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Category: National

  • ‘Koh-i-Noor diamond rarely found,’ Yograj Singh on question of Imran Khan’s incarceration

    ‘Koh-i-Noor diamond rarely found,’ Yograj Singh on question of Imran Khan’s incarceration

    Days after Indian cricketer Yograj Singh criticised Pakistani fast-bowling legend Wasim Akram for using harsh words against Pakistani players following their crucial ICC Champions Trophy loss to India, he showered praises on incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday.

    “I want to convey to the Pakistan political system and their people that the ‘Koh-i-Noor diamond’ is rarely found, so don’t break it. Listen to him [Imran Khan] what he wants to say or what he wants to do,” Yograj said in response to the question of what he feels from a cricketer’s point of view when he sees the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, being kept in jail.

    Recalling his multiple recent meetings with Imran Khan, Yograj said that the latter is a “universe” in himself.

    Yograj Singh, also the father of former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, made these comments during an exclusive interview on a YouTube channel on Saturday.

    On being asked about his recent remarks mocking Akram, Yograj emphasised that one should focus on building players on the ground rather than criticising their own country’s players on television.

    Yograj had earlier mocked Wasim when a short clip of the latter taking a jibe at Pakistani players with the remark “itne kele toh bandar nahi khaate” (even monkeys don’t eat this many bananas) emerged online. Yograj maintained that greats like Akram and ex-cricketer Shoaib Akhtar should be ashamed of themselves for making such comments instead of helping the players.

    Speaking to a private Indian news agency, Yograj, while opining that Pakistani ex-cricketers don’t hold the same passion [for training younger cricketers] as Indians, said, “They compare themselves with India, but don’t love their country enough to say that we have earned enough money and start training the younger generation.”

    In response, without naming Yograj, Wasim Akram, while speaking to Ten Sports three days back, said, “When I see Pakistan coaches – I see Waqar here, who has been sacked quite a few times after becoming a coach – and their condition. Aap log badtameezi karte hain (You guys are disrespectful), I cannot tolerate it.”

    “I want to help Pakistan cricket. Why do you want to pay me? I am available free of cost. If you organise a camp and want me to be there, I will. If you want me to spend time with cricketers ahead of a big tournament, I will do that. But I am 58 years old, and at this age, I am not going to take such insults as you guys do. I cannot lead a stressful life at this age,” he said.

  • ‘Shahbaz Gill used to sexually harass women at Chief Minister’s House,’ alleges Marwat

    ‘Shahbaz Gill used to sexually harass women at Chief Minister’s House,’ alleges Marwat

    Recently expelled from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Sher Afzal Marwat has made a series of allegations again, this time against former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (PM) and close ally of party founder Imran Khan, Shahbaz Gill.

    Appearing on a podcast with journalist Mansoor Ali Khan on Sunday, Marwat accused Gill, who is currently abroad, of sexual harassment. “He [Shahbaz Gill] used to sexually harass women at the Chief Minister’s House,” Marwat claimed, alluding to Gill’s tenure as former Spokesperson to the Punjab Chief Minister during PTI’s reign.

    On February 20, while speaking to a private media outlet, Marwat also accused Gill of stealing former PM Imran Khan’s mobile phones and handing them over to ex-spymaster General (r) Faiz Hamid.

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) firebrand leader was referring to the theft incident first reported in May 2022 when, interestingly, Gill had told the media that Khan’s mobile phones were stolen during the party’s Sialkot rally, soon after Khan’s ouster from the government.

    “When an investigation was launched into Khan’s missing phones, an investigation team claimed that Gill, who was his chief of staff at the time, stole the phones and handed them over to Faiz,” Marwat said.

    He further claimed that after learning about the theft, Khan removed Gill from his post and never met him again.

    When the host contested Marwat’s claim, stating that these were just “accusations,” the former PTI leader responded that Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza, as well as PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, were witnesses to the matter, including Khan’s directives to remove Gill from the party’s political committee.

    “Khan sent a message to him [Shahbaz Gill] two and a half months ago… either focus on vlogging or remain in the political committee,” Marwat revealed, adding that Gill was accustomed to disclosing all the committee’s secret conversations through his vlogs.

    On Sunday, questioning the legality of Gill’s earnings, Marwat alleged, “Before running away from Pakistan, Gill sold two farmhouses in Gulberg Green Islamabad worth nine crore each,” prompting Mansoor to contest that it was possible this wealth had been earned through lawful means. Marwat replied that Gill did not have a YouTube channel at that time.

    When the host mentioned that Gill had been a professor, Marwat accused him of possessing fake academic credentials, to which Mansoor asked, “How can a professor teach at the University of Chicago with counterfeit documents?”

    “Then publish the credentials for our satisfaction,” Marwat replied.

    The maverick leader went on to further allege that Gill had defrauded five crore rupees from a sister of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, leaving the journalist in shock.

    It merits mention that, on the advice of jailed Imran Khan, Marwat was expelled from PTI last month as he continued to persistently violate party discipline.

  • Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Aziz’s wife’s physical remand extended

    Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Aziz’s wife’s physical remand extended

    An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has extended the physical remand of the wife of ex-Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz, Ume Hassan, and others accused in connection with alleged interference in government affairs and firing on government employees. 

    A leading English newspaper reported on Friday that following the completion of the previous remand, they were presented before the ATC Judge Abaul Hasanat Mohammad Zulqarnain, who presided over the hearing.

    The prosecution sought a 10-day extension, citing the need for further investigation, recovery of evidence, and the arrest of additional suspects. However, after considering arguments from both sides, the court partially granted the prosecution’s request, extending the remand by three days. The accused have been instructed to reappear in court on March 3.

    On the night of February 19, Ume Hassan, along with six women and seven men, was arrested from Madani Mosque in Margalla Town after a case was registered against them at Shahzad Town Police Station under sections 7 and 11(x) of ATA, Section 8 of Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024, sections 395, 324, 342, 341, 148, 149, 353, 186, and 440 of Pakistan Penal Code, and Section 13 and 20 of Arms Ordinance 1965.

    According to police, the detainees were accused of opening fire at police and Capital Development Authority (CDA) staff, taking a CDA officer and labourer hostage, putting up resistance, and damaging official vehicles.

    The suspects were then presented before ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra to seek the prosecution of a five-day physical remand. However, the court granted only four days of remand.

    Ume Hassan told the court that the incident stemmed from a dispute over the mosque and that she had gone to negotiate with the administration before being arrested by the police.

    Police claimed that the disputed property was designated for a seminary (madrassah) and that construction work was underway when the suspects assaulted officials and took away building materials.

    Meanwhile, the judge noted that Ume Hassan had four previous cases lodged against her, to which her lawyer responded that they had only recently been informed and would appear in court accordingly.

    According to the First Information Report (FIR), the CDA allocated a plot to Madrassah Idara Ashraful Uloom on Muree Road for the construction of a seminary. Ume Hassan, along with 80 men and 40 women armed with weapons and batons, allegedly attacked the labourers and CDA staff.

    Upon receiving the information, police arrived at the scene. In response to the police presence, the attackers delivered provocative speeches, fiercely resisted law enforcement, and blocked the roads.

  • Australian tourist’s video about Lahore’s Emporium Mall goes mega-viral

    Australian tourist’s video about Lahore’s Emporium Mall goes mega-viral

    A video made by travel vlogger Andrew Roemer about Emporium Mall in Lahore, Pakistan, has gone viral, racking up almost a million views on Instagram. 

    The tourist was impressed by the huge mall. Comparing it to some of the best shopping centres he has visited worldwide, Roemer expressed his admiration for the mall’s scale, luxury, and modern infrastructure.

    “This place is better than most malls in Australia,” he remarked upon arriving, adding that Emporium Mall rivals even the world-famous shopping centres in Thailand. The vlogger was particularly impressed by the variety of stores and the overall ambience, calling the experience “crazy” in the best way possible.

    A friend of Roemer, who has travelled extensively across the world, made an interesting observation, saying, “This mall is better than most of the malls we have in America these days.” He pointed out that in Western countries, online shopping has taken over, reducing the appeal of physical retail spaces. “I do a lot of Amazon shopping myself,” he admitted, joking that he usually only visits malls when his wife takes him out to buy clothes.

    His reaction highlights how Pakistan’s shopping destinations are evolving, offering world-class experiences that even seasoned travelers find impressive. 

    Seeing the reactions the video was getting, Andrew made another video, one focused on shopping malls. 

    The vlogger is now eager to explore more top-tier malls worldwide and has invited his audience to share recommendations. “I want to find the best malls in the world,” he said, encouraging viewers to suggest must-visit shopping destinations in their own countries.

  • ‘Pakistan’s political situation threatening regional security,’ warns Imran Khan in Time op-ed

    ‘Pakistan’s political situation threatening regional security,’ warns Imran Khan in Time op-ed

    Former Prime Minister and founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan wrote an op-ed in the American news magazine Time on February 28, expressing concerns that Pakistan’s democratic backslide could threaten regional security.

    Khan has been imprisoned since 2023 on multiple charges, ranging from corruption to misuse of power. He lost power in April 2022 through a vote of no-confidence in Parliament—an act he alleged to be part of a foreign conspiracy against him.

    “The politically motivated charges against me are nothing more than an attempt to silence my fight for democracy. The erosion of democracy in Pakistan has far-reaching consequences,” wrote Khan in Time.

    He further asserted: “A destabilized Pakistan threatens regional security, disrupts trade, and weakens global democratic values. The world must recognize the urgency of this crisis—not just for Pakistan’s future, but for the stability of South Asia and beyond.”

    He alleged that his political party has been the victim of “unprecedented oppression,” with many international organizations expressing concerns. He also raised the issue of military trials for PTI workers convicted in cases related to the violent riots of May 9, 2023.

    Interestingly, Khan also pointed out that if Pakistan continues down this path, it risks losing its preferential trade status with the European Union.

    Pakistan has held GSP+ status since 2014, granting it preferential access to the European market. It remains the largest beneficiary among all GSP+ countries, with exports exceeding €6 billion in 2023.

    He warned: “Pakistan risks losing its preferential trade status with the EU, a move that would devastate our economy, particularly the textile sector. Yet, those in power in Pakistan continue down their reckless path.”

    Khan also lashed out at Pakistani authorities over the surge in terrorism in the country, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

    According to the incarcerated leader, “This has not happened by accident, nor is it simply chance. Rather than addressing these critical security threats, the Pakistani military’s resources have been diverted to a campaign of vengeance against political opponents such as PTI.”

    Imran Khan also disclosed that he had authorized his party leaders to engage in dialogue with government leaders to prevent violence.

    “Our agenda was clear: a judicial commission to investigate attacks on PTI party workers and unarmed protesters. We also demanded the release of all political prisoners,” he wrote.

    “In response, I was offered house arrest in exchange for ambiguous “political space” for PTI, but I rejected this outright”, he added.

    He congratulated US President Donald Trump for his “remarkable political comeback.”

    “The road ahead will be difficult, but I have no doubt that the people of Pakistan, united in their resolve, will overcome these challenges,” Imran Khan concluded.

  • Pakistani astronauts in space? China is about to make a major dream come true

    Pakistani astronauts in space? China is about to make a major dream come true

    Pakistan is preparing to launch its inaugural manned space mission in collaboration with China, as announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday.

    The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has signed a formal agreement with the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) to facilitate the mission.

    Under this initiative, two Pakistani astronauts will receive extensive training at China’s Astronaut Centre, with one astronaut being designated as a scientific payload specialist to conduct advanced research aboard the China Space Station (CSS).

    The final selection of astronauts is anticipated to be completed by 2026. This mission will emphasize innovative scientific research across various fields, including biology, medical sciences, aerospace technology, applied physics, fluid mechanics, space radiation, ecology, material sciences, microgravity studies, and astronomy.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif characterized the agreement as a pivotal advancement in enhancing Pakistan-China collaboration in space exploration. He expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for providing the opportunity and underscored that Pakistan’s involvement in the CSS program reflects the strong relationship between the two countries.

    He also pointed out that both nations would continue to work together in peaceful space exploration for the benefit of humanity.

    Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal praised the agreement as a “historic milestone” that would not only support astronaut training but also open avenues for Pakistan’s long-term progress in spaceflight and exploration.

    Dr. Lin Xinqiang, Director General of CMSA, welcomed Pakistan’s participation, reaffirming China’s dedication to broadening global partnerships in space research.

    Suparco Chairman Mohammad Yousaf Khan described the agreement as a significant turning point in Pakistan’s space endeavors and encouraged young professionals and scholars to engage actively in the country’s astronaut program.

    Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a breakfast reception to greet newly appointed cabinet members.

    He emphasized that ministerial selections were made purely based on merit, grounded in competence and qualifications. He also pledged to personally monitor the performance of all cabinet members to ensure effective governance.

    In a separate meeting with prominent industrialists and business leaders, the prime minister praised his economic team for their initiatives and sought recommendations for sustainable economic growth. To support this effort, he instructed the formation of a committee made up of business leaders, industrialists, and ministers to propose a roadmap for long-term economic stability within two weeks.

    In another significant meeting, PM Shehbaz engaged in discussions with Russia’s First Deputy Minister for Energy, Pavel Sorokin. During these talks, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening diplomatic, trade, and investment relationships with Russia.

    He highlighted the considerable potential for both nations to enhance cooperation, especially in the energy sector, and stressed the importance of expanding partnerships in diverse economic areas.

  • Ramzan moon update: Pakistan to observe first fast on…

    Ramzan moon update: Pakistan to observe first fast on…

    The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee on Friday announced that the Ramzan moon was not sighted and the first day of the holy month would fall on March 2.

    Earlier, Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad had expressed hope that the blessed month would start on the same day across the country, aligning with the nation’s expectations. “We will make decisions according to the testimonies that we receive. I pray that we begin observing Ramzan on a single day,” Azad told a private media outlet.

    He emphasised that the committee had never disregarded science and said that they not only had scholars from all sects, but also had representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and Suparco.

    “We also take recommendations from everywhere, but we decide in line with religious teachings.”

    Apart from the central crescent-sighting meeting in Peshawar, Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committees also met separately at their respective headquarters for sighting of the crescent.

    It may be noted that the meteorological forecasts indicated a low likelihood of moon sighting today. The PMD had said that there was little chance of sighting the moon due to cloudy weather during the next 24 hours.

    The weather department had also said moon’s age at sunset would be approximately 12 hours and moon-sun angular separation would be about five degrees.

    The central huddle began at 6:30 pm to ascertain the beginning of the ninth Islamic month, with clerics from all schools of thoughts in attendance.

  • PTI slashes staff salaries by 50 percent amid ‘financial troubles’

    PTI slashes staff salaries by 50 percent amid ‘financial troubles’

    A financial crunch has led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to inform its staff that they will have to face a 50 per cent cut in their salaries, after their pays were delayed for many months, a leading English newspaper reported on Friday.

    Ex-PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry had made similar claims on X (formerly Twitter) two weeks ago, stating in a post, “The majority of members in PTI’s political committee […] have embezzled millions in party funds. They refuse to be held accountable for funds collected in the name of Imran Khan [PTI founder] and party workers.”

    He stressed, “Accountability for funding is crucial because PTI’s media department has not received salaries for the past four months, and the cleaning staff has been laid off. Meanwhile, people like Raoof Hassan are getting a hike in salary.”

    A staffer revealed to Dawn News that 25 to 28 paid staffers of PTI hired for accounts, offices, and the media wing of the former ruling party are getting salaries ranging from Rs35,000 to Rs200,000.

    Revealing that the overall expenditure of secretariats in Islamabad and Lahore and salaries of paid staff is around Rs4 million per month, the staffer said, “After the raid in July last year at the PTI secretariat, a number of staffers were arrested […] Later, when we were released and started working, our salaries could not be released for many months.”

    He said, “In October 2024, we were informed by the high-ups that the party does not have funds to pay bills of the chairman’s office in Banigala, so the amount of bills will be deducted from the salaries of staff to avoid disconnection of utility services.” 

    “While the salary of almost five months is pending, we have been informed that the salaries will be slashed by 50 percent from November. It is unfortunate that parliamentarians, belonging to the PTI, have increased their salaries, but they are least bothered regarding staff and their families.”

    Meanwhile, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akam said that he cared a lot about the party employees and penned a note opposing the proposal to cut their salaries by 50 per cent.

    Akram claimed that despite the fact that Imran Khan had earlier directed all the ticket holders of provincial and national assemblies to deposit Rs240,000 at once [for a year] or in two instalments, there were financial issues.

    Declaring the suggestion regarding the salary slash from the back date ‘unfair’, he said, “I hope that the situation will improve in the coming days and staffers will be paid. The party really cares about their families.”

  • Ramzan moon update: Pakistan likely to observe first fast on…

    Ramzan moon update: Pakistan likely to observe first fast on…

    The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee will meet tonight to sight the Ramzan moon and determine the first day of the holy month in the country.

    Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad has expressed hope that the blessed month would start on the same day across the country, aligning with the nation’s expectations. “We will make decisions according to the testimonies that we receive. I pray that we begin observing Ramzan on a single day,” Azad told a private media outlet.

    He emphasised that the committee had never disregarded science and said that they not only had scholars from all sects, but also had representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and Suparco.

    “We also take recommendations from everywhere, but we decide in line with religious teachings.”

    Apart from the central crescent-sighting meeting in Peshawar, Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committees will also meet separately at their respective headquarters for sighting of the crescent.

    It may be noted that the meteorological forecasts has indicated a low likelihood of moon sighting today. The PMD had said that there was little chance of sighting the moon due to cloudy weather during the next 24 hours.

    The weather department has also said moon’s age at sunset would be approximately 12 hours and moon-sun angular separation would be about five degrees.

    The central huddle will begin at 6:30 pm to ascertain the beginning of the ninth Islamic month, with clerics from all schools of thoughts in attendance.

    Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has also called on all Muslims in the Kingdom to sight the Ramzan moon today (Feb 28).

  • Top Haqqania seminary leader among 6 killed in Nowshera suicide attack

    Top Haqqania seminary leader among 6 killed in Nowshera suicide attack

    At least six people, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Samiul Haq (JUI-S) emir Maulana Hamid Ul Haq, were killed and 12 others injured when an explosion ripped through Darul Uloom Haqqania in Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Inspector General Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed said.

    As per the details, the explosion at the seminary’s mosque occurred in the front rows during Friday prayers that attract a large number of worshippers every week.

    The top cop said that the blast claimed the life of the historic seminary’s Vice Administrator Haq while his son, Sani Haqqani, was said to be in critical condition. Citing initial reports, he added that it appeared to be a suicide bombing targeting the top religious leader.

    The mosque is located at the heart of Akora Khattak’s Dar Ul Uloom Haqqania with Dar Ul Hadith situated next to it. It is a large building where senior students carry out their studies. In the vicinity, there also are hostels and residential quarters, including those of Haq and his sons.

    The explosion, that comes a day before the seminary’s annual break during Ramzan has, been draw widespread condemnations, including one from KP Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur, who termed it a deplorable act.

    The KP CM ordered authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the incident and submit a comprehensive report besides ensuring the best possible medical care for the wounded.

    “Targeting innocent people in a place of worship is an inhumane act,” he said and emphasised that all available resources should be utilised to bring the perpetrators to justice. 

    Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) spokesperson Aslam Ghauri said that the incident in Akora Khattak was deeply tragic. “We pray for the martyrs to be granted the highest ranks in the hereafter.”

    It merits a mention that Haq was the son of influential religious scholar and former senator Maulana Samiul Haq, who was killed in Rawalpindi in 2018.

    The news of his death had come at a sensitive time with religio-political parties out on the streets protesting the Supreme Court’s acquittal of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman, in a blasphemy case.

    The chief of his own faction of the JUI, Sami was unable to take part in the protest that was underway against Bibi’s acquittal due to road blockades and had returned home. His driver/gunman had left the house for approximately 15 minutes when he was stabbed.

    Yousaf Shah, the maulana’s spokesman, had said the attacker’s identity and their motive were not immediately known.

    With police starting an investigation into the killing, they had arrested Sami’s secretary Syed Ahmed Shah on murder charges.

    A senior police official had told media that the arrest came about after the police investigating team examined Shah’s first and last statements, which were conflicting.