Current Final

Category: Politics

  • TLP’s Pir Zaheerul Hassan Shah still at large as police continues hunt

    TLP’s Pir Zaheerul Hassan Shah still at large as police continues hunt

    The News has said that previous media reports of arrests of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) vice emir Pir Zaheerul Hassan Shah turned out to be not true as the police are struggling to arrest him.

    Reportedly, Shah has fled to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since late Monday when the government tightened the noose around TLP leaders for targeting the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa.

    “We have zeroed in on the cleric. We are not far from getting a hand on him,” said an official to The News.

    Previously, the culprit had announced a head-money of Rs10 million on Qazi Faez Isa in reaction to a decision of a three-member bench in the Mubarak Sani case.

    Meanwhile, FIRs have been filed against more than 1500 TLP members across the Punjab province after the government took a firm stance against the right wing religious party.

  • Foreign Office changes statement; removes ‘Israel’ from condemnation of Ismail Haniyeh assassination

    Foreign Office changes statement; removes ‘Israel’ from condemnation of Ismail Haniyeh assassination

    In an unusual development, the Foreign Office (FO) Pakistan on July 31st re-issued its press release condemning the assassination of Hamas’s Ismael Haniyeh, expunging the word “Israel”.

    Both press releases were issued on the same day; however, in the last paragraph of the initial press release, it was written, “Pakistan views with serious concerns the growing Israeli adventurism in the region.”

    First statement:

    Later, it was changed to “Pakistan views with serious concerns the growing adventurism in the region,” redacting the word “Israel” from its statement.

    Updated statement:

    Social media noticed the correction instantly and reacted with suspicion, with most questioning the intent behind FO Pakistan’s move.

  • Slam dunk Maryam: 92 News to shut down in the UK after Maryam Nawaz defamation case

    Slam dunk Maryam: 92 News to shut down in the UK after Maryam Nawaz defamation case

    Urdu language TV channel 92 News has shut down operations and transmission in the United Kingdom after Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched a defamation case in the UK High Court over a programme aired in the UK by the channel. The program allegedly made false accusations against Maryam of taking Toshakhana gifts in an alleged violation of rule, and in conspiracy with bureaucrats.

    92 News/Glaxy has previously apologised to Senator Ishaq Dar in the UK in a defamation case and also lost a defamation case to PMLN UK vice president Nasir Mahmood.

    Sources in 92 News (also known as 92 News HD Plus) in the UK and Pakistan confirm that the channel terminated its services from 31st July 2024 in the UK after being advised by its British lawyers. Lawyers allegedly told them that they would lose the defamation case at the trial level in the UK High Court later in the year, with potential costs of over £250,000 in legal fees and damages, likely to be rewarded to Maryam Nawaz.

    Last month, the channel sent out a notification to the UK govt’s TV regulator and Sky management that it was winding up the company (Glaxy Broadcasting Network Limited) that owns 92 News in UK and will stop broadcasting in the UK after 31st July 2024.

    The Programme on Maryam

    Maryam initiated legal proceedings against 92 News/Glaxy after anchors Amir Mateen and Sarwat Valim in the programme ’Muqabil’, on November 17, 2022, accused her of taking Toshakhana gifts. The anchors alleged that Maryam Nawaz took a watch from the Toshakhana worth a million for only PKR 45,000 with help from the bureaucracy in a ‘corrupt scheme’. The allegation was false as Maryam had not received any such gift, and her lawyers argued as much in the claim, seeking an apology and damages. Her lawyers stated, in court papers at UK High Court, that Maryam had suffered serious harm to her reputation by the imputations in the broadcast and therefore the channel should apologise.

    The channel accepted during the communications that it had no defence of the allegations but argued on technicalities that the anchors were fed news by social media after the Toshakhana scandals broke out.

    The case at UK High Court was registered for trial hearings later this year and before the trial could begin in just a few months, the channel decided to shut down its operations and move into liquidation to avoid paying heavy damages and costs. Maryam Nawaz was represented in the case by Stone White Solicitors.

    The show aired on 92 News in the UK and Pakistan after the federal government made the list of state officials who received Toshakhana gifts since 2002 public in accordance with the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) directives.

    The record stated that by putting just Rs20.17 million in Toshakhana, former premier Imran Khan was able to keep a watch (A Graff watch, No. AU750) set in 18-karat gold and diamonds valued at about Rs. 85 million, a pair of cufflinks worth over Rs. 5.6 million, a pen worth Rs. 1.5 million rupees, and an engagement ring worth Rs. 8.7 million.

    Former president Asif Ali Zardari also kept a number of items after depositing a total of about Rs. 16.1 million, including a BMW 760 Li with an estimated value of Rs. 57,828,705 and a Toyota Lexus LX 470 with an estimated value of Rs. 50,000,000.

    The record said by depositing Rs. 0.243 million in Toshakhana in 2013, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was able to keep one Rolex Watch Oyster Perpetual N Series 0835D018, one pair of cufflinks with a pen (worth Rs. 0.025 million), and four commemorative coins from the Central Bank of Kuwait (worth Rs. 0.015 million). Kulsoom Nawaz, the wife of Nawaz Sharif, kept a bracelet worth Rs. 12.7 million and a pair of earrings worth Rs. 41.6 million by depositing Rs. 10.8 million in 2016.

    A PMLN spokesman in Lahore said Maryam Nawaz never benefitted from the Toshakhana and the allegation was false. “Maryam Nawaz launched a case in the UK against 92 News to clear her name and she stands vindicated as 92 News made it clear during proceedings it had no evidence. The channel confirmed the allegation was false and knew it would be heavily punished for running a fake news. Therefore it has decided to liquidate and end business in UK.”

  • X will be restored whenever government signals, says PTA chairman

    X will be restored whenever government signals, says PTA chairman

    Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman, stated that social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which is currently banned on government request, will be restored only if the government authorises so.

    Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman reaffirmed that there have been no cyber attacks on telecom infrastructure in the past two years. He stated that the PTA engages platforms on complaints related to social media content violating Pakistani laws and can block social media platforms upon government directive. He noted TikTok’s prompt response to complaints compared to X (formerly Twitter), which acts on only seven per cent of reported violations.

    Responding to Senator Abdul Qadir’s query about unblocking X, Chairman PTA reiterated that the decision rests with the government. He also discussed the licensing process for IoT technology, revealing recent initiatives.

    Federal Minister of Law and Justice Nazir Tarar expressed concerns over posts on social media platforms that could provoke religious sentiments, emphasizing that protests often follow such incidents. He differentiated government actions on YouTube and TikTok from those on X, highlighting differing approaches.

    Chairman PTA addressed VPN usage in Pakistan, acknowledging a significant decline in X users (70%) due to VPN restrictions. He mentioned plans to whitelist specific VPNs for legitimate use in Pakistan.

    Chairman PTA also highlighted the tax burden on telecom users in Pakistan (34.50%), comparing it with rates in neighboring countries like Sri Lanka (20-40%), Bangladesh (21-33%), India (18.5%), and Nepal (26%).

  • Drug dealer suspect’s lawyer wants same privileges as Imran Khan

    Drug dealer suspect’s lawyer wants same privileges as Imran Khan

    A lawyer for a man arrested in suspicion of being a drug dealer took Lahore High Court to task for denying his clients the privileges given to former Imran Khan, currently also in jail.

    A bail hearing was scheduled today at the Lahore High Court.

    During the proceedings, the suspect’s lawyer cited legal precedents, including cases involving the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan who is currently incarcerated.

    Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, presiding over the bench, deliberated on the eligibility for bail in such cases. He stated that the accused involved in drug trade deserve punishment without bail, emphasizing the detrimental impact of drugs on society and its influence in educational institutions.

    The lawyer argued under Article 25 of the Constitution, the man deserved the same conveniences given to Imran in legal matters. “My client and the PTI founder should be considered equally under Article 25,” the lawyer asserted.

    Responding to this, Justice Mansoor questioned the relevance of Khan’s cases to the current bail application. The lawyer replied back that despite facing numerous cases, the PTI’s founder had been granted bail in a cipher case by the Supreme Court.

    “Imran Khan was granted bail despite facing over 200 cases, including terrorism charges,” the lawyer elaborated. “In contrast, my client faces only 14 cases and should similarly be eligible for bail.”

    Justice Shah differentiated between the nature of charges against the PTI founder and the suspect, emphasizing the severity of the charges in each case.

    The lawyer countered by highlighting the specific charge against the PTI founder, which carries the death penalty. “There is a cipher case against the PTI founder, a capital offense,” the lawyer pointed out.

    The lawyer also drew attention to the disparity in facilities between the PTI founder and his client while in custody. “The PTI founder enjoys better living conditions in jail, which are not available to my client,” the lawyer argued.

    After considering legal precedents and arguments presented, the three-member bench, headed by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, approved the bail application of the accused, Obaidullah.

  • British-American journalist deported from Pakistan after attempted interview with Imran Khan

    British-American journalist deported from Pakistan after attempted interview with Imran Khan

    Law enforcement agencies in Pakistan deported a British-American journalist after he tried to interview the incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    Charles Glass, a 73-year-old author, journalist, broadcaster, and publisher known for his work focusing on the Middle East and World War II, has worked with renowned news platforms such as Newsweek, ABC TV, and The Telegraph. Currently, he works as a freelance journalist.

    Glass was reportedly seen outside Adiala jail with Imran Khan’s sister Aleema. Later, police forces arrived at the home of senior journalist Zahid Hussain, where Glass was present.

    On Wednesday afternoon, an assistant superintendent of police (ASP) led a team and informed Glass that his visa had been cancelled. This led to an hour-long contention, after which the ASP instructed Glass to leave the country by 5 pm.

    According to sources quoted by Dawn, the ASP had a clear order to deport the journalist.

    Glass was taken to his hotel to collect his luggage and was escorted to the earliest available flight to Abu Dhabi at 4 pm that afternoon.

  • Sher dargya? PML-N lawmakers pass bill trying to bypass SC reserved seats’ verdict

    Sher dargya? PML-N lawmakers pass bill trying to bypass SC reserved seats’ verdict

    The Parliamentary Affairs Committee of the National Assembly on Wednesday approved a bill proposing amendments to the Election Act 2017 seemingly barring elected assembly members from changing their party affiliation.

    The amendments to the bill propose that those individuals who contested elections as independent members cannot change their “affidavit” later to change their party affiliation, apparently bypassing the recent Supreme Court verdict in the case of the reserved seats.

    It also proposed that if political parties fail to submit their candidates’ list for reserved seats in the stipulated time by the Election Commission of Pakistan, then it won’t be eligible for those seats.

    The bill was passed by the panel with eight votes in favour while four opposed it.

    Meanwhile, federal law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stated that the issue of “reserved seats” and independent members joining any political party is obvious.

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Ali Muhammad Khan said that this is a private member’s bill and the law minister shouldn’t advocate for it.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Bilal Azhar Kiyani tabled the bill on Tuesday. The amendments were proposed to Section 66 and Section 104 of the Election Act, 2017.

  • PTI MNA escapes custody as unknown people attacked anti-corruption team

    PTI MNA escapes custody as unknown people attacked anti-corruption team

    In a dramatic development, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MNA Imtiaz Chaudhry escaped from the custody of an anti-corruption team in Gujrat on July 31.

    According to Circle Officer Anti-Corruption Aftab Haider, unknown people riding in a car opened fire on the vehicle in which Chaudhry was being taken, after which the perpetrators fled with the MNA.

    The MNA was on physical remand and was scheduled to be produced in court today.

    Imtiaz Chaudhry was arrested on July 25 from his home due to allegations of receiving kickbacks in development schemes.

  • Imran Khan signals that PTI ready to talk with establishment

    Imran Khan signals that PTI ready to talk with establishment

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned in Adiala jail, has categorically signalled that his party was ready for talks with the military establishment, Dawn News has reported.

    However, while talking to reporters at Adiala jail, Khan set three preconditions for the talks: the return of PTI’s alleged ‘stolen mandate’, the release of all of the party workers currently detained, and transparent elections.

    Earlier, Khan’s sister Aleema Khan delivered a message from Imran Khan to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir to “become neutral for the sake of Pakistan.” In 2022, Khan repeatedly berated the army’s leadership for being “neutral”, repeatedly saying that only animals are neutral.

    Khan stated that his party has never levelled allegations against the army, saying that even a “spoilt child” was liable to criticism.

    He also recalled that General Ziaul Haq was responsible for the judicial murder of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and General Yahya Khan was responsible for the fall of Dhaka.

    Khan stated that the party had already nominated Mehmood Khan Achakzai for negotiations and urged the military to nominate their representative for talks.

  • Retired Lt Col Akbar Hussain sentenced to 14 years after court-martial

    Retired Lt Col Akbar Hussain sentenced to 14 years after court-martial

    A retired army officer, Lieutenant Colonel Akbar Hussain, has been court-martialed by a military court after he was found guilty of inciting mutiny among army personnel, which led to his removal from duty.

    The court handed him a sentence of 14 years of rigorous imprisonment on May 10 of this year, while his rank was forfeited on July 26.

    Previously, the infamous PTI-affiliated Major (retd) Adil Farooq Raja and Captain (retd) Haider Raza Mehdi were also court-martialed on charges of sedition and violation of the Official Secrets Act of 1923.

    The court found Adil Farooq Raja and Haider Raza Mehdi guilty on October 7 and October 9, 2023, respectively, following due judicial process. They were sentenced to 14 and 12 years of rigorous imprisonment, respectively, and their ranks were forfeited effective November 21, 2023.