ISLAMABAD: Fierce clashes erupted between law-enforcers and protesters in Islamabad late Saturday night as protesters attempted to march towards the Prime Minister House.
Tear-gas and rubber bullets have been used by police, while protesters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) responded with pelting stones.
The clashes came on the 14th day of sit-ins in the capital, which had thus far remained without incident, and continued for three days.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
- Joint session continues for a fourth day
- Khursheed Shah refers to Chaudhry Nisar as a wolf in the guise of a sheep
- PM Nawaz meets Maulana Fazlur Rehman before the start of joint session
- PM Nawaz says being the prime minister of Pakistan is no bed of roses
- Aitzaz Ahsan bursts out of anger as he responds to Nisar’s land grabbing, LPG quota allegations
- Asif Ali Zardari condemns Nisar’s statements about Aitzaz
- Nisar says if anyone tries to harm him, he will retaliate
Read all our coverage of PTI’s Azadi March here and the Inqilab March here.
Updates of the Islamabad protests from August 31, 2014 to September 2, 2014, can be found here.
September 5, 3:10pm
Terming the exchange between Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar and PPP leader Aitzaz Ahsan in a press meet-up last night and the joint session of Parliament today “unfortunate,” former president Asif Ali Zardari defends the latter’s stance.
“The prime minister expressed sorrow over the exchange but some people hold a different opinion,” he says, hinting at Nisar.
Further, referring to talks between the protesting parties and the government, Zardari says: “The deadlock must end.”
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September 5, 2:55pm
The government has sent PTI a reply to their eight-page proposal to probe rigging allegations in a bid to end the political impasse between the PML-N government and protesters.
The reply was endorsed by 10 parliamentary parties before being handed over to the opposition jirga to deliver it to PTI.
The reply deems PTI’s rigging allegations baseless and clarifies that PM Nawaz and Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif will not resign.
“We have already recommended the formation of a judicial commission to probe rigging allegations and submit its findings within 30 days,” the reply adds.
PTI’s eight-page proposal can be viewed here.
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September 5, 2:20pm
Addressing his supporters, PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri appreciates their efforts and resilience for remaining steadfast despite difficulties and harsh rains.
“Not one parliamentary leader came to listen to your (supporters) demands or to help you,” says Qadri.
Express News screengrab of PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri
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September 5, 2:07pm
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has said that if anyone tries to harm him, he will retaliate and hold a press conference, Express New reports.
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September 5, 1:45pm
Minister for Railways Khwaja Saad Rafique, while speaking outside the Parliament, requests PTI and PAT chiefs to end their sit-ins but continue on with their demands.
He adds that the visit of a president of a third country is now being affected because of these protests, adding that if the Chinese president visits India and not Pakistan it will not be something to be proud of.
Rafique says that Imran and Qadri will have to answer to the nation
“Because of the sit-ins there has been a loss of Rs550 billion to the economy,” he says. “Who will give this back,” he questions.
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September 5, 1:00pm
Former president Asif Ali Zardari has condemned Nisar’s statements about PPP leader Aitzaz Ahsan and demanded an apology from the interior minister, Express News reports.
He has reportedly said that he is proud of Aitzaz’s sacrifices for democracy.
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September 5, 11:40am
Unleashing a furious outburst at Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, PPP leader Aitzaz Ahsan on Thursday urges Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to reshuffle his cabinet once the ongoing crisis ends.
Read full story here.
Express News screengrab of Aitzaz Ahsan addressing the joint session
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September 5, 11:28am
PM just started his much awaited address to the parliament.
“We should all vow to stand together for the supremacy of the constitution and the rule of law.” he urges
Nawaz says the opposition and the government have decided to stick together for Pakistan.
“More than my government, what is dear to me is the unity between the two sides of lower house,” Nawaz says.
“Being the prime minister is no bed of roses,” he tells his lawmakers.
The premier laments dignitaries cancelling their visits to Pakistan due to the current political turmoil.
PM Nawaz says he is sad over the misunderstanding caused because of certain statements made by Nisar against Aitzaz and PPP in a press meetup last night.
Express News screengrab of PM addressing the joint session
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September 5, 11:20am
“We respect the criticism of the Opposition,” says PML-N leader Raja Zafarul Haq.
“The role of opposition has strengthened the parliament,” adds Haq.
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September 5, 10:47am
Leader of the Opposition in NA Khursheed Shah has started to address the joint session of the Parliament.
“Parliament has become a wall to save democracy.” says Shah
“A person who modifies politics to business does not have any respect.” remarks Shah
Shah tells the assembly that saving democracy is mistaken for supporting the government.
He adds that the PM’s resignation will lead to the weakening of democracy.
“Do not resign,” says Shah
Shah implicitly refers to Chaudhry Nisar as a wolf in the guise of a sheep.
“Interior Minister is a snake up PM Nawaz’s sleeves.” Shah claims
“People who bring their leaders on cross-roads cannot be faithful to leadership.” continues Shah
“We cautioned PM about traitors in his party.” claims Shah
Shah believes that Chaudhry Nisar should apologise to the Parliament not just to Aitzaz Ahsan.
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September 5, 3:30am
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif meets JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman one on one in Islamabad, Express News reports.
They reportedly discussed the ongoing political situation and the protests being held in the federal capital by PAT and PTI.
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September 5, 3:30am
Negotiators of both the government and the protesting parties were bogged down on Thursday in a bitter stalemate after their leaders hardened their positions, squeezing out the space for further political accommodation.
Read the full story here.
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September 5, 1:30am
JI chief Sirajul Haq says it is welcoming to see Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and the government coming on to the table for talks, Express News reports.
Talks are progressing slowly but still there are several legal and constitutional issues to have to be tackled, says JI chief. He adds that, “We are trying to solve this crisis as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, PAT president Raheeq Abbasi says the protesters have vacated the parliament house lawn and the roads of Pak Secretariat will also be open for employees.
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