Current Final

Category: National

  • U.S State Department sidesteps question about Imran Khan

    U.S State Department sidesteps question about Imran Khan

    U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce sidestepped a journalist’s question about former premier Imran Khan’s incarceration during a briefing held on Thursday. 

    Frontier Post associated journalist Jalil Afridi asked Bruce two questions, one focused on inquiring whether the US administration officially thanked Pakistan for its role in facilitating the arrest of the alleged Kabul Airport suicide bomber mastermind Mohammad Sharifullah.

    He then went on to inquire, “Is the President aware that the most popular leader of Pakistan, Imran Khan, has been in jail for the last three years now, and a lot of atrocities have happened? Is the president at all interested in paying a little attention to Pakistan?”

    The U.S. State Department spokesperson, while sidestepping the second question, said, “I will answer that with noting that in his address to Congress, the president announced the arrest of ISIS-K operative, planned and responsible for killing 13 brave American service members and over 160 Afghan citizens at Abbey Gate.”

    The spokesperson further said that the US extended gratitude to the government of Pakistan, adding that the US did collaborate in bringing Mohammad Sharifullah to justice.

    Underscoring the significance of the PAK-U.S. relationship in terms of combating terrorism, Bruce said that both countries have a common interest in fighting against terrorism, noting that the arrest of the terrorist illustrated that the Pak-U.S. cooperation on counterterrorism remains “vitally important.”

    Speaking to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump had thanked Pakistan for its role in arresting the alleged mastermind behind the 2021 Kabul Airport bombing, Sharifuulah, also known as Jafar.

    “Three and a half years ago, ISIS terrorists killed 13 American service members and many others during the Abbey Gate bombing. Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity, and he is now on his way to face American justice. I especially want to thank the Government of Pakistan for helping to arrest this monster,” Trump had said while announcing the arrest and imminent extradition of the suspect.

    On August 26, 2021, a suicide bombing at Abbey Gate of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul during the final days of the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan killed 13 American soldiers and at least 113 Afghan civilians. Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) had claimed responsibility for the attack.

    According to media reports, suspect Sharifullah was produced in a Virginia courtroom Wednesday for trial. Sharifullah was told that if proven guilty, he would face lifetime imprisonment.

  • Digitial inclusion must give women agency, not just access: Jazz CEO

    Digitial inclusion must give women agency, not just access: Jazz CEO

    In today’s digital world, access to technology is a key driver of economic and social progress. Yet, millions of women, particularly in developing economies, remain excluded.


    Speaking at MWC 2025 in Barcelona during a session titled “When Women are Connected”, Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, challenged the audience to rethink digital equity. He stressed that recognizing the gender digital divide is just the beginning, but real change requires intent, commitment, and the ability to execute.


    He was joined by a panel featuring Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom; Jamie Zimmerman, Deputy Director of Digital Connectivity at the Gates Foundation; and Claire Sibthorpe, Head of Digital Inclusion at GSMA, who moderated the discussion.


    Aamir emphasized that digital inclusion must go beyond access and enable women with agency and advancement in the digital economy. He noted that in many cultures, men act as gatekeepers, and it is crucial to empower women through digital safety and financial independence rather than reinforcing existing barriers.


    While mobile technology can be a catalyst for women’s financial and social empowerment, true transformation requires affordable digital tools, financial security, and digital literacy. Aamir urged policymakers and tech leaders to build security-first platforms tailored for women, ensuring that digital access translates into meaningful participation.


    Globally, 327 million fewer women than men have access to smartphones and mobile internet, according to the OECD. In Pakistan, barriers such as high device costs, limited financial access, safety concerns, and patriarchal restrictions continue to hinder women’s digital participation, as reported by the PTA and Global Gender Gap Report 2024.


    To address these challenges, Aamir proposed targeted interventions, including subsidized smartphones and connectivity plans, financial literacy programs, and economic opportunities for women in digital spaces. He stressed that financial inclusion is not just about transactions but about transformation, ensuring that digital tools help women gain control rather than lose it.


    Jazz is actively working to increase women’s digital participation through initiatives such as JazzCash’s financial inclusion programs, digital literacy efforts for girls, and support for women-led startups. Aamir reiterated that enabling women to access health, financial, and other life-enhancing services through mobile broadband is central to Jazz’s mission.


    He concluded with a call to action for industry leaders to move beyond access and focus on ownership. When women have digital and financial control, they reshape the economy on their terms.

  • Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza clashes with Imran Riaz over Imran Khan

    Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza clashes with Imran Riaz over Imran Khan

    Religious scholar and popular cleric Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza has hit back at YouTuber Imran Riaz Khan for criticising him over his opinions about former Premier Imran Khan. 

    In a video posted on his YouTube channel on Wednesday, Mirza denounced Riaz’s allegations that he had attacked Imran Khan’s personal character and clarified that he was talking about the political character of the jailed ex-Prime Minister. 

    “I had talked about Imran Khan’s political character in terms of his U-turn; however, you [Imran Riaz] misinterpreted it as a personal attack on Imran Khan,” he clarified.

    Ten days back, former TV host Imran Riaz had accused Mirza of the character assassination of Imran Khan in his vlog. “You [Engineer Mohammad Ali Mirza] are doing character assassination of Imran Khan. Have you looked into his heart to see how close he is to Allah,” questioned Riaz. 

    While demanding an apology from Riaz, Mirza accused the latter of being involved in facilitating the disappearance of civilians with the assistance of former intelligence chief General (retd) Faiz Hameed.

    Responding to Riaz’s claims, the religious scholar pointed out that he had publicly condemned the attack on former premier Imran Khan during a PTI convoy in Wazirabad in 2023, adding that he had also spoken about the February 8, 2024, general elections in Pakistan.

    Asserting that Riaz has deliberately crafted a controversy to divert public attention and not be labeled an “absconder”, Mirza advised his students not to fall victim to the half-truth information spread by the former TV host through his vlogs.

    Mirza explained, “In the 2013 election, I not only voted for Imran Khan but also got 1,000 people to vote for him,” adding that when Imran Khan climbed onto a containers in 2014 [for a sit-in], he distanced himself from PTI, understanding that the party had aligned itself with the establishment.

    In response to Mirza’s statement, Riaz posted his own vlog on Wednesday, stating that Mirza was very eager to meet Imran during his premiership in 2020-2021. He also called out Mirza for being a “hypocrite.”

    Meanwhile, the religious scholar concluded his response by saying that he was ready to entertain ex-TV host Aftab Iqbal’s offer to address the row on Skype. “I accept the offer; now, don’t run away,” Mirza challenged the YouTuber.

    The verbal clash began after the former TV host uploaded a vlog on his YouTuber Channel 10 days ago, lambasting a short clip of Mirza in which the latter gives his opinion on a vast range of issues in Pakistani politics.

    Mirza, a resident of Machine Mohallah of Jhelum City, maintained that the clip on which Riaz did a vlog decrying him was actually recorded months ago.

  • New Trump policy likely to ban US entry for Pakistanis from next week: reports

    New Trump policy likely to ban US entry for Pakistanis from next week: reports

    Based on a government review of the country’s security and vetting, a new travel ban imposed by President Donald Trump could prevent people from Pakistan and Afghanistan from entering the United States (US) as early as next week.

    According to Reuters, other countries might also be included on the list. However, the country names were not mentioned.

    This action recalls the Republican president’s initial travel ban on citizens from seven majority-Muslim countries, a policy that underwent multiple revisions before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.

    Former President Joe Biden repealed the ban in 2021, calling it “a stain on our national conscience”.

    The new ban could affect tens of thousands of Afghans who have been cleared for resettlement in the US as refugees or on Special Immigrant Visas because they are at risk of Taliban retribution for working for the country during a 20-year war in their home country, Reuters said.

    Trump issued an executive order on January 20 requiring intensified security vetting of any foreigners seeking admission to the US to detect national security threats. The order directed several cabinet members to submit by March 12 a list of countries from which travel should be partly or fully suspended because their “vetting and screening information is so deficient”.

    Afghanistan will be included in the recommended list of countries for a complete travel ban, and Pakistan would also be recommended for inclusion, Reuters reported.

    Afghans cleared for resettlement in the U.S. as refugees or on the special visas first undergo intense screening that makes them “more highly vetted than any population” in the world.

    The State Department office that oversees their resettlement is seeking an exemption for Special Immigrant Visa holders from the travel ban “but it’s not assumed likely to be granted,” Reuters reported citing sources.

    The Taliban, who seized Kabul as the last US troops pulled out in August 2021 after two decades of war, are confronting an insurgency by Islamic State’s regional branch. Pakistan also is grappling with violent Islamist militants.

    Shawn VanDiver, the head of #AfghanEvac, a coalition of groups that coordinates evacuation and resettlement of Afghans with the US government, urged those holding valid visas to travel as soon as possible if they can.

    There are some 200,000 Afghans who have been approved for resettlement or have pending US refugee and Special Immigrant Visa applications. They have been stranded in Afghanistan and nearly 90 other countries — including about 20,000 in Pakistan — since January 20, when Trump ordered a 90-day freeze on refugee admissions and foreign aid that funds their flights.

  • Trump thanks Pakistan but leaves PTI supporters reeling

    Trump thanks Pakistan but leaves PTI supporters reeling

    United States (US) President Donald Trump thanked Pakistan for its role in arresting the mastermind behind the 2021 Kabul Airport bombing in an address to Congress, pulling off a major surprise in the country’s political circles where many had expected him to admonish Pakistan for imprisoning former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    Speaking to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, the US President announced the arrest and imminent extradition of the suspect, Mohammad Sharifullah.

    “Three and a half years ago, ISIS terrorists killed 13 American service members and many others during the Abbey Gate bombing. Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity, and he is now on his way to face American justice. I especially want to thank the Government of Pakistan for helping to arrest this monster.”

    On August 26, 2021, a bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul during the final days of the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan killed 13 American soldiers and at least 113 Afghan civilians. Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) had claimed responsibility for the attack.

    Later in the day, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also praised Pakistan for helping capture the terrorist.

    Speaking on an American-based news channel on Wednesday, he said, “Special thanks to Pakistan indeed. They cooperated with us. We partnered with the Pakistanis based on intelligence,” adding that the US provided the information, and Pakistan carried out the arrest and confirmed the identity of Sharifullah. 

    For some of PTI’s most vocal supporters who had been promising an intervention in Imran Khan’s incarceration by the American President, Trump’s statement prompted a host of reactions, ranging from silence to denial. 

    A PTI follower took to X (formerly Twitter), claiming that the Abbey Bomber was arrested in 2021 during Imran Khan’s tenure. “The institutions kept him safe so that he could be released at the right time for a good price. There are many more such people in their custody. In that sense, the thanks should go to Imran Khan’s government,” he wrote.

    Shahzad Akbar wrote a lengthy article on X, where he accused Pakistan’s agencies of playing a “double game” with the US. A few days earlier he had castigated supporters of the ruling PML-N for suggesting that Ukrainian President Zelensky has been “insulted” by Donald Trump because he doesn’t have an army or an atom bomb. “Why don’t you send one of your people to check,” he tweeted, suggesting that Pakistani representatives would have been insulted too. 

    Hussain Nadim, who had appeared on a podcast in February to assert that the Trump administration was giving warning “signals” to the Pakistani government, wrote now on X: “Pakistan is celebrating becoming a ‘hire gun’ as some kind of achievement, knowing full well the price Pakistan and its people have paid and will continue to pay for these security contracts. This isn’t progress, this is a return to Zia era.” 

    Former Special Assistant to Prime Minister Shahbaz Gill, who has been most active in the US in rallying support for Imran Khan’s release, addressed Trump’s statement after a few hours in a cryptic tweet.  “Your opponents are very cunning and deceptive. You don’t need to respond to everything, nor should you be worried. Such things happen in big battles. Some things must be ignored. You all are wise enough to understand the rest.”

  • Newly constructed Erdogan Interchange link road collapses after rain

    Newly constructed Erdogan Interchange link road collapses after rain

    The newly constructed link road of the Recep Tayyip Erdogan Interchange in Islamabad has reportedly partially collapsed after heavy rains pummelled the city, with videos showing potholes on the road going viral on social media. 

    Multiple workers can be seen in the video, repairing the road with heavy machinery scattered across the surface. 

    The project, worth Rs4.1 billion, has two components — a flyover and an underpass at the junction of Jinnah Avenue and 9th Avenue. The project included the construction of 4.3 kilometres of roads connected to sector F-10 and the installation of two kilometres of drains for rainwater drainage.

    On February 19, 2025, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the Recep Tayyip Erdogan Interchange at Jinnah Avenue. 

    As per Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the project was initially planned for completion in six months. However, the timeline was first shortened to 120 days, then 100 days. The project was finally finished in just 84 days.

    The government wanted to name one of the underpasses of Serena Interchange after Erdogan; however, later on, it was decided that instead of one underpass of the Serena project, the entire Jinnah Avenue project should be named after the Turkish president, as both countries enjoyed a close relationship.

    Social media users have raised concerns about the quality of work on the link road at Tayyip Erdogan Interchange in Islamabad. One user took to X (formerly Twitter), writing, “The road of the recently constructed Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Interchange in Islamabad, built in record time, collapsed after just one rainfall. On one side, a nighttime video shows a large pothole on the road, while on the other side, a morning video shows the pothole being filled.”

    Another user quipped, “Someone should inform Tayyip Erdoğan that the flyover named after him in Islamabad collapsed after the very first rainfall.”

    “There is always room for improvement in construction projects. Hopefully, precautions will be taken in the future,” said a third user.

  • Who is responsible for resettling militants? Journalist recalls conversation with Gen (r) Bajwa

    Who is responsible for resettling militants? Journalist recalls conversation with Gen (r) Bajwa

    Prominent journalist and TV host Mohammad Malick claimed on Tuesday that he had talked two to three times to former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa about the claims that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government had facilitated settling thousands of terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

    Speaking on his political talk show, the TV host, while responding to Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif’s inquiry about who allowed terrorists to settle in Pakistan, claimed, “I have talked about it two to three times with General Qamar Javed Bajwa.”

    The journalist said that on being asked specifically about the resettlement, Bajwa responded that a plan was made to bring and settle 5,000 people, along with their families, in Pakistan; however, the plan was not entertained because Imran Khan’s government was ousted.

    Malick quoted Bajwa as saying that following the removal of the PTI government, the plan could not move forward. 

    In April 2022, Imran Khan was ousted as the country’s premier in a vote of no confidence, which was presented by the opposition parties, including Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and others.

    After being removed from the office, former premier Imran Khan called the “move” a “foreign conspiracy.”

    Speaking on national security on Tuesday, PM Shehbaz paid tribute to security personnel who sacrificed their lives in the fight against terrorism. 

    He recalled that in 2018, former Prime Minister and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif had successfully eradicated terrorism, but it resurged due to certain forces. “Bringing back terrorists is the worst form of treason,” he had remarked.

    The journalist’s statement came hours after terrorists drove two explosives-laden vehicles into the perimeter of Bannu Cantonment on Tuesday evening in an attempt to enter the high-security zone, costing at least 11 people, including five women and four children, their lives.

    A leading English Newspaper claimed that six assaulters were killed in the ensuing shootout, which took place in the jurisdiction of the Bannu Cantonment police station.

    According to official sources, the explosions were followed by “an unspecified number of militants” during an attempt to infiltrate the camp, leading to a gun battle.

    “The attack started at 6:30pm, minutes after Iftar. Militants fired RPGs and grenades during the attack; additional troops and SSG commandoes have been rushed to the area,” the statement added.

    Sources also confirmed that 10 security men were among the wounded. The wounded were evacuated to the District Headquarters (DHQ) and Khalifa Gul Nawaz (KGN) hospitals in Bannu, while the injured troops were moved to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH).

  • ‘Well-known property tycoon’ tells Imran Khan to trust Mohsin Naqvi: report

    ‘Well-known property tycoon’ tells Imran Khan to trust Mohsin Naqvi: report

    A well-known property tycoon, currently residing outside Pakistan, has reportedly sent a message to incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, urging him to place his trust in Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, The News reported on Wednesday, without naming the tycoon.

    According to the news report, the message has been relayed to former premier Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, where both are incarcerated.

    Despite Imran Khan and the former First Lady being aware that the Interior Minister has been facilitating PTI leaders behind the scenes, Imran Khan has repeatedly voiced criticism against Naqvi.

    He previously expressed anger over the recent cordial meeting between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur and the Interior Minister in Peshawar.

    In December 2024, following deadly clashes between warring tribes in the Kurram district, Gandapur held a meeting with the Interior Minister in Peshawar. The discussion focused on the law and order situation in KP, with an emphasis on restoring peace in Kurram.

    During the meeting at the CM’s office, Mohsin Naqvi assured full cooperation in improving security across the province. He pledged support to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies in KP.

    PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and CM KP, who have been engaged in backdoor talks in recent months, are also aware of Naqvi’s role in assisting PTI leaders, The News claimed.

    News reports claim that despite being informed about Naqvi’s positive contributions, Khan was apparently unwilling to reconsider his stance.

    Imran Khan has been vocal in criticising Naqvi since his appointment as Punjab’s caretaker CM, accusing him of bias and political favouritism. Khan also opposed Naqvi’s appointment as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

    Following Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 Cricket World Cup in June 2024, Naqvi hinted at major changes in the national team.

    In response, Khan called for action against him, claiming Naqvi was benefiting from favouritism.

    Additionally, after India defeated Pakistan on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the Champions Trophy group stage — hosted Pakistan — Imran Khan blamed Naqvi for the cricket team’s downfall.

    Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail last month, Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, reportedly quoted her brother as saying that appointing individuals based on recommendations instead of merit would lead to the downfall of cricket in the country.

    Aleema Khan added that Imran Khan had also pointed out Naqvi’s extensive hold on key positions, saying, “No one in Pakistan holds as many positions as Mohsin Naqvi does.”

    According to news reports, she further stated that Khan remarked that under such poor leadership, a respectable person would have resigned by now, but the Interior Minister had not done so.

  • ‘Imran Khan meeting wife every Wednesday,’ jail superintendent tells court

    ‘Imran Khan meeting wife every Wednesday,’ jail superintendent tells court

    Superintendent of Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, Abdul Ghafoor Anjum, has informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that former premier Imran Khan is being allowed to meet his wife, Bushra Bibi, once a week, despite jail rules not permitting such meetings.

    The development came after the IHC had earlier summoned the Superintendent of Adiala Jail in person today in a contempt of court case for not allowing PTI founder Imran Khan to meet Bushra Bibi.

    Upon being approached by Imran Khan’s lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, Acting Chief Justice Sardar Sarfaraz Dogar had earlier issued a written order, stating that, according to the lawyer, Imran Khan’s inability to meet Bushra Bibi is a violation of the court’s decision of January 28.

    The media reports claimed that in today’s hearing, the court inquired Anjum whether the judicial order for facilitating meetings was being implemented, to which he responded, “There are no specific provisions regarding husband-wife meetings in jail rules, but we ensure that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi meet every Wednesday.”

    Dogar commented, “Mr Faisal, they are giving you special treatment.” 

    PTI’s lawyer then urged the court to order the superintendent to comply fully with the court order, prompting Dogar to ask, “Does he [Adiala jail Superintendent] have the audacity to disobey a court order?”

    Following the hearing, the IHC dismissed the contempt petition against the authorities.

    PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram, while addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Monday, castigated the authorities for denying permission to meet the incarcerated party founder. He stated that despite court rulings, the authorities continue to prevent the meetings from taking place.

    Alleging that only one meeting has been allowed in the past six months, he noted that this contradicts the Constitution and the law. “Despite court orders, Imran is not being allowed to meet his children nor his lawyers,” he added.

    “Even the courts’ orders are being disregarded, and no explanation is being given…the system in this country is paralysed,” he added. Additionally, he said the PTI founder should undergo regular medical check-ups and “our doctors should be involved”.

    On August 5, 2023, Imran Khan was arrested from his residency at Zaman Park Lahore shortly after his conviction in the Toshakhana case and had been held in Attock jail. He has been in prison since then on multiple charges ranging from corruption to terrorism.

    Following the Islamabad High Court (IHC) order, Imran Khan was shifted to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on September 27, 2023. Currently, he is held in Jail under high security and with B-class facilities due to his status as a former premier.

  • ARY News issues apology over Kashif Abbasi’s Jan 21 show

    ARY News issues apology over Kashif Abbasi’s Jan 21 show

    One of the country’s leading news channels, ARY News, has issued an apology over the January 21 episode of its flagship show “OFF THE RECORD”, saying that the opinion of host Kashif Abbasi had nothing to do with organisation’s policies.

    As per the details, journalist and TV host Ashfaq Ishaq Satii, who is currently hosting the programme, concluded Monday’s episode with the clarification that Abbasi had on the Jan 21 episode shared his personal opinion that the channel does not endorse.

    “If anyone’s feelings were hurt, the organisation apologises for it,” he added.

    The apology comes a little over a week after Abbasi was allegedly taken off-air for criticising the government. During his Jan 21 show, Abbasi had mocked the ruling coalition and opined that the constitution, which politicians often took pride in, had been “murdered”. He had gone on to paint Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership as the culprits.

    “In this country, the constitution has been murdered and buried, and everyone has a hand in its demise,” Abbasi had said, adding that politics of power had caused the most harm to the country.

    “We are an unfortunate nation where, for political gains, even the sanctity of privacy and honour was trampled upon,” he had said, alleging that it had become routine to abduct women and daughters from their homes, all for political motives. 

    He had questioned how anyone could talk about the constitution and human rights in an environment where elections could not take place, given that it was not suited to the political situation in the country.

    Emphasising that parliament was supposed to be the protector of human rights and the constitution, he had said that laws in the country were being made at will. “Parliament is a rubber stamp. Lawmakers blindly pass legislation.”

    “An inauguration plaque should be placed on the joy of hybrid system that was started in 2018, and now the incumbent government facilitated it by offering their shoulders,” he said, alleging that politicians don’t care about the parliamentary system anymore.

    “Democracy is losing its case; politicians’ sacrifices are for power, not for the people,” he had added.

    It merits a mention that earlier reports had claimed Abbasi’s show was taken off the air for reporting on a development organisation’s report describing the 2024 election as “unprecedentedly rigged” with “vote-rigging, fraud and manipulation”.

    Abbasi, on the other hand, released a statement claiming that he had taken a personal leave.

    With the channel now issuing an apology, it may be noted that it is not the first time that Abbasi has been taken off the air. 

    In January 2020, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) had banned the broadcast of Abbasi’s programme for 60 days following then Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) minister Faisal Vawda’s action of putting a military boot on the table.