Rebuttal to article “Imran campaigns for Jemima’s brother” published in The News London Mar 12 2010

Articles | Posted by Rabia Zia
Mar 17 2010

Dear Mr Shah

The article below has one purpose only and that is to malign Mr Khan’s one off trip to the Kingston mosque in support of an individual namely Zac Goldsmith who is also his ex-brother in law. You have unsuccessfully tried to create a perception that Mr Khan is running a full election campaign for the Conservative party in the UK.

Mr Khan clarified that “Zac Goldsmith maybe my ex-brother in law however he is true to his cause and is anti war.” Mr Khan said that he will ask all his party supporters in the UK to support and vote for any MP who is anti war. Mr Khan went on to say that Zac is not only honest but does not need to be a politician however he has committed himself to understand the issues of all the people especially the minorities (whose voice is often not heard) in his constituency in order to be able to provide solutions to their problems. We would like to clarify that this is Mr Khan’s second visit to the Kingston mosque.

You have also called Mr Khan ‘pro-Taliban’. We demand to see evidence of Mr Khan ever having given a single statement to support the Taliban. Being against the military action & promoting dialogue with the Taliban to achieve a political solution does not mean that Mr Khan is pro-Taliban. Please note that all the Western liberals as well as Gen McCrystal and David Miliband are also suggesting a dialogue with the Taliban for a political solution in Afghanistan – does this mean that you will label them ‘pro Taliban’ in your newspaper ?

If you are unable to provide any written evidence of Mr Khan being pro-Taliban then we expect a public apology as the article below was written to tarnish Mr Khan’s image.

Regards Rabia Zia
PTI UK
www.ptiuk.org

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The internal and external crises being faced by Pakistan & next steps

Press Releases | Posted by Rabia Zia
Mar 09 2010

Date:11 Mar, 2010
Time:6:15 Pm
Location: BUSINESS MANAGEMENT DEPT, QUEEN MARY’S COLLEGE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

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Imran Khan with Yvonne Ridely, asks rulers to form a delegation to visit USA Dr Afia

Press Releases | Posted by Rabia Zia
Mar 04 2010

Chairman Imran Khan

* Says a delegation comprising senior politicians should talk to US politicians and Media.

* American people not aware about the facts and they should be informed

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LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan asked the rulers to send an official delegation comprising the opposition forces to visit the United States (US) for the release of Dr Aafia and to inform the people of America about the miseries faced by an innocent Pakistani lady .Government should also prosecute those responsible for abducting Dr. Aafia.

He said that not only the opposition but the people of the country should come under one umbrella if they really wanted to get back Dr Aafia with respect and honor, adding that the masses have seen the results of the efforts made by the rulers and now is the time to come out on streets for Dr Aafia.

PTI chairman Imran khan and Patron of Cage Persons Yvonne Riddley said this while addressing a crowded news conference held at the party central media Lahore office on Sunday evening. Among others party central leadership including Omer Sarfaraz Cheema, Fauzia kasuri , Javed iqbal, Saloni bukhari, Ijaz ch,nadeem bhinder, Talath Naqvi, Shabbir syal, Amin zaki, Mian khalid and others were also present on that occasion.

Talking to the representatives of the print and electronic media Mr Khan said that this is fact that due efforts could not be made for the release of Dr Aafia neither by the opposition nor by the rulers. In my opinion this is a very sensitive and big issue of the country”s soveriegnity and it should be resolved as soon as possible, he added.

Responding to a question Mr Khan said that neither the people nor the American politicians are aware about the facts about Dr Aafia and this is the time when some delegation comprising the senior politicians should visit the United States. ‘I am sure that more Americans than Pakistani people will be on roads in support of Dr Aafia, he added.

The delegation should convey the Americans politicians,US media and people about the sentiments of Pakistani community saying that if the American government will not show any soft corner towards Dr Aafia it will help to increase the hate and extremism Americans,he said.

When asked will he be the part of the delegation? Mr Khan said confidently ‘Yes off course’ adding that Nawaz Sharif should also be the part of this delegation. He said that this is not the time for ‘friendly opposition’. What I guess the opposition is not friendly but helpless because of their vested interests, he opined.

Mr Khan yet to another question he responded saying that ‘I was the first man who tried to raise voice for Dr Aafia in 2002 but her (Dr Aafia’s) family members informed him that there was a life threat to Dr Aafia and the issue was closed. Later in 2007 the issue highlighted and since than PTI is making its efforts, he added.

Patron of cage persons Yvonne Riddley speaking on that occasion said that she speak to the government’s opposition parties in Pakistan and only the opposition she see was the vibrant, challenging and independent media of Pakistan.

She said that with the exception of Imran Khan, PTI, Jamat-e-Islami (JI) only few seem prepared to really challenge the Pakistan government other than the media. She also said that real efforts needed for the release of Dr Aafia instead of hollow slogans.

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All Parties Conference in London

Press Releases | Posted by Rabia Zia
Feb 23 2010

PAKISTAN TEHREEK-E-INSAF (PTI) UK IS HOSTING A CONFERENCE IN LONDON TO REVIEW THE “CURRENT POLITICAL CRISES IN PAKISTAN & NEXT STEPS”

With key speakers from Political Parties, Media, Students & other Civil Societies.

Please join us on Sat Feb 27 2010 at 3.00 pm at Friends House, Small Meeting Hall, 173-177 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ

For more information please call Asim Khan 07525 842375 or email Rabia Zia on ukpti@insaf.pk.   

Please let us know if you are able to participate as soon as possible due to limited seating.

Directions

By rail: Opposite Euston’s rail & tube stations. 10 minutes walk from King’s Cross Station & St Pancras Intl Terminus.

By tube: Euston & Euston Square

By bus: Numbers 10, 18, 30, 73, 205 and 390 pass the door whilst 59, 68, 91, 168, and 253 stop nearby.

By car: Friends House is within a meter parking zone. Charges must be paid Saturday 09.00 – 13.30 (please confirm yourself as well).

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One man destroying democracy in Pakistan to save his own corruption

Press Releases | Posted by FURQAN
Feb 16 2010

PTI UK London Feb 15 2010 – Pakistan is burdened with another judicial crises where an NRO (National Reconciliation Order) beneficiary, namely President Zardari is trying to hide his corruption by subverting the orders of the Supreme Court & destroying the independence of judiciary as well as the fragile democracy.

This direct confrontation between the Executive & the Judiciary was imminent especially after the Supreme Court declared NRO null and void.  Zardari’s notifications to appoint a Supreme Court judge against the recommendation of the Chief Justice is simply a ploy to split the Judiciary in order to evade all corruption charges.  The Constitution states that there will be consultation between the President & the Chief Justice however in the end the recommendation of the Chief Justice prevails & is binding. In Pakistan’s 63 years of history, it is public knowledge that the Executive has always been interested in appointing its own puppet judges, which clearly affects the independence of Judiciary. The criteria was not the seniority but who is more loyal to PPP.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has always upheld the rule of law & said that equal justice for all is one of the key ingredients for democracy to function.  The government is scheming at present to escape charges & has resorted to blackmail however the people of Pakistan will not allow the Parliament to pass laws or amend the Constitution that pardons crimes committed in the past. It seems that the President with a history of dementia has forgotten the recent uprising by the people of Pakistan which forced the government to restore the Chief Justice. Imran Khan is confident that the people of Pakistan, as in the past will unanimously stand united behind the decision of the Supreme Court.  We strive for equal justice for all and the rich & powerful cannot get away with corruption.  Let the rule of law prevail and all looters & plunderers be treated under the same law.

We can see clear parallels between Zaradari & Musharraf’s dictatorships  and based on past democratic struggles, we believe that the outcome will not be much different either. The situation would not have deteriorated to this extent had there been a true opposition in the Parliament counter checking the government. It is clear that PML Noon (Mian Nawaz Shareef’s party) has not proven to be an effective opposition – they are more reactive than pro-active. The Constitution envisions the President of Pakistan to be apolitical however the current President is not only very political but also a ‘civilian dictator’.

Since the restoration of the Chief Justice, President Zardari & his legal advisors have been on a mission to try and strangle the judicial apparatus by delaying the appointment of the High Court judges thus creating a huge vacuum. There is a shortfall of 50% in every High Court of the country thus all High Courts are under functioning to the detriment of the litigants.  Despite these ploys, the Supreme Court has been working endlessly to deliver to the aspirations of the people and is the only hope for the poor, deprived and betrayed people of Pakistan who never had an independent judiciary since the birth of Pakistan.

We are in such a sorry state of affairs where we have a war on our borders, drone attacks, economic melt down and now to take attention away from real issues, the President has the audacity to confront the decisions of the Supreme Court. However we know that in the end, rule of law & independent justice system will come out as winners.  PTI and the people of Pakistan will not allow these corrupt politicians to manipulate the judiciary or our country any more.

Rabia Zia
UK  Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
ukpti@insaf.pk
www.ptiuk.org

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Lord Nazir of Rotherham hosts a meeting for Dr Afia at the house of Lords

Press Releases | Posted by FURQAN
Feb 11 2010

Lord Nazir of Rotherham hosts a meeting for Dr Afia at the house of Lords

(London Feb 09 2010) Lord Nazir of Rotherham hosted an urgent meeting at the House of Lords to discuss Dr Afia’s predicament with the members of Pakistani community and the media in the UK.  The guest speakers included Mr Sagheer Cage Prisoners, Ms. Rabia Zia,  Lord Sheikh, Yvonne Ridley, Mohammed Sarwar MP, Barrister Abid and Mr Shakir.  Lord Nazir recapped the events leading to Dr Afia’s arrest in Afghanistan & her being taken to the US.  He told all of her torture, her humiliation, her courage, her bravery, her resilience and her suffering.  Lord Nazir highlighted the ongoing efforts of Yvonne Ridley and Chairman PTI Imran Khan to demand her return to Pakistan.  Lord Nazir asked all to work together and escalate Dr Afia’s suffering by lobbying with the local MPs, starting a petition and launching a media campaign.  He said that there are a million Pakistanis in the UK so a demonstration will only be effective if we have large numbers turning up on the day i.e. at least 2000/3000 people.

Rabia Zia, PTI UK, highlighted the fact that it was PTI and Chairman Imran Khan who gave their support to Yvonne Ridley in 2008 where at a press release Ms. Ridley revealed that there is a woman prisoner in Bagram.  Following this press release in Pakistan & after denial by the Pakistan and the American governments, it turned out that prisoner 650 was Dr Afia.  Since then PTI UK has been working with Yvonne Ridley and Cage Prisoners & highlighting Dr Afia’s plight and demanding the Pakistan Government to get her back home.  PTI UK have held many demonstrations, have campaigned via petitions, issued press releases etc.   Ms Zia said that we must not forget the other hundreds of missing people of Pakistan. She said that Pakistan Government should be ashamed of handing over their own citizens to foreigners and hopes that Chief Justice Iftekhar Chaudhary will take up this issue.   Ms Zia re-iterated Chairman Khan’s message to the Government of Pakistan namely 1) how did Dr Afia land in Bagram & who was involved in getting her there. 2) How can a frail woman attack US soldiers. 3)Why does the Pakistan government not demand her return 4) Who aided and abetted the kidnapping of Dr Afia and why have these people not been exposed and punished.  Ms Zia expressed her disappointment and sadness over all the muslim leaders who remain silent on this matter & said that it is time that the people of Pakistan take things into their own hands and launch a campagin to free Dr Afia.
Yvonne Ridley said that in 2008, it was Lord Nazir who backed her claims of women being present in Bagram including Mr. Imran Khan.  She said that she did not expect Dr Afia to get justice from the US.  She said that PTI and Imran Khan gave her full support to find justice for Dr Afia. She reiterated Lord Nazir’s views of demonstrations being ineffective when only a handful come out and said that this time the focus should be to hold rallies, demonstrations in Pakistan. She said that hundreds of people will come out in Pakistan as they realize the injustice & humiliating treatment being meted out to Dr Afia.   She said that we need to launch a massive campaign and ask Prime Minster Gillani to do whatever it takes to bring Dr Afia back to Pakistan where she can face the charges against her.  She said that Dr Afia will get justice in Pakistan and that although we have a battle on our hands we will come through for Dr Afia.  We must also lobby with our local MPs as well as all the Pakistani embassies abroad.
Mohd Sarwar MP said that his sympathies lie with Dr Afia’s family and that we do not believe in justice from America.  He congratulated Lord Nazir for always taking a stand for justice and for principles, sometimes at the expense of his own political career.  He said we need a huge campaign and we need to exert maximum pressure on President Obama to release Dr Afia.

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PTI UK observes Kashmir Solidarity Day – Feb 05 2010

Press Releases | Posted by FURQAN
Feb 05 2010

PTI UK observed the Kashmir Solidarity Day on Feb 05 2010 with a number of Kashmiri leaders in the UK.  The people of Kashmir are struggling for their right to self-determination in line with the United Nations resolutions. This day was observed by the Kashmiris & Pakistanis in many countries across the world including UK where the Pakistani community reiterated its moral & political support to the people of Kashmir.  Chairman PTI Mr. Imran Khan has clearly stated that Kashmir is an occupied territory as opposed to a disputed territory and that Kashmiris should be allowed to decide their future via the ballot. If we believe in justice and freedom then we need to highlight this issue at every opportunity.
Since independence in 1947, there have been 3 wars between Pakistan and India over Kashmir and despite many attempts at dialogue between the two countries, there is no resolution in sight.  There can be no peace in the region till the Kashmir issue is resolved. Today there are approx 600,000 Indian troops occupying Kashmir and nearly 100,000 Kashmiris have died in this struggle.  On Feb 05 2010, another 16 year boy was shot dead by the Indian army – the boy was playing cricket. Also over a period of time, Indian security forces have picked up a large number of male population in occupied Kashmir.  This human rights’ violation needs to be highlighted to the Human Rights Commission especially by those living in democratic countries like the UK.
It is incumbent on the international community to help find a solution and stop further blood shed of innocent victims as well as growing terrorism.  Although President Obama had recognized the Kashmir issue as a major cause of contention between India and Pakistan, no headway has been made to deal with the situation.
The people of Kashmir are a peace loving community however  they have been pushed to their tether – they have taken to militancy in order to be able to determine their own destiny.   The International Security Council was able to find a resolution for Kosovo & East Timor so similarly  it should be able to fulfill its obligations to the people of Kashmir.  Since there is a large population of Kashmiris settled in Great Britain & in the US, we expect both these governments to take a more proactive role in bringing security, peace and integrity to the region based on the aspirations of the people of Kashmir.


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Chairman PTI Imran Khan expresses his anger and disgust over Dr Aafia verdict

Press Releases | Posted by FURQAN
Feb 05 2010

(Pakistan) Imran Khan, Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has expressed disgust and anger over the verdict and procedure in the trial of Dr Aafia Siddiqui. Dr. Siddiqi has clearly suffered what can only be described as a travesty of justice. Imran Khan issues three requests to the governments of Pakistan and the United States of America:

First: The Pakistani people have a right to know how Dr Aafia Siddiqui, with three minor children, landed up in Bagram Base near Kabul. Khan demands that the Pakistan government answer this clearly at once. Did the Pakistani authorities covertly hand over Dr Siddiqui with her three young children to the Americans? Or did the Americans kidnap her in Pakistan and successfully take her across the border to Afghanistan? Who aided and abetted the Americans in Pakistan? What has been the fate of her children, since one of them was still missing?
How could a frail woman manage to attack US soldiers who surrounded her? Did she suddenly acquire superwoman or bionic abilities?

Second: Why has the Pakistan government not taken proper action to ensure her return to Pakistan? Are they not aware of the fact that apart from the injustice and abuse of a Pakistani woman, the injustice meted out to Dr Aafia is going to add to the difficulties of the Pakistani military’s fight in the tribal belt as well as increasing anti-Americanism and extremism? For Pakistan this will create more space for militancy.
Just as the Lal Masjid episode was a watershed for a qualitative change in the rising tide of militancy and extremism, so the Dr Aafia sentencing will become another watershed in this direction of creating more space for extremism and militancy.

Third: The Pakistan government must not only expose those who aided and abetted the kidnapping of Dr Aafia, but must also mete out exemplary punishment to them. In 2003 when Imran Khan contacted Dr Aafia’s mother in order to give a statement in Aafia’s support, her mother was terrified and told Imran that she had been warned that if any such statements were made, Dr Aafia would be killed.

It is a national shame that the state of Pakistan, instead of protecting its citizens, has been aiding and abetting in their disappearances, their torture and their abuse. It is time to put an end to all this lest the nation take things into their own hands.

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MADE IN PAKISTAN

Press Releases | Posted by FURQAN
Feb 04 2010


PTI UK in association with Mara Pictures presents


“MADE IN PAKISTAN”

13 February 2010

6.15 pm – 8.30 pm

Courthouse Hotel

19-21 Great Marlborough Street, London, W1F 7HL

Nearest station: Oxford Circus

The screening will be followed by Q&A with the filmmakers

This screening is only possible if we can get commitment from 98 people as soon as possible. Tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis as only 98 available.


Pakistan is ‘not the most dangerous place on this earth’

Inspired by the Newsweek article proclaiming Pakistan as “The Most Dangerous Place on Earth”, Made in Pakistan is a documentary that examines the lives of four Pakistani inpiduals from perse backgrounds. “Pakistani youth have realised that their future lies in making this nation work”

Made in Pakistan attempts to show aspects of Pakistan seldom revealed.  “We felt that the Taliban and the fundamentalists do not represent all of Pakistan, it’s just a very slight minority, yet they’re the ones who are the face of Pakistan to the outside world,” says director Nasir Ali Khan

“There are real misconceptions of Pakistan from outside the country…Made in Pakistan shows a real slice of life in Nasir Khan’s country” -Fox News

“Made in Pakistan bucks the trend and says Newsweek you’ve drastically oversimplified Pakistan and, we’ll show you why…A fascinating and ultimately successful effort to challenge Western stereotypes.”- The Examiner

  • Show starts promptly at: 6.30 pm
  • Capacity of cinema: 98 seats
  • Tickets: £10 per person

HOW TO BUY YOUR TICKET(S)


1- Buy tickets online

2- Transfer ticket amount to UK PTI Bank account & send an email to ukpti@Insaf.pk

PTI UK, Lloyds Bank TSB, Account: 00191424. Sort code: 30-92

You will get an email confirmation with a unique confirmation number confirming your payment & total number of tickets bought. Tickets will only be confirmed upon receipt of payment.

For further information please email Rabia on  ukpti@insaf.pk OR call Sanaa:07982 410 297 or Ahmad Raza:07830996566

NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD ON THE DAY. NO TICKETS WILL BE MAILED BY POST. ALL CONFIRMATIONS WILL BE VIA EMAIL / VIA PHONE

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY

These subjects of the documentary include Mohsin, an aspiring politician from a political family; Rabia a teacher and magazine editor; Waleed a practising lawyer and devout Muslim; and Tara, an event manager. “Everyone is commenting on what Pakistanis are and what they should be and what they should be doing, except for the Pakistanis themselves”, elaborates Waleed in the documentary.  Produced by Talkingfilmain, Made in Pakistan is set against the backdrop of Lahore during the tense final hours of the government of Pervez Musharraf.

During production, the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, candidate for Prime Minister, occurs and the impact of this on the country, as represented by the four inpiduals, is dramatically portrayed. “Made in Pakistan illustrates what we had in mind in acquiring our first documentary release. It is without doubt the kind of film that provokes audiences and captures a point of view that we don’t normally see”, says Roopa Saini of Mara Pictures.

Made in Pakistan is the first documentary to be released theatrically in Pakistan and has received international acclaim at film festivals in New York, India and Europe. “We look forward to the theatrical release of Made in Pakistan in the United Kingdom. Our aim is to provide audiences with an insider’s look into the realities of Pakistan and into the lives of the people who hold a stake in the country,” says producer Adil Sher.


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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf gains a key player in Karachi

Press Releases | Posted by FURQAN
Feb 03 2010

As part of PTI’s growing popularity in Karachi, Sindh, Mr Iftikhar Hussain and his team finally announce their support for the party. A press conference was held on Jan 31 2010 at Mr Hussain’s residence in Karachi where Chairman PTI Imran Khan made a formal announcement to welcome Mr Hussain and his team to PTI.

Mr Hussain joined the PPP in the early 1980s and had been Finance Head for entire Sindh region. He has always been very active at the grassroots level and stood for elections for NA-239 in 2002 and was a victim of Musharraf’s rigging campaign which allowed MMA candidate to win the election by less than 500 votes. The high court eventually ruled that there was rigging and ballot recount was announced which proved that Iftikhar Hussain had won the election. However after the recount the ballot boxes were stolen from the court and this entire process went on for 5 years (leading to the end of the assembly time)

In the 2002 general election, this seat was won by MMA’s Qari Gul Rehman who got 22,164 votes against PPP’s Iftikhar Hussain, who secured 21,461 votes, and MQM’s Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, who obtained 11,199 votes www.dawn.com/2008/02/20/local6.htm – 15k

After the 2008 elections were announced, Iftikhar Hussain was sidelined by PPP and instead of acknowledging his work for his constituency (he made 50,000 ID cards for his poor constituency and also set up a well for the improverished through his own funds) a ticket was awarded to a crony of Asif Ali Zardari who paid a large amount to get selected for this seat. www.dawn.com/2002/10/16/local15.htm

He stood as an indepent candidate after parting ways with PPP after 20 years on a principle and stayed out of politics but continued with his association and help for the members of his constituency.

Now after a long deliberation and thought he has finally decided that PTI is the only party which can bring the necessary change in Pakistan and we wish him all the best. PTI is attracting people who want to deliver and who can deliver.

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