Ruling Pakistan People's Party's nominal head Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has reportedly expressed his "displeasure" at his father President Asif Ali Zardari's "watered down response" to the killing of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer by a police guard with links to extremists.
Bilawal, who has been playing a greater role in the affairs of the PPP since Zardari travelled to Dubai last week for the treatment of a heart condition, has "independent opinions about events as well as party affairs", a party insider said.
"At one of the meetings, he (Bilawal) expressed his displeasure over his father's watered down response to the killing of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer. He thought President Zardari should have taken a stronger position to denounce religious radicalisation that led to the Governor's murder," the unnamed party insider told the Dawn newspaper.
Party insiders disputed the popular perception that Bilawal is young and may not have developed his political faculties.
The 23-year-old Bilawal, who is ineligible to become a member of parliament till September 2013, was thrust into a central position by his father's abrupt departure to Dubai.
Bilawal seems keen on performing his role as PPP chairman, particularly with regard to upcoming polls to the Senate or upper house of parliament in March next year and the general election in 2013, the party insiders said.
"He will lead the manifesto and programme development for the party for the next general elections," said one source.
In recent days, Bilawal has sat in on key meetings chaired by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani that discussed the President's health and national security issues related to the November 26 cross-border NATO attack that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.
"Bilawal is in Pakistan on the instructions of President Zardari as he wants to dispel an impression that he and his family have fled," presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar told the Dawn.
Babar said Bilawal was formally named the PPP chairman after his mother Benazir Bhutto's assassination but had not been performing his role because of his studies.
"Now he has completed his education and is getting engaged in different political activities," he said.
The PPP had announced that Bilawal's political career would be formally launched on August 7 last year in Birmingham but the event was subsequently cancelled after criticism that President Zardari was undertaking a visit to Britain at a time when the people of Sindh had been devastated by catastrophic floods.
Impact of a redistricting of the novel, which means more people are actually "super-enfranchised" than be deprived of their rights.
The information released this week by the county show 6950 lines were redrawn after the vote, two years earlier than they would have. In contrast, 6490 people had to wait two additional years, they will vote in local races.
Figures adjust all the parameters of five regional elections take. Now, Stonehouse, Berkeley elected Vartan Roberts and a cycle of two years.
One election cycle to adjust the argument is that the redrawing of "disenfranchised", forcing them to wait two additional years, can elect supervisors and WJC School Board on behalf of the voters. But the fact is, more and more people moving, so that they can vote early region. The vast majority, 39,184, vote for them on a regular basis.
Jim Icenhour, Democratic Party earlier this week asked staff for information, statistics on the jump. He will face three elections for four years, if we adopt the concurrent terms. He believes that the Republican push to eliminate staggered terms is politically motivated. Kennedy vehemently denied.
"I think this is interesting, they will seize half of the equation, while ignoring the other half," Icenhour said in an interview with reporters.
In 1979 the county adopted staggered terms.
"We have many times since then, through the re-classification? Icenhour said." "It has never been a problem before, if deprived of a problem in the past, why is not reflected in the previous election?
"We obviously have been transferred, he continued." "What makes it different this time?
"I think the answer is that this is not true deprivation, this is the board's control."
Republican, originally proposed the idea in April, and then resurrected a few weeks ago, said the vote has been discussed for the first tilt.
"In fact, more people voted against because, in this election cycle, there are three regions of the election," he said, that the recent Roberts, Stone House and Berkeley elections. "On the contrary is true, in 2001, next in 2021.
"I realized this and support my position, redistricting in this period need to be addressed not fair," Goodson continues. "Another benefit is that if we make a change, we can wait until the redistricting after the re-division of the General Assembly in 2021, because our local elections will not come until 2023."
Punjab Chief Minister, Mian Shahbaz Sharif has said that there was no threat from Pakistan Tahrik-e-Insaf (PTI) and added electoral alliance with any party would be made with the consultation of his party leaders, Geo News reported.
Addressing the Dera Ghazi Khan Government Girls College students, Punjab CM said that so long the money begged from abroad continue pouring in, the nation could not live the life with respect and honour..
Earlier, he laid the foundation stone of Ghazi Medical College.
Mian Shahbaz Sharif on this occasion said that the construction of medical college would be completed in eight months at a cost of Rs8.18 billion.
Later, talking to media Shahbaz Sharif said that ML-N was not worried over PTI advance in Punjab.
For allegedly spending public funds on personal housing scheme, the Anti Corruption Establishment has issued a notice to the former revenue minister and incumbent PTI leader in Sadiqabad to appear before the investigating team on 8th. A citizen had filed a complaint with the department, pleading that former Punjab revenue minister Chaudhry Shaukat Dawood spent hundreds of thousands of rupees on his personal housing scheme during his tenure. Following the allegations, the department had registered a case against the former minister. Rana Izharul Haq, a resident of Jinah Park in tehsil Sadiqabad, was of the view that the former people’s representative misused his authority and spent a huge amount on the housing project. Earlier, the complainant had told media that the ex-Punjab minister had started hurling threats at him for getting the case registered against him and to withdraw the case. However, Rana Izharul refused to withdraw the case, linking the case withdrawal to returning of the millions of rupees to the government exchequer. Talking to the media, the appellant said, “The supporters of former provincial minister for revenue Shaukat Dawood including Muhammad Shafiq are hurling threats at him via phone and forcing him to withdraw the case.” He was of the view that the financial corruption is a robbery of public money and an abuse of power. He also pledged that he would not tolerate such nefarious acts, pressing the accused to walk on right path and return the plundered money to the government. According to case details, the Anti Corruption Establishment registered eight different cases against the former minister, former Sadiqabad tehsil naib nazim Akmal Warrind, Executive Engineer Maqsood Anjum, tehsil officers Asghar Ali Bajwa, Nadeem Abbas, Ayaaz Anjum and another former tehsil nazim Dr Taloot Saleem Bajwa for allegedly spending development funds on their own property. According to the FIR 63/11 dated 2-11 2011, Rana Izharul had submitted an application three years ago to the ACE Bahawalpur director against them, saying that a Kachi Abadi or slum area was approved in Sadiqabad during the regime of former PM Muhammad Khan Junejo. These people changed the lists of slum areas and got registered the land of these areas in their names. Similarly, in the new fruit market in Abid Town, there is no Kachi Abadi, but they showed it a Kachi Abadi and got commercial plots worth millions of rupees allotted to their relatives’ names and each shop was sold for Rs4 to 5 million. There was also a 4-kanal plot allotted for a school in Abid Town but these persons showed it as Kachi Abadi and registered it in the names of their relatives including Azam Warriach. Azam Warriach sold this plot for millions of rupees to the former naib nazim. There are many other allegations of corruption against them.
As Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani is chairing an important meeting of PPP’s Punjab Parliamentary Party on Saturday (today) at Governor’s House, a group of 10 party MPAs has decided to boycott the meeting and say good bye to their parent party for good.
The ‘rebel’ legislators, led by Malik Abbas Raan, gathered here Friday night and decided against attending the meeting, thus virtually parting ways with the PPP. One of the disgruntled MPAs, Dr, Akhtar Malik told that there was little chance of their remaining part of their mother party after this decision. He said current PPP leadership had brought the country on the verge of disaster and it would not be wise to go along with this party.
Malik Abbas Raan, the ‘ring’ leader of the group, told this scribe that a group of 10 legislators from across Punjab had decided to boycott Saturday’s meeting to be chaired by Mr Gilani. He, however, said they wanted to be part of the PPP till completion of constitutional tenure of the present assemblies while maintaining safe distance from the party.
Today’s meeting is taking place against the backdrop of some party legislators’ announcement that they were going to form a forward bloc in Punjab Assembly under the umbrella of Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who has now joined PTI. The event is crucial as it would be at this meeting that PPP would come to know of its real strength in Punjab Assembly. Besides, those party MPAs who have made up their mind to join Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s camp, would also get exposed if they don’t turn up at Governor’s House today.
It may be noted here that only two PPP legislators from Multan, Dr Akhtar Malik and Malik Ghulam Abbas Raan have so far come out in the open against the party leadership. They also attended Shah Mahmood’s public rally at Ghotki last month when their leader announced to join the PTI.
The PPP has 108 members in Punjab Assembly and all have been sent invitations to attend the meeting. According to a PPP source, six party legislators, out of which two are females, could not be contacted when a legislator phoned them to inform about Saturday’s meeting.
When contacted, PPP’s Deputy Parliamentary Leader Shaukat Mahmood Basra expressed his confidence that around 100 MPAs would be attending the meeting. He said some legislators were out of country and a few others might not come due to illness. Basra said that only two party lawmakers who had announced to form forward bloc might not attend.
Meanwhile, ahead of Saturday’s party show, Governor Sardar Latif Khosa hosted a dinner in honour of the PPP legislators. Around 60 members arrived to dine with the governor, mostly belonging from far off districts, while those from adjoining districts of Lahore are expected to show up in the morning.
It has been learnt that the PM would announce Rs 50 million development package for each MPA in today’s meeting in a bid to keep the party intact.
The memogate scandal has provoked questions about the influence of the civilian government in Pakistan and created the impression that the army is pulling the levers of power, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said in an interview with the BBC.
However, Khar added, it was “ridiculous” to link President Asif Ali Zardari with the controversial note. “Sadly it does. I cannot deny that, and that’s an unfortunate part that something as ludicrous as this could raise more questions.
“It doesn’t take much to be able to raise those questions,” Khar said. Asked if President Zardari would survive if he was linked to the scandal, Khar said, “I cannot even answer that question because it is ridiculous … to associate him with this particular memo”.
The Pakistan government would conduct an inquiry “at the highest level” into the controversy to satisfy “all parties, all people, all constituencies who have raised concerns over this entire issue”, she said, adding, “We would hope that this is where it should and will stop.” It is “not yet clear” that Haqqani “had any role to play” in the matter. “He was asked to resign so the inquiry process could be transparent and that is something that should be appreciated,” Khar added.
In response to another question, Khar said Pakistan had not arranged any more meetings between the Haqqani network and US officials except one meeting that was held earlier this year. “Pakistan cannot guarantee anything [with regard to the Haqqani network]. We have said this very clearly. We can play a positive role but it has to be at the request of the Afghans,” she said.
Khar further said she was not worried about the risk of the US administration cutting off aid for Pakistan. “Let me just say clearly that we over project the dependency syndrome of Pakistan on US assistance. We could do without it. If the feeling in the US Congress is that we have done too much for Pakistan, the feeling in the Pakistani Parliament is that you’ve done too less.” "You cannot change things overnight. The army has had a larger-than-life role to play in Pakistan's history. However, you do have a democratic set up," she said.
Pakistan's envoy to the US, Husain Haqqani, was forced to resign after being linked to a secret memo that was delivered to the then American military chief Admiral Mike Mullen by controversial Pakistan-American businessman Mansoor Ijaz in May. Haqqani has denied that he played any role in drafting the memo.
Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif took notice of the excise department sealing the main secretariat of Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) located here at Jail Road and ordered to reopen the office.
According to excise department sources, the step was taken due to non-payment of Rs350,000 property tax amount despite multiple reminders issued to the party office. Therefore, the authorities resorted to seal the main secretariat of PTI at Jail Road.
Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif took notice of the excise department sealing the main secretariat of Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) located here at Jail Road and ordered to reopen the office Tuesday, Geo News reported.
According to excise department sources, the step was taken due to non-payment of Rs350,000 property tax amount despite multiple reminders issued to the party office. Therefore, the authorities resorted to seal the main secretariat of PTI at Jail Road.
The CM Punjab took notice of the step taken by the excise authorities and passed orders to reopen the office.
The team reached the location to implement the orders, however, the party workers did not allow the excise officers to open the office before the arrival of party leaders.
Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif ordered to reopen the pti office.
PTI Chairman Imran Khan reiterated that President Asif Ali Zardari and the Sharif brothers will never reveal their true assets as they would then be “compelled to face charges of corruption on declaration.” The Punjab Government clarified that the action against PTI was taken by the Excise Department on its own, without asking from the political leadership. The department was directed to solve the issue through negotiations with the PTI officials.
Pakistan Times: President Pakistan Muslim League-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has given ultimatum to President Asif Ali Zardari to conduct and complete inquiry into the controversial memo delivered to the US Admiral Mike Mullen by Pakistan’s envoy to US Husain Haqqani within nine days, otherwise warned that he will take the scam to the Supreme Court.While addressing a big gathering at Dhobi Ghat ground here on Sunday said that delivery of memo and and seeking support of the US against the armed forces is a matter of shame and alleged “the present regime wanted to put Pakistan’s army under the US control”. Apart from the venue of the public rally all the roads of the city had been decorated with banners and boards of party leaders. Party workers from Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Chiniot, Sargodha, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Nankana Sahib and Lahore also participated in the gathering.Mian Nawaz Sharif accused the President of selling out country’s sovereignty only to safeguard his interests.He warned that certain politicians were carrying forward the old game of agencies in the country, but the PML-N is conscious of their designs. He compared the current era to his tenure as prime minister. He said today industries were being closed in the absence of gas and electricity while industry was growing and motorways were being made during his tenure.He said today India and Sri Lanka were far ahead of us. “Had the PML-N government not been toppled Pakistan would easily have become Asian tiger with the continuation of effective policies,” he claimed.About the assets declaration slogan of PTI chief Imran Khan, the PML-N chief said that those who talk of assets should also talk of nationalisation in the Bhutto tenure when the Sharif family’s industries were nationalised along with other industries. Nawaz said his father opened six more industries being a patriotic Pakistani.Referring to Imran’s slogan of change, Nawaz said “they talk of change, but PML-N has already brought change.”“We brought change when we set up motorways, when we opened new industries, when we raised the national flag by detonating six nuclear devices in response to five tests by India, after resistig six phone calls from Clinton,” Nawaz said.The PML-N chief said Punjab government’s performance had been flawless. He said Shahbaz Sharif deserved a salute for “eradicating the virus of dengue” across the province.Referring again to Imran Khan’s statement at Lahore rally that the two main parties (PML-N and PPP) are hand in gloves with each other to loot the country, Nawaz said it is all baseless. “Don’t tell lies for God sake. Remember that our family has rendered tremendous sacrifices for Pakistan. We saw our businesses taken over under Bhutto’s nationalisation. We saw our ancestral home occupied in Musharraf’s tenure. Had we been conniving with the PPP, we would not have launched the long march for the restoration of judiciary.”Nawaz said that early on the PML-N showed leniency to the PPP government because it wanted to give the government a fair chance to serve the masses. But, Nawaz said, the PPP government disappointed them. The PML-N chief promised soft loans to the youth of the country once he got back into power. He said the PML-N government would change the lot of the country.Earlier, addressing the gathering, Ch Nisar Ali Khan challenged President Asif Ali Zardari to hold a rally at the Dobi Ghat matching the PML-N’s rally.Referring to Imran Khan’s statement that he would bowl out both PPP and PML-N, Ch Nisar said Imran should know a bowler cannot take two wickets with one delivery. However, if umpires are with Imran, then he can take three wickets, he added.Ch Nisar repeatedly mentioned of the unseen forces allegedly helping Imran Khan’s PTI. He called Imran a bubble on the political waters of Pakistan. He said if Imran was serious on his assets declaration slogan, then why not take the matter to the Supreme Court.Earlier, Makhdum Javed Hashmi addressing the public gathering threw light on current situation of the country, including the role of dictators in ruining the country.Addressing the rally, Sa’ad Rafique said today’s rally was against the corrupt regime of Asif Zardari. “The country got freedom but the fruit never reached the masses, national institutions are near collapse.”
(Pakistan Times) Sensing an opportunity to gain significant ground in south Punjab and upper Sindh, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Nawaz Sharif is likely to offer former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi a “key slot” in his party when the two meet this week.
A PML-N insider told The Express Tribune on Sunday that Nawaz Sharif and other key leaders of the main opposition party were “desperate” for an opening in the remote southern parts of Punjab and upper Sindh and they believed that Qureshi was their best bet.
“Mian Sahib and the people he trusts have realised that an opportunity has come their way in the person of Qureshi … it looks like they will go to any lengths to grab it,” he said.
It is not clear what position Sharif would offer Qureshi. The PML-N is due to choose new office bearers for its Punjab chapter in a couple of weeks.
Qureshi belongs to Multan district in south Punjab, the so-called ‘Seraiki belt’ where the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has long overshadowed the PML-N. He quit both the PPP and his National Assembly seat a week ago, citing differences he had with President Asif Zardari earlier this year.
The former foreign minister is being wooed by both the PML-N and Imran Khan’s Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). But while Sharif is to meet directly with Qureshi on November 22, Khan is not scheduled to meet him before the former minister announces his political future at a public rally in Ghotki, Sindh, on November 27. With Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan claiming that former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi would announce that he is joining the PTI at a public meeting on November 27 in Ghotki, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif is going all out to keep Qureshi away from the PTI and mutual friends are being pushed to attract him to the PML-N, Pakistan Today learnt on Friday. Khan recently said in a talk show that Qureshi would be announcing his decision to join the PTI at the public meeting in Ghotki. Interestingly, Qureshi has opted to remain silent over his future ambitions and with the date of his Ghotki public meeting approaching, he has left for Dubai to keep analysts guessing. “Qureshi is an old friend. We haven’t met as yet but we’ve spoken over the phone and will meet very soon,” Sharif had told reporters at Sukkur airport on Thursday. PML-N sources claim that the meeting will be held on November 22, however no one was ready to confirm the meeting on the record. A PML-N source told Pakistan Today that his party chief thought Qureshi joining the PTI would give a huge boost to Imran Khan’s party, which would further dent the diminishing popularity of the PML-N and the only way to stop Qureshi was to use personal contacts. However, the source said further that there were irritants in Qureshi’s way into the PML-N and the biggest of those was Makhdoom Javed Hashmi. “Both Hashmi and Qureshi are arch rivals and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Javed Hashmi were working on an alliance on both constituencies of the National Assembly falling under Qureshi. Gilani wants to field his brother or son in one of the constituencies while the other would be decided by Hashmi. This is also in the knowledge of Qureshi and he had conveyed his concerns to Shahbaz Sharif in his last meeting,” said the source. The source said that Qureshi was also mulling over reviving his own faction of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and he had also contacted PPP-SB leader Ghinwa Bhutto, urging her to field her daughter Fatima Bhutto against the Zardari-led PPP. However, the source said Ghinwa had dropped the proposal. An associate of Qureshi told The Express Tribune that his meeting with Sharif would likely take place in Multan on Tuesday. MPA Abbas Raan said Nawaz’s youngest son Hassan Nawaz, had conveyed to family members of Qureshi his father’s desire to meet Sharif at the family residence in Multan, known as Bab-ul-Qureshi, Daulat Gate.
Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, a senior PML-N leader from Multan, backs Qureshi’s entry to the party, said a PML-N colleague of his. He said that Hashmi had opposed Qureshi quitting the PPP, but believed he would be an important leader for the PML-N.
Another associate of Nawaz Sharif said Hashmi had conveyed his support for Qureshi joining the party to the top PML-N leadership.
However, sources in the party said that there was still one hurdle to Qureshi being offered a significant position.
They said that the Khosa family of Dera Ghazi Khan, who have been allied with the Sharifs for a long time, would not like to see another major leader from the south Punjab region in a key position in the PML-N. Sardar Zulfikar Khosa is president of the PML-N’s Punjab chapter.
This magnificent city in the heart of Punjab has dropped to the charm of a politician before. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto once dominated, Sharif has been in the past few years, now Imran Khan to try his luck.
However, while Mr. Khan appealed to imagine the various parts of the city, it's heart still belongs to President Sharif.
"In some ways, the story of Lahore is the 1990s the middle class, belonging to Sharif, on the middle class in the 21st century, this is Imran Khan tilt," Herald "editor Badar Alam, . "But not a single win for Imran Lahore, there are other factors, such as biradiri, thinking of voting and the Islamic factor. "
"In the city's public transport interchanges to support the core is the same as the rest of Pakistan: a young, disillusioned with the status quo educated in Lahore, the difference may be more than other countries in this group to grow rapidly." more
Private schools, private colleges and universities more than a few short years ago today, Mujibur Rahman said: "Shami, a veteran
Lahore correspondent. "People's prosperity."
PTI Lahore brigade brought up the flow of young people of the several advantages of public transport interchanges. The motives of a young party worker, in ease of use of modern communication tools can help mobilize the public: a new method, such as automatic call to a record, Mr. Khan reportedly warned the residents of Lahore on October 30.
Well do young people may also help bridge the junction of a city budget deficit expensive sport.
They can help from his pocket a small expenditure, while the real wealth of supporters to fund more expensive sports equipment, such as billboards and flag.
The most obvious is that there is untapped potential voters. "Corruption is accurate and precise section of the educated middle class issue. Muhammad Waseem, one said:" In general, this group did not vote, but if there are five to ten percent of these new voters, then you Add the young voters, who get their CNIC since the last election, it can help Imran won the Lahore University of Management Sciences, Professor.
"They do not understand this, if voter turnout is 50 or 60%, because these new voters and young people, this will break all the calculations and eliminate others," Yusuf said Salah al-Din, Imran Khan close friends.
Public Transport Interchange will pick up many seats in Lahore, and 13 multilateral nuclear a city, if the immediate election? Because it may be speculative, the consensus seems to be two or three seats in the camps, defense, Gulbarg and the Canal Road and other areas.
"N - League won the last time, but won a seat in the different profit margins from the different. Suhail Warraich, Lahore, political experts say," look for the narrowest edge of victory, you will find more vulnerable seats seats.
Winning candidate in a city get 50,000-75,000 votes in 2008 purchasing power parity factor, PPP candidate and grabbed 9 PML - N won 11 constituencies, a significant proportion of respondents with 20,000 votes and 25,000 between.
However, the poor, rural constituencies in the suburbs of Lahore, like Samina Gurkhi won in 2008 but one, PPP has won seats in the appropriate city with little hope.
"Purchasing power parity as a winner, but the question is who to vote," according to Tahir Ashrafi, a local clergy familiar with city politics.
Before the arrival of Imran Khan, PPP voters Sharif, based on the anti-PPP, pro-platform support him in Lahore, Punjab and the PPP voters are cursed to have no other choice. "PPP may be the first to break the junction, they have become
And perennial losers to find alternatives, Safma Secretary-General Imtiaz Alam said. "
PML - N in 2008, swept through a city, love fades, however, perhaps the rise in public transport interchange is the biggest single factor N - League of disillusionment. "In 2008, people pay off their debts. Nawaz Sharif in Lahore did not delete and '99, said:" Manny Diaz, editor in Lahore. Now, an impatient public to observe the PML - N provincial government failed to shine voters looking elsewhere, according to the main Xiniyazi.
"Shahbaz Sharif left Lahore run. Suhail Warraich said," This is a good thing, but it is also a bad thing. According to him, the younger Sharif's aloofness and created a micro-loving sense of alienation. Warraich said, "and" politics is inclusive, but Shahbaz about exclusivity. It is difficult to pin down, but it seems the national economic slowdown, high inflation, electricity and natural gas reduction and poor security situation in the background, the tepid performance of the N - party coalition government dampen the enthusiasm.
While there may be cracks in Fortress Sharif's PML - N of Lahore ruled that Sharif is still a city. "Sharif is still strong, despite the dissatisfaction and complaints. Warraich said:" Yes, people worship him, and to some extent changed, but they will still vote for him.
In Gowalmandi, a stronghold of the Sharifs, PML - N support is overwhelming. "Gowalmandi is a long and sustained campaign, after Sharif has won. Mujib Shami said:" The last home under a government employee may have and money into development.
It goes beyond the material reasons, however. "I do not have a plot, of loans or from their work," according to Wahid, covered with dirt and owner - hole wall Gowalmandi machine shop. "But I only vote for Sharif The most important thing is he from Punjab and I am proud to have as Prime Minister of the Punjab."
"Imran Khan is an institution," the people, "he continued," But nobody listens Sharif. He does not listen to the United States, they provide the money the atomic bomb did not explode. "
Although Sharif is expected to walk in the strongest candidate for the PML - N stronghold of victory again, complaints trickle-down here too. "This is a Sharif stronghold, he has a special relationship to this place, but even here no one is happy," Abdul Malik, a small electronic repository for all.
Mr. Khaliq complain about inflation, but the enraged PML - N "friendly opposition" label: "They did the worst thing is that they have to (expletive deleted) Zardari to stay in power, they are together . "
In the CD shop, past and current N - Alliance supporters square. Since 2008 there Sharifs do? "Asked Rehan, a long-time of the PML - N of voters now support the public transport interchange." All they are doing is waiting for the end of five years, next to go. Perhaps Imran Khan will not do anything, maybe he will not give us the gas or anything else, but we need him to at least try. "
A PML - N supporters, Mahmoud Hussein, thundered back: "Forget about the big sleep master, told me he wrong? Think countries. Mian classic to us the atomic bomb, highways, Yellow Taxi ... "he continued," Sharif and his people with the money they give people something. Imran Khan has nothing to do. "
But requested that the public transport interchange in Lahore when the prospect of even die-hard supporters of PML - N Hussain admitted: "Imran Khan will probably win two or three seats." Months before admission will be bordering on heresy. October 30 rally has clearly changed the minds of some voters view. However, Mr. Khan in Lahore splash over overflow, tsunami-style. "Imran Khan is still not talking about class, about biradiri, the things that most appeal to Lahore unless he does not just talk about corruption, his income will be limited, LUMS professors, Waseem Ahmad said. "
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) have agreed in principle to field joint candidates in the next general elections in Punjab, Daily Times learnt.
Well-placed sources in both parties confirmed that an understanding had been reached between both the coalition partners to field joint candidates at all 297 constituencies in Punjab in the next general elections.
The sources informed that both parties agreed on a joint election formula, allowing both the parties to give the party tickets to their winning candidates in the Punjab Assembly and the coalition party would be bound not to issue party tickets to their candidate in any case.
Furthermore, both the parties have decided to issue the party ticket to the candidates who had lost the elections to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), but had emerged as the closest contesters, sources added.
Sources said that President Asif Ali Zardari, who is also Co-Chairperson of the PPP, had formed a team led by the member of the Punjab Assembly (MPA) and former finance minister Tanveer Ashraf Kaira to negotiate with the PML-Q leadership at provincial level for reaching an undisputed and logical joint election formula, which should be acceptable to both the parties as well as their candidates without any objection.
The PPP had won 85 seats of the Punjab Assembly in the previous general elections and the PML-Q succeeded in 62 constituencies in the province while the PML-N obtained 138 seats in the province. There are 32 members of the PML-N, 21 of the PPP and only 18 of the PML-Q on the reserved seats of women and minorities, so the total strength of the PML-N representatives is 170, PPP’s 106 and PML-Q’s 80 in the Punjab Assembly.
Following the joint election formula of the PPP and PML-Q, candidates of both the political parties will contest directly on their winning seats while the party ticket will be given to the runner up candidate of any party and the other party will support him, the sources said.
Both, PPP and PML-Q would not only directly challenge the candidates of the PML-N in Punjab at their home ground (winning constituencies) but there are chances of them taking some extra seats in the province to form their next coalition government in the province by the reason of their joint vote bank which must be multiplied after their support to each other’s candidates, the sources maintained.
The sources said that the PML-N had some political edge over the other parties in cities but had a limited vote bank in the rural areas of Punjab where the PML-Q and the PPP had majority votes.
Both coalition partners, especially the PPP, would also support the demand for the southern Punjab as a separate province.
On the issue of distribution of the seats of the dissident group of the PML-Q, the Unification Bloc, the PML-Q would have a principle right to field its candidates at the respective seats but both the valuable contester of the other party could also be considered there.
Around 40 members of the PML-Q while differing with their mother party, the PML-Q, have established the Unification Bloc led by Atta Manika and Dr Tahir Ali Javed in the Punjab Assembly and given support to the PML-N in the House after the promise from Sharif brothers, especially Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to give them the PML-N tickets in the next general elections.
((Pakistan Times) Imran Khan’s personality overshadows the party and that is a fact known to every person in the country, even his followers. In that way, his party will not be different from the parties that are criticised by him and his followers as being dynastic in nature..
Many are calling Imran Khan the agent of change in Pakistan. Imran Khan, a person supported and backed by a majority of the urban youth in the country, is eyeing a major victory in the next elections. Pakistan, a country traditionally ruled and governed by dynastic politicians, is undoubtedly longing for change. However, its history suggests otherwise. But the question still remains: who will bring this change? Is it Imran Khan and his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), or the same agent of change that always comes uninvited and leaves of its own choice? Even if Imran Khan’s historic Lahore congregation is taken as an indication that he has support in Lahore, the traditional stronghold of the Sharif brothers, even then his high hopes of bringing about change all over the country remain dubious.
Imran Khan, a cricketer-turned-politician, is undoubtedly regarded highly, both in the national and international political arena. However, his personal success cannot be the sole reason why the 180 million people of this country should consider voting for him in the next elections. Imran Khan has remained controversial over a number of issues, including both his personal and political lives. For instance, Imran has been termed as the ‘sweet face of Jamaat-e-Islami’ by many in the past. However, now his most recent take over the Pak-India relationship has raised many eyebrows. He has assured the Indian side that, if he succeeds in the next elections, he will take stern action against the head of Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), Hafiz Saeed, and those involved in the Mumbai attacks. According to many analysts, this assurance of his contradicts his demands of halting the drone programme, which has resulted in the deaths of many civilians. Imran Khan talks about bringing the estranged Taliban and other militant groups into the mainstream, mostly through dialogue, which is yet another contradiction. Imran also strongly believes in the fundamentals of an Islamic state. However, whenever he faces the international media he talks about a free market economy and other liberal concepts, which in a way are contradictory in nature.
Imran Khan has ruled out his alliance with any corrupt political party.
Addressing a news conference in Lahore, Imran laid out his party’s policy on the issue of alliances. He said PTI would not ally with any party or individual who didn’t declare assets honestly. He said no one could now stop the tsunami of change in Pakistan.
Imran said Shah Mehmood is a fair, honest and educated politician and would ultimately join the PTI.
He said the party ticket would only be given to the candidates who are honest and who are not hiding their assets.
The PTI has lately been accused of offering more or less the same faces in the shape of alliances with old politicians who have at some stages served in the previous set-ups. However, Imran has said that the doors are open for all after scrutiny by the PTI’s integrity committee.
This is not to say that Imran Khan is incapable of bringing change to the country. However, an agenda is needed to support the kind of tall claims that Imran Khan is making. Apart from major cities and constituencies in the country, representatives of Imran Khan’s party are nowhere else to be seen. So if, let us say, the population wants to vote for Imran Khan, particularly those residing in far-flung areas, then who would they be voting for? The PTI lacks representatives in a majority of the areas of the country and even if the representatives are there they are not known to the public. Recently, a couple of well-known and seasoned politicians announced their allegiance to the PTI, but that too is not evident of the fact that Imran Khan’s party has gained any political mileage.
I have been using the name Imran Khan instead of that of his party, the PTI, because I do not see a party that has its roots in the public space. It, too, is a party that is dominated by a figure who is considered a ‘hero’ because he won a world cup for the country. Imran Khan’s personality overshadows the party and that is a fact known to every person in the country, even his followers. In that way, his party will not be different from the parties that are criticised by him and his followers as being dynastic in nature.
As said earlier, Imran Khan’s party lacks an agenda, one that he promised to present at the Lahore congregation. Whatever was presented was a vague collection of changes that he wishes to bring if his party is brought into power in the next elections. A clear plan to uplift the economy was totally absent in his arguments. He only emphasised the need for politicians to declare their assets and the taxes they pay, which has never happened in the history of this country.
Imran Khan while fearing the possibility of rigging in the elections to be held under President Asif Zardari-led PPP has warned that rigging attempts would invite bloodshed.
He made this warning while addressing a Press conference at his residence on Thursday on the occasion of joining of several former Parliamentarians and district leaders into the PTI, who belong to District Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib and Jaranwala.
Prominent among those who joined the PTI include former member National and Provincial Assemblies, Muhammad Saeed Virk, Mian Khalid Mehmood, Shahid Manzoor Gill, Abdul Rasheed Dogar, Ghulam Haider Bari, Engineer Muhammad Bilal Virk, Tahir Memood Gill, Iftikhar Dogar and dozens of former Nazimeen and Naib Nazimeen.
He said: ‘I don’t see fair and transparent conduct of next elections under President Asif Zardari and there will be a massive bloodshed if any bid is made to rig the polls’. PTI chief while acknowledging groupings in the party after the first successful show of the party last month in Lahore claimed that he would make efforts to make peace in the party ranks to save it from dents.
However, he defended emerging holes in the party by saying that differences among the mentioned groups in the party would strengthen the democratic norms. Commenting over opposition to the old faces among the party ranks, Imran while calling the old faces as ‘electables’ claimed that they could never overshadow the role of the founding members and diehard activists of the party. He said: ‘old faces are political heavyweights, however, I will not let any heavyweight to hijack the party’. Claiming PTI an ideological force, Imran maintained that party tickets would be awarded only to those aspiring candidates, who agree with PTI ideologssy and pass the scrutiny of party’s assets verification committee.
He maintained that he would not interfere in the decisions of the party’s Parliamentary Board and their decision would be the final, while the board would made decision keeping in view the findings of the committee and winning possibilities of the ticket aspirants. Imran while stating that Establishment could never control the PTI remarked that leaders of various ‘establishment-controlled parties’ were joining his party, as they know that no traditional political force could stop the tsunami of change, which was coming in the shape of PTI.
One of the major policy matters in Pakistan is its foreign policy, particularly related to India, Afghanistan, the US, Saudi Arabia and China. Imran stresses an equal relationship with the US, which is based on friendship. As said earlier, he has assured India of cooperation in the Mumbai attacks case but this cooperation goes against the traditional stance that Pakistan has maintained against India. He also needs to define a clear and workable foreign policy for Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and China.
Terrorism is the most intimidating issue that Pakistan is facing. Imran Khan talks about handling this issue through dialogue and by bringing the estranged groups/organisations into the mainstream, which I think is not practical considering the track record of these organisations and what they have done to the country and its inhabitants.
Imran needs to sort out and present a clear and workable solution for every problem in this country otherwise his tall claims will face the same end as faced by other political parties in the country. Allegations of corruption have resulted in the dismissal of many a government in Pakistan. Imran, too, suggests corruption as the root cause for many problems in the country. Let us see if he succeeds in meting out a solution for this problem that is affecting everyone. Imran Khan needs to go deep down, right down to the grass roots level, if he desires a change.
Papademos Lucas, a respected economist and avuncular style, was named prime minister on Thursday. He will lead a unity government, has promised speedy ratification of the European aid package of tough terms, and save the country from bankruptcy. After four days of intense negotiations, the Greek political parties to demonstrate fighting each other, the former vice president of the ECB, Mr. Papademos choice.
Read out on television, the Office of the President Karolos Papoulias issued a written statement to confirm the appointment of Mr. Papademos afternoon and join the "new administrative role of the interim government will be on October 26 of the European Union Summit the implementation of decisions and connect to the policy. "
After months of protests and the construction of domestic pressure from the European Union, Prime Minister George Papandreou on Sunday agreed to step down once have formed a new coalition government. But the negotiations dragged on, the parties apparently hostages political manipulation.
However, Papademos, is deemed to be outside of the old Greek boy political network - technocrats, may be able to take a new path, Greece.
Mr. Papandreou went on national television on Wednesday night announced a new interim government has been established.
But he did not name his successor, and in the subsequent time, it is clear that political turmoil in the settings again. TV offers a glimpse of some of the drama. Angry Giorgos Karatzaferis, leader of a small far-right party Laos, Mr. Papandreou's speech soon after burst into the presidential palace building. He told waiting reporters that he was summoned to meet with Mr. Papandreou; President; and the opposition New Democracy, Anthony Samaras leaders, but found herself sitting in a hall. Obviously, other people too busy, he met with him.
From the few politicians willing to take risks to support a new power-sharing government of the potential damage, must take a series of unpopular tasks, Karatzaferis, Mr., is playing political games. "This is unacceptable," he left before huffed.
Wednesday night, the problem is that Mr. Papandreou and the opposition New Democratic Party leaders have made clear choices. Before the speech, Mr. Papandreou, the Greek press reports claiming that he is about to announce his reins to Filippos Petsalnikos, Speaker of Parliament and Mr. Papandreou's socialist party, PASOK stalwart.
But the choice caused consternation - in both reform-minded, mostly young members - some said, a small uprising. Mr. Petsalnikos over 20 years, and held ministerial posts in parliament, mainly without distinction.
Some PASOK members of the public to push Mr. Papademos, a respected economist and former vice president, he is as a dynamic and technically able to choose the European Central Bank.
Analysts said, but his strength to let him in future elections for those who desire a potential rival. In addition, Mr Papademos has set several conditions for operation, including a six-month term and the ability to choose their own Minister of Finance, which has troubled some members of both parties,. In fact, Mr. Papademos to take action to eliminate the PASOK, the current Minister of Finance, Ai Wei Venizelos, who may in future elections the Prime Minister's most powerful member.
Nevertheless, many young politicians who are eager to be in rapid progress, the country's fiscal house in order. Anna Diamantopoulou, a prominent member of PASOK, Minister of Education, sent a letter last Wednesday, was broad public support, Mr. Papademos economists explain.
, "She wrote:" This country needs a high status and acceptance, both inside and outside, and go abroad, with deep knowledge of financial affairs, the Prime Minister.
Mr. Papandreou held a televised speech farewell speech, summed up the action in recent years to stabilize and help the country, and that Europe will continue to bailout the country and urged political parties to transcend their differences.
Mr. Papoulias meeting, Mr. Papandreou said the country's new government will mark "a new political mentality, a new political culture of the beginning."
"Today, we put aside our differences," he said, suggesting "common efforts to ensure the continuous development of the country, not only to maintain part of the euro area, but also out of the crisis."
He said the interim government will make the necessary effort "to prove the Greek people in the past two years, the sacrifices made," referring to a substantial reduction in wages and pensions as well as a raft of tax increases. The main goal will be crucial for the rescue funds to national security, and continue to conduct negotiations with foreign creditors, he said.
It was explained to the tone of his speech, his departure not only from Greece's political, but also the signal from the country itself.
"I never take my position, the national good," he said. "For me, Greece is above all no matter where I go, I will continue in my heart the Greek flag." He added that he would do everything he can to support the new prime minister and the new government.
House Speaker John Boehner said he and President Obama have a "very good relationship," but he also criticized what Boehner incite so-called "class struggle" in the over spending, taxes and job creation Austrian political debate Bama.
In an interview broadcast on ABC's "This Week" program Sunday, Boehner defended Republicans and Democrats oppose Obama's efforts to increase the deficit reduction and job creation as part of measures to tax wealthy Americans.
"Come on, the top 1% pay 38% of U.S. income tax," Boehner, R - Ohio, said Friday about the recording continued Republican stance against tax increases proposed interview. "How much, you also want them to pay?"
Obama has produced a defense as a narrative, Boehner said, is to pit the rich part of another social class tax cuts Republican campaign theme.
"We will not engage in class struggle," Boehner said, adding that: "The president is clearly trying to do it, it is wrong."
Republicans generally want to cut government spending and reduce the size of government debt, and therefore opposed to increasing taxes or adding new taxes.
However, Boehner and other Republicans favor a modification to increase the tax law, lower interest rates, but expanding the number of taxpayers the possibility of government revenue.
This step will only accept "As long as our colleagues on the other side to cut spending severely," Boehner said in the ABC interview.
Obama talks this year with a possible comprehensive deficit reduction agreement to Bona said the additional revenue up to $ 800 billion as part of the package.
Talks broke down on the reduction of differences in tax issues and rights, Bona said in an interview, Obama discussed the specific trade-offs and then there is now achieved.
"I think it is very difficult to squat with the back," he said. When asked how much additional revenue the Republicans can embrace, Boehner replied: "This is a $ 64 million problem no one knows." Congress created the Joint Special Committee to work out a deal to reduce the deficit facing the November 23 deadline, there is no breakthrough in sight.
Boehner does not agree with the 12-member panel - evenly between Republicans and Senate Democrats split from the House of Representatives - an impasse, but he stressed that it is working to resolve the problem is - too hard, and he and Obama to resolve.
"No one (is) more disappointed, we can not reach an agreement, the President and I, than I am," Boehner said. According to him, and the president, "This is a bit frosty here in the past few weeks, but we've got a very good relationship." House Speaker John Boehner (R - Ohio) said Thursday that President Obama is inciting class struggle "every day" because he pushed Congress to pass his program of work.
"We will not engage in class struggle," Boehner said, ABC's "This Week with Christian Amanpour." "[The] President, where do every day, and I frankly think this is unfortunate, because we job is to help all Americans, rather than pit one after another set of Americans. " Obama, Boehner said: "obviously trying to do, and this is wrong." Mr Obama has sent back the Democratic Party has called Boehner and other Republican leaders adopted the president's $ 447 billion legislative work, including for infrastructure projects, teachers and first-responder funds, but will also raise taxes on the richest Americans - the curse of the conservative move.
Senate Republicans unite to block the bill last month, House Republican leaders refused to participate in the House is not up. Boehner pushed back against the notion that the Republicans, tax increases by the opposition, but to protect the rich.
"This is very unfair," Boehner said, this description. He said: "The top 1% wage tax in the United States 38% of income, and that they pay you?"
The spokesman also rejected Republican efforts to cut its deficit reduction agreed with the United States would undermine the idea of this year the poor disproportionately.
"No one here in this Congress - Democrat or Republican - to put a safety net for Americans to do what the hole," Boehner said. "There are Americans who are poor, and I think this is the rest of us to ensure that their food in their stomach, they have the responsibility of the roof over their heads."
With the clock ticking down on the budget supercommittee the November 23 deadline, Boehner said he fully sealed agreement investment. "I will do my best to ensure supercommittee is successful," he said. Group on deficit reduction, the two sides trading purposes or advice, but on income and the thorny issue of tax reform far.
When asked how many Republicans will support the new revenue, Bona on Sunday refused to speculate."This is a $ 64 million question," Boehner said. "Nobody knows." House Speaker John Boehner said in recent weeks things have become a little "cold" President Barack Obama, but they still want to work together to prepare for the Congress to fight the federal debt. "The president and I have a very good relationship," Boehner said, Agricultural Bank of China this week with Christian Amanpour. "You know, it has been a bit frosty here the last few weeks, but we've got a very good relationship."
Bona floor than in the special Congress' plan to make do with the federal debt approaching $ 15 trillion has been suggested supercommittee''is less than a month.
Congress - and the White House - is expected to reduce debt through the bill before the end of the year, or face of the next summer hit Obama and Republican prospects for automatic processing of budget cuts.
"I told the president, you know, I was the most direct, and transparent in this town, I will not mislead him," Boehner told Amanpour. "My word is my bond. Democrats and Republicans here in Washington understand that."
Boehner said:
"So we have a pretty good relationship does not mean we always agree, but the American people expect - even if we have very different ideas - the American people want us to seek common ground, and then take action on it. So far, we have been able to do this. We have already taken some steps in the right direction here in the past two months. We have many more steps to take together. " In addition, last summer, Boehner and Obama trying to figure out in the federal debt will include tax increases and budget cuts "great deal", they also play a round of golf now famous, but they can not strike deals.
"If it was easy, the President and I can solve it," Boehner said. "If it was easy, in the past two decades, Congress will have solved it, it is difficult."
LAHORE, Pakistan Times— A crowd of thousands gathered Sunday for a rally in the Pakistani city of Lahore called by cricket hero turned politician Imran Khan to press President Asif Ali Zardari to step down.
Dancing to a drumbeat and waving the party's red and green flags, supporters of Khan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (Movement for Justice) filled the sprawling Minar-e-Pakistan ground which was ringed with tight security.
"Who will save Pakistan? Imran Khan, Imran Khan," the crowd chanted.
More than 20,000 people had gathered as the meeting began at 4pm (1100 GMT) with more on the way, according to witnesses, as the crowd waited for a scheduled appearance by their hero.
Khan's party slogan is "throw this government out and save the country," in a campaign aimed at the ruling coalition led by Zardari and the party of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
Khan, who guided Pakistan to a World Cup win in 1992, brims with confidence that he can solve Pakistan's myriad and devastating problems.
But his party has no seats in parliament and it is criticised for lacking grassroots support and the infrastructure needed to win an election.
The rally, seen as a show of strength, comes two days after Sharif's brother Shahbaz, attracted some 30,000 people at an anti-Zardari protest also in the key political battleground of Lahore.
Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) held a demonstration on Friday to demand early elections in its political heartland -- it controls the Punjab provincial government despite being in opposition at national level.
Party faithful denounced corruption and widespread power cuts, calling on the 56-year-old president, dubbed "Mr Ten Percent" over graft allegations, to step down before the government's five-year mandate expires in 2013.
The venue for Khan's public meeting was bedecked with banners and hoardings showing portraits of the former cricketer and the founder of the nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He was due to apeak later.
Tehreek-e-Insaf Secretary General Arif Ali said Khan "will make important announcements regarding the country's politics and future course of action."
"The wind of change of has started in the country and anyone coming in its way would be eliminated," Alvi said and added "Tehreek-e-Insaf wants the rule of people constitution and law in the country."
"It is going to be historic. We have our supporters and voters coming from Lahore and its suburban areas and the expected gathering would be over 100,000 people," Malik Zaheer Abbas Khokhar, a member of the party's organising committee said.
Lahore, with a population of eight million, is Pakistan's second-biggest city and the capital of the most populous province Punjab, which commands the greatest number of seats in the national assembly or lower house of parliament.
That makes it bitterly contested territory where opposition leaders are targeting the unpopular Zardari.
They are looking to exploit disillusionment with the ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP) which swept to power in February 2008, two months after Zardari's wife, ex-prime minister Benazir Bhutto, was assassinated.
The party had expressed some concerns about inadequate security arrangements and blocking of the convoys coming from other cities.
"We have been reassured by the provincial police chief about the security of the gathering and smooth flow of traffic for our convoys," Khokhar told AFP.
Senior police official Ghulam Mahmood Dogar told reporters that all steps had been taken to provide "fool-proof" security at the public meeting.
Around 2,000 Pakistanis led by Khan demonstrated in Islamabad on Friday to demand an end to US drone strikes in the tribal areas, claiming they kill more innocent civilians than Taliban and Al-Qaeda leaders. A crowd of thousands has gathered for a rally in the Pakistani city of Lahore called by cricket hero turned politician Imran Khan to press President Asif Ali Zardari to step down.
Dancing to a drumbeat and waving the party's red and green flags, supporters of Khan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (Movement for Justice) filled the sprawling Minar-e-Pakistan ground, which was ringed with tight security.
"Who will save Pakistan? Imran Khan, Imran Khan," the crowd chanted. More than 20,000 people had gathered as the meeting began at 4pm (2200 AEDT) on Sunday with more on the way, according to witnesses, as the crowd waited for a scheduled appearance by their hero.
Khan's party slogan is "throw this government out and save the country", in a campaign aimed at the ruling coalition led by Zardari and the party of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
Khan, who guided Pakistan to a World Cup win 1992, brims with confidence that he can solve Pakistan's myriad and devastating problems.
But his party has no seats in parliament and it is criticised for lacking grassroots support and the infrastructure needed to win an election.
The rally, seen as a show of strength, comes two days after Sharif's brother Shahbaz, attracted some 30,000 people at an anti-Zardari protest also in the key political battleground of Lahore.
Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) held its rally on Friday to demand early elections in its political heartland - it controls the Punjab provincial government despite being in opposition at national level.
Party faithful denounced corruption and widespread power cuts, calling on the 56-year-old president, dubbed "Mr Ten Percent" over graft allegations, to step down before the government's five-year mandate expires in 2013.
The venue for Khan's public meeting was bedecked with banners and hoardings showing portraits of the former cricketer and the founder of the nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He was due to speak later.
Tehreek-e-Insaf secretary general Arif Ali said Khan "will make important announcements regarding the country's politics and future course of action".
"The wind of change has started in the country and anyone coming in its way would be eliminated," Alvi said and added "Tehreek-e-Insaf wants the rule of people constitution and law in the country."
"It is going to be historic. We have our supporters and voters coming from Lahore and its suburban areas and the expected gathering would be over 100,000 people," Malik Zaheer Abbas Khokhar, a member of the party's organising committee said.
Lahore, with a population of eight million, is Pakistan's second-biggest city and the capital of the most populous province Punjab, which commands the greatest number of seats in the national assembly or lower house of parliament.
That makes it bitterly contested territory where opposition leaders are targeting the unpopular Zardari.
They are looking to exploit disillusionment with the ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP), which swept to power in February 2008, two months after Zardari's wife, ex-prime minister Benazir Bhutto, was assassinated.
The party had expressed some concerns about inadequate security arrangements and blocking of the convoys coming from other cities.
"We have been reassured by the provincial police chief about the security of the gathering and smooth flow of traffic for our convoys," Khokhar said.
Senior police official Ghulam Mahmood Dogar told reporters that all steps had been taken to provide "fool-proof" security at the public meeting.
About 2000 Pakistanis led by Khan demonstrated in Islamabad on Friday to demand an end to US drone strikes in the tribal areas, claiming they kill more innocent civilians than Taliban and al-Qaeda leaders. Being held two days after the one by PML-N, the rally will reflect Imran Khan’s support in the provincial capital.
Khan will contest the next election from Lahore and Mianwali.
The PTI chief said in an interview with TheNation that the rally would be much bigger than that of the PML-N.
Senior leader Mian Muhammad Azhar said that Sunday’s rally would be one of the biggest rallies held in the city. He estimated that more than 100,000 people will participate.
Mian Azhar said people wanted a change and they were joining the PTI in large numbers to make the change possible. He said many from the PPP had also joined the PTI. He made it clear that his party wanted to bring about a change through the elections.
A former Punjab governor, Mian Azhar said the rally would awaken the people of Lahore and once this was done the change would become unavoidable.
With this rally Imran Khan plans to start a countrywide campaign for the change of government. He is critical of both the PPP and the PML-N and holds them responsible for all problems facing the country.
He has consistently been urging the leaders of the two parties to bring back to Pakistan their money lying in foreign countries. Also, he says, they should declare their assets. Dancing to a drumbeat and waving the party’s red and green flags, supporters of Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf filled the sprawling Minar-e-Pakistan ground which was ringed with tight security.
“Who will save Pakistan? Imran Khan, Imran Khan,” the crowd chanted.
More than 20,000 people had gathered as the meeting began at 4pm (1100 GMT) with more on the way, according to witnesses, as the crowd waited for a scheduled appearance by their hero.
Khan’s party slogan is “throw this government out and save the country,” in a campaign aimed at the ruling coalition led by Zardari and the party of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
The rally, seen as a show of strength, comes two days after Sharif’s brother Shahbaz, attracted some 30,000 people at an anti-Zardari protest also in the key political battleground of Lahore.
Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) held on Friday to demand early elections in its political heartland – it controls the Punjab provincial government despite being in opposition at national level.
The venue for Khan’s public meeting was bedecked with banners and hoardings showing portraits of the former cricketer and the founder of the nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He was due to apeak later.
Tehreek-e-Insaf Secretary General Arif Ali said Khan “will make important announcements regarding the country’s politics and future course of action.”
“The wind of change of has started in the country and anyone coming in its way would be eliminated,” Alvi said and added “Tehreek-e-Insaf wants the rule of people constitution and law in the country.”
“It is going to be historic. We have our supporters and voters coming from Lahore and its suburban areas and the expected gathering would be over 100,000 people,” Malik Zaheer Abbas Khokhar, a member of the party’s organising committee said.
The party had expressed some concerns about inadequate security arrangements and blocking of the convoys coming from other cities.
“We have been reassured by the provincial police chief about the security of the gathering and smooth flow of traffic for our convoys,” Khokhar told AFP.
Senior police official Ghulam Mahmood Dogar told reporters that all steps had been taken to provide “fool-proof” security at the public meeting.
Around 2,000 Pakistanis led by Khan demonstrated in Islamabad on Friday to demand an end to US drone strikes in the tribal areas, claiming they kill more innocent civilians than Taliban and Al-Qaeda leaders.
But some PTI officials harassing transporters on 30th Oct 2011.
Nayef, the new Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah's heir, the prince said on Saturday oil-rich kingdom would remain stable, despite the troubled Middle East turmoil.
He said: "Let our reality, we live in such conditions in the region, where turbulence from all sides," because he spoke in his first national television to become the Saudi crown prince.
"(King Abdullah) leadership and trust of his people, he can continue the affairs of the Kingdom in all its stability and security."
Saudi Arabia has largely escaped the forced three heads of state's office, and threatened at least two people, thanks to generous spending plans for the Saudi "Arab Spring" unrest.
Prince Nayef has been running in recent years, Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan of the late country, at the same time every day for a long time. Saudi crown prince in a new 36-year career, he defeated the "base" organization of the kingdom's ambitions terror earned the nickname "Prince" shadow, there may be radical Islamists, the survival of the assassination attempt.
Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz became known as the "prince of shadows," former U.S. ambassador Charles Freeman said, because he was in charge of Saudi Arabia's secret police, because he's a night owl schedule , long after midnight meetings.
The man who is now on the next line to become King of Saudi Arabia is widely acclaimed. After turning back to Saudi Arabia in 2003 and 2006 wave of terror between the relative security and stability. "He supervised a very successful counter-terrorism strategy," said a U.S. official familiar with Saudi Saudi Arabia, who credits the effective driving of the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the terrorist group's local subsidiary, the "base" organization out of Prince Nayef security Kingdom.
Nayef, 78, has been since 1975 within the Kingdom Minister is responsible for internal security, and according to a 2009 U.S. State Department cable leaked by the WikiLeaks, his worldview is framed us / Saudi cooperation, the threat from Iran , to defeat terrorism inside Saudi Arabia. Cable described him as "a pragmatic conservative" who, "continued security cooperation and other forms of [the U.S.], but may also prove than the current leadership on human rights issues are more resistant."
A series of high profile, including Paul Johnson, a U.S. citizen in Riyadh, and a U.S. consulate in Jeddah attacked in 2004, the beheading of the terrorist attacks, the Kingdom's security forces under the leadership of Nayef, has been to prevent comparable operating Over the past five years. Kill or capture high-level AQAP operatives, including terrorist organizations, the first business leaders, they are able to foil in 2006, AQAP attack Abqaiq oil facility, the largest of the kingdom.
May also have been several attempts Nayef's life, but a U.S. official said the incident, which involved at his residence, and opened fire on his convoy, it is unclear whether it constitutes a comprehensive assassination attempt.
Nayef's son, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, however, has more than one assassination attempt of the target. Mohammed, Deputy Interior Minister, survival in the August 2009 bombing, a man with a hidden bomb apparently detonated his device near the body cavity.
Allegedly, the bomb was designed to AQAP bombmaker Ibrahim Asiri, the same Saudi expatriates designed underwear Abdulmutallab with a bomb in his attempt to bring down the flight more than 253 in northwest Detroit for Christmas 2009. Bombers, died in the explosion, AL - Asiri's brother Abdullah. Prince Mohammed survival was slightly injured.
Nayef made the appointment of Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia on whether the reform will continue, but in 2009 his son Mohammed said after trying of life, the U.S. diplomatic cable leaked, Nayef "clear and their reform to. "cables quoted him as saying," national security efforts and will not change reform strategy is the following. "
And although Nayef is a social conservative and progressive efforts to improve the king's rights and political participation of women in skepticism, it is his safety, to promote initiatives for women's ID card, and then allow them to be registered in the universities, establish an independent business bank account.
Brothers in Saudi Arabia, successor of his brother, not his brother's son, to minimize the founding of the Saudi King Abdul Aziz's 37 sons of the family feud. Crown Prince Nayef's mother in the family is a favorite of the late king set up one of the most powerful of the seven brothers. The King of Saudi Arabia Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, 87 years old, king since 2005. Nayef - nearly four decades, has served as Minister of the Interior, led by the "base" organization in the fight against the Kingdom - the Royal Decree on Thursday was named as the success in the United States who died last week after a long illness, was buried at Prince Sultan Riyadh.
The new palace in Riyadh, Crown Prince received his subjects, according to state media.
Ceremony is open to all citizens, who fell to meet the new crown prince, and the traditional monarchy.
In the vast desert kingdom citizens in other regions will be able to pledge allegiance to the governor on Sunday, they are members of the Saudi royal family.
Prince Nayef to Prince Edward, 78, on Thursday the appointment of Saudi Arabia is a source of satisfaction, "is" Al - Watan daily said, "praised his country's quality."
Al Riyadh daily Nayef, who was promoted to First Deputy Second Deputy Prime Minister said, "that he" deserved to give his safety position and political experience. Nayef also served as Minister of the Interior for 36 years.
"His work in people," because the internal and regional dynamics "need an experienced and committed people" power under the heading, "the editorial said, Al Jazeera, another Saudi paper," The difficult task of the people . "
As an oil-rich country, a major U.S. ally in the Middle East, the successor to the throne, U.S. President Barack Obama welcomed Nayef choice.
"Obama on Friday issued a statement saying:" We know and respect him in the United States for his strong commitment to combat terrorism and support for regional peace and security.
"The United States look forward to our close cooperation with the Crown Prince Nayef partnership to continue in his new identity for us to strengthen the United States and Saudi Arabia in-depth and long-term friendship."
Nayef is known as the iron fist of a man, has become a bastion of the Saudi dynasty, and supervision of the "base" organization of a very successful battle, but also against all forms of rapid and severe treatment.
Ministry of the Interior, under his leadership, the face of the Kingdom of the "base" organization and between 2003 and 2006, the bloody wave of attacks increased.
He hit on the network, forcing its leaders and its members fled to Yemen, they continue to threaten Saudi interests. He also removed the network to collect donations for charity.
Nayef is also responsible for the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, which attracts from abroad about two million people, and the ceremony next week's security measures during the year.
Nayef name seems to be a smooth move, although to a week after the death of Sudan.
King Abdullah made his choice, and tell the "good guys will be," a senior member of the Saudi royal family of small plates was established in 2006 to ensure a peaceful succession.
"Transition, with no complications," Al Riyadh daily said the king's decision "is consistent with the collective will of the" loyalty board.
According to regulations, the current king is under no obligation to name his successor, in consultation with the Council ", but insisted that King Abdullah informed the Security Council," Saudi analyst Jam Khashogji AFP correspondent said.
Meanwhile, the king has not been named a new Secretary of Defense to replace since 1962, the portfolio held by Sudan to raise awareness of the dispute between the king room.
US President Barack Obama has made a plea for religious tolerance, amid the continuing row over a small church's threat to burn copies of the Koran.
But hours later the church, in Gainesville, Florida, issued a two-hour deadline for the imam of a proposed mosque in New York to make contact.
A spokesman for Pastor Terry Jones said he wanted clarity on whether the mosque would be moved from near Ground Zero.
The burning, orginally planned for the anniversary of 9/11, sparked outrage.
Mr Obama told reporters at the White House: "We have to make sure we don't start turning on each other."
He repeated his concerns the burning would endanger the lives of US troops.The proposed Koran burning prompted an angry reaction from Muslim countries around the world and was heavily criticised by world leaders.
Protests were reported in Afghanistan and Pakistan on Friday, as people emerged from Eid prayers marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Three people were shot by private security guards when a protest near a Nato base in north-east Afghanistan turned violent.
Mr Obama appealed for people in the US to "rekindle the spirit of unity" felt after the 2001 terror attacks on New York.
"We are all Americans that stand together against those that would do us harm," he said.
"It is absolutely important now for the overwhelming majority of American people to hang on to that thing that is best in us - that is our belief in religious tolerance, our clarity about who our enemies are.
"I will do everything I can, as long as I am president of the United States, to remind the American people that we are one nation under God. We may call that god different names but we are one nation."
Jessica Anne Jordan Burton's background gave no indications that she would end up in politics.
Born in the Somerset town of Bath in England, the 26-year-old moved to Bolivia as a young girl with her mother after her parents divorced.
She was crowned Miss Bolivia in 2006. Four years later she is now responsible for development in Beni, north- east Bolivia.
It is an area which suffers serious poverty, caused in part by a lack of basic services and infrastructure. The cocaine trade dominates the local economy.
Ms Jordan says she spends her day-to-day life travelling the area, meeting people in ministries and making recommendations to the central government over how and where to invest money - important decisions which determine the allocation of a $700m development pot.
Her rapid journey into frontline politics began when she was preparing to enter Miss Universe and met Bolivian President, Evo Morales.
"I talked to him and I said I admired him for what he was achieving," she recalled.
"He was a man that suffered the real poverty in our country and now he is the president."
The discussion clearly left a lasting impression. Ms Jordan did not win the competition - Miss Japan took the prize - but she did win the backing of Mr Morales, who soon encouraged her to stand against Beni's elected governor, Ernesto Suarez.
"They knew it was going to be hard. I lost by 2,900 votes," says Ms Jordan.
"It was very, very close - and after the elections, after I lost, the president invited me to be director of development in my region.
"Obviously I accepted because I had 40% of votes."
It was a controversial appointment. The director of development position did not exist prior to Ms Jordan losing the election, and critics suggested that the role acted in competition with the elected governor, who is a member of the opposition.
Jessica Anne Jordan Burton wearing a 'Bolivia' sash Ms Jordan met Bolivian President Evo Morales as she prepared to compete in Miss Universe
"Sometimes there is discrimination only because you're young and you're a woman," Ms Jordan said.
"The president is a huge example of this. I think people that have love for their country can do much more than people that are only there looking for their own ambition."
