Author: newsdesk

  • 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.

  • Bad News for Zulfi Bukhari

    Bad News for Zulfi Bukhari

    In a notable development, the Ministry of Interior has given the green light for the issuance of a red warrant for Zulfi Bukhari, a prominent leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former federal minister for overseas Pakistanis.

    The ministry instructed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to formally approach the Interpol Secretariat in France, requesting the issuance of a red warrant for Bukhari.

    The letter sent by Deputy Secretary FIA, Muhammad Zia ul Haq, to Rana Muhammad Waqas Anwar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (G)/ Director Administration ICT, Chief Commissioner Office, Islamabad and SSP Investigation, Islamabad states,

    “FIA is requested to kindly carry out in-depth scrutiny of the documents/case so as to gauge its legal and technical strength, before filing application for issuance of Red Notice with INTERPOL Secretariat, Lyon, France. In case, any deficieney is observed therein, the concerned departments) may be consulted for making up for the same, under intimation to this Ministry. FlA must send complete cases to INTERPOL.”

    The move is part of efforts to arrest and extradite him to Pakistan for his alleged involvement in a case registered under the Anti-Terrorism Act at Golra police station on March 18.

    The case against Zulfi Bukhari stems from his participation in the PTI’s “Jail Bharo Tehreek,” which commenced on February 22. He was the first to court arrest as part of the party’s protest, but subsequently left the country.

    Former interior minister Rana Sanaullah had accused Bukhari, along with two other PTI leaders, of leaving the country as part of a larger conspiracy.

    In response, Bukhari strongly refuted these claims and criticized Sanaullah’s allegations.

    Bukhari clarified, “I’m sharing my travel details and the airport information. I left for business and was scheduled to return on 6th May. It doesn’t require this much effort and attention to ascertain these facts,” in response to Sanaullah’s remarks made during a television show.

  • NAB has ‘no objection’ to revival of Nawaz’s appeals

    NAB has ‘no objection’ to revival of Nawaz’s appeals

    The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has told the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that they have no objection to the reinstatement of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s conviction appeals in the Al-Azizia and Avenfield cases.

    Sharif, who appeared before the IHC, previously sought the restoration of his appeals against the sentences given in the two corruption references.

    NAB informed the division bench, led by Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and comprising Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb, that it held no objections to the revival of Nawaz’s appeals.

    At the outset of the hearing, NAB Prosecutor General Ghulam Qadir Shah said that a reference can only be taken back if it is yet pending a verdict. “We have reviewed these appeals as well as the facts and legalities of both references,” he said.

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) restored PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s appeals against his conviction in the Avenfield Apartments and Al-Azizia references.

    The verdict, which was reserved earlier today, was announced by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb.

    The bench issued the verdict while hearing Nawaz’s pleas seeking protective bail in the cases and for restoring his appeals against his conviction.

    During the hearing earlier this week, the IHC issued notices to the NAB on Sharif’s request and extended his bail period, as he appeared before the court with surety bonds worth Rs1 million.

    Sharif had been convicted in 2018 in the two corruption cases and had left for London for medical treatment in 2019, returning to Pakistan on October 21 after nearly four years in self-imposed exile.

    Following his appearance before the IHC, the Punjab government invoked Section 401 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to suspend Sharif’s sentence in the Al-Azizia reference.

    On the same day, the PML-N leader was granted bail from an accountability court in Islamabad in the Toshakhana case against him.

    Sharif’s legal saga has been ongoing since 2018 when he was convicted in the Avenfield case, followed by the Al-Azizia case later that year.

    Despite being granted bail by the IHC in 2019, he remained abroad for medical treatment, leading to his declaration as a proclaimed offender by both the IHC and the accountability court.

    In a judgment in June 2021, the IHC rejected Sharif’s appeals due to his continuous absence from court proceedings.

    The court stated that as Sharif was a fugitive, he had lost his right to present his case before the court, leading to the dismissal of his appeal.

    On October 19, 2023, both the IHC and the accountability court provided Sharif with protective bail until October 24, 2023.

  • ‘No delay in elections’: ECP dismisses remarks by President Arif Alvi

    ‘No delay in elections’: ECP dismisses remarks by President Arif Alvi

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has dismissed any notions of delaying the general elections, emphasizing its commitment to the scheduled electoral process despite recent uncertainties.

    Following President Arif Alvi’s statement in an interview with Geo News anchorperson Hamid Mir that have sparked speculations of a delay, the ECP swiftly issued a statement reiterating its preparedness and determination to carry out electoral proceedings as planned.

    “According to the action plan, the final list of constituencies is scheduled to be published on November 30, 2023. This announcement comes after the first phase of constituencies has already been completed, and the second phase, involving the filing of objections, is set to conclude on October 27, 2023,” the statement reads.

    The statement further said that ECP will commence the hearing of objections on preliminary constituencies starting from October 30 or 31, emphasising its commitment to conducting the elections as per the established timeline.

    “The President’s interview had raised concerns regarding a possible delay in the elections, but the Election Commission’s clear and prompt response has put those speculations to rest. The Commission remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure a fair and timely electoral process,” the spokesperson said.

    In an interview with Geo News anchorperson Hamid Mir, President Alvi said he does not see polls taking place in January. He recalled that he made various “efforts” for polls, including letters to the ECP and suggesting a cut-off date of November 6.

    According to the president, the law ministry told him that it was not his prerogative. He stated that free and fair elections and a level playing field were crucial for Pakistan’s progress.

    During the interview, he also alluded to the caretaker government being behind the spate of defections from the PTI. “Whatever the caretaker government is doing — what with people disappearing and reappearing with shifted loyalties,” he said.

    Speaking about the amendments to the Official Secrets Act and the Pakistan Army Act, President Alvi said he “stands by” his claim that he did not assent to tweaks made by the PDM government.

  • ‘When we rise, we go straight to the top’; Babar Azam still has hope

    ‘When we rise, we go straight to the top’; Babar Azam still has hope

    A video of a Pakistan team practice session has been widely shared on the X account of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). In the video, players were seen practicing in the net while Babar Azam gives them a pep talk.

    Despite three consecutive defeats in the ICC World Cup, the captain of the national team, Babar Azam, did not lose heart and encouraged the players.

    ‘We have done this many times, we have risen from the bottom but when we rise from the bottom we go straight to the top, all the players remember that time.”

    He said, “It would be easy if we stick by each other. We have to walk shoulder to shoulder with each other, we have done it before, we have come back and we can still do it. Don’t give up”.

  • ‘I wish Pakistan loses next four matches of the World Cup’: Kamran Akmal

    ‘I wish Pakistan loses next four matches of the World Cup’: Kamran Akmal

    After Pakistan’s consecutive defeats to India, Australia, and Afghanistan in the ICC ODI World Cup, the national team is being heavily criticized.

    While speaking on the sports transmission of a private TV channel, Pakistan’s former wicket-keeper batsman Kamran Akmal said, “Everyone is saying that the Pakistan team must win the next four matches, but I wish that Pakistan loses its next matches too”.

    The former cricketer said, “If we want Pakistan’s cricket to be improved, then the team should not win the next match. If the national team wins and enters the top four, then they will start the same thing again.”

    As soon as Kamran Akmal said this, the anchor immediately pointed at him and said, “What are you talking about? I don’t want to see Pakistan lose.” To which Kamran Akmal replied, “This is not about losing the match but it will destroy their ego”.

    The video clip is going viral on social media and users are also commenting on it.

  • ‘It had to happen’: Aina Asif defends why Mayi-Ri had to end with divorce of Ainy and Fakhir

    ‘It had to happen’: Aina Asif defends why Mayi-Ri had to end with divorce of Ainy and Fakhir

    Child star Aina Asif was a guest on ‘Mazaaq Raat’ where an audience member asked her about the controversial ending of the drama ‘Mayi-Ri’. The serial centered around the forceful marriage of a 15-year-old girl to her cousin, and the birth of their daughter. The drama’s ending divided opinions when Ainy divorces Fakhir, decides to live with her single mother to raise her daughter and completes her education.

    The ending was applauded by some users for showing divorce as something that empowers a woman rather than shameful, with Ainy choosing to live her life on her own terms. While other users slammed the show-makers for ‘glamorising divorce’.

    READ MORE: ‘Mayi Ri’ ends with mixed responses from fans

    Aina defended the scene as something that was necessary to depict in order for audiences to fully understand why child marriage is wrong. “There could have been a different ending, but we have to emphasise that child marriage is wrong. We were trying to show that.”

    Aina further stressed the drama’s characters Ainy and Fakhir were good for each other but their timing was wrong, hence they had to part ways.

    Watch the clip

  • Ranveer Singh reveals how he proposed to Deepika Padukone on Koffee With Karan

    Ranveer Singh reveals how he proposed to Deepika Padukone on Koffee With Karan

    Iconic Bollywood couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone were the first guests on Season 8 of Koffee With Karan, where the duo spilled secrets about their relationship. This marks the first time the two made an appearance together as a married couple on television.

    Speaking about how they got engaged, Ranveer revealed he had proposed to Deepika back in 2015 by popping the question at a gorgeous location. The ‘Rocky and Rani’ actor said that after consulting his mother and sister, he purchased the ring that was “far above my means at the time.”

    As reported by India Today, the actor and Deepika were set to leave for a vacation to Maldives. They were on a boat ride when Ranveer got down on one knee with the ring and proposed.

    ‘We go to the Maldives. And I’ve secretly carried the ring with me. We do the sandbank adventure. A boat takes us out in the middle of the sea and there’s just one tiny sliver of sand in the middle and all around is just infinite sea. They drop you there and put up a tent. It was literally just her and me in the middle of the sea. I was like, this is just perfect”

    Ranveer recalled Deepika was overwhelmed with emotions because she was shocked, and said yes right away.

    The couple further revealed that convincing Deepika’s parents was the hardest part of their journey. Deepika recalled that they met her at parents after returning from Maldives, and went directly to Padukone’s house in Bangalore. Ranveer said he had prepped everything to tell her family:

    ”We’re having this wonderful evening. I am trying to charm them. Then she whispered ‘I am going to tell them now’ and I was like ‘Don’t’ ”.

    Deepika opened up how she blurted the news out during dinner, and her mother’s face “had just gone cold”, Ranveer mentioned.

    ”After all the hugs and celebrations, I’ve gone to my room and I put my ear to the door. Outside, Amma and Deepika are having it out. She’s (Deepika’s mother) saying ‘Who is this guy? He’s proposed marriage and you’ve said yes also?’ Is this any way?’ With my ear on the door, I was like ‘God save us’ ”.

    But despite her initial concerns, Deepika said her mother truly loves Ranveer now.

    “It took a lot of years and work on my part to make a place in Amma’s heart. It has happened. And I am one of Amma’s favourite people in the world.”

    Perhaps what was even more wholesome about this entire interview was when the couple released a snippet of their wedding video during the episode. Watch and weep at your own risk.

  • First flight carrying asylum-seeking Afghans departs from Islamabad to UK today

    The first flight carrying asylum-seeking Afghans will depart from Islamabad International Airport for the United Kingdom on Thursday.

    200 Afghan refugees are reportedly going to fly out today.

    The Independent has reported that around 3,000 Afghans, many of whom worked for the British army, are to be given UK residency after the Afghan Taliban took over Kabul in August 2021.

    For the time being, the UK has accommodated them in Pakistan since 2022, whereas hundreds have been stuck and await their turn to get relocated.

    The Independent wrote that in “A U-turn of government policy, ministers have pledged that all Afghans eligible for the UK’s resettlement schemes will no longer have to wait for accommodation to be confirmed before coming to Britain”.

    This u-turn was taken after Pakistan gave an ultimatum to all undocumented foreign nationals to leave by November 1 after which they will be deported.

    A British High Commission delegation met senior officials from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) on Tuesday.

    According to the senior CAA official, around 2,000 Afghan refugees will be repatriated by mid-December through one or two weekly chartered flights from Islamabad to the UK.

  • Danish Kaneria requests BCCI and Narendra Modi to remove lifetime ban

    Danish Kaneria requests BCCI and Narendra Modi to remove lifetime ban

    Former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria appealed to BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help him remove a life time ban on him.

    During an interview to AJJ TAK, Danish Kaneria said, “I would like to appeal to PM Narendra Modi and also to the Indian cricket board to help me to remove life time ban on cricket that was imposed by ECB (England and Wales cricket Board).”

    ECB banned Danish Kaneria for being involved in a spot-fixing case in 2012.