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There are multiple political parties in Pakistan. Pakistan is a multi-party democracy but has seen various

military governments as well. Since no one party has a chance of gaining power alone, parties work with

each other to form coalition governments

Major parties

Major parties in Pakistan are mentioned below in order of the number of elected seats in the parliament.

The Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians, (abbr. PPPP), is an electoral extension ofthe Pakistan Peoples Party, formed in 2002 by the PPP for the purpose of complying with electoral

rules governing Pakistani parties. The Pakistan Peoples Party was founded on November 30, 1967 by

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who became its first chairman and laterPrime Minister of Pakistan. PPP is the

largest political party ofPakistan. This party has been active in Pakistani politics since the separation

of the East Wing from the rest of Pakistan. The party gained much popularity and support during theera of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The party won the 1971 elections on a socialist mandate of "Mani, Kapro,

Ghar" ("bread, clothes, shelter"). PPP took control of the country after the Indian-supported

independent war of Bangladesh (previously known as east Pakistan) in 1971. After the first

parliamentary term, PPP secured a landslide victory in the 1977 elections to rule for another five

years. PPP was a socialist nationalist party when formed by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, but it moved toward

the right under Benazir Bhutto. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto wanted closer ties with China and more attention

to the lower classes. Benazir Bhutto adopted conservative privatization policies in order to secure

funding from the United States and the World Bank. Although twice elected Prime Minister, Benazir

Bhutto was criticized for corruption and extrajudicial killings. The PPP currently holds 126 seats in

the National Assembly and 27 seats in the Senate. It is the current government of Pakistan. It forms

the provincial government in Sindh and is the official opposition in Punjab. In the Angus-Reid pre-

election polls of 22 December 2007, it was in first place, with about 30% of the vote. It is strong in

the rural areas of Sindh and Punjab.

Pakistan Muslim League (N)(abbr. PML(N); also PML "Nawaz group") is the second biggestparty in Parliament. It is centrist conservative party that has been led from by former prime minister

Nawaz Sharif. Through the help and support of Establishment especially Hameed Gul, it won the

election in 1990. It currently holds 90 seats in the National Assembly and 7 seats in the Senate.

Although three time elected as Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif was criticized for widespread

corruption and extrajudicial killings by opponents specially MQM and other groups, against whom

he took action for their crimes against humanity and corruption during his power . Its popularity hasbeen considerably weaken due to support of religious extremist group and poor administration of the

Punjab.

Pakistan Muslim League (Q)(abbr. PML(Q); also PML "Quaid-e-Azam group") is officiallycalled the Pakistan Muslim League. It was supporter of former President Pervez Musharraf. PML (Q)

is a centrist conservative party that forms the opposition. It is 3rd biggest party after PPP and

PML(N) in parliament and currently holding 53 seats in the National Assembly and 21 seats in the

Senate. The PML (Q) born from the dissenters of the PML N, following the arrest and exile of PML

leader and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The PML (Q) through the help and rigging by former

dictator Pervaiz Musharraf formed Government After 2002 election. It absorbed some minor parties

through power-sharing agreements in 2002 general elections, thus making the federal government of

Pakistan. In the 2008 general elections the party lost seats dictator support and was no longer in thegovernment. Although deceptionally popular in 2007, lost major vote bank by supporting ex

president Musharraf who has been criticized for supporting the US invasion of Afghanistan and

suspension of legal rights in the country. In the Angus-Reid pre-election polls of 22-December-2007,

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the PML (Q) was in third place, with about 23% of the vote. It has some vote bank in rural areas of

the two large provinces (Punjab and Sindh).

Muttahida Qaumi Movement(abbr. MQM) is the third largest political party and the largestliberal political party of Pakistan. It is generally known as a party which holds immense mobilizing

potential in province of Sindh. The student organization, All Pakistan Muhajir Student Organization

(APMSO), was founded in 1978 by Altaf Hussain which subsequently gave birth to the Muhajir

Quami Movement in 1984. The organization maintains liberal and progressive stances on many

political and social issues. From 1992 to 1999, the MQM was the alleged target of the Pakistan

Army's Operation Cleanup leaving hundreds of civilians dead. In 1997, the MQM officially removed

the term Muhajir (which denotes the party's roots of Urdu-speaking Muslims) from its name, and

replaced it with Muttahida ("United"). The MQM is one of few socially liberal political parties in

Pakistan and organized the largest rallies in Pakistan in protest of the actions of al-Qaeda on

September 11, 2001 demonstrating sympathy with the victims of the terrorist attacks. Mutahida

Qaumi Movement (MQM)is the second largest party in sindh and the traditionally the third largest in

the country, however it currently holds fourth highest number of seats in the National Assembly

while maintaining its second position in the Sindh Assembly.

Awami National Party(abbr. ANP) has 13 seats in the National Assembly and 6 Senate seats.

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province government is run by the ANP.

Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal(abbr. MMA) is a coalition of six religious parties consisting of theJamaat-e-Islami (JI), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) (Assembly of Islamic Clergy, Fazl-ur-Rahman

Group), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (S) (Assembly of Islamic Clergy, Sami-ul-Haq Group) Jamiat Ulema-

e-Pakistan (Assembly of Pakistani Clergy), Tehrik-e-Jafaria Pakistan, Jamiat Ahle Hadith and a few

more. The religious alliance formed the government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2002. It leads the

coalition government in Balochistan with PML(Q). This group has broken up with JUI-F, which left

to be a part of coalition PPP government and take part in the 2008 general elections. MMA is de-

centrist. It is strong in the two small provinces. It is legally ultra-conservative and economically

socialist. It strongly opposes US military presence in Pakistan. In the Angus-Reid pre-election polls

of 22 December 2007, the MMA was in fifth place, with 4% of the vote. The MMA in the NationalAssembly is actually JUI-F who decided to use the name MMA at the general election in 2008 after

the remaining parties in the MMA decided to not take part in the general election. It currently holds 7

seats in the National Assembly and 4 seats in the Senate. The MMA that contested the 2002 general

election has disbanded, according to the head of Jamaat-e-Islaami

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) (Urdu: ; Pakistan Movementfor Justice) is a centrist,progressive political party in Pakistan, which was founded by former

Pakistani cricket captain and philanthropist Imran Khan. The fastest growing political party in

Pakistan, PTI has established itself as one of the country's mainstream national parties

Present government and opinions of opposition about it:

Pakistan People's Party came into power as a socialist party that was previously led by Benazir

Bhuttobut is now headed by her widower, Asif Ali Zardari, the president of Pakistan for 4 years now. PPP

had an affect on people when it swept over the majority electorates in the previous National elections and

pressed strongly the need for democracy, since it put an end to almost a decade long military-coup-rule of

Musharraf. Zardari made an alliance with several political parties and got popular support in the start with

his motto of: Democracy is the best revenge! but what happened next is a complete contradiction of what

they vowed for. The popular view is that what happened next is a complete rule over by chaos and

mismanagement and an absolute domination of corruption and negligence of rules and court orders.

Since its inception days the government of PPP happily blamed the previous government for almost

all the crises prevailing the country including water, gas and electricity shortages along with serious security

issues and militant threats and the growing issues of poverty and overriding inflation. But whats ironic is

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the fact that instead of trying to decrease the crises yet to eradicate them, this government has successfully

increased problems, mismanagement, injustice and corruption in every sector of government and has made

sure that it penetrates into every walk of life. Each day the prices of basic commodities and fundamental

necessities along with problems and troubles increase and government portray itself as utterly helpless. With

promises to keep democracy on its track, this government established its dual character. Morally it has failed

to keep its words and is a picture of complete ignorance to justice and equality and with arrogance has kept

its head high, no matter how intense the allegations it has to face. The government has failed to actresponsibly in almost every crucial case, whether it is the accusations of being called as a failed -state, orto face the US drone attacks every other day or any other serious matter of national interest. The

government has successfully proved its failure on countless occasions and has been ill-fated as well for

being accused of not playing its part to obstruct the most unfortunate deaths of our 26 soldiers at the hands

of US infiltration in our so called sovereign state. As this was not enough, the government continues topaint itself black with emergence of new crises every day, be it the serious conflict with the Army and

threats to sack the Army Chief or the fear of being carried away by a military coup. The highest executive

office of this democratic government held byPrime Minister Gilaninow faces a serious contempt of court

for not obliging orders of Supreme Court on NRO case and is being snared by the Supreme Court. Then

there is the colossal chaos over memo gate issue and now Mansoor Ijaz, the key player of this whole issue

demands for army battalion for his security in order to appear in court to record his account. Yet amidst this

drama new political set ups emerge with PML (N) and PML (Q) trying to bridge their differences and

Political-cricket played by Imran Khan with his ever swelling party. This whole situation has distressed the

nation and yet divided it even further pushing it to dangerous limits as the government is taking immense

risk by testing the patience of its people. Many fear a disastrous upset if this government is not going to play

its part to improve the situation. So government has to act resonantly to barricade the growth of crises and

problems and start moving forward with a vision to improve the current crises situation of the country

otherwise it will face serious consequences as many believe that the government is already living on a

borrowed time.

Major issues for conflict of political parties:

They criticize each system as it is not working properly and this is all Mistake of government. Names of

systems are given below.

1. Education

2. Leadership

3. Gas & Oil

4. Electricity & Power

5. Poverty

6. Terrorism

7. Corruption

8. Security

9. Awareness

10. Injustice

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1. EducationPakistan has a multi-layer education system. Children of nobility and elite class go to institutions like

Aitchison College where as poor man can only afford to send his children to schools of government which

lack all facilities expected building. Teachers of those schools are paid by government so they do not pay

heed to educate others. Education must be given first priority if Pakistan is to stand in honorable nations .

2. Leadership

Quaid-e-Azam is no doubt a great leader but after him there is a long of politicians with no

leadership qualities. It is said that Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto is next to him but he is no more with us in this world.

This country really needs a leader who can lead this country in the hour of crisis and make the population of

Pakistan feel proud on their nationality.

3. Gas & Oil

The issue of oil and gas is same as the issue of electricity in Pakistan. While driving on any road of

Pakistan you can see gas stations with no gas. The shortage of gas and oil has disturbed daily lives of every

people in one way or the other. People are unable to light stoves in the kitchen to make breakfast. What can

you expect from such people?

4. Electricity & Power

Almost all the towns and major villages have the facility of electricity but due to shortage of

electricity they does not get any benefit from this facility. The matter of load shedding is of a great concern

because it directly affects industry. If industry of any country is destroyed then it can not put foot on the

pedal of progress. To move the wheels of any country there must be proper ways for production of

electricity.

5. Poverty

Unemployment and feudalism plays its role in this matter which results in several suicides. It is the

matter of concern that students of Pakistan go to abroad not for study but get a decent salary. The process of

wealth distribution must be rechecked so that wealth is distributed to all sections of society and country

could make its way towards progress.

6. Terrorism

The war on terror has affected Pakistan more than any other nation in the world including United

States who owns it and same is the case with terrorism. In recent years, several terrorist incidents took place

which resulted in the death of innocent people including children and students. It was terrorist label on

Muslims which urged Shah Rukh Khan to make a movie by the name of My Name Is Khan.

7. Corruption

It is a taxing job to eliminate the element of corruption from any system but certain steps should be

taken to limit the level of corruption. In third world countries, corruption acts as a speed breaker in the way

to progress. Corruption has a strong base in Pakistan and support from elite class. It prevails at all levels;

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from top to bottom. Imran Khans manifesto for upcoming elections also includes minimization ofcorruption.

8. Security

It is assumed all around the world that going to Pakistan is to risk life. Pakistan has faced a lot of

suicide bomb attacks in recent past which has threatened the whole world in general and Pakistan in specific.

Due to security reasons, no cricket playing nation agrees to send its team to play in this part of the world. In

2008, Srilankan cricket team was attacked in Lahore. After then, no international cricket was played in the

grounds of Pakistan.

9. Awareness

Most of Pakistanis are illiterate as well as unaware. The level of awareness can be judged by the turnout in election. Hardly, one third of the population of Pakistan casts vote which means that the government

formed in this way is of one of Pakistan and two third of Pakistan does not own it.

10. Injustice

It is a famous quote that justice delayed is justice denied. There are number of cases that still pending

at civil, high and supreme court level. The issue of injustice is not just limited to courts. Injustice is done in

allocating resources, setting priorities, jobs and promotions. The largest province of Pakistan, Baluchistan, is

an evidence of injustice.

Present situation of politics of Pakistan:

1. Conflict for government

2. Speakers ruling

3. Supreme court

4. New budget

5. Hafiz Saeed

6. Resolution of Balochistan

7. NATO supply

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Financial malpractice: PTI, PML-N fling more mud at each other

Nawaz didnt pay taxes, Imran cant explain assets.

PTI spokesman says Nawaz Sharif didnt pay taxes while he was in exile. PML-N spokeperson says ImranKhan cant explain his assets. PHOTO: REUTERS/EXPRESS

LAHORE:

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) continued trading

allegations against each others leaders on Tuesday, with the former accusing Nawaz Sharif of tax

evasion and the latter questioning Imran Khans purchase of his house in Islamabad.

PTI spokesman Shafqat Mehmood said that Sharif had paid no taxes while in exile, as borne out by

the nomination papers he filed in May 2008 for NA-123 Lahore VI.

Answering question no 10 relating to the taxes paid by the applicant during the last three years, theanswer given by Nawaz Sharif was nil. This was the period when Sharif had assets in Pakistan that werenot shut down but were generating income, he said in a press release. The fact is that Sharif was in exile,not his assets, he said.

Mehmood said that Sharif paid Rs2 million in 2009-10 and Rs2.5 million in 2010-11 as tax on

income accrued from his shares in Chaudhry Sugar Mills. The same mill was also giving him dividends inthe years he was in exile, but no tax was paid, he said.

He said that the Sharifs had been convicted of tax evasion by the Lahore High Court in 1999, for

failing to pay tax, among other things, on a helicopter worth a million dollars at the time.PML-N SenatorPervez Rashid said that Imran Khan was unable to explain how he had bought a massive tract of land in

Bani Gala before his ex-wife Jemima Khan came to his rescue and said that she had gifted him theproperty. Everyone know Imran runs a business of benami properties, said Rashid.

He said that Shafqat Mahmood had been a director at Punjab Bank and he knew well that the Sharifs

did not indulge in financial malpractices. When the Sharifs were in exile their companies were payingregular taxes. Since Sharif was not a director in any of the companies his family owned, the question of

paying income tax does not arise, he said.

Corrupt rulers put countrys sovereignty at stake: Nawaz

Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) chief Mian Nawaz Sharif has said that Pakistan is passing

through the critical juncture of its history as incompetent and corrupt political leadership has put the

sovereignty of the country at the stake. He was talking to media persons after his meeting with a delegation

of party leaders from Sindh and Punjab here on Tuesday. The delegation comprised N-League leader from

Sindh, former state minister Capt (retd) Haleem Saddiqi, president of the party from Lahore, Pervaiz Malik

and MNA Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. Nawaz said that due to poor policies, mismanagement by politicians and

massive corruption, national institutions were at the verge of collapse and the uncontrolled inflation, povertyunemployment and power crisis have forced the people to commit suicides. He said that Karachi which is

the industrial hub and base of countrys economy was in the hands of extortionists, target killers and landgrabbers who dont care for the government and law enforcement agencies which were busy in politicking

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over the issue. The PML-N leader said that it was not time to divide in sectarianism and parties, instead joint

efforts were needed to take the country out of the prevailing crises. Nawaz said that to get rid of the corrupt

leadership and protect the future of coming generations all sections of the society need to move ahead to

play their role for protecting national interests. He maintained that no leader or political party could alone

resolve the ongoing critical situation in the country and all stakeholders needed to join hands for the national

cause. The PML-N chief said that corruption is the root cause of the power crisis and other ills confronting

the country and its people and that his party would rid the country of all evils after coming into power.

On the speakers ruling

The speakers ruling saved PM Gilani from a possible disqualification through the Election Commission.This ruling was legal and political in nature and the impact was so overwhelming that it became a factor

behind PPPs decision not to file an appeal against the PMs conviction in the Supreme Court. An objectiveanalysis of the speakers ruling could easily point out the political interests involved in it; however, much to

the disappointment of hawks, it also has a good legal reasoning to back it. The speaker, being the custodianof the house, enjoys immense powers under the 1973 constitution (whereas this wasnt the case in theconstitution of 1964).

The problem with some of the hawkish commentators is that they want the law to take its course and the

constitution to be applied in accordance with their whims and wishes. They keep forgetting, perhaps

conveniently, that the constitution stipulates rights, duties and functions for the offices, not the persons

holding the office. Article 63(2) gave powers to the speaker to decide about the issue of the disqualification

of any member of the National Assembly. The constitution has given the right to the speaker to exercise

his/her discretion in this particular issue.

A learned commentator while criticising the speakers ruling mentioned that the speaker had deliberatelyignored that the PM was already convicted for ridiculing the Supreme Court. The learned commentator

should have realised that Dr Fehmida Mirza was taking a decision on the issue of the disqualification and

not the conviction of the prime minister. The consequence would have been entirely different if the Supreme

Court had invoked the Article 63 (1)(g) in clear words and defined the course of a definitive disqualification

through the Election Commission. The short and detailed verdict of the Supreme Court lacked did not

choose to do this; hence, the speaker had some room to play her role.

One must appreciate that fate is siding with the PM and his party these days. Indeed, fortune has been kind

to them. The PM has managed to survive what many thought would be the final swoop. The speaker, who

has remained the most non controversial and unassuming figure in the last four years, enjoys the finality inher decisions under the constitution. Article 69 of the constitution provides immunity to the proceedings of

the parliament in such a way that they cannot be called into any court of law. According to Article 69(2)

No officer or member of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) in whom powers are vested by or under theConstitution for regulating procedure or the conduct of business, or for maintaining order in the Majlis-e-

Shoora (Parliament), shall be subject to the jurisdiction of any court in respect of the exercise by him of

those powers.

However, there are quite a few potential petitioners who would want the court to seek a judicial review of

the speakers ruling in the case of the issue of the PMs disqualification. If challenged, then the SupremeCourt will be treading an extremely treacherous path. This will be a yet another case where the Supreme

Court will adjudicate on the powers of the speaker of National Assembly. If raised as a defense by thespeaker, the scope of Article 69 may also be determined by the Supreme Court as it reserves the exclusive

right and prerogative to interpret the law. Although based on different facts, the defence of Article 69 was

not accepted by the Sindh High Court in the case of Muhammad Naeem Akhtar Vs Speaker, Sindh

Assembly, 1992 CLC 2043. The court ruled that action of the speaker neither comes with the meaning of

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any proceedings in the provincial assembly nor such action can be described as an exercise of power bythe speaker for regulating the procedure or the conduct of business in the Assembly.

However, a different opinion was given by Justice Shabbar Raza Rizvi who explained the scope of Article

69. According to him, it is because of these Articles in the Constitution that the Superior Courts haverefused to scrutinise the internal proceedings and procedures of the Assembly so that the independence and

sovereignty of the legislature in that respect is not infringed and violated.

The hostility between the SC and the Executive is now obvious. The decision not file an appeal speaks

volumes about the fears of Peoples Party of not getting justice from this bench of the Supreme Court. Theprime minister has made it clear in his interview to a private news channel that the bias of the Supreme

Court is evident and the interpretation comes from somewhere else and not from the Supreme Court. What

else could be more damaging for a state and its institutions when the head of the executive disbelieves the

most sacred institution of the country?

PML-N, PTI file petitions against Speaker's ruling on Gilani

conviction

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have

filed petitions in the Supreme Court against National Assembly Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirzas ruling

in Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilanis contempt verdict, Express Newsreported on Monday.

PML-Ns petition was filed to the through MNA Khawaja Muhammad Asif. Asif has made Gilaniand the Law ministry secretary respondents in the petition.An earlier report in the The Express Tribune had

revealed that the main points of the petition stated that the National Assembly Speakers ruling wastantamount to subverting the principles of democracy, equality, and the independence of the judiciary.

The petition questioned whether the speakers ruling under Article 63 (2) of the Constitution coulddefeat the judgment of a seven member bench of the SC which had attained finality and whether this ruling

can flagrantly disregard the rights of all citizens.

It added that Dr Fehmidas decision was a complete violation of the Constitution and demandedurgent redress under Article 184 (3). The petition further argued that the fundamental right to life,

guaranteed by the Constitution, is defined not merely by a physical state but the right to a fulfilling life,

including the right to live in a society where the decisions of the SC are enforced.

The PML-N petition, according to a handout issued by the party earlier, questioned whether the right

of a fair trial also mandates a corresponding duty to abide by the verdict of a fair trial, which cannot be

violated by the NA speaker.

It argued that the ruling cannot be protected under Article 69 of the Constitution by any legal stretchof imagination.

PTIs petition

PTI filed the petition in the Supreme Court through senior lawyer of the court, Hamid Khan.The petitionseeks replies from four respondents: Dr Mirza, Gilani, federation of Pakistan and Election Commission of

Pakistan.

The petition states:

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Court may graciously be pleased to declare the decision of Speaker National Assembly as

unconstitutional, void and in violation of fundamental rights of access to justice and independence of

judiciary. It is further prayed that this honourable court may graciously be pleased to direct ECP to decide

the question of disqualification of the Prime Minister, as having been deemed to be have been referred to it

under Article 63 (2) and (3).

PML-N protest movement: This is a war to save Supreme Court

PML-N launches protest movement against Gilani by holding a rally in Taxila.

Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) launched its protest movement against Prime Minister

Yousaf Raza Gilanis refusal to step down after his conviction in a contempt case. The first rally was

held in Taxila on Saturday addressed by PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif who termed the movement as a

war to save the Supreme Court.

Leader of Opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, also present at the gathering, boasted that the Taxila

rally was organised within a notice of three days and this was just the trailer. After boasting about thepartys achievements during its tenure, Chaudhry Nisar went on to bash the ruling government as well asPakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).

The ones who talk about bringing a revolution they wont bring any revolution, they can onlybring agony. Ask them what their policy is about Kashmir, about labourers, about farmers and about the US.

He [PTI chairman Imran Khan] comes on stages with his rote-learned speeches and starts accusing us, hestated.

The leader of the opposition added after the Supreme Court indicted Gilani, Imran Khan said that he

will wait for a detailed order and Gilani, in return, started appreciating him.

Chaudhry Nisar left the stage with chants of Go Gilani Go while Nawaz Sharif took the rostrum asparticipants chanted Dekho dekho, kon aya? Sher aya, Sher aya.

We were willing to be a part ofthe government to help it move forward But you tell me: Will yousit in a car which has an inexperienced driver? This government claims of completing its five year tenure,

but what has it achieved in these five years, Nawaz Sharif questioned.

It was earlier reported that besides the protest, the party will also be focusing on its electioncampaign in Taxila a constituency from which Chaudhry Nisar has been elected six times. But, NawazSharif, while addressing the rally, stated that he did not come to the city for an election campaign. We havecome here for the security and survival of Pakistan We are here for the future of our children.

The party chief went on to comment on the deteriorating law and order situation of various areas of

the country. Is there anyone who cares about Lyari? Or the security situation of Karachi or Balochistan?he further questioned.

This is a war to save the Supreme Court, Nawaz Sharif stated.

Following the Supreme Courts indictment of Gilani, several parties, including the PML-N, protestedagainst the premier demanding him to step down from his post.

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The PML-N has continued to protest in the National Assembly sessions and boycotted the Senatesdebate on President Asif Ali Zardaris address. The party has stated that it will continue with such proteststill Gilani resigns from his post.

MQMs reaction

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Haidar Abbas Rizvi has said that the opposition parties,

including the PML-N, must wait for the final detailed verdict of the Supreme Court before taking any

decision.

Talking to a private news channel, Rizvi said that the prime minister still has the right to appeal in

the case.

He added that democracy gives every political party the right to protest to highlight its stance,

however, responsibilities should be taken into consideration and the assembly sessions should not be halted.

Rizvi further said that there is no option for a third force to intervene in the present democratic setup.

ANPs reaction

Awami National Party (ANP) leader Senator Afrasiyab Khattak said that the announcement of a long

march by PML-N in the present political situation is an irresponsible decision.

Talking to a private news channel, he said if any party is considering a change in the country, it

should be brought through a democratic and constitutional way.

Senator Khattak stated that the resolution on the creation of South Punjab province has been passedaccording to the Constitution and it has been passed in the National Assembly while the Provincial

Assembly has also been asked to introduce a resolution on it.

Qamar Zaman Kaira

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira said that Pakistan Peoples Party

(PPP) does not need an interpretation of the Supreme Courts short order in prime ministers contempt caseby Sharif brothers and Chaudhry Nisar.

Talking to media in Murree after inaugurating the 15th conference on Ophthalmology, Kaira said,We only accept the interpretation of the public, and PPP is enjoying full support and mandate of thepublic.

The minister said that all the political allies have expressed confidence in Gilani, and further advised

the Sharif brothers to do politics on real issues being faced by the countries rather than trying to influence

the court.

PML-N files petition challenging NA speakers ruling

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) on Monday filed a petition in the

Supreme Court against ruling by the National Assembly (NA) Speaker refusing to disqualify the prime

minister.

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According to a private TV channel, the petition challenges NA Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirzas decision

not to disqualify PM Gilani as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, a month after the Supreme Court

convicted Gilani of contempt.

PML-N leader Khwaja Asif, who filed the application, argues that the premier stands disqualified in

light of the apex courts verdict and that he should be barred from performing further duties as the

prime minister.

Imran declares legal war on Gilani

ISLAMABAD - Announcing to move Supreme Court against national assembly speakers ruling onPM Gilanis qualification on Monday (today), PTI chief Imran Khan has asked the masses to join himtransforming Pakistan into a land of prosperity and justice.Addressing a mammoth gathering, majority of

them youth, at historical Liaquat Bagh on Sunday evening Imran Khan advised rulers to bow to the Supreme

Court and implement its orders. Otherwise, he warned, the Tsunami March of his supporters would washthem away from the power corridors.Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman, in a message to Prime

Minister Gilani, who according to him has lost moral stand to be the chief executive, said if Gilani attempted

to bulldoze the apex court rulings to hide their (PPP leaders) corruption they (PTI) would turn the table on

him and his associates. Imran gave his vision of a new Pakistan where each and every institution remaining

within their defined ambit would be supporting and supplementing each other for making the motherland

stronger. He said he would make the institutions subservient to the constitution and establish the rule of law

in the country which would remove the existing contradictions and inequalities that lead to fixing up the

poor but let the influential walk free.The PTI chief announced that after coming into power they would make

the powerful, especially those sitting in power, pay their taxes and the money collected from these unbridled

people would be spent for the welfare of the poor masses. Giving his priorities list Imran Khan said they

would bring in foreign investment by involving the expatriate Pakistanis through improving the governancesystem and purging it of the incessant corruption. Imposing education emergency in the country his

government would establish state of the art institutions across the country particularly for the women folk,

which constitute half the population of the country so that their potential could be fully utilised, Imran said.

About health he said that blanket quality health cover would be provided across the country while

pensioners would be facilitated by revamping the existing pension rules to facilitate the senior

citizens.Showing great concern about the deprivation of the tribal areas and Balochistan, Imran said he

would grant special status to these neglected areas by signing new social contract with the people and

special measures would be taken to bring these areas at par with the developed areas. He said they would not

let any law against minorities in the country passed while the women would be given equal rights in the

ancestral property to save them from exploitation.Announcing next public rally at Hyderabad by the end of

June, Imran pledged that he would get the people of these area free from the shackles of the feudalism andhelp end their decades long sufferings. He said his party would not let the nefarious designs of certain

quarters to divide Sindh and announced that his party would be standing with the people of the province

through thick and thin.Without making any distinction between the PPP and PML-N, he said that the group

of looters and plunders of national wealth are putting the burden of their corruption in shape of price-hike on

poor masses while avoiding to pay even their due taxes. He referred to the payment of just Rs5,000 tax by

Nawaz Sharif few years back when he was in exile and questioned whether the Sugar Mills of Mian Sahib

had also gone abroad with him. He referred to the growing popularity of his party in Punjab and said the

wind of change has started blowing right from the mountains of Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa down to the plains

of Punjab and Sindh.The Liaquat Bagh was studded with banners and board-hoardings inscribed with

slogans in support of Imran Khan and other party leaders while throughout the addresses of the central

leaders of the party the participants kept on raising slogans and waving the party flags. Others whoaddressed the public meeting included Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Makhdoom Javid Hashmi, Rahaat Masood

Qqdoosi, Dr Arif Alvi, Sardar Ghulam Abbass and Sarwar Khan.Earlier, a number of rallies from various

cities of Punjab, KPK and Islamabad reached the venue to participate in the partys mammoth public

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meeting. According to an independent estimate, around 40,000 people participated in the rally and good

number of rallies came from the adjoining areas including Gujar Khan, Taxila, Wah and Chakwal

participated in the rally while small groups from other cities like Lahore and Mianwali also showed up.Dr

Waseem Shehzad also led a big rally of PTI activists, workers and members of civil society. On the

occasion, Dr Shehzad said the wind of change has started blowing in the country. PTI has devised the path

of progress of the country and if the party is voted into power it would implement its manifesto within the

shortest possible time.Makhdoom Javid Hashmi charged that Mian Nawaz Sharif tried to let him downduring the last general elections in this constituency to minimise his stature in the party. He said that people

of Rawalpindi had given him enormous love and respect. He said he was made to vacate this seat under a

conspiracy as he wanted to keep this seat after the elections. Javid Hashmi said that at the time of trial both

Mian brothers used to leave the country for London while Leader of Opposition in National Assembly Ch

Nisar Ali Khan would fell ill.Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that President Zardari came back

from Chicago empty handed rather carrying insult and humiliation. He did not highlight there the sacrifices

made by Pakistan, which lost 40,000 human lives and billions of dollars. Parliament has lost its utility as all

those sitting in these assemblies had compromised on the political and personal gains and people of Pakistan

wanted to get rid of Zardari and his coteries as they had badly failed to serve the masses, he added.The long

list of speakers was kept short and those who spoke were also restricted to speak for two to three minutes

wherein they all grilled the political opponents with focus on PML-N and PPP. The venue of rally was

heavily guarded and traffic on Murree Road was diverted to other roads keeping in view the rush of the

people that was so immense that some participants even broke into the women and media enclosures causing

some disturbance and unruliness. The management of the rally also failed to prevent party activists from

climbing up to the main stage.

Raja warns protests in case unfriendly budget

Opposition Leader Punjab Assembly Raja Riaz Ahmad Tuesday warned the Chief Minister of

protests if the upcoming Punjab budget is not people friendly. Addressing a press conference along with

colleagues at cafeteria of Punjab Assembly Raja Riaz said, Flirty Chief Minister of Punjab Shahbaz Sharifhas no time to listen rather he is busy in marriages, his autocratically thinking style and bad governance have

ruined the province..Raja Riaz stated that Federal government is awarding billion of rupees to the Punjabgovernment as per National Finance Commission (NFC) award annually, but the province has not generated

single megawatt electricity during the last four years and they have to answer the masses and Punjab

government has not implemented over the decisions of energy conference. He said the budget is being

prepared by the bureaucracy and person who is likely to present budget in the assembly knows nothing

about finance subject. Answering a query, he said special relief would be provided to the masses in the

upcoming federal budget. The Opposition Leader said Shahbaz Sharif is trying to participate in protestrallies and it is more like cry of a thief.He said Punjab government has spent upto 800 million rupees toeach and every over head bridge which has no benefits for the general public.

India willing to give Pakistan Rs 560m in return for Hafiz Saeed

New Delhi - Exasperated with Pakistans refusal to act against Hafiz Saeed, Indian Home Secretary

RK Singh has said India is even ready to pay Rs 560 million to Pakistan if Saeed is handed over to NewDelhi, Indian media revealed on Sunday. Reports said Singhs remark came at the conclusion of the two-daytalks in Islamabad on Friday where the much-anticipated signing of the visa agreement between the two

countries did not happen. Singh, however, said there was enough evidence provided by India against Saeed

which added to the proof collected against Saeed by Pakistans Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). He said

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it was adequate to arrest and prosecute Saeed for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Asked if India would in that

case pocket the Rs 560 million bounty offered by the US for providing evidence leading to conviction of

Saeed, Singh said India would be more than happy to give Pakistan that amount if they handed over Saeed to

India.

Cease all military ops in Balochistan

ISLAMABADA declaration by a national moot on Balochistan Saturday expressed grave concernover the presence of Frontier Constabulary in Balochistan, saying that multiple intelligence agencies have

not brought peace in the province. Instead, blood is being split every single day.

Speakers at this SCBA organised conference on Balochistan Issue and Its Solution called for urgentmeasures for the resolution of the Balochistan issue and to remove sense of deprivation among the people of

the province. They also called for ceasing all military operations in Balochistan.

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) organised this conference in the backdrop of growing

number of missing persons and most tragically mutilated bodies of those who went missing and later their

bodies were dumped in broad daylight. Expressing their views the prominent leadership of various politicalparties, intellectuals, civil society members, opinion makers and senior lawyers stressed for taking on board

all segments in the province over all policies and development projects, besides redressing their genuine

grievances.

After daylong speeches, the participants passed a 15-point declaration demanding that politics of

garrison should be replaced by a purely civilian-led administration that genuinely represents the will of the

people and all military and para-military operations should to be stopped forthwith and the army and frontierconstabulary be called back to cantonment. It also said that a number of FC personnel and police officers

have also lost precious lives in the unrest whose sacrifices should also be acknowledged. The declaration

also demanded that all those responsible for authoring and killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti should be arrested

and brought to justice in an open trial. An inter-parliamentary committee should prepare a White Paper on

the human rights violation carried out in Balochistan during the Musharraf regime to the present day. The

report should be presented and discussed in the parliament. A rigorous training programme should be given

to the FC and the police for respecting human rights of the people of the province. The FC should be strictly

prohibited to go beyond their scope of work and warned not to act in an illegal manner.

The participants commended the Supreme Court of Pakistan for taking up the case of missing people

in Balochistan but urged that those accused of heinous crimes of killings and disappearances should bebrought to justice. The declaration said all political prisoners and missing persons in custody of different

state agencies be released forthwith and an Independent Inquiry commission be appointed and appropriate

compensation be paid to all those who have lost their lives/ or have become disabled on account of conflict

situation.

The participants emphasised that the Balochistan crisis was one which could only be resolved

through political dialogue, negotiations and through building confidence between the people of Balochistan

and the federal government. They demanded that it should be ensured that all natural resources in

Balochistan are under the control of the people of the area, while peaceful negotiations continue to meet new

challenges.

The declaration said that sectarian deaths have occurred in vast numbers. Hindus are being

kidnapped for ransom and 20 per cent of the Hindu population of Balochistan have left the province. Settlers

in Balochistan have either left or live in fear, as many have been victims of target killings. The state of

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governance in the province is non-existent and thus social sectors have suffered immensely. A concerted

effort should be made to respect the economic, ethnic, linguistic and cultural rights of all those living in

Pakistan and in particular of the Baloch nation.

This consultation recognises that diversity of cultures in the country and aspires to celebrate itrather than oppress it. All those citizens of Pakistan, who are long settled in Balochistan, irrespective of their

language, caste, or creed, be equally respected and their social and economic rights be protected. Allreligious leaders of different sects should commit themselves to create the culture of tolerance and religious

harmony respecting each others beliefs and ideological thoughts.

This consultation calls upon political parties to play a proactive ro le in promoting a democraticculture in Pakistan. Towards this end political parties may consider signing of yet another Charter of

Democracy, so that they may gain the confidence of the people and play a leadership role rather remain

resigned to the status quo. This consultation strongly pleads for a peaceful transfer of civilian power.

Political parties must ensure that the forthcoming elections should be held in a fair, free and transparent

manner. Political parties are urged to rise above personal interests and setup a genuinely neutral electoral

mechanism.

Major political parties including, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf, Awami Nawal Party and Muttahida

Quami Movement

The leadership of all the political parties was unanimous that solution of Balochistan crisis lies only

in the dialogue therefore military intervention in the provincial affairs should end immediately. They said

the issue should be resolved without further delay.

Speaking on the occasion Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif said that

atrocities and injustices turned the Baloch into insurgents. Bugtis killers should be brought to justice; this is

the starting point for giving relief and relaxation to the people of war-torn areas where bloodletting hasbecome hallmark of the day, he said. Unless and until, the killers of Nawab Akbar Bugti are brought to

justice, the restoration of peace was impossible in the province.

Nawaz lamented that Pervez Musharraf was accorded guard of honour when he left the presidency

and nobody dare hold him accountable. We should hold responsible ourselves instead of passing the buck.We should not be complaining of Baloch being rebels. He said there was no benefit of Balochistan packageoffered by the government.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senior leader Raza Rabbani proposed that in the missing persons casesthere should be grand alliance between judiciary and parliament. The judiciary oversee the strict adherence

to the fundamental rights of people, while the parliament oversee the transparency in the working of thesecurity apparatus.

The PPP leader said that Balochistan is the story of human rights violations, state neglect,

exploitation of resources, deprivation of political, economic and cultural rights of the Balochistan people. He

stated that he believe in DRA i.e. Dialogue, Rule of Law and Autonomy. He opined that the dialogue should

be held with all the forces that remain within the framework of state. He if autonomy is given to provinces,

the country would prosper. He said over the last 65 years consistent efforts have been made to malign the

civilian governments and slander the political parties that they are inept, corrupt and not able to run the

government.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan opposing the military operation stated that situation

always worsened in the military operations. He suggested offering unconditional amnesty to all Baloch

leaders and initiation of political dialogue. Expressing concern over the poor economic condition of the

province, he said that Rs110 billions were given to Balochistan government in NFC award but it could not

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be utilised properly as every member provincial assembly was given Rs500 to 600 million development

fund. He opposed giving funds to politicians saying that development was job of the local governments.

Imran said if the political parties had no courage to take decision on Balochistan issue, they should resign

from assemblies and go for fresh mandate.

Qazi Hussain Ahmed, former Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, was of the opinion that a society could not

survive without justice and enforcement of constitution could ensure all fundamental rights and provincialautonomy. He said the rights of Baloch people over natural resources should be fully acknowledged.

Afrasiab Khatak, senior leader of Awami National Party, welcomed the civil society and lawyers for

debating the Balochistan issue. In, the past, whoever demanded provincial autonomy he was declared astraitor but this trend has changed, he said.

Haider Abbas Rizvi, MQM leader said that Baloch people must be brought into mainstream politics.

All political parties should persuade the Baloch people to participate in the next general election; otherwise,

it could be declared referendum against Pakistan, he warned. He said that MQM was in favour of full

provincial autonomy under 18th amendment. He also urged the media to highlight the Balochistan issue

because no one was really aware of the ground situation there.

General Secretary of Pakistan Muslim League-Q Mushahid Hussain said the province enjoyed an

important strategic position in the region which had wider impacts on the neighbouring countries. There isa need to change the mindset. Instead of a strong centre, strong provinces can guarantee a stable Pakistan,he added. Mushahid emphasised ensuring right to life, which was the basic fundamental right of all citizens,

and called for putting the house in order. He said, being the larger federating unit, the issue of missing

persons should have been raised by the Punjab.

The PML-Q leader suggested that all political prisoners should be released and dialogue with

disgruntled elements be held for permanent peace in the province. He also praised Chief Justice of Pakistan

Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and the lawyers community for taking the initiative over the issue andassured that all political parties would be standing behind them.

SCBA President Yasin Azad said the solution of Balochistan problems was not in taking suo moto

actions because the court could only recover the missing persons. The political parties have the solution toovercome hurdles being faced by the Baloch people as they are elected representatives of 180 million, headded. He said the purpose of the conference was to give proposals for betterment in the province and to

send a message to the community that the whole nation was with them and felt their pains.

Asma Jahangir, former SCBA president, remarked that solution of Balochistan issue was vested withthe political parties and they should take immediate initiatives in that regard. She also found solace in

holding of free and fair elections under the supervision of an independent Chief Election Commissioner(CEC). The commissioner should be free from all outer and judicial influences, she added. Referring to

appointment of new CEC, she warned that if the status quo continued, the elections could not be held on

time. Vice President of Pakistan Bar Council Akhtar Hussain asked all the stakeholders to review the

situation and introduce remedial measures for restoring peace in the province.

Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani, leader of Jammiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal, said present times

called for the establishment of a welfare state and urged the military leadership not to interfere in civilian

affairs of the country. The legislation in the parliament over all issues should be done in accordance with

democratic norms and not with the thrust of majority, he added.

Haji Abdul Qayyum Changazi, President of Hazara Qaumi Jirga, lamented massacre of his

community and said that fresh elections should be held across the province. Senator Abdul Malik Baloch of

National Party said everyone had to accept the status of all people living in the country as laid down in the

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constitution. Awnash Bugti of the Jamhori Watan Party suggested that free and fair elections could be a base

for the solution of Balochistan issue.

Nato

Difa-i-Pakistan Council leaders address a press conference in Karachi on May 26, 2012.KARACHI: Jamaat-e Islami (JI) Pakistan chief and Difa-i-Pakistan Council (DPC) central leader

Syed Munawar Hasan has said that any attempt to restore supply line of Nato through Pakistan would never

bear fruit as the DPC would resist to such a move.

Addressing a press briefing after a meeting of the DPC leaders here Saturday, Hasan blamed the

United States of wanting to destabilize Pakistan and carrying out further attacks like the one at the Salala

checkpost that resulted in the deaths of 24 Pakistan soldiers. Morever, the JI chief said that the present rulers

were endorsing the wicked agenda of the genocide of Muslims in this region.

We are ready to pay any price but would not allow the US and Nato to get reinforcement through

Pakistan, he said.He said that on May 27, the DPC would convene a grand workers convention in Karachiwhile the DPC leaders would finalize their long march on June 5.

The press briefing was also addressed by Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed.

Hafiz Saeed said that the long march was only postponed earlier because the leaders of the parties in

DPC had decided to use that tool at the appropriate time.

Moreover, Saeed alleged that it was not only the US but also India that was interfering into

Pakistans affairs.

Pakistan is a sovereign state and would never be allowed to become an Indian market, said the JuDchief.

The Difaa-i-Pakistan Council is an alliance of several right-winged religiopolitical parties opposing

the US war on terror and Pakistan providing supply routes to Nato troops in Afghanistan.

The council, especially JuD leader Hafiz Saeed, has also been a critic of Pakistans recent granting ofMost Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India.

Saeed is accused by India and the US of masterminding the 2008 attacks in Mumbai. Earlier this

month, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton blamed Pakistan of not doing enough against Saeed.

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References:

www.apkinews.com

www.dawn.com

www.pakistanpolitics.com

www.chorangi.com/currentaffairs

www.pakistantoday.com