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Tag: islamabad

  • PIA’s Boeing 777 aircraft freed by Malaysian authorities, returns to Islamabad

    PIA’s Boeing 777 aircraft freed by Malaysian authorities, returns to Islamabad

    Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) successfully resolved the issue with its Boeing 777 aircraft, which was held by Malaysian authorities in Kuala Lumpur. According to a spokesperson for PIA, the aircraft was released a few hours later and arrived in Islamabad late Monday night. The spokesperson stated that the matter was resolved through diplomatic channels.

    The incident occurred a day earlier when PIA flight PK-894 was halted upon reaching Kuala Lumpur, following court orders that issued a stay on the aircraft. The stay was related to issues concerning a lease requested by a foreign company. The PIA spokesperson clarified that the Boeing 777 aircraft is owned by PIA, and the engine leasing company had obtained the stay by submitting incorrect data to a Malaysian court.

    According to The News, the leasing company had falsely claimed $4.5 billion, whereas the actual amount owed by PIA to the leasing company was $1.8 billion, which had already been paid. The spokesperson emphasised that such cases of halting an aircraft and extorting money are unprecedented, particularly considering that both the leasing company and PIA are not local entities in Malaysia.

    Following the incident, PIA took legal action by approaching the court in Malaysia through its lawyers. The spokesperson confirmed that the matter is currently under consideration by the court.

    It is important to note that PIA had already arranged for the repatriation of the passengers from the affected flight through an alternative aircraft. The airline had previously announced that the aircraft would soon return home to resume its commercial flights.

    PIA’s prompt response and successful resolution of the issue reflect its commitment to ensuring the safety and smooth operations of its flights. The airline continues to prioritise the well-being of its passengers while upholding its professional reputation in the international aviation industry.

  • Ban against corporal punishment enforced in Islamabad

    On Thursday, the federal government of Pakistan introduced rules to enforce the ‘Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Act, 2021’ throughout the capital city and territories, banning corporal punishment in public and private schools.

    According to Dawn, the law was passed three years ago, however the rules were updated a couple of months ago and the act was finally launched on Thursday.

    According to the act, teachers who are found guilty of inflicting violence on students will be punished through major penalities like compulsory retirement, dismissal from service or demotion to a lower post. Minor penalties include withholding promotion for a specific period or increment or financial advancement in accordance with the rules or orders pertaining to the service or post.

    The law states:

    “The child has the right to be shown respect for his personality and individuality and shall not be made subject to corporal punishment or any other humiliating or degrading treatment.”

    Speaking at the launch at the Islamabad Model College for Girls in F-10/2, the Minister of Federal Education Rana Tanveer Hussain praised the act as a shift towards fostering a culture of non-violence and empowering the rights of children:

    “Let us work together to implement these rules effectively and create an environment where every child feels safe and nurtured.”

    Convener of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights and Parliamentary Secretary Law and Justice, Mehnaz Akber Aziz, who was also present at the ceremony, discussed the significance of the rules towards improving the lives of children:

    “The launch of the Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Rules is a testament to our commitment to ensuring children’s well-being and upholding their rights. These rules will provide clear guidelines and enforce strict measures to eradicate corporal punishment from educational institutions and child-related settings throughout Islamabad. I hope this will also incentivise the currently 2.4 million out-of-school children to head to schools.”

    United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative Abdullah A. Fadil spoke on why corporal punishment must be outlawed in Pakistan:

    “Corporal punishment can inflict immediate pain and suffering, and sadly may also cause irrevocable damage that can last a lifetime. We need to act now and put all our weight behind this act so that all children in Pakistan are able to learn and grow in a safe environment and are protected in a society which respects and upholds their rights and dignity.”

  • Is everyone naraaz with Imran? Another PTI member leaves party

    Is everyone naraaz with Imran? Another PTI member leaves party

    In a major setback to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party’s former Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Aamir Kayani has announced that he is quitting the party after the attacks of May 9 on the security forces as he has to “rethink” his politics.

    Addressing a presser in Islamabad, he expressed regret over the May 9 violent protests by PTI leaders, workers and supporters.

    “I made my decision two months ago, but will formally announce it today,” he said.

    “My entire family, including my grandfather and everyone, we belong to an army family,” the MNA said.

    “Our domain is politics, and we should stay in it,” he added.

    Kiani has not only decided to quit PTI but also announced to end his political career. He emphasised that he will not join any political party.

    On Tuesday, the party faced another major blow when Karachi’s Mahmood Baqi Moulvi quit the party.

    In a statement, Moulvi had said he was leaving the party due to “differences with the leadership”.

  • Dil toots: Chief Justice isn’t happy with criticism for saying ‘good to see you’ to IK

    Dil toots: Chief Justice isn’t happy with criticism for saying ‘good to see you’ to IK

    Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial has clarified that he uses the phrase “good to see you” to greet everyone.

    During a hearing of another case, the CJP had an interaction with lawyer Asghar Sabzwari on Tuesday afternoon. He initiated the exchange by saying, “I am pleased to see you as you have appeared in my court after a considerable period.”

    The remark came after the judge was heavily criticised by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), analysts and commentators for saying “good to see you” to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan when he appeared before the court after being arrested.

    Bandial then said that he says “good to see you” to everyone, not just to Imran Khan. He said that he had faced a lot of criticism for using the phrase. Justice Bandial said he holds a deep respect for everyone, adding that “etiquette and manners” are necessary for everyone.

    PML-N Senior Vice-President Maryam Nawaz, however, remained unimpressed with the Chief Justice’s explanation. Addressing Justice Bandial in a tweet, she asked if he says ‘good to see you’ to everyone who has stolen billions.

    She went on to ask, “Do you send everyone to rest houses,” adding another question about whether the Chief Justice allows every suspect to meet friends in the guest house as he did for Imran Khan.

    Last week, when Imran Khan appeared before Supreme Court to get relief against his arrest, the CJP said “good to see you”. His comment became a point of controversy with many arguing that special treatment was given to Khan.

     

  • US embassy in Pakistan issues security warning, cancels appointments

    US embassy in Pakistan issues security warning, cancels appointments

    The US Embassy in Islamabad has announced the cancellation of all routine consular appointments scheduled for Monday due to security concerns. The embassy issued a security alert on Sunday, stating that there is a possibility of road closures and/or traffic delays, which could impede the movement of people.

    The alert clarified that although the embassy is still operational, it is limiting the movements of its personnel to official and mission-essential travel only. The US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore, however, are open for routine consular appointments, according to the notification.

    US citizens who are traveling in-country are advised to be aware of potential disruptions to mobile phone service and have contingency communication plans in place. The embassy urges US citizens to remain vigilant and maintain good situational awareness of their surroundings. It also recommends that they pay attention to local media for security updates and planned road closures.

    Furthermore, the US embassy strongly encourages its citizens to avoid large gatherings, unnecessary travel, and comply with all established security checkpoints. It is essential to take the necessary precautions and maintain a high level of security awareness to ensure personal safety while traveling in Pakistan.

  • ‘Aik aadmi faislay kar raha hai iss mulk ke’: Imran Khan blames Army Chief for his arrest

    ‘Aik aadmi faislay kar raha hai iss mulk ke’: Imran Khan blames Army Chief for his arrest

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan— who is currently facing charges on multiple counts in various cases—has said that there is only one man who is deciding every matter.

    Without naming Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, Imran said that one person fears that if he comes into power, his seat will be gone, however, he has no intention of doing that.

    According to the PTI chief, this one man has harmed the country more than any enemy did. “He is pushing the country towards disaster”, said Khan.

    Sitting inside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) as he waits for written orders, he thanked the judiciary for releasing him.

    He once again claimed that he didn’t know about the violent protests going on across the country as he was under arrest at the time.

    According to him, the attacks on Corps Commander House by protestors are not his fault because he was put in jail as a terrorist.

    He revealed that no deal with the government has taken place.

    Khan has been given relief as he can’t be arrested as per court orders till Monday morning.

    On Tuesday, the former PM was arrested from IHC by NAB authorities in the Al-Qadir case, however, two days later Supreme Court termed the arrest illegal.

    In March, after the Zaman Park operation episode took place, Khan accused the establishment of interfering in politics, emphasising that nothing happens in the country without the permission of COAS Munir.

  • Pakistan travel disruption: Over 60 domestic and international flights cancelled

    Pakistan travel disruption: Over 60 domestic and international flights cancelled

    More than 60 domestic and international flights from various airlines have been cancelled due to the unstable situation in Pakistan, with many other flights being uncertain about their arrival and departure.

    The cancellations have affected flights to major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, where the number of passengers has decreased.

    According to the airport schedule, more than 60 domestic and foreign flights from various airlines have been cancelled, including flights from Karachi to Jeddah, Madinah, Muscat, Dubai, Riyadh, Baghdad, and Baku. The arrival and departure schedule of Karachi Airport provides a comprehensive list of the affected flights, including those cancelled between Karachi and Islamabad, Lahore, Turbat, and Peshawar.

    To ensure that their travel plans are not disrupted, passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates on flight status.

    According to Minute Mirror, the following flights have been canceled according to the arrival and departure schedule of Karachi Airport:

    1. Karachi to Jeddah: ER 811 and ER 812
    2. Karachi to Medina: PK 743
    3. Salam Air flight to Muscat: OV 292
    4. Emirates Air flights to Dubai: EK 605 and 604, EK 609 and 608
    5. Karachi to Muscat: WY 323 and 324
    6. Karachi to Riyadh: PK 729
    7. Flight to Baghdad: IF 331 and IF 332
    8. PIA flight from Baku to Karachi: K 154

    The following flights have been canceled between Karachi and Islamabad:

    1. PK369
    2. PF121
    3. PF122
    4. 9P670
    5. 9P871
    6. PA200
    7. PF127
    8. ER502

    The following flights have been canceled between Lahore and Islamabad:

    1. PK302
    2. PK303
    3. 9P840
    4. 9P841
    5. PF141
    6. ER520
    7. PA406
    8. PK306
    9. PF147

    The following flights have been canceled between Karachi and Turbat:

    1. PK501

    The following flights have been canceled between Karachi and Peshawar:

    1. PK350
    2. PK351

  • Big victory for PTI: SC declares IK’s arrest Illegal

    SC declares IK’s arrest Illegal

    Supreme Court has declared Khan’s arrest “illegal” and ordered the authorities to release him immediately.

    Supreme Court will hear Imran Khan’s plea against arrest at 2pm

    In an unexpected development, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan was arrested from inside Islamabad High Court (IHC) by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday.

    Supreme Court will hear Imran Khan’s plea against arrest at 2pm:

    A three-member Supreme Court (SC) bench will hear PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s plea against his arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case at 2pm.

    The bench will comprise Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Athar Minallah.

    Shah Mahmood Qureshi Arrest:

    PTI’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi has been arrested in Islamabad and moved to an undisclosed location, according to the party.

    Fawad Chaudhry was arrested late last night and Asad Umar is already in custody.

    PM’s address to the nation:

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif in an address to the nation on Thursday termed damaging public property an “act of terrorism” and “enmity” towards the country.

    In a short address, the premier said that he would like to warn “terrorists” who are harming the country to stop, otherwise strict actions will be taken against them.

    Any further attack on the army, state will result in a strong reaction: ISPR

    The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has said on Wednesday that the institution will not allow anyone to take the law into their hands.

    In a harshly worded statement, the army’s media wing said that Imran Khan was arrested from the Islamabad High Court “in line with the NAB statement and law”.

    “Immediately after this arrest, attacks were perpetrated on the army’s properties and installations anti-army slogans were raised,” it added.

    The statement also warned that, “Any further attack on the army and state will result in an extreme reaction.”

    ISPR also said that May 9 will be remembered as a “black chapter”

    Khan to stay with NAB for 8 days:

    NAB has gotten physical remand of PTI Chairman Imran Khan for eight days in the Al-Qadir Trust case.

    Army enters Punjab with govt permission:

    The Punjab Home Department has given permission to the Pakistan army to maintain law and order across the province amid civil unrest.

    Currently, internet service is suspended and protests are being carried out to show support for Imran Khan who was arrested from the premises of Islamabad High Court yesterday.

    NAB requests 14-day physical remand of Imran Khan:

    National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has requested physical remand of Imran Khan, Chairman of PTI, in the Al-Qadir Trust case.

    Additional Sessions Judge Humayun Dilawar heard the Al-Qadir Trust case against Imran Khan at New Guest House, Police Line.

    During the hearing, the NAB prosecutor asked the court for a 14-day physical remand of Imran Khan.

    Asad Umar arrested:

    Asad Umar and Shah Mahmood Qureshi went to the Islamabad High Court to submit a petition pleading to meet Imran Khan.
    He has been arrested by Anti-Terrorist squad of Islamabad Police.

    PML-N Secretariat office in Model Town in flames:

    The protests against Imran Khan’s arrest have turned violent as the PML-N Model Town secretariat in Lahore has been set on fire by protesters.
    According to reports, a violent mob is heading to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s personal residence in Lahore.

    PTI to challenge Khan’s arrest in Supreme Court: Fawad Ch

    Fawad Chaudhry has said that PTI will challenge Imran Khan’s arrest in the Supreme Court in the morning.

    In his tweet, senior PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry labelled Khan’s arrest “illegal”.

    Twitter down in Pakistan:

    Amid the protest across the country in support of Khan, many mobile services have been suspended and now Twitter is also not working.

    Punjab Government imposes section 144

    The Punjab government has enforced Section 144 throughout the province amid the protest happening against the arrest of Imran Khan.

    The Home Department has released a notice stating that Rangers have been called in to aid the police in managing the situation.

    Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi in a tweet said that the government will not spare anyone involved in attack on the state of Pakistan.

    Rana Sanaullah’s press conference:

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah confirmed Khan’s arrest by NAB, adding that there are “dozens” of other cases with corruption inquiries in progress against the former premier.

    “Look at this person’s hypocrisy that when he was making false corruption cases against people, he himself was [involved] in such disgusting corruption,” he said.

    The interior minister said evidence is present for all of the above developments.

    Protests by Khan’s loyalists:

    Later, protests started across the country and several roads are blocked.

    Rangers and Khan:

    Around 3pm, Khan was arrested. Here is a video of Khan being pushed by rangers as they arrest him in Islamabad.

    Moments before arrest:

    Following is the video of Khan before his arrest.

    PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry said that the party wanted the IHC to form a full court to hear the case. However, no action has been taken so far by the court.

    PTI leaders reaction

    Following are the tweets by PTI leaders who strongly condemned the arrest of their chief and urged people to come out of the street.

  • Imran Khan arrest kyun huvay hain?

    Imran Khan arrest kyun huvay hain?

    In an unexpected development, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has been arrested from inside Islamabad High Court (IHC) by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) today (Tuesday).

    NAB bought arrest warrants with them, which were issued by the accountability watchdog’s Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Nazir Ahmad Butt on May 1. As per details, Khan was taken into custody under Section 9A of the National Accountability Ordinance 1999. 

    According to Islamabad police, Imran has been arrested in a case in which Bahria Town allegedly gave land worth Rs530 million to Khan and Bushra Bibi’s Al-Qadir Trust in return for a settlement.

    What is the Al-Qadir Trust case?

    In 2019, more than £190m of assets were seized from Malik Riaz by National Crime Agency (NCA) in the UK.

    Later, NCA returned this amount to Pakistan’s national treasury, however, the Khan-led cabinet of the time decided to submit millions of pounds to Supreme Court on behalf of Malik Riaz.

    A few weeks later, the Al-Qadir Trust was founded by Khan, Bushra Bibi, Zulfi Bukhari, and Babar Awan. Malik allotted 458 kanals to them to establish a university that apparently has only 35 students.

    However, according to senior journalist Kamran Khan, the former Prime Minister (PM) was arrested for making accusations against the top brass in the army including Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir.

    Earlier, Khan made serious allegations that General Faisal Naseer plotted his assassination. Later, when Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) condemned his words, he said that he can prove that ISI took over the judicial complex in Islamabad to murder him.

  • Rawalpindi, Islamabad residents forced to buy low-quality flour at exorbitant prices

    Rawalpindi, Islamabad residents forced to buy low-quality flour at exorbitant prices

    Residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are paying exorbitant prices for low-quality flour due to the poor performance of the District Food Department. The officials in charge have failed to take concrete steps to prevent smuggling and hoarding of flour, despite lip service and paperwork.

    As a result, locals are forced to pay more for flour than in any other city in the country. Dealers have hoarded ‘Atta’ and are selling a 15-kilogram bag for Rs2,300 to Rs2,650, while ‘Chakki’ owners are selling 1-kilogram ‘atta’ for Rs180 to Rs200. The price of a 20-kilogram ‘atta’ bag has reached Rs3,200 to Rs3,500 in retail shops.

    The Utility Store Corporation (USC) has resumed providing subsidized flour, but the quality is poor. The District Food Department and flour mill owners are working together to supply unhygienic flour at high prices. The department is not taking action to stop smuggling or control profiteers and hoarders, playing on both sides of the wicket.

    According to The News, District Food Controller (DFC) Hasan Nazir has admitted to a flour shortage in Rawalpindi and has written to the Secretary of Food (Punjab) to issue special permits for wheat supply. He assures the public that the ‘atta’ crisis will be resolved within weeks, and they are working to stop wheat smuggling, with over 600 wheat-filled vehicles stopped en route to Afghanistan.

    However, corrupt officials within the District Food Department are involved in wheat smuggling to Afghanistan via Torkham, and only ten vehicles are being stopped to show performance in the media while the officers let 90 vehicles go. The corrupt officials have several pending cases against them in the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE), Rawalpindi, and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

    Despite Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif claiming a bumper wheat crop this year, residents are struggling to afford basic necessities due to the inflated price of flour. The Punjab government has set the price of 40-kilogram wheat at Rs3,900, but owners are violating this order and selling it for Rs5,400 to Rs6,000 in Rawalpindi. The situation is dire, with many struggling to afford basic necessities due to the inflated price of flour.