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Tag: Pakistan

  • FIA submits challan against PTI leaders in cipher case

    FIA submits challan against PTI leaders in cipher case

    The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has filed a challan against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cipher case on Saturday.


    The agency asked the court to hold the two at trial and sentence them, claiming that the former prime minister and vice chairman were found guilty in the matter.


    According to Geo’s sources, Asad Umar, former PTI secretary-general, was not included on the list of suspects. Azam Khan, formerly Imran Khan’s principal secretary, has been referred to as a “strong witness” in the case.


    The FIA also included Azam Khan’s confessions made under Sections 161 and 164 with the challan that Imran Khan keep the cipher to himself and used against the state.
    Last month, FIA booked Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi under official secret act for misusing and misplacing classified document for their political interests.


    “Consequent upon the conclusion of the enquiry No. 111/2023 dated 05.10.2022, registered in the CTW, FIA Islamabad, it transpired that former prime minister namely Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi, former foreign minister namely Shah Mahmood Qureshi and their other associates are involved in communications of information contained in the secret classified document (Cipher Telegram received from Parep. Washington dated 7th March, 2022 to Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to the unauthorised person (i.e. public at large) by twisting the facts to achieve their ulterior motives and personal gains in a manner prejudicial to the interests of state security,” read the first information report (FIR) registered against the PTI leaders.

  • Who hasn’t paid house rent for the last 12 years?

    Who hasn’t paid house rent for the last 12 years?

    Janay kab hongay kum, PTI leadership ki zindagi kay gham

    The owner of ‘Insaf House’, PTI headquarters in Karachi, who rented the place to PTI leadership, has approached a court to seek unpaid rent worth more than Rs 10 million accumulated over the past 12 years, as per Geo News.

    Dues calculated till July 2023 are Rs 13.9 million. The rent agreement was signed between the landlord and PTI’s late leader Naeem ul Haque, President Arif Alvi, and former Sindh governor Imran Ismail. Meanwhile, Firdous Shamim Naqvi and Samar Ali Khan signed the agreement as ‘guarantors’.

    Under the rental agreement, PTI leaders including Alvi, Ismail and Haque had agreed to pay Rs100,000 in rent each month.
    Party leaders, including President Arif Alvi, might face legal consequences after the owner filed a case under section 15 of the Sindh Rental Ordinance Act 1969.

    As per the documents, PTI leadership not only faces legal consequences due to unpaid rent but also might face charges for violating the agreement’s clause that prohibited any political activities at the premises.

    If the case is decided in favor of the landlord, Alvi, Ismail, and the guarantors might even face disqualification.

    PTI had moved the court to de-seal the Insaf House after it was cordoned off following the May 9 riots. The court directed authorities to de-seal the party’s office and barred any gathering of more than five people at the premises.

  • Historic first: man booked for torturing birds

    For the first time, a case has been registered against a man in Lahore for keeping birds hungry and thirsty.

    According to the police, a case of animal cruelty has been registered in Township police station.

    Incharge Police Animal Rescue Center, Aroosa Hussain, has said that Shakeel kept birds on a rooftop, however, they were found starving and thirsty.

    There were bones and remains of dead animals on the roof which the hungry birds were forced to eat.

    The police have rescued eight partridges, 12 chickens and two ducks. The birds were then transferred to the Police Animal Rescue Center.

  • Pakistan and Gulf Cooperation Council sign historic free trade agreement 

    Pakistan and Gulf Cooperation Council sign historic free trade agreement 

    Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have officially initiated a comprehensive free trade agreement, as announced by the GCC through its communication platform, X. 

    The formal signing ceremony was conducted with the participation of GCC Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi and Pakistan’s Minister of Trade, Gohar Ejaz. 

    In his remarks, Secretary-General Al-Budaiwi underscored the historic significance of this economic accord, characterising it as a pivotal moment in bilateral cooperation. He emphasised that this agreement would play a vital role in fostering mutual growth and prosperity, aligning with the shared interests of both parties, as conveyed in the GCC’s official statement. 

    Additionally, Al-Budaiwi highlighted the GCC’s commitment to advancing the cause of free trade by actively pursuing similar agreements with other nations, as indicated in the statement. 

    Both leaders expressed optimism about the agreement’s potential to significantly enhance trade relations between Pakistan and the Arab nations. 

    It’s worth noting that Pakistan and the GCC initially laid the groundwork for discussions on a free trade agreement back in August 2004. However, progress had been limited to only a few rounds of talks. The negotiations were reignited in 2021, leading to the formalisation of this momentous trade pact. 

  • Former FIA chief joins PML-N

    The ex-Director General (DG) of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Bashir Memon joined Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) on Friday.
    The former FIA chief has assumed the role of convener for the 12-member committee established by Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz within the PML-N Sindh. This committee’s purpose is to facilitate Nawaz Sharif’s welcome arrangements upon his return home next month.


    Apart from Memon, the committee tasked with ensuring the attendance of party workers in welcoming the PML-N leader includes Muhammad Zubair, Nehal Hashmi, and Kheeal Das Kohistani.


    The party is preparing for a grand reception for Nawaz — who is set to return to Pakistan on October 21 — and plans to hold a massive rally of one million people in their stronghold — Lahore.
    The development comes after Raja Riaz, who was formerly the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly (NA), made the decision to join the Nawaz-led party, after meeting the former Prime Minister in London.

  • You can’t get 100-page passports now

    You can’t get 100-page passports now

    The government has announced a temporary suspension on the issuance of passports with 100 pages. A statement issued by the Passport office expresses regret for the inconvenience and clarifies that this decision is part of the Directorate General (DG) of Immigration and Passports’ plan to introduce electronic passports (e-passports) nationwide.

    The transition initially began in Islamabad and has since been extended to all passport offices across the country following the federal government’s introduction of e-passports in June.

    As of August 16, 2023, new fee schedules have been implemented for e-passports, while fees for standard passports will remain unchanged.

    Here are the updated fee details for e-passports:

    1. For a standard 36-page passport valid for 5 years, the cost is set at Rs. 9,000.
    2. An urgent e-passport option is available for Rs. 15,000.
    3. A 72-page e-passport for regular processing will cost Rs. 16,500.
    4. Urgent service for the 72-page e-passport is priced at Rs. 27,000.
    5. If you opt for a 36-page passport with a 10-year validity, the normal fee is Rs. 13,500.
    6. The urgent service for this passport type costs Rs. 22,500.
    7. Additionally, a 72-page passport with a 10-year validity will incur a standard fee of Rs. 24,750, with an urgent processing fee of Rs. 40,500.

    The government’s decision to temporarily suspend the issuance of 100-page passports is in line with their efforts to streamline passport services and introduce more secure electronic passports to enhance the travel experience for Pakistani citizens.

  • Risk of another poliovirus outbreak

    Risk of another poliovirus outbreak

    More evidence of poliovirus was found in five samples in Peshawar and Karachi and so, the chances of a poliovirus outbreak in the country have now increased.

    According to the Ministry of Health, polio virus found in the five samples in Karachi are genetically linked to the virus in Afghanistan. Whereas, the genetic testing of the virus found in the positive sample from Peshawar is ongoing.

    Previously, five Union Councils of Karachi have been declared at high risk of polio virus.Other places of detection include Hangu and Pishin.

    Earlier this week, Egyptian authorities made it mandatory for travellers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and other countries to provide a polio vaccination certificate.“

    As informed by the Egyptian Authorities, passengers travelling to Egypt from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Malawi, Mozambique and Congo are requested to provide an international certificate of vaccination specifically polio vaccine, OPV or IPV (both are acceptable),” Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said in an advisory on its website on Monday.

    Additionally, last month, the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee as well as the World Health Organisation (WHO) expressed concerns over Pakistan’s efforts in eliminating polio virus.

  • IMF spokesperson urges fair taxation and protection for vulnerable in Pakistan

    IMF spokesperson urges fair taxation and protection for vulnerable in Pakistan

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has emphasised that its $3 billion Standby Arrangement (SBA) programme with Pakistan serves as a critical policy framework. This framework addresses both domestic and international economic imbalances while also facilitating financial support from various donors, including the refinancing of outstanding debts.

    According to Geo, during a recent press conference held at the IMF headquarters in Washington, DC, Julie Kozack, the spokesperson for the global lender, fielded questions regarding the IMF’s engagement with Pakistan. These inquiries encompassed Pakistan’s request for relief and permissions within the existing agreement, specifically in relation to rising energy costs, notably electricity bills.

    In response to concerns about potential human rights implications, particularly for minority populations and the vast number of people living below the poverty line (an estimated 92 to 95 million), the IMF spokesperson emphasised that the programme received approval on July 12. It is a nine-month standby arrangement amounting to $3 billion, designed to support the economic stabilisation programme of the Pakistani government.

    The core objectives of this programme revolve around providing a policy framework to address both domestic and external economic imbalances, along with establishing a structure to secure financial support from various donors, both multilateral and bilateral. This includes securing fresh financing and addressing upcoming debt obligations.

    The IMF outlined that policy efforts are focused on implementing the fiscal year 2024 budget, formulating appropriate monetary policies to combat inflation, and continuing reforms to enhance the sustainability of the energy sector.

    These reforms are ultimately geared towards fostering higher, more inclusive, and more resilient economic growth. They also aim to bolster social development and climate resilience by strengthening public financial management, improving tax administration, and enhancing the prioritisation of public investments.

    Furthermore, these efforts are conducted in collaboration with partner institutions, not only the IMF but also the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, underscoring a collective commitment to Pakistan’s economic stability and development.

    Kozack also highlighted IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva’s strong stance on poverty and inequality. She emphasised the importance of wealthier segments of society bearing a fair tax burden, particularly in a context where Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio is notably low.

    The IMF’s commitment extends to safeguarding the interests of the poor and vulnerable members of society within the programme’s framework, aligning with the goal of achieving a more equitable and inclusive society.

  • Mannat Murad is heartwarming in the best way possible

    Mannat Murad is heartwarming in the best way possible

    ‘Mannat Murad’, written by Pakistani drama writer Nadia Akhtar and directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain, is a heartwarming blend of comedy and romance. Produced by Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi, the story revolves around two central characters: Mannat, played by Iqra Aziz, and Murad, played by Talha Chahour.

    Mannat, the youngest in her family, holds a special place as her birth came after numerous prayers and wishes, hence her name. The series thoughtfully explores the often misunderstood topic of depression, shedding light on how it’s perceived and the unfortunate neglect of mental health in our society.

    Mannat’s life unfolds in the backdrop of her progressive family, who value love, care, and individual choices. After the tragic loss of her parents, Mannat finds solace in Nafees, who becomes her loving elder brother and a pillar of support.

    On the other hand, Murad belongs to a more traditional family, where his mother’s influence casts a long shadow over his life decisions. As the sole son, Murad carries the weight of fulfilling his family’s expectations.

    The series is captivating, exploring the dynamics of love, family, and the choices we make in the face of societal expectations. It’s a story that touches the heart and offers a glimpse into the complex interplay between personal desires and family obligations.

  • Temporary pause on 100-page passports in Pakistan, e-passports introduced

    Temporary pause on 100-page passports in Pakistan, e-passports introduced

    The government of Pakistan has ceased the issuance of 100-page passports, a decision confirmed by the passport office. This change, while causing temporary inconvenience, was announced in a statement by the passport office, which expressed its regret for any disruption.

    Previously, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, operating under the Ministry of Interior, initiated the issuance of e-passports from passport offices nationwide, following Islamabad’s lead. In June, the federal government introduced these electronic passports.

    As outlined by the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, the fee for a 36-page passport, valid for 5 years, is set at Rs9,000, with an urgent e-passport available for Rs15,000.

    For a 72-page e-passport, the standard fee is Rs16,500, and the urgent fee is Rs27,000. A 36-page passport, valid for 10 years, will cost Rs13,500 under normal processing, while the urgent fee is Rs22,500.

    For a 72-page passport valid for 10 years, the regular fee is Rs24,750, and the urgent fee is Rs40,500. These new fee structures went into effect on August 16, while the fees for standard passports remain unchanged.