawful detentions, military tribunals, or torture. Democracy prevailed. Meanwhile, what's happening in Pakistan is deeply concerning.
The man who was infamously photographed with his feet on a desk in then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office during the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol was sentenced Wednesday to four and a half years in prison.
What's most upsetting about Sharif family's meeting in London is that critical issues concerning the country are being discussed within a family. The prime minister should have been discussing these matters with his cabinet instead of his family.
For all the judicial drama in Islamabad, one can only say: Justice delayed is justice denied. Swift resolution in the Iddat case involving former PM Imran Khan, which was in its final stage and has now been referred to IHC, is crucial for fairness and transparency.
اگر خواجہ آصف کھلم کھلا یہ کہیں گے کہ پاکستانی معیشت امریکا سے چلتی ہے. امریکا کے بغیر گھٹنوں پر آجائیں گے تو پھر تعلقات برابری کہ سطح پر کیسے چلیں گے؟
بھکاریوں کی کوئی پسند نا پسند نہیں ہوتی. ہمیں اپنے لوگوں کا پیٹ پالنا ہے کسی سے جنگ نہیں کرنی،شہبازشریف
Today I was encountered by hostile low level intel operatives after meeting accredited diplomats from British High Commission at a Super Market Cafe. The guys wanted to take me along afterwards, I resisted. One of them in fact pulled out keys from my car's ignition. 1/2
The loss of life of the policeman cannot be condoned, but those pushing police to do illegal actions of violating the privacy of homes for their political objectives are equally responsible for his death. My heart goes out to the slain cop's family.
It's imp to note Pakistan is obligated to adhere to UN General Assembly's Basic Principles for Treatment of Prisoners. These principles emphasize that all detainees must be treated with proper regard for their inherent dignity & worth as human beings.
UNGA resolution 45/111
*بریکنگ نیوز*
چئیرمین عمران خان کے ساتھ اٹک جیل میں کس نوعیت کی بدسلوکی اور کیا کیا مظالم ڈھائے جا رہے ہیں ؟؟؟
ایڈیشنل اینڈ سیشن جج اٹک شفقت اللہ نے بھانڈا پھوڑ دیا
ایڈیشنل اینڈ سیشن جج اٹک شفقت اللہ خان نے 15اگست کو اٹک جیل کا دورہ کیا
چیئرمین عمران خان کے سیل کے عین باہر
Disturbing scenes at the fenced border as TTP & Afghan Taliban gather, poised to leap into the escalating sectarian conflict in
#Parachinar
. Another build up near Kohat. With 12 lives already lost, how many more will it take before forces intervene?
Pakistan government has taken abnormal security measures in the federal capital on the occasion of SCO Heads of Governments meeting to tell the world that we are a normal country.
How many read this letter before criticising it?
@Jhagra
is realistically telling how federal govt's unfulfilled commitments plus the floods will make it difficult for KP govt to pass on the surplus agreed in IMF MoU. He is by no means saying that he is backing out.
Dear Pakistani Twitterati 🇵🇰, your tweets are powerful, but remember, there are no ballot boxes on Twitter. Head to the brick & mortar polling station to cast your vote – your voice matters beyond the digital realm!
My article for
@TheWilsonCenter
's
@AsiaProgram
explains concerns& implications of court-martialing civilians. The article points out absence of safeguards, transparency& fairness in military trials& violation of const& intl obligations.
@MichaelKugelman
The irony is striking. NSC stressed resolution of political differences through dialogue & democratic values, yet failed to acknowledge that it's the government and military's actions that are escalating the situation. Empty words without action are meaningless.
Are some of
@GeoTVofficial
analysts really so ill-informed. They keep insisting that message from US was delivered by a third secretary. It was done by Assistant Secretary Donald Lu. Then they say China has not been holding JCC. For their information last JCCwas on 23.9.2021
My own assessment of the situation after speaking to some knowledgeable folks is that the situation has been deliberately allowed to deteriorate after
@ImranKhanPTI
's arrest. The game plan is to manufacture an excuse to keep IK locked and impose emergency for two years.
PTI's protest on Oct 15, coinciding with SCO meeting in Islamabad, shouldn't be blown out of proportion! Protests during international events happen globally. It's PTI's democratic right to protest, and hosting an international event doesn't supersede that right.
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Islamabad on 15 October is landmark meeting for Pakistan, Region & World, as this important regional organization, spearheaded by China, is pillar of emerging alternate global order, hence, any political protest on day of SCO
Using food aid for the poor as a political tool is not only insensitive but also reflects a lack of empathy. Arrogance and insensitivity seem to be the norm rather than the exception.
Blanket ban on TV coverage of
@ImranKhanPTI
by
@reportpemra
? This move is not just counter-productive, but it also strengthens the impression that the government is going all out to shackle dissenting voices. History shows that such executive overreach always fails.
A factor contributing to rupee freefall, which no one talks abt is mil's magnanimity of supporting Afghan eco& footing its import bill. That alone is responsible for atleast 15% of depreciation. In last 1 yr Pak spent ~$7b for funding Afghan imports alone.
Comedian Oan Khosa's disappearance after singing a critical song about people’s economic woes & ruling elite's antics is a chilling reminder that the patience of those in power is wearing thin. Criticism is not a crime! Where is Oan Khosa?
Pakistan's prime minister in the back row of OIC summit photo reflects evolving dynamics. Diplomatic shifts, eco challenges, &geopol nuances all play a role in a country's international standing. A single image can capture a moment.
جب الیکشن ٹریبیونلز جیتنے والے امیدواروں سے فارم 45 اکٹھے کر کے پیش کرنے کو کہتی ہیں تو وہ اپنے کیسز الیکشن کمیشن سے دوسری ٹریبیونلز میں منتقل کرا لیتے ہیں اپ بتائیے کون فارم 45 کے پیش کرنے سے بھاگ رہا ہے
فارم 45 ہر پولنگ اسٹیشن پر مرتب ہونے والا اور فارم 47 پورے حلقے کا مجموعی نتیجہ ہوتا ہے۔ پولنگ اسٹیشن کے فارم اور مجموعی نتیجہ میں فرق ثابت کرنے کے لئے سارے دستخط شدہ فارم 45 پیش کرنے ہوں گے، ہر پولنگ ایجنٹ کے دستخط کی تصدیق کرنی ہوگی۔ یہ کرنے کے بجائے بیانیہ کا کھیل جاری ہے۔
I am warning PTI against the announcement of another long march. One thing I want to illustrate, as soon as the long March is announced “let them come and I’ll see how they cross barriers this time.”
Deeply concerning to see
@ImranRiazKhan
, a vocal critic of the government, arrested again under the guise of alleged corruption. Targeting individuals for their views smacks of victimization and is a threat to freedom of expression.
Leaked cable could ignite a political firestorm in Pakistan. PTI's weakened state due to military crackdowns and Imran Khan's absence, may prevent PTI from capitalising on it.
The truth, however, can't be silenced.
Leaked diplomatic
#cable
seemingly validates jailed ex-PM
@ImranKhanPTI
's claims of external pressures influencing Pakistan's politics amidst the
#UkraineCrisis
, challenging denials by the military and outgoing government.
I appreciate Pakistani Twitterati's burning desire for a pause in political wrangling so that everyone could focus on flood relief. That's much needed. But, first figure out who is at the RECEIVING END. Target your message to the other side.
#FloodinPakistan
An important link in Pakistan Stock Exchange, Karachi attack claimed by Baloch Liberation Army is that Shanghai Stock Exchange holds majority share in the bourse. Remember BLA attacked Chinese consulate in Karachi in Nov 2018 as well.
I askd reasons why they wantd to take me. 3 men insistd tht state authorizd thm to take me along& said I was resisting state by not coperating. Is it unlawful to meet accreditd diplomats at public place? Which law disallows that or under which law can they forcibly take me.
Today I was encountered by hostile low level intel operatives after meeting accredited diplomats from British High Commission at a Super Market Cafe. The guys wanted to take me along afterwards, I resisted. One of them in fact pulled out keys from my car's ignition. 1/2
Govt's crackdown against
#PTI
workers ahead of
#AzadiMarch
is condemned. The govt shouldn't suppress dissent thru unnecessary and excessive use of force. Excessive use of force will only lead to unnecessary escalation by closing down avenues of expressing discontent peacefully.
@ECP_Pakistan
's decision to deny PTI its traditional election symbol, the cricket bat, raises concerns about fairness in the electoral process. Such actions could potentially undermine the credibility of the elections, as impartiality is crucial for a democratic electoral system.
Corps Commanders Conf being held at GHQ tomorrow. It'll be very imp meeting in view of political upheaval in country. It would possibly be last corps commanders conference that Gen Bajwa would be chairing before retiring though there could be another farewell meeting as well.
COAS Gen Munir, after consistently voicing concerns over online criticism, is now labeling it as "digital terrorism". This shift in perspective is worrisome and can have implications for freedom of expression.
Alarmingly, authorities in Pakistan are intensifying their clampdown on dissent! Ahmed Waqas Janjua, PTi’s international media contact point, has been forcibly disappeared! His 'offense'? Highlighting repression?
CCTV footage of Ahmed Waqas Janjua’s enforced disappearance by persons in plainclothes and police officials. Ahmed was abducted at 4 AM from his home in Islamabad.
Our appeal to whole Judiciary is to not let Pakistan be a lawless land & take
#SuoMotoAgainstAbductions
Protect
Shocked to hear that Rizwan, PTI's media coordinator, and his brother were taken away! Met Rizwan a few times, can't believe this is happening! This is nothing but political intimidation and fascism, which is getting uglier by the day!
Internet shutdown being reported from various cities in Pakistan. This is deeply concerning as it may lead to human rights abuses. It's important to prioritize the safety and freedom of citizens.
Disheartened by NSC's endorsement of Army's decision to try protestors under Army Act. Blindly following mil's line without considering longterm consequences is grave mistake. Decision undermines HR &sets dangerous precedent. Civilian leaders, beware! this will haunt you tomorrow
Reports of Pak govt's plan to ban PTI are disturbing. Such moves by govts in past against political actors have proven counterproductive. People should have power to minus pol leader or party, not govt. PTI & IK can be tried if they've done anything wrong. Let democracy flourish!
Not many in Rawalpindi/Islambad would today remember the Ojhri incident of 10 April 1988. 32 years have passed, but truth remains buried. Video via
@MofaYasir
@fawadchaudhry
's arrest is deplorable. Undoubtedly, the govt's intention behind arbitrarily arresting an outspoken politician is to silence dissent.
#ReleaseFawadChaudhary
Thanks for all your reviews about my today's story. I'm now working on her visit to Abbotabad just a week before OBL. And days after the event privately visiting then interior minister. A little more than coincidence. Would soon be coming out with more details. Stay tuned.
People looting an abandoned truck after an accident speaks volumes about our society's moral decline. Where's the empathy? And the irony is stark - those who once boycotted Coca Cola for a cause now eagerly grab looted goods. Have we lost all sense of principle?
Outrageous! The registration of charges against
@WajSKhan
is a blatant assault on freedom of expression. Such baseless accusations are meant to silence critics and intimidate them. Solidarity with Wajahat, a fearless voice.
Today, I came across news reports which indicate that several charges have been filed against me in Pakistan.
These charges – which include aiding, abetting and instigating violence, terrorism and treason – have been filed by a resident of Islamabad, an individual unknown to me.
Such fear from a group that your leadership projected to have been vanquished! Reminds me of Allah’s promise in Quran “I shall be with you. Give courage to the believers. I shall cast terror into the hearts of the unbelievers.” Quran 8:12
Geo reported women cast votes in Talagang (District Chakwal) for the first time in 40 yrs. There can't be a bigger lie
@geonews_urdu
. I'm from Talagang and I can assure you it is one of the most politically active towns. Report news, don't create them.
So this was a limited Iranian attack targeting Israel’s Nevatim airbase, which is home to F-35 fighters that took part in the attack on Hezbollah base in which Syed Hassan Nasrallah lost his life, and some oil terminals. No civilian infrastructure was targeted. Measured response
Every citizen, regardless of their actions, deserves fair trial, presumption of innocence, legal representation,& protection from torture. By approving military trial, these fundamental rights will be compromised & dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law will be set.
The onus for lowering the political temperature in lies with the government and military, not PTI. Equating the two is an oversimplification of a complex situation.
nobody appears willing to show any flexibility, let alone back off a little. IK, judiciary , army, coalition govt. no one. Every party to the conflict has their own justifications and rationale. rightness of their arguments remains another matter though. neither is anyone really
@ImranKhanPTI
's leaked conversation with Maxine only shows him seeking support for rule of law, Const, & HR. Instead of falling for false narratives one should distinguish b/w seeking support for justice& exploiting foreign support for personal gain - something many others did.
Very unfortunate language by
@ImranKhanPTI
calling protest against
#MachhKilling
and demanding assurances for justice 'blackmailing'. It couldn't have been more callous.
Adding
@ShireenMazari1
to the May 9 FIR after almost a year is a clear tactic to keep her out of the political arena. Such legal maneuvering to sideline dissenting voices threatens the very fabric of our democratic process.
The attack on
@RaoofHasan
is reprehensible. Such cowardly acts only further expose the hidden hands behind what has been happening in the political arena. I firmly believe that Raoof wouldn't be intimidated by such dirty tactics. Stay strong!
Lavrov's, I think, isn't concerned about size of Pak delegation, he 's rather questioning seriousness with which Islamabad is taking meeting with him. And yes, it was inapropriate for
@HinaRKhar
to say that Pak is not a big power like Russia. You talk to others on equality basis
Hina tells Lavrov that they have a small team, (with a 90 member cabinet?) while a big entourage used to accompany them on all other visits.
Besides, I think what Russia's foreign minister meant to ask was, where's YOUR foreign minister?
Just saw the transcript of PM
@ImranKhanPTI
's speech at the ECO virtual summit. I was surprised to note that it had no mention of
#Kashmir
, the sufferings of Kashmiris, and
#Indian
mischief in the region. All these were our usual talking points till recently. What has changed?
Theoretically speaking
@ImranKhanPTI
's posture of insisting on talking only to military leadership instead of govt is wrong, but pragmatically can civilian leadership resolve the issues he and his party are facing or are they even interested in doing so?
As per 1 source, PM
@ImranKhanPTI
& his aides in an attempt to retain Gen Faiz as ISI chief sent some very interesting proposals to GHQ including i) changing the status of premier intel agency to that of an Army corps ii) Giving FH additional charge of the commander of a corps