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  • Imran Khan’s lawyers and doctor can meet him in jail: Court

    Under the Official Secrets Act 1923, the Official Secret Act Court has allowed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan to meet with his legal team and doctors on Thursday. Imran Khan was arrested in the cipher case and is currently in Attock jail.

    The Official Secrets Act Court decision came as Imran Khan’s attorney, Naeem Haider Panjutha, filed a petition on behalf of the former prime minister.

    Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain gave permission to the PTI chairman to meet with his legal team, including well-known lawyers Latif Khosa, Sameer Khosa, and Salman Akram Raja. Imran Khan can also meet with his doctor, Dr. Asim Yusuf, the court decided.

    Previously, the court allowed Imran Khan to talk to his sons via telephone in Attock jail.

    Official Secrets Act, 1923 is Pakistan’s Anti-Espionage Act and was enacted to consolidate and amend the laws relating to official secrets in the country.

  • Elections in January, Election Commission confirms

    Elections in January, Election Commission confirms

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced on Thursday that the official schedule for the upcoming general elections in Pakistan has been determined. In an eagerly awaited declaration, the ECP confirmed that general elections are slated to take place in the last week of January 2024.

    The electoral body said the initial list of delimitations, which are being carried out in line with the new census, will be published on September 27.

    The ECP said it reviewed the progress on the delimitation process today and decided that the final list of constituencies will be published on November 30 after hearing objections and suggestions related to the delimitations. 

    Subsequently, polls will be held in the last week of January 2024 following the completion of the 54-day election schedule, the ECP statement added.

  • Punjab food department ceases wheat quota subsidy 

    Punjab food department ceases wheat quota subsidy 

    The Punjab Food Department has decided to discontinue a substantial subsidy programme linked to the allocation of government wheat quotas. 

    Officials responsible for this matter have informed the media that the government has set the price of wheat at Rs3,900 per maund, with the distribution of wheat from the government quota to flour mills commencing on October 15th.  

    Within the framework of the government quota, wheat will be made available to 1,000 operational flour mills at a rate of Rs4,450 per maund.  

    In the wake of the issuance of government wheat quotas, a 20-kilogramme bag of flour will be retailed at Rs2,600, while in the open market, the same 20-kilogramme bag of flour is currently selling for Rs2,750.  

    These officials have also disclosed that the Punjab Food Department currently maintains a wheat stockpile of over 40 lakh tonnes.  

    Read more: IMF urges Pakistan to increase taxation on the rich and ‘protect the poor’ 

    In June, the Punjab Food Department had temporarily halted the allocation of wheat quotas to flour mills, opting instead to conduct wheat auctions in accordance with the regulations set forth by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA).  

    As reported by ARY News, the Punjab Food Secretary mentioned that mill owners are eligible to participate in these auctions.  

    Furthermore, the provincial government is contemplating the provision of direct subsidies on flour, with these measures aimed at curbing any irregularities associated with the allocation of wheat quotas. 

  • Pakistan squad for World Cup 2023 still not announced

    Pakistan squad for World Cup 2023 still not announced

    Pakistan cricket team squad for Cricket World Cup 2023 was to be announced on Wednesday, however, final names have still not been revealed. Team management is holding consultations on the selection of players after the massive Asia Cup loss against India, especially the performance of Fakhar Zaman and Vice-Captain Shadab Khan came under scrutiny.

    In the Asia Cup, the Pakistani team failed to qualify for the finals after losing to Sri Lanka. Pacers Harsi Rauf and Nasim Shah got injured, while Imam-Ul-Haq also suffered an injury, leading to more difficulties in the selection of the World Cup squad.

    Read More: Pakistan fans want Muhammad Amir for World Cup 2023

    Surprisingly, Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, who selected the Asia Cup squad and is now tasked with selecting the World Cup team, was absent from the meeting.

    Mickey Arthur admitted there were fitness and mid-order issues but the pair could not agree on World Cup plans. They want to go to the World Cup in a planned way.

    During the meeting Bowling coach Morne Morkel suggested a separate coach for the spinners.
    According to the ICC (International Cricket Council), all cricket boards have to announce their squads before September 28.

  • Lawyer fined by Qazi Faez Isa for ‘wasting’ court’s time

    Lawyer fined by Qazi Faez Isa for ‘wasting’ court’s time

    Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa imposed a fine on a lawyer on Thursday for what he considered a clear wastage of the court’s valuable time. According to reports, the Chief Justice levied a penalty of Rs5,000 on the lawyer for consuming the court’s time during proceedings related to a property case.

    Justice Isa pointed out that the attorney had failed to appropriately draw the court’s attention to pertinent documents, instead attempting to misguide the court. Expressing his disappointment with the petitioner’s legal representative, the Chief Justice remarked that their actions had undermined the court’s trust.

    He addressed the lawyer directly, saying, “The court has lost faith in you with this act of yours”.

    Chief Justice Isa further instructed the lawyer to donate the fine amount to a charity of their choice and provide the court with proof of the donation receipt. The case in question revolved around a property dispute, with court proceedings having extended over several weeks.

  • IMF urges Pakistan to increase taxation on the rich and ‘protect the poor’

    IMF urges Pakistan to increase taxation on the rich and ‘protect the poor’

    International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director (MD) Kristalina Georgieva has urged Pakistan to increase taxation for the rich and safeguard the well-being of the less privileged. She said that these actions align with the desires of the people in Pakistan. 

    According to Geo News, speaking on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York, she stated, “What we are asking in our programme is that you please collect more taxes from the wealthy and please protect the poor people of Pakistan. I do believe this is in line with what people in Pakistan would like to see for the country.”

    In a separate social media post after a meeting with Pakistan’s caretaker prime minister, Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, Georgieva stated, “Very good meeting with Pakistan’s PM today on Pakistan’s economic prospects. We agreed on the vital need for strong policies to ensure stability, foster sustainable and inclusive growth, prioritise revenue collection, and provide protection for the most vulnerable in Pakistan.”

    Furthermore, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) released a statement expressing gratitude for the IMF’s approval of a $3 billion stand-by agreement (SBA) to support Pakistan’s economy. The arrangement, approved by the IMF’s Executive Board in July, is set for its second review in November.

    The statement mentioned that Kakar briefed the MD IMF on various measures taken by the Government of Pakistan to stabilise and revive the country’s economy, with a focus on creating a stable environment for sustainable economic growth and investment, particularly for vulnerable segments of society.

    Kristalina Georgieva commended Pakistan’s concerted efforts in implementing policies and reforms to revive the economy and assured continued engagement with Pakistan.

    Read more: UAE bans fresh meat imports from Pakistan 

    In July, Pakistan secured a last-minute SBA with the IMF, providing relief to its economy, which had long grappled with a boom-and-bust cycle due to the absence of meaningful structural reforms. High inflation and a balance-of-payments crisis have led to economic distress, prompting the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to revise its growth outlook for the country.

    Low foreign exchange reserves have resulted in import restrictions as debt payments remained high and avenues for dollar inflows were limited.

    Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar also called upon the international community to find a lasting solution to the debt issues faced by 59 countries in debt distress, emphasising the need for global and regional cooperation to achieve sustainable development goals. 

    He highlighted the importance of resources for developing countries and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Global Development Initiative. Kakar also noted the significance of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in achieving sustainable development goals.

  • Here’s why Shahid Afridi is angry at fans

    Here’s why Shahid Afridi is angry at fans

    While we love the fact that Pakistani celebrities are respected and valued by their fans-especially cricket stars- it’s important to remember that it doesn’t mean fans are allowed to invade anyone’s privacy. Former cricket captain Shahid Afridi addressed this issue as a guest on Vasay Chaudhry’s show ‘Gup Shab’ where he opened up about his distaste for fans who have crossed boundaries and invaded the privacy of his family. Boom Boom Afridi said he finds it unpleasant that fans make videos of him and his family when they go out.

    But, Shahid said, it was disappointing to watch his family’s privacy further invaded when they were in Makkah for Umrah, sharing that it was disrespectful even for the people claiming to be a fan of the cricket player.

    “When you’re going for your Umrah or Hajj with your family, your privacy is completely breached over,” Shahid noted.

    “My wife does pardah. During Tawaaf, I have snatched phones from several people who were making videos. Even though I apologised to them afterwards, I have asked several times to stop making videos during that moment.”

    The topic of fans crossing their limits and invading the privacy of celebrities, especially when they’re with their family members, is not new.

    Cricket player Imam ul Haq spoke on Daniyal Sheikh’s podcast about an occasion when he was at a restaurant with his family. A few people shouted ‘parchi’ at him. This bullying has gone to the point that his family members no longer attend his matches, in fear of being heckled by the attendants.

    “They really want to come and watch me play, but I’m just scared- this is the first time I’m talking about this. But when I’m standing on the boundary, I don’t want my mother to listen to the taunt ‘parchi’ in the stadium. If I was batting and I was out, it wouldn’t matter if I had played better before or not, while going back I would hear taunts of ‘parchi’.”

    READ MORE: Here’s why cricketer Imam ul Haq’s parents don’t go to his matches

    Previously, actress Romaisa Khan slammed nurses who approached the ‘John’ actress for photos when she was in tears and praying for her mother’s recovery in the ICU, an act she recalled as “insensitive” in a detailed post on Threads.

    READ MORE: ‘So unethical’: Actress Romaisa Khan slams fans for requesting selfies in ICU

    “Some people are so insensitive,” lamented the ‘John’ actress on her Threads account. “I know we are public figures but not public properties, so it’s unethical that my mom is in the ICU screaming in pain almost fighting for her life and where I am crying and praying outside and nurses literally making videos and asking for a selfie.”

    So please remember that while it is natural to have immense respect for a public figure’s talent and skills, fans should also remember to respect the privacy. Celebrities are only in the public spotlight as a job, and it doesn’t give any fan the right to treat their entire existence as a public affair.

  • Jamaat-e-Islami to stage dharna in Lahore against inflation

    Jamaat-e-Islami to stage dharna in Lahore against inflation

    Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has announced the schedule of a sit-in in Lahore to protest against spiralling inflation in the country, ARY News has reported.

    According to the details, the JI sit-in will start today (September 21), with party workers gathering in front of the Governor House on Mall Road, Lahore.

    JI Ameer Sirajul Haq and senior leaders, including Liaquat Baloch, Ameerul Azeem, and other provincial leaders, will address protesters and party workers.

    Earlier, JI had staged a sit-in against high electricity bills and skyrocketing inflation.

    The secretary general of JI Ameerul Azeem headed the committee meeting of the party to finalise the schedule of sit-ins and protests against inflation.

    It should also be remembered that the caretaker government increased petrol price by Rs58 per litre and diesel price by Rs56 per litre within a month.

  • Taylor Swift sends the internet in frenzy after she steps out with Joe Jonas’s ex- Sophie Turner

    Taylor Swift sends the internet in frenzy after she steps out with Joe Jonas’s ex- Sophie Turner

    Taylor Swift was not joking around when she wrote, “Karma’s on your scent like a bounty hunter”.

    Media organisations and social media users sent their sleep and work commitments to the devil on Wednesday when the ‘Anti Hero’ singer was spotted at a girl’s night out with none other than Sophie Turner, actress and estranged wife of Joe Jonas.

    Taylor had famously dated Joe back in 2008, later publicly accusing him of breaking up with her in a cruel manner. She revealed on The Ellen Show that the band member of the Jonas Brothers broke up with her on the phone in 25 seconds. The ‘Mastermind’ singer went on to write ‘Forever and Always’, ‘Last Kiss’ and ‘Mr Perfectly Fine’ about the ‘Burnin Up’ singer, however the two reconciled over the years and become close friends after Joe dated model and close friend Gigi Hadid in 2015.

    Recently, Joe and Sophie announced their divorce after four years of marriage. Several reports allegeded that the ‘This Is Me’ singer’s PR team blamed the ‘Game Of Thrones’ actress for the failure of the relationship, with sources alleging the singer was an absent mother, working on projects in the UK. The internet slammed this as a terrible attempt to pin the home wrecker narrative on the woman while refusing to hold the man accountable.

    Now that Sophie has decided to play the game and was spotted partying with Taylor Swift in New York, Twitter users are applauding how vicious of a move this was.

    “Joe Jonas tried with every PR strategy he could to turn the public against Sophie but Sophie was like hold my purse and played her biggest card,” wrote a user.

  • May 9 attack; Imran Khan charged with ‘criminal conspiracy’

    May 9 attack; Imran Khan charged with ‘criminal conspiracy’

    The Punjab police have pressed charges of ‘criminal conspiracy’ against Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), and all other suspects in May 9 cases across the province. Official sources have disclosed to Dawn that a total of 50 cases were registered, encompassing charges under anti-terrorism and other relevant laws. Among these, 14 cases were filed in various police stations in Lahore and Rawalpindi, while nine were recorded in Sargodha, seven in Sheikhupura, five in Faisalabad, and one in Gujranwala.

    Moreover, the Punjab police have recently added offenses under sections 121 (waging or attempting to wage war or aiding such efforts against Pakistan), 131 (abetting mutiny or attempting to influence a soldier, sailor, or airman from their duty), and 146 (rioting) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) to the FIRs.

    Dr. Anoosh Masood Chaudhry, Lahore SSP (Investigation), while talking to the media, revealed that the police have also incorporated certain offenses/sections, including 34 and 120b of the PPC, into the May 9 cases.

    Section 34 reads: “Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention. When a criminal act is done by several persons, in furtherance of the common intention of all, each such person is liable for that act in the same manner as if it were done by him alone.”

    Section 120b states: “Whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy to commit an offence punishable with death, imprisonment for life or rigorous imprisonment for a term of two years or upwards, shall, where no express provision is made in this Code for the punishment of such a conspiracy, be punished in the same manner as if he had abetted such offence.”

    As per the Lahore police’s investigation, Dr. Chaudhry stated that there appears to be substantial evidence confirming incitement to mutiny and the planning of vandalism on May 9.

    Responding to a question regarding Imran Khan’s presence at the crime scene, she emphasized that it is immaterial whether he was physically there or not, as evidence suggests that he incited the suspects to carry out violent attacks on sensitive installations of the Pakistan Army.

    Dr. Chaudhry further noted that the prosecution and police are awaiting final reports from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) concerning videos and other evidence related to the planners and perpetrators of the May 9 incidents. She assured that all objections raised by the prosecution have been addressed, and the challans for the May 9 cases will be submitted to the courts of law after receiving reports from the FIA and Pemra.