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‘Not true’: Miftah Ismail dispels reports of joining PPP

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  • I have for now stepped back from politics, says Miftah. 
  • A local publication had claimed that Miftah would be joining PPP. 
  • The former finance minister had left the PML-N last year. 

Former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Miftah Ismail on Monday dismissed media reports claiming that he was joining the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Miftah said that there was a “newspaper report in Tribune today” and a TV report aired a day earlier claiming he was joining the PPP.

“The news is not true. I have for now stepped back from politics and am not joining any political party,” said the former finance minister.

Earlier today, The Express Tribune citing sources had reported that Miftah would join the PPP ranks and his talks with the Bilawal Bhutto-led party were in the final stages.

“Miftah Ismail will soon officially announce joining PPP,” sources had told the publication.

In June of this year, Miftah announced that he was stepping down as PML-N’s Sindh general secretary and all other party positions.

Miftah had announced the decision after months of bitterness over his removal and the subsequent appointment of Ishaq Dar as the finance minister in September 2022.

The former finance czar announced his resignation from the party office in a letter to Ahsan Iqbal, PML-N secretary general.

Since he relinquished the finance ministry portfolio, Ismail was criticising the current political system, with much of it aimed at his successor as he failed to steer the country out of the economic crises.

But while Miftah castigated Dar openly, the PML-N was not happy with his attitude as Shehbaz Sharif, the party president and the prime minister, said there’s no space for people criticising the finance minister.

In his resignation letter, Miftah said given the upcoming reorganisation of the party structure, “I think it’s time for me to make official what is already true and move on”.

“I, therefore, tender my resignation as General Secretary of PMLN Sindh and also resign from all party committees,” Miftah, who has served as the finance minister twice, said.

Ismail mentioned that he was thankful to the party leadership for entrusting him with responsibilities not only in the party but also in the government.

Since his departure from government, Miftah along with former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and former PPP leader Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar kicked off a nationwide debate called “Reimagining Pakistan”. 

The seminars addressed a wide range of issues and expressed regret over the failure to adequately address the issues. The trio held several seminars in different cities. 

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Reaction to the PTI protest call by Fazlur Rehman

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Maulana Fazlur Rehman, speaking on a private television station, said that the PTI is always coming to the streets, which really lessens the impact of a protest.

He also suggested to the PTI leadership that rather than carrying on with the agitation, it should finally put a hard hand down, which would be the final nail in the coffin.

He continued, citing the JUI protests as an example, saying, “We had a strong grip over our protesters and workers, so neither road was closed nor any property damage occurred during protests.”

The PTI has the right to protest, but Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the party’s agitation strategy as insufficient, stating that it is currently being “exposed which maynot be a good sign’.

Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, promised not to go back home unless the PTI founder was freed. During their demonstration, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, encouraged the party officials to come up with strategies to avoid being arrested.

According to an alleged audio recording, she stated that November 24 will be a loyalty test for PTI members.

Additionally, the government of Islamabad has enforced section 144 for a period of two months, which prohibits processions, rallies, demonstrations, and meetings of five or more individuals in the city.

As per the notification, the prohibition forbade meetings in any public space inside the boundaries of Islamabad, including the Red Zone, which encompasses important government buildings, diplomatic missions, and other sensitive sites.

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PTI representatives conjecture in the media over Imran’s approval of bail: FIA investigator

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The hearing on the PTI founder’s bail application in the Toshakhana-2 case has resumed at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), with Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb serving as the presider.

The hearing was attended by the defense attorney, Barrister Salman Safdar, and FIA prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi.

Judge Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb told the FIA prosecutor to “leave the media alone and exempt yourself from them” in order to avoid commenting on the media. The statement followed the prosecutor’s assertion that the bail would be granted, which had previously been reported by media sources.

In addition, the court questioned whether the receipts in question were issued in the name of Bushra Bibi or the PTI founder itself. Bushra Bibi’s name was on the receipts listed in the challan, according to Barrister Salman Safdar.

Defense arguments
The defense expressed displeasure about the case’s 3.5-year registration wait. The prosecution has swore in Sohaib Abbasi and made Inamullah Shah a crucial witness without requiring them to take an oath.

Barrister Salman Safdar highlighted that multiple agencies, including NAB, FIA, Police, and the Election Commission, have initiated actions related to the Toshakhana case, suggesting procedural redundancy.

Regarding a phony Toshakhana receipt, he contended, the Kohsar Police Station has also filed a case.

Position of the prosecution
The FIA prosecutor, Umair Majeed Malik, maintained that the valuation of the jewelry set mentioned in the case would be explained in the prosecution’s evidence.Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb remarked, “If the media does not spread sensationalism, how will they conduct their business?” He dismissed rumors about his health, stating that he was present and hearing the case despite such reports.

Status of Co-Accused
The court was informed that Bushra Bibi, a co-accused in the case, is currently on interim bail and awaiting a decision by Judge Afzal Majuka. Barrister Salman Safdar expressed hope that Judge Majuka would soon announce his verdict.

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Naqvi visits Fazl to express gratitude for contributions to the 26th amendment.

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Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi convened with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman to deliberate on issues of shared concern and the current political landscape in the nation.

In today’s meeting in Islamabad, Mr. Naqvi asked about Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s health and sent his best wishes for the JUI chief’s well-being and future pursuits.

Naqvi extended his appreciation to Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his crucial contribution to the enactment of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he characterised as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s legislative history.

Following the meeting, Naqvi commended Mr. Fazlur Rehman’s commitment to the nation, asserting, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman has consistently prioritised Pakistan’s interests, and his contributions to the country are indispensable.”

The experienced politician reaffirmed his dedication to Pakistan and its populace, stating, “Our priority has consistently been Pakistan and the well-being of its citizens.”

Senator Kamran Murtaza attended the meeting.

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