Category: National

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  • ‘She didn’t mention Saudi Arabia at all’: Imran Khan defends Bushra Bibi’s controversial claims

    ‘She didn’t mention Saudi Arabia at all’: Imran Khan defends Bushra Bibi’s controversial claims

    With former first lady Bushra Bibi landing in hot water over allegations that Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was involved in her husband Imran Khan’s ouster from power, the incarcerated former premier’s official X (formerly Twitter) account has rushed to her defence.


    In a rare on-screen appearance, Bushra had on November 21 released a video message to urge people to take to streets for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) “decisive” Nov 24 protest. She had gone on to talk about her husband’s ouster as the prime minister.


    “The reason behind all powers standing against Khan hasn’t been told before. When Khan went to Madinah barefoot, Bajwa immediately started receiving calls about what kind of person he had brought [with him],” she said.


    According to Bushra’s allegations, Saudi leadership told Gen Bajwa that he had brought with him the “custodian of Shariah” at a time they were trying to “distance themselves from the Shariah system”.
    “After this, a smear campaign was launched against us, and [they] started calling Khan a Jewish agent,” the former first lady claimed.


    As the claims drew strong reactions from members of the government, PTI leaders and supporters alike – with only a few defending or clarifying Bushra’s remarks – her husband and party founder Imran Khan’s official account on X has posted an apparent clarification.


    “Bushra Bibi’s statement was deliberately taken out of context to draw our brotherly country KSA into a needless controversy. She didn’t mention Saudi Arabia at all. My government was toppled through conspiracies, all orchestrated by General Bajwa. I tried to have these investigated through the Chief Justice and General Tariq Khan, but General Bajwa did not allow that to happen. Bushra Bibi has no connection with politics; she only conveyed my message to the nation, as my wife, regarding the November 24 protest,” read the statement on X.


    Khan’s account also claimed that bilateral relations between Pakistan and KSA were at their best during his tenure and he personally shared “excellent” relations with the Kingdom. “I have excellent relations with Saudi Arabia. When I was attacked in Wazirabad, one of the first calls I received was through the embassy from HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.”


    “Saudi Arabia has always stood by us in difficult times. Only two weeks prior to our government being toppled, we held a very successful OIC foreign minister’s conference in Islamabad, which would have been impossible to do had Saudi Arabia not supported and stood with us,” the statement added.


    It merits a mention that former prime minister (PM) Khan has been in jail since August last year without any access to the internet or his social media accounts. Posts on his official handles have time and again made headlines over confusion surrounding actual handlers of said accounts.


    PTI maintains that all statements on Khan’s social media are conveyed via his legal team after seeing him at Adiala Jail.

  • Punjab govt bans gatherings; motorway closure announced

    Punjab govt bans gatherings; motorway closure announced

    As the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) gears up for its nationwide November 24 protest and march on Islamabad, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province for three days.

    Motorway Police, on the other hand, has announced closure of the road network for ‘maintenance’.

    In a notification issued Friday, the provincial government said that Section 144 will continue to remain in effect from Nov 23 till Nov 25, leading to restrictions on public gatherings, protests, rallies and processions.

    Earlier, a notification pertaining to imposition of Section 144 in Islamabad was also issued. Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) troops were deployed in Rawalpindi, Attock and Jhelum as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that no sit-in will be permitted in the federal capital.

    “I want no shop, business, or road to be closed,” Naqvi said on the potential closure of businesses during PTI’s protest.

    Motorways Closure

    Meanwhile, Motorway Police announced the closure of all motorways on Friday (today) at 8 pm, citing maintenance work.

    Major motorways, including Pindi Bhattian to Multan M4, Sialkot to Lahore M11, Dera Ismail Khan to Hakla M14, Lahore to Islamabad M2 and Peshawar to Islamabad M1, will remain closed until further notice, motorway authority said in a statement.

    The closures and imposition of Section 144 come two days ahead of PTI’s “final and decisive” protest for the release of party founder Imran Khan, who has been behind bars for over a year in Rawalpindi.

    While PTI is determined to hold “peaceful demonstrations”, the government has denied any permission to the former ruling party in this regard.

    “Forty-one funerals have been held there [KP], and here they are coming to Islamabad for protest. The KP government itself is assaulting the capital,” Interior Minister Naqvi said Friday.

    Ruling out the possibility of negotiations with the PTI, he said there was no room for talks if the party leadership was holding sit-ins and protests. “On one hand they talk about protests, and on the other, they talk about negotiations.”

    Mobile network & internet suspension

    On Thursday, it was reported that the federal government has announced the partial suspension of internet and mobile services in Islamabad and areas of KP and Punjab in light of said protests.

    A private media outlet reported that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will activate firewall for social media blocking besides suspending mobile internet service on November 23.

    The report also quoted sources as claiming that internet and mobile services might be suspended at certain locations at any time. The shutdown could result in users being unable to download audio and videos from social media apps.

  • Army chief praises Ali Amin Gandapur for ‘cooperation on national issues’

    Army chief praises Ali Amin Gandapur for ‘cooperation on national issues’

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has praised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur for his collaboration on issues of national importance, a private media outlet reported.

    As per the details, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, earlier this week, chaired a meeting of the Apex Committee that was attended by all provincial chief executives, prominent federal ministers and services as well as intelligence chiefs, including the director general (DG) of Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI).

    Reports quoted a source close to CM Gandapur as saying that COAS Gen Asim, during the meeting, appreciated the KP chief executive for his cooperation on various issues such as security and International Monetary Fund (IMF) negotiations.

    As the meeting continued, CM Gandapur highlighted the issue of PTI founder Imran Khan’s incarceration and demanded his release from jail.

    “We want the release of our leader from jail,” he said, noting that Khan had been behind bars for over a year “without committing any crime”.

    The KP CM also reminded the participants that during PTI’s reign, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif was allowed to seek treatment in London despite his conviction in Pakistan.

    It may be noted that previously, former PM Imran was on August 5, 2023, arrested from his residence in Zaman Park, Lahore, shortly after his conviction in the Toshakhana case and has since been in jail on multiple charges.

    While his sentence was suspended by a court later, the PTI founder continues to remain in jail over his alleged involvement in several other cases pertaining to corruption, misappropriation of funds and inciting masses against state institutions.

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday approved his bail in a second Toshakhana case; however, Khan was not released and re-arrested in jail for allegedly inciting party workers to clash with law enforcement in September this year.

    An anti-terrorism court has approved a five-day physical remand of the former PTI chief in the case. Under this order, an investigation officer will interrogate Khan at Adiala Jail.

    As the remand was granted, Khan’s cell within the prison was formally designated as a police station for the duration of the custody period. He will remain under New Town police jurisdiction while in custody.

    According to court orders, Khan is to be presented before the court on November 26, when further steps in the investigation will be determined based on any new evidence collected.

  • Bushra Bibi under fire for playing ‘religion card’, her claims against Saudi leadership

    Bushra Bibi under fire for playing ‘religion card’, her claims against Saudi leadership

    Former first lady Bushra Bibi is receiving severe backlash for her “uncalled for” video message wherein she accused Saudi leadership of playing a role in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s ouster, besides “unnecessarily playing the religion card”.

    Bushra Bibi, in a video message shared on PTI’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, alleged that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) played a role in her husband’s ouster as prime minister (PM).

    In a rare appearance ahead of PTI’s “decisive” November 24 protests, the former first lady went on to claim that the Saudi leadership had expressed their reservations to then army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

    “The reason behind all powers standing against Khan hasn’t been told before. When Khan went to Madinah barefoot, Bajwa immediately started receiving calls about what kind of person he had brought [with him],” she said.

    According to Bushra’s allegations, Saudi leadership told Gen Bajwa that he had brought with him the “custodian of Shariah” at a time they were trying to “distance themselves from the Shariah system”.

    “After this, a smear campaign was launched against us and [they] started calling Khan a Jewish agent,” the former first lady claimed.

    Bushra also rejected rumours regarding the postponement of the scheduled party protest in the federal capital and called on PTI supporters to participate in the release of her husband.

    However, neither her allegations nor the use of religious rhetoric sit well with PTI leaders and supporters alike. The same was also heavily criticised by government members.

    Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said that implicating Saudi Arabia for “petty political point scoring” exposed the PTI’s “desperate mindset”.

    “We urge all political forces to desist from compromising Pakistan’s foreign policy in pursuance of their political objectives,” he said in a statement, adding that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were close friends and brothers.

    “This relationship is based on mutual respect,” Dar added.

    Speaking to a private media outlet, former federal information minister and PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said that the statement would affect the party’s reputation.

    While some members of the PTI, including KP CM’s adviser Barrister Muhammad Saif and Khan’s close aide tried to defend the former first lady, saying that her statements had been taken “out of context” and she “did not name anyone”, netizens did not shy away from calling Bushra out.

    Musician and staunch supporter of the PTI, Salman Ahmad, said Bushra Bibi was “corrupt” and a “constant source of embarrassment” for Khan.

    “Corrupt and greedy Bushra Bibi and her family and equally corrupt friends like Malik Riaz Zulfi Bokhari, Farah Gogi and Gen Faiz were a constant source of embarrassment for Imran Khan who did not enter politics to enrich himself [sic],” he posted on X.

    They, he added, provided the excuses through their behavior. “It’s disgusting to say that he was removed because he walked barefoot in Mecca. So uneducated and so stupid.”

    “PTI can twist however it wants to, but this is a poorly done mess up that was not needed, and especially not at this time. With all due respect, Bushra Bibi carries no clout or trust within the PTI audience and her messaging is entirely off point undermining Imran Khan and his movement. Whoever came up with this idea to put her on the screen within PTI should be kept in a 10-mile distance from any decision making,” posted one user.

    Another use said Bushra Bibi had “no relevance” to the PTI. “Not sure why she was trounced out to give message. When has Khan ever brought her in public to say even one word! @PTIofficial should say true to the vision and spirit Khan always said… it’s all about justice and the people and never about family leadership!”

    “All due respect to his sisters and wife… stay out of politics. Unless you want to join and then work through the party ranks. Wrt [sic] to what might have been said or not said it’s all speculation,” they said.

    “Let’s not bring religion into everything… whether someone walks with bare foot or not… it’s spreading jahiliyat in an illiterate population. Please stop selling illiteracy to keep the people happy with you. Keep your beliefs to yourself!” the user added.

  • Former first lady alleges Saudi involvement in Khan’s ouster

    Former first lady alleges Saudi involvement in Khan’s ouster

    After blaming the United States (US) for the better part of two years, Bushra Bibi, the spouse of former prime minister Imran Khan, has now accused Saudi Arabia of playing a role in Khan’s ouster from power back in 2022.

    In a rare appearance ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) “decisive” November 24 protests, the former first lady has released a video statement alleging that Saudi leadership wanted Khan out and had expressed their reservations to then army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

    “The reason behind all powers standing against Khan hasn’t been told before. When Khan went to Madinah barefoot, Bajwa immediately started receiving calls about what kind of person he had brought [with him],” she said.

    According to Bushra’s allegations, Saudi leadership told Gen Bajwa that he had brought with him the “custodian of Shariah” at a time they were trying to “distance themselves from the Shariah system”.

    “After this, a smear campaign was launched against us and [they] started calling Khan a Jewish agent,” the former first lady claimed.

    With the video going viral and the claims drawing mixed reactions from netizens, former chief of army staff (COAS) also reacted to the allegations, rubbishing all claims made by wife of the ousted premier.

    Senior journalist Ansar Abbasi quoted sources close to Gen (r) Bajwa as saying that he did not receive any calls after the visit.

    “Sources have said that not only this entire barefoot story is fake but they also received the infamous [Toshakhana] gifts from Saudi leadership after that visit. Bushra Bibi’s daughter got married in Madinah after this event as well,” Abbasi reported on a private media outlet.

    Similarly, Pakistan Ulema Council chairman Maulana Tahir Ashrafi — who was also present during Khan’s visit to Saudi Arabia — denied the allegations and said the PTI founder received more than he asked for during the visit.

    “Which Shariah law did Imran impose in his tenure?” he asked, adding the former premier posed no threat to Saudi Arabia.

    Meanwhile, the former ruling party has also distanced itself from the allegations. Advisor to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chief minister (CM) on Information and Public Relations Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif told a private media outlet that Bushra held no organisational position within the PTI and did not have any responsibilities in the party structure. 

    “Only the party chairman or secretary general can express PTI’s official position,” he said, adding that her statement was not issued on behalf of the party.

    “It is baseless to link her personal views with PTI policy,” Saif said further, dismissing any attempts to associate her views with the party’s policies. “Her viewpoint is her own. She will clarify whether her statement was personal or intended to represent the party’s stance.”

    He also clarified that party had never issued any statements alleging Saudi Arabia’s involvement in Khan’s removal from office.

  • 38 individuals dead in Kurram gun attack

    38 individuals dead in Kurram gun attack

    38 people, including three women, were killed in an attack when assaulters opened fire on a passenger bus in the Ochat area of the Kurram district on Thursday.

    The attacker targeted the convoy, which was travelling from Parachinar to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s capital, Peshawar, as per the police officials.

    Ahmady Shama Station House Officer (SHO) Kaleem Shah confirmed to Dawn that 38 people were killed, including three women, and 11 were injured.

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    Interior Minister, while speaking to media outside Islamabad High Court (IHC), stated, “This past week has been difficult and upsetting; now 38 people have been martyred in Kurram.”

    President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the families of the dead.

    “Attacking innocent passengers is a cowardly and inhumane act,” Pakistan Peoples Party media cell quoted President Zardari, adding that those responsible for the incident must be punished, and he directed that timely medical aid be provided to the injured.

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    The Kurram attack has been seen as the most lethal attack of the decade in Pakistan’s history, according to reports.

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also condemned the attack and directed the Chief Secretary, provincial law minister and the area’s Member National Assembly and Member Provincial Assembly MPA to visit the Kurram district immediately.

    “The provincial government, police and all relevant institutions are making serious efforts to improve the law and order situation in the area,” he said.

    Kurram Deputy Commissioner (DC) Javedullah Mehsud told AFP that “Two separate convoys of members of the Shia community … were targeted by the terrorists in the Kurram district.”

    “Both convoys consisted of around 40 vehicles travelling under police escort,” DC Mehsud added.

    Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned the attack, saying, “The enemies of the peace of the country attacked the convoy of innocent citizens which is tantamount to brutality. All attempts of anti-national elements to destroy the peace of the beloved country will be thwarted.”

    Earlier, around 24 people were killed and 46 injured on November 9 in a bomb blast at Quetta Railway Station.

    The banned and militant outfit Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) had claimed responsibility for the explosion.

    In another attack on November 1, nine people, including five school-going children, were killed, and 29 were injured in a blast near girl’s schools in Mastung, a Balochistan district.

  • Internet, mobile services to be ‘partially suspended’ ahead of PTI protest

    Internet, mobile services to be ‘partially suspended’ ahead of PTI protest

    The federal government has announced the partial suspension of internet and mobile services in Islamabad and other areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab in light of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for November 24.

    Maryam Nawaz from Geo News reports that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will activate a firewall for mobile internet service from November 22, and the internet services will be suspended from November 23.

    The report also quotes sources that have claimed that internet and mobile services might be suspended at certain locations at any time.

    The shutdown will result in users being unable to download audio and videos from social media apps.

    The interior ministry has asked the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, which is administered by the PTI, to ensure that the province does not utilise state machinery to facilitate the protest.

    “[…] in the wake of protest by PTI, it is requested that it may kindly be ensured that Government of KPK does not utili[s]e state machinery, equipment, officials or finances for political protest by the political party,” read the ministry’s letter.

    The Punjab government has also made known that the PTI protesters will be dealt with iron-handedly, while Information Minister Azma Bokhari asserted that the demonstrators will be handled the “same as terrorists.”

    The Islamabad administration announced on Monday the imposition of Section 144 in the federal capital for the coming two months to avoid any lapse in law and order.

    A ban, moreover, has been placed on all processions, rallies, demonstrations and gatherings having five or more than five people, as per the notification issued by Additional District Magistrate Usman Ashraf.

    Additional security has also been requisitioned by Punjab and Islamabad police. For this, over 10,700 police personnel from across Punjab have been put on standby equipped with tear gas, rubber bullets, and anti-riot gear.

    Islamabad administration alone has requisitioned 8,000 additional personnel from Punjab, Sindh, and Kashmir.

    Rangers and the Frontier Corps (FC) are already deployed in the capital, which is likely sealed off with shipping containers by Friday (November 22).

  • Islamic Ideology Council blames ‘clerical error’ for declaring VPN ‘un-Islamic’

    Islamic Ideology Council blames ‘clerical error’ for declaring VPN ‘un-Islamic’

    Dr Raghib Naeemi, Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), recently addressed the controversy surrounding his earlier remarks about VPNs, clarifying that deeming their use as “un-Islamic” and “against Shariah” was a clerical mistake.

    A 10-point agenda was adopted during the CII’s 240th meeting on Wednesday, which reaffirmed that Article 191 of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression and access to information, provided it aligns with religious principles, national unity, and the laws of the land.

    Dr Naeemi also clarified the confusion caused by his previous statement, explaining that it was the result of a “clerical error.” He asserted that one had declared VPNs un-Islamic or against Shariah and that a “typing mistake” in their earlier statement, “where the word ‘not’ was omitted, led to this misunderstanding.”

    The CII Chairman further explained that the typing error in the statement from his Friday sermon was a mistake that was overlooked by his staff. He categorically rejected any pressure behind the earlier remarks, asserting that they were made independently.

    Stance on blasphemous content 

    Dr. Raghib Naeemi, during a press conference, addressed the government’s stance on the use of VPNs to access blasphemous and vulgar content. He described it as a matter of shame for the nation that 20 million Pakistanis visit websites containing such material, including content that threatens national security.

    He also reiterated the government’s deadline of November 30 for VPN registration and emphasized that all users, including ministers and officials, must use registered software applications.

    Dr. Naeemi further stated that whether using a VPN is un-Islamic depends on its purpose and how it is used or misused.

    Previous statement

    Previously, state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) reported that the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has termed the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) “un-Islamic”. 

    CII Chairman Dr Raghib Hussain Naeemi, in that statement, said the federal government had the prerogative to curb evil and prevent access to it, declaring that adopting measures to prevent or restrict access to immoral and offensive content was in accordance with the Shariah.

    Ironically, this was also announced on the blocked microblogging site X, which is widely used in Pakistan via VPN.

  • Federal orders bureaucracy against use of KP govt resources for Nov 24 protest

    Federal orders bureaucracy against use of KP govt resources for Nov 24 protest

    Fearing that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) might use state machinery for its upcoming protest, the Interior Ministry has ordered Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry to ensure that state resources were not used.


    In a letter to the KP chief secretary, the ministry said the provincial government must not utilise “state machinery, equipment, officials or finances” for political protests.

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    The development comes a day after the ministry also approved deployment of both the Frontier Constabulary (FC) and Rangers in Islamabad to deal with any law and order situation due to the PTI’s Nov 24 march on the federal capital.


    The federal government has already imposed section 144 in the capital city for two months.


    Last week, PTI founder and former prime minister (PM) Imran Khan had issued the “final and decisive call” for countrywide demonstrations on November 24.

    The PTI demands revocation of the recently-passed 26th Constitutional Amendment, “restoration of democracy”, the return of “public’s mandate” in light of irregularities in the 2024 General Election, and the release of all political prisoners, including party founder Imran Khan.


    Meanwhile, police have reportedly launched a crackdown on PTI leadership and workers, arresting at least 30 activists so far.


    The development came despite Imran Khan’s permission for the party leadership to negotiate with the government and establishment.


    Imran’s lawyer and PTI leader Faisal Chaudhry, while speaking to journalists outside Adiala Jail, said that if the talks between the government and opposition leadership remain successful, then there “won’t be a protest but celebration”.


    “If negotiations make progress by tomorrow (Thursday), then it is fine… if the talks do not progress, then we will definitely protest,” Faisal quoted incarcerated Khan as saying.

    Previously, former PM Khan was arrested on August 5 last year from his residence in Zaman Park, Lahore, shortly after his conviction in the Toshakhana case and has been in jail since then on multiple charges.

    Currently, he is held in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail under high security and with B-class facilities due to his status as a former premier.

    It may be noted here that incarcerated PM Imran Khan is facing several cases, including the £190 million reference (Al Qadir Trust case).

    However, the Founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has been granted bail in the ToshaKhana case 2.

    Islamabad High Court (IHC) judge Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb on Wednesday granted bail to party founder Imran Khan in ToshaKhana case two.


    However, the party founder was reportedly not released as he has been in judicial remand in multiple cases in Lahore.

  • From PUBG to forever: Pakistani man finds love with US women online

    From PUBG to forever: Pakistani man finds love with US women online

    A unique love story has unfolded as Shahad Hussain, a 23-year-old man from Chitral, Pakistan, married 18-year-old Flores Sarah from the United States. The couple connected through the popular online game PUBG and maintained a long-distance relationship for three years.

    Their relationship led to a traditional wedding held at a private hotel in Chitral, with the Nikah ceremony performed by Maulana Khaliq-uz-Zaman, the khatib of the Shah Mosque in Chitral. Sarah’s mother attended the wedding, and she did not need to change her name since it was already an Islamic one.

    Raisuddin, a local from the Marooi area of Chitral, confirmed their three-year relationship, stating that Sarah had obtained her mother’s permission before marrying Shahad. The wedding followed local traditions, with Sarah wearing a traditional bridal outfit and her mother dressed in local attire. Women from nearby areas also joined the celebration.

    This story highlights how cross-cultural relationships can also develop through online gaming and social media, leading to marriages that cross geographical boundaries.

    In a similar heartwarming cross-border love story, Seema Haider from Pakistan and Sachin Meena from India found each other through the popular online game PUBG.

    Seema Haider, drawn by her growing affection for Sachin, decided to leave her home in Pakistan and cross into India to be with him. This bold move was filled with challenges, not just because of the geographical distance but also due to the legal and social barriers they faced as citizens of two different countries with complex relationships.

    In an interview shared by BBC, Seema and Sachin opened up about how the romance began for them and what they mean to each other. They started talking on PUBG in 2020, becoming close friends in seven months. According to the lovers, they met in Nepal in March for the first time, and Seema got Sachin a ticket.