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Tag: Pakistan

  • PTI leaders met Maulana Fazlur Rehman in surprise move

    PTI leaders met Maulana Fazlur Rehman in surprise move

    In an unexpected turn of events, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) top leadership, with the approval of PTI chief Imran Khan, met Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Thursday.

    Imran and Fazal were considered arch-foes, targeting each other in the past while addressing political rallies. Maulana Fazlur Rehman was part of coalition government when Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Shehbaz Sharif was the prime minister of the country, a political coalition that removed Imran Khan from power.

    Talking to journalists after the meeting in Islamabad, PTI’s senior leader Asad Qaiser said: “Everyone, including the PTI chairman, had approved of this meeting.”

    The former speaker of the National Assembly (NA) also said that, “Today, we came to offer our condolences [over the demise of Fazl’s mother-in-law], this is our culture. We did not discuss politics in the meeting.”

    According to sources in GEO News, the ongoing political situation came under discussion in the hour-long meeting.

    Asad Qaiser, Ali Muhammad Khan, Barrister Muhammad Ali Khan Saif, and Junair Akbar were part of the meeting from PTI’s side.

    After the meeting, the JUI-F chief showed interest in playing a leading role in bringing political stability to the country after discussing things with former senator Muhammad Ali Durrani.

  • October 27: Black Day for Kashmiris

    October 27: Black Day for Kashmiris

    Kashmiris all around the world are observing a Black Day on October 27. On this day, India occupied the valley, denying the people of their right to have a plebiscite. Even after seven decades, Kashmiris are still waiting for the fulfilment of the promises made to them by the UN and India-the right of self-determination.

    President Arif Alvi expressed solidarity with Kashmiris on the eve of the Black Day. ‘We are with you at every forum,’ he assured the valley. He also highlighted the unilateral revocation of Article 370 by India as a blatant violation of the UN Security Council resolutions and International Law.

    In Indian Illegal Occupied Jammu and Kashmir massive violations of human rights have plagued the region. Indian Occupied forces have martyred over 96,000 Kashmiris, raped 11, 250 women arrested and tortured 1,62,000 persons and destroyed 1,11,000 properties. Adding to the misery, after August 5, 2019 settlements by non-kashmiris have started as well.

    The day is a stark reminder that Kashmiri Lives Matter and the atrocities endured by generations of Kashmiris over seventy years will remain a bleak spot in the history of peace-making in the world.

  • October to end with lunar eclipse in Pakistan

    October to end with lunar eclipse in Pakistan

    The second and last lunar eclipse of the year is going to be partially visible in Pakistan. It will last for some hours but will hit peak at 14 minutes past one o’clock in the night.

    The eclipse will be visible in many parts of Asia, Europe, Australia, America and Africa along with Pakistan. It will start at two minutes past 11 on October 28 and last till 26 minutes past three o’ clock in the morning of October 29.

    In a partial lunar eclipse, a portion of the moon appears darkened when the Earth comes between the Sun and the moon causing the shadow of the planet to fall on the moon.

  • ‘No evidence that TLP is anti-state party’: Election Commission

    ‘No evidence that TLP is anti-state party’: Election Commission

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday submitted an implementation report in the Faizabad sit-in case to the Supreme Court, stating that there is no evidence that Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) is involved in anti-state acts.

    The ECP sought a report from the Interior Ministry on the involvement of the TLP in anti-state activities, and as per the report, the group was not involved in such activities.
    “There is no evidence that TLP is an anti-state party,” the report states.

    While examining the party’s funding, the ECP discovered a sum of Rs1.5 million received through unauthorized channels by the TLP. However, the commission clarified that this amount, though obtained improperly, couldn’t be considered foreign funding.

    “The TLP’s funding sources were also reviewed and according to the Scrutiny Committee report, the party received Rs1.5 million from prohibited sources, which is little amount for such a party. Such a minor amount received by Tehreek-e-Labbaik cannot be classified as foreign funding,” the ECP report says.

    A three-member bench of the Supreme Court (SC) will take up Faizabad sit-in review petitions for hearing on November 1.

    The bench would be presided over by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa. The Registrar’s office of the top court had issued notices to respondents including the Attorney General of Pakistan.
    Faizabad Sit-in
    Back in November 08, 2017, TLP organized a sit-in at Faizabad interchange against the amendments in the Election Bill 2017, changing the word oath to declaration.


    The protesters demanded the resignation of Minister for Law and Justice Zahid Hamid to “protect the identity of the country”.
    The protestors achieved their objective as the Pakistani law minister Zahid Hamid stepped down from his position on November 27, 2017 culminating in an end to the protests that continued for 20 days without harm.

  • Imran has sent another message from jail for Pakistanis

    Imran has sent another message from jail for Pakistanis

    Former prime minister and Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan conveyed a message to Pakistanis from jail via family sources on October, 24, 2023.


    The Chairman’s account on X said in his message that there is total mockery of law in the country, alleging that what is happening today is not only due to “London Plan” but “London agreement”.


    Imran Khan said in his message: “My Pakistanis! In the last few days, we have witnessed a total mockery of the law. All that is happening today is not just an execution of a London “plan” but “ ” that was signed between a cowardly fugitive & corrupt criminal and his facilitators. The only way a convicted criminal could be allowed to return to politics with a clean chit is by destroying State institutions. And hence, what we are witnessing is a complete collapse of our justice system.”


    He also mentioned that all the cases against him are “fake and politically motivated”. While talking about his cases and political awareness in the people he said that, “My Pakistanis! Please remember, all the cases against me are completely bogus & politically motivated, concocted only to keep me in jail for certain till after the elections or maybe much longer beyond the elections. However, the growing political awareness and increasing resistance against closed-room conspiracies in my nation scares them.”


    The former prime minister also said while talking about his health that, “At the moment I am physically fit. I would know if my body was experiencing change from weakness. But they have already made two public attempts to take my life. Since I won’t agree to leave my country there is of course a danger they will try to make another attempt on my life while I am in jail. Such an attempt could also be through slow poisoning.”


    He also mentioned that “Our struggle is entering its decisive phase. You will have to fight for your own rights and your country’s freedom. I have directed my lawyers and party office bearers to hold conventions all over the country and also commence the campaign for whenever elections are held.”

  • Ushna Shah’s opinion on McDonald’s workers has divided social media

    Ushna Shah’s opinion on McDonald’s workers has divided social media

    Ushna Shah’s recent take on boycotting McDonald’s and other international franchises has divided social media. The actress is currently among the vocal celebrities calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Yesterday she expressed her outrage at a video showing IDF soldiers in Israel enjoying McDonald’s. The Israeli franchise was subjected to international backlash when they announced they were providing free meals to soldiers. Ushna shared the video and urged her followers to boycott the brand, writing:

    “I swear to God if I see anyone touch #McDonalds or have it anywhere near me I’m going to rage. Keep it the hell off my sets & if you choose to eat it or endorse it stay the hell away from me, & be prepared for an earful. And for Muslims, consider it as Haram as pork.”

    A commentor under her X post questioned if Ushna was thinking about the countless workers in local McDonald’s franchises, who would be jobless if the restaurant was boycotted. To which the ‘Habs’ actor responded:

    “Shut up. Those people can find employment at a local fast food chain . McDonalds is a Franchise and as a Franchise it has chosen to send 4000 daily meals to an army that is annihilating Gaza. Closing this franchise in Pakistan will open doors for local businesses to flourish which is far better for our economy. This argument is ridiculous. McDonalds needs to be banned. Simple.”

    While some users agreed with Ushna’ take to boycott McDonald’s, other’s felt her tweet reeked of elitism.

    There were users on X who agreed to stop purchasing McDonald’s to ensure their support for Palestine remains strong.

    “Mcdonalds is next to where i play football in Singapore. I sometimes had it on my way back. Today, i chose to walk 2 km to a local joint instead. If i can, you can.”

    But others felt her tweet especially regarding workers finding job elsewhere read like elitism, and many users pointed out there needs to be conversation on how the middle class survives boycotts like these.

    “an elite woman telling people who live the consequences of poor economy to go find another job is insane,” a user wrote.

    This user pointed out that we should help employees find new jobs so they’re not affected by the McDonald’s boycott.

    “An average #McDonalds employee earns 25 to 30K, and in a country where people beg for jobs, you’re asking them to leave their jobs? Who will provide them with new jobs? First get them jobs at local chains with same salary and a ration of a month then lash out at them. #Pakistan“

    “Someone please tell her that your boycott wont have any impact on global chain of McDonalds since they operate via franchise in Pakistan and the only loss would be Pakistan’s economy and people employed there. Get them job first then come up with such activism.”

    “and until those ppl dont get re-employed at a local chain, they’d be on Ushna’s payroll ? Its easier said then done. people do not estimate the impact. Its 5,000 to 8,000 families getting affected if a chain closes. Its not really about not having a big mac, that’s the easy part”

  • Professional beggars to be blacklisted by FIA

    Professional beggars to be blacklisted by FIA

    The Federal Investigative Agency has decided to blacklist the passports of professional beggars who go abroad to seek alms.

    Director-General FIA Mohsin Butt has issued a directive to thwart these passengers from flying abroad. A crackdown has been initiated, with seventy-four suspects from airports across the country offloaded and transferred to the FIA Anti-Human Trafficking Circles for further investigation. Their passports are going to be blacklisted.

    Previously a report was submitted to the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis about a shocking percentage of professional beggars who were arrested in the Middle East. 90 per cent of them are Pakistanis. These also include pickpockets who are arrested from the religious sites.

    The Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis raised the issue in front of the committee. “Beggars are leaving Pakistan in large numbers, often travelling by boatloads. They are exploiting Umrah and visiting visas to beg from pilgrims abroad,” he informed the committee. The increasing number of Pakistani beggars in Iraq and Saudi Arabia is also a cause of less regard, mistrust and growing suspicion attached to the Pakistani nation. An increasing numbers of prisoners in foreign jails is feeding into the tarnished image and highlights the serious issue of human trafficking as well.

  • Court rejects Khan’s appeal seeking bail, cancellation of FIR in cipher case

    Court rejects Khan’s appeal seeking bail, cancellation of FIR in cipher case

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday has rejected former prime minister Imran Khan’s appeal requesting bail and cancellation of the first information report (FIR) in the cipher case on Friday.

    The verdict, reserved on October 16, was read out by IHC Chief Justice Amir Farooq.

    Khan’s lawyer, Latif Khosa, stated during the last hearing that an FIR against his client should not be registered as the federal cabinet of the former prime minister declassified the cipher.

    Another PTI lawyer, Salman Safdar, said that Section 5 of the Official Secrets Act was not relevant in the cipher case.

    He also mentioned that Section 5 could be applied for sharing sensitive information with foreigners, and this “main ingredient is missing” in the FIR against former prime minister.

    The FIR was registered against PTI’s chairman and the party’s vice chairman, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, for misusing the cipher for their political motives.

  • How the economic and energy crisis could be a blessing in disguise for Pakistan

    How the economic and energy crisis could be a blessing in disguise for Pakistan

    The notorious pollutant, nitrogen dioxide gas, is predicted to stay low this year in Pakistan, thanks to the economic and energy crisis that the country is going through. This is seemingly a blessing in disguise because the result is reduced air pollution in the country.

    For a few years the cities of Lahore and Karachi are constantly making it to the top charts of air pollution due to the smog. Higher concentration of nitrogen dioxide is released in the air due to the combustion of fossil fuels like petroleum, coal and gas which in turn pollutes it irreversibly.

    This time around there is a record decrease of 24 per cent in the annual sale of petrol and diesel in Karachi alone. Simultaneously, there is a 20 percent decrease in the release of nitrogen dioxide.

    Lahore has witnessed a decrease of 20 per cent in gas concentration whereas in Islamabad and Peshawar reduction of 14 and 5 per cent are recorded respectively. The same was observed during the winter of Covid times.

    It is predicted that compared to last year air pollution will be a little less than it was in the winter. This may affect the lethal and obstructive smog to become a lot less than usual.

  • Chief Justice calls meeting of Supreme Judicial Council

    Chief Justice calls meeting of Supreme Judicial Council

    The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, has called a meeting of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) on Friday at 11.30 a.m. as per Maryam Nawaz of Geo News.

    The meeting will focus on addressing complaints lodged against several high-ranking judges, including Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi.

    Notably, this will mark the first SJC meeting under the leadership of CJP Isa, following a gap of over three years since the previous moot. The council, chaired by CJP Isa, includes two other senior judges of the highest court, namely Justice Tariq Masood and Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan.

    The SJC holds the exclusive authority to dismiss judges from superior courts based on various charges.

    Apart from Justice Naqvi, there have been grievances filed against other judges of the superior court.

    The primary agenda for tomorrow’s meeting is likely to be the consideration of a complaint against Justice Naqvi.

    Justice Masood, senior judge of the Supreme Court and member of SJC, had submitted his legal opinion on the misconduct complaints filed against apex court Justice Naqvi in September this year, according to The News.

    Several misconduct complaints were filed against Justice Naqvi during the tenure of former chief justice Umar Ata Bandial who referred the matter to Justice Tariq Masood for examination and legal opinion.

    Initially, the misconduct complaint against Justice Naqvi was filed with the SJC by a Lahore-based lawyer Muhammad Dawood. Later on, Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) also announced that they were going to file a complaint against the senior judge.

    PBC Vice Chairman Haroon Rashid lodged a misconduct complaint against Justice Naqvi after an audio leak implied discussions regarding the manipulation of a case before a specific bench or judge, involving former Punjab chief minister Pervaiz Elahi.

    Earlier this year, in April, senior judges of the Supreme Court, Justice Isa and Justice Masood, had urged former CJP Bandial to convene an SJC meeting to address the misconduct complaints against Justice Naqvi.

    In a joint letter to all SJC members, the judges emphasized the importance of ensuring the impartial investigation of the complaints to uphold the judiciary’s integrity and the judge’s reputation.