Category: Politics

News stories of Politics, for the topics that matter the most to young professionals and college students, political news reported with a different angle.

  • ‘We are no less than anyone in the world’: PM Shehbaz on Independence Day

    Pakistanis all across the world are celebrating the diamond jubilee of Pakistan’s independence. The day dawned with 31 gun salute in the federal capital and 21 gun salute in the provincial headquarters.

    National flags, buntings, portraits of founding fathers, posters, and banners are also seen everywhere as part of the celebration of Independence Day.

    On occasion, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, President Arif Alvi and other politicians wished the entire nation.

    Addressing a national flag-hoisting and unveiling of re-recording ceremony at Jinnah Convention Centre, PM Shehbaz said that like their forefathers, on this 75th Independence Day, they vowed to transform Pakistan into an economic power.

    “If we can become a nuclear power, we can also become an economic power but for it we have to strive day and night and prove to the world that we are no less than anyone in the world,” he added.

    On Twitter, PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of economic sovereignty. He said, “Time has come for the nation to understand what true freedom means. It is a freedom from want, hunger and poverty. Without economic sovereignty, our freedom is incomplete. Our greatest strength is our people. It is about time we place their welfare at the center of public policy.”

    “While we celebrate our hard-earned independence, Pakistan at 75 calls for deep reflection. We have yet to fully realize the dream that our founding fathers dreamed,” he added.

    The premier went to meet the orphans of the Pakistan Sweet Home in Islamabad. A video shared by PM Office on Twitter showed PM Shehbaz and children cutting the cake.

    https://twitter.com/PMO_PK/status/1558751616773173248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1558751616773173248%7Ctwgr%5E306d44900a005e0c517f096de9b9ea28a4a08c24%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geo.tv%2Flatest%2F433640-child-melts-pm-shehbaz-sharifs-heart-at-independence-day-ceremony

    President Dr Arif Alvi urged the nation to remain steadfast and work wholeheartedly for the development and progress and prosperity of the country.

    “We need to remain united to overcome financial, economic and security challenges faced by the country. Let us pledge that we will remain steadfast to render any sacrifice for the dignity and self-respect of our people and greatness and glory of our beloved homeland,” the president said in a message on the 75th anniversary of Independence of Pakistan.

    The president spent his day at Kashana Orphanage. Sharing a picture, he said, “I spent my 75th Independence Day at Kashana Orphanage, a shelter for girls. These happy faces are the real future of my country. I dream of a Pakatan where every girl is educated and becomes a contributor to the national economy.”

    Foriegn Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in his message to the nation also offered his felicitations to the nation. He said, “Pakistan stands tall today as the amalgamation of both ancient and modern. While preserving our historical identity, we are a nation with our eyes on the future.”

    In his messages on the eve of Independence Day, former president Asif Ali Zardari said that the supremacy of elected parliament of the people is essential for a free, independent and dignified Pakistan. “Now the time has come to make sustainable decisions for the country and the nation by fully implementing the Charter of Democracy.”

  • Pakistan Civil Awards 2022: List of all the recipients

    Pakistan Civil Awards 2022: List of all the recipients

    President Dr Arif Alvi conferred 253 Pakistani citizens and foreign nationals with Pakistan civil awards in honour of the nation’s 75th Diamond Jubilee.
    Awards were given to the people for their bravery and excellence in various disciplines. The ceremony of the awards will take place on Pakistan Day, March 23, 2023.

    Have a look at the list:
    NISHAN-I-IMTIAZ

    Mr Sartaj Aziz, Public Service

    Mr. Hasil Bazinjo, Public Service

    Mr Raees-ul-Ahrar Ch. Ghulam Abbas Khan (Late), Public Service

    Justice (R) Rana Bhagwan Das (Late), Public Service

    Mr Ahmed Ghulam Ali Chagla (late), Art (Musician / Composer)

    Mr Sufi Ghulam Mustafa Tabassum (late), Poet

    Mr Muhammad Qavi Khan, Performing Arts
    (Drama, film & stage)

    Mr Jahangir Khan Sports,(Squash)

    HILAL-I-PAKISTAN

    Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Services to Pakistan

    His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan Services to Pakistan

    HRH Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Services to Pakistan

    Engr. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih Services to Pakistan

    H.E. Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani (Qatari) Services to Pakistan

    Ambassador (R) Robin L. Raphel Services to Pakistan

    HILAL-I-SHUJAAT

    Brig (R) Khalid Farid Gallantry

    Brig. Faisal Naseer Gallantry (Counter Terrorism)

    HILAL-I-IMTIAZ

    Dr Khawaja Abdul Hayee (late) Education

    Engr. Prof. Ahmed Farooq Bazai Academic Administration/Education

    Prof. Dr Talat Naseer Pasha Science, Engineering & Education

    Hakim Rizwan Hafeez Health

    Dr Raja Ali Raza Anwar Engineering (Nuclear)

    Mr Raees Ahmed Arts (Violinist)

    Mr Amjad Islam Amjad Arts (Literature)

    Mr Ahmad Arif Nizami (late) Journalism

    Mr Mujib-ur-Rahman Shami Journalism

    Mr Altaf Hassan Qureshi Journalism

    Ms. Bilquis Bano Edhi (Late) Social Services

    Mr Muhammad Ramzan Chhipa Public Service

    Sardar Ahmad Nawaz Sukhera Public Service

    Mr. Maroof Afzal (Late) Public Service

    Senator Muhammad Talah Mahmood Public Service

    Senator Hilal-ur-Rehman Public Service

    Dr Gohar Ejaz Philanthropy

    HILAL-I-QUAID-I-AZAM

    Dr James M. Shera Services to Pakistan

    SITARA-I-PAKISTAN

    Mr Lin Songtian, Services to Pakistan

    Mr Khalid Mehmood Services to Pakistan

    Mr Cahit Yasar Eren Services to Pakistan

    Raja Najabat Hussain Services to Pakistan

    SITARA-I-SHUJAAT

    Malik Muhammad Hassan Gallantry

    Malik Gingray (late) Gallantry

    Malik Shumail Khan Gallantry

    Ms Fizza Tariq Malik (late) Gallantry

    Raja Mustafa Ali Gallantry

    Mr Muhammad Afzal Shaikh Gallantry

    Mr. Sajid Kiani Gallantry

    Lt Col Shahid Rasool Choudhary Gallantry (Counter Terrorism)

    Mr Wajahat Ullah Afridi Gallantry (Counter Terrorism)

    Mr Mansoor Ahmad Khan Services to Pakistan

    SITARA-I-IMTIAZ

    Prof. Dr. Asuman Belen Ozcan, Services to Pakistan

    Dr Muhammad Afzal Javed Services to Pakistan

    Mr Zafar Ullah Khan, Services to Pakistan

    Mr Tang Meng Sheng Services to Pakistan

    Prof. Kong Julan Services to Pakistan

    Prof. Dr Engr. Bhawani Shankar Chowdhry Science, Engineering & Education

    Engr. Javed Qureshi Science (Agriculture)

    Dr Abdul Ghani Akram Science (Physics)

    Mr Ghafoor Ahmad Engineering (Chemical)

    Dr Suleman Qaiser Engineering (Chemical)

    Mr Mohsin Fayyaz Engineering (Mechanical)

    Dr Muhammad Aleem Mirza Engineering (Electronics)

    Dr Muhammad Bilal Malik Engineering (Electrical)

    Dr Faiz-ul-Hassan Engineering (Systems)

    Mr Asif Iqbal Navigations System

    Mr Humayun Khan (Late) Agriculture (Garlic Innovation)

    Mr Asif Peer Information Technology

    Dr Saeed Akhtar Medicine

    Dr Muhammad Sharif Malik, M.D. Medicine (Health)

    Prof. Dr Muhammad Ali Education

    Mr Mahfooz-ur-Rehman Education

    Mr Tauqeer Ahmed Nasir Art (Actor)

    Mr Riaz Shahid (Late) Art (Film Director & Writer)

    Mr. Fakhr-e-Alam Art (Host)

    Mr Hassan Ali Isfahani Alias Hassan Jahangir Art (Play Back Singer)

    Mr Saghar Siddiqui alias Muhammad Akhtar (Late) Art (Poetry)

    Mr Aneeq Ahmed Art (Anchor)

    Syed Manzar Hasan alias Hasan Manzar Art (Literature)

    Dr. Moeen ud Din Aqeel Art (Literature)

    Mrs Shama Khalid (Late) Art (Literature)

    Mr Naseer Turabi (Late) Literature

    Mr. Muhammad Shafi alias Shakir Shuja Abadi Literature

    Ch. Shafay Hussain Sport (Kabbadi)

    Mr Babar Azam Sports (Cricket)

    Mr Ziauddin (Late) Journalism

    Mr Javed Choudhry Journalism

    Mr Nadeem Malik Journalism

    Mr. Atta Ur Rehman (Late) Journalism

    Dr Anees Ahmed Religious Scholar

    Maulana Muhammad Hanif Jalandhari Religious Scholar

    Dr Qibla Ayaz Religious Scholar

    Allama Saqib Raza Mustafai Religious Scholar

    Mr. Abdul Rauf Rufi Naat Khawan

    Mr Waqar Ahmed Malik Public Service

    Mr. Murtaza Mehmood Public Service

    Mr. Imdad ullah Bosal Public Service

    Mr. Moin Ul Haq Public Service

    Dr Mohammad Ashraf Tahir Public Service

    Mirza Ishtiaq Baig Social Services

    PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR PRIDE OF PERFORMANCE

    Dr Mehboob Ali Sial Science (Agriculture)

    Mr Abdul Majid Khan Science (Chemistry)

    Mr Muhammad Azam Khan Science (Chemistry)

    Ch. Muhammad Yousaf Science (Chemistry)

    Mr Zulfiqar Ahmed Khan Engineering (Nuclear)

    Mr Naveed Ahmad Engineering (Metallurgy)

    Hafiz M. Noshad Ali Engineering (Mechanical)

    Mr Muhammad Javed Siddique Engineering (Mechanical)

    Dr Humayun Qureshi Engineering (Aerospace)

    Mr. Raheem Sanaullah Ch. Engineering (Electrical)

    Mr Tariq Maqbool Quality Management

    Col (R) Muhammad Amin Missile Design

    Mr Amad Ahmad Digital Communication

    Mr Muhammad Mehboob Khan Science (Physics)

    Mr Haroon Ikram Sheikh Science (Metallurgy & Material)

    Mr Muhammad Rahman Nuclear Safety Regulation

    Dr Muhammad Maqsood Physics
    (Vacuum Science & Technology)

    Prof. Dr Aisha Siddiqa Medicine / Health

    Ms Parveen alias Sangeeta Art (Film Director)

    Mr Abdul Aziz Khan Alias Aziz Tabassum Art (Film Director)

    Mr Muhammad Hafeez Tahir Art (Producer)

    Mr Qadir Ali Shaggan Art (Music / Classical Singer)

    Mr Anwar Hussain Vistro Art (Singer)

    Ms. Gul Zari (Wagma) Art (Singer)

    Ms Arooj Aftab Art (Singing)

    Mr Altaf Hussain Tafu Khan Art
    (Tabla Player / Music Composer)

    Ustad Abdullah Khan Art (Shahani Player)

    Ms Nargis Shaheen Art (Broadcaster, Compare)

    Ms. Anjum Shaheen (Alias Anjuman) Art (Acting)

    Mr Amanullah Nasir Arts (Acting / Writer)

    Syed Afzal Ahmad Art (Film, Tv Actor)

    Ms Bushra Farrukh Art (Drama)

    Ms Taskeen Zafar Art (News Reader / Anchor)

    Mr. Sher Dad Khan Alias Sher Miandad Khan Art (Qawwali)

    Mr Anjum Ayaz Art (Sculptor)

    Mr R. M. Naeem Art (Painting, Educationist)

    Mr. Sain Dad Art (Ghara Dancer)

    Mr Muhammad Javed Arts (Painting)

    Mr Muhammad Qamar Sultan Arts (Quranic Calligraphy)

    Syed Shamoon Ashraf Hashmi Art (Television Compare)

    MrObaidullah Darwesh Durrani Art (Literature)

    Dr Ghulam Hassan Hassanu Art (Literature)

    Rana Fazal Hussain Art (Literature)

    Prof. Dr Muhammad Ashraf Shaheen Qaiserani Art (Literature)

    Prof Jehanzeb Niaz Khan (Late) Art (Literature)

    Mr Jamshid Khan Dukhi (Late) Art (Literature / Poetry)

    Mr Farhat Abbas Shah Literature (Poet)

    Mr Arshad Nadeem Sports (Athletics)

    Mr Sirbaz Khan Sports (Mountaineering)

    Ms Shahida Sports (Karate)

    Ms Amina Wali Sports (Skiing)

    Mr Abdul Karim (late) Sports (Mountaineering/Porter)

    Mr Irfan Mehsood Sports (Martial Arts)

    Mr Masood Jan Sports (Blind Cricket)

    Mr Ahsan Ramzan Sports (Snooker)

    Mr Nooh Dastagir Butt Sports (Weight Lifter)

    Mr Tikka Khan Journalism

    Hafiz Tahir Khalil Journalism

    Master Altaf Hussain (Late) Public Service
    (Tailoring Pakistan Flag)

    TAMGHA-I-PAKISTAN

    Mr Huang Guiping (Late) Services to Pakistan

    Ms Ding Mufang (Late) Services to Pakistan

    Ms Chen Sai (Late) Services to Pakistan

    TAMGHA-I-SHUJAAT

    Mr Amir Nawaz Khan (Shaheed) Gallantry

    Mr Muhammad Kamran (Shaheed) Gallantry

    Col (R) Muhammad Arif Gallantry

    Mr Muhammad Usman Shahbaz Gallantry

    Dr. Kamran Ahmed Gallantry

    Mr Sher Ahmed (Faisal Baloch) Gallantry

    Mr Tanveer Hussain Tunio Gallantry

    Mr. Amjad Ahmed Gallantry

    Mr Mazhar Nawaz Shaikh Gallantry

    Mr Bashir Ahmed Brohi Gallantry

    FC Zeeshan Ahmed Gallantry

    FC Naveed Ahmed Gallantry

    FC Zia ur Rehman Gallantry

    Mr Shaheed Javed Ullah Gallantry

    Dr Akbar Nasir, I.G. Gallantry

    Mr. Sohail Zafar Chattha Gallantry

    Mr Sadiq Shah Gallantry

    Raja Muhammad Majid Gallantry

    Mr Muhammad Bilal Raja Gallantry

    Mr Mubashir Saleem Gallantry

    Mr Minhas Ahmad Khan Gallantry

    Mr Ijaz Hafeez Gallantry

    Mr Aqeel Ahmed Siddiqi Gallantry

    Mr Waseem Ahmed Khan Gallantry

    Maj Zahoor Ahmed Gallantry (Counter Terrorism)

    Mr Yahya Azeem Gallantry (Counter Terrorism)

    Hav Abid Ali Gallantry (Counter Terrorism)

    TAMGHA-I-IMTIAZ

    Chaudhary Waseem Akhtar Gallantry

    Mr Ali Usman Gallantry

    Mr Saleem Ahmad, SI Gallantry

    Mr Naseeb Ullah Khan, SP/RO, CTD Gallantry

    Mr Muhammad Ashraf Chaddar, DSP/RO,CTD Gallantry

    Mr Fathi Aly Youseef Services to Pakistan

    Mr Achad Bhuglah Services to Pakistan

    Ms Jehan Ara Science (Information Technology)

    Mr Mudassir Sheikha Science (Information Technology)

    Ms Riffat Shamshad Science (Space Sciences)

    Mr Saleem Khan Lohani Science (Physics)

    Dr Uzma Batool Science (Medicine)

    Prof. Dr Muhammad Younas Science (Veterinary)

    Dr Rizwan Uppal Health

    Dr Farah Naz Qamar Medicine / Health

    Prof. Dr Tanwir Khaliq Medicine

    Prof. Dr Salman Ayaz Medicine

    Dr Nusratullah Chaudhry Medicine

    Dr S. Abbas Raza Medicine

    Prof. Khalid Mahmood Medicine (Neurosurgery)

    Mr Muhammad Shahzad Engineering (Mechanical)

    Mr Muhammad Saadullah Engineering (Chemical)

    Dr Khurram Hameed Engineering (Electronics)

    Syed Muhammad Yasir Abbas Engineering (Communication)

    Mr Shahzad Sadiq Engineering (Mechanical)

    Prof. Dr Zahoor Ul Haq Higher Education

    Dr Samreen Hussain Education

    Prof. Kamal Munir Education

    Ms Noor Jahan Bilgrami Art (Visual, textile designer, researcher & educationist)

    Mr Rustam Ali Lone (Charli) Art (Acting)

    Mr Arif Khan Alias Arbaz Khan Art (Film Director & Artist)

    Mr Muhammad Iqbal Latif Art (Producer / Director)

    Ms Nigar Nazar Art (Puppetry, Cartoon & Animation)

    Mr Zain Ullah Music (Chitrali Sitar Player)

    Mr Muhammad Hanif Alias Hanif Shahzad Art (Painting)

    Mr Jameel Ahmad Paul Art (Literature)

    Dr. Zulfiqar Siyal Art (Literature)

    Dr Waheed Ahmad Art (Literature)

    Ms Neelam Ahmad Bashir Art (Literature)

    Dr. Sheikh Muhammad Iqbal Art (Literature)

    Mr. Sooraj Narain Alias Narain Lal Art (Literature)

    Ms Khansa Maria Literature

    Qari Dr. Ikram Ullah Qira’at

    Mr. Awais Raza Qadri Naat Khawan

    Mr Shafiq Ahmed Chishti Sports (Kabaddi)

    Ms Bisma Maroof Sports (Cricket)

    Mr. Ajey Lalwani (Late) Journalism (Cameraman)

    Mr Irshad Mastoi (Late) Journalism

    Mr. Musa Khan Khel (Late) Journalism

    Mr Arif Khan (Late) Journalism

    Mr. Zia Ur Rehman Farooqi (Late) Journalism

    Mr Shahid Zehri (Late) Journalism

    Ms Cristina VON Sperling Afridi Public Service

    Mr. Farhaj Sikandar Yar Khan Public Service

    Dr Faridullah Khan Public Service

    Ms Saima Saleem Public Service

    Mr Yasin Malik Public Service (Tax Payer)

    Mr Hassan Javed Exporter Leather

    Mr. Shehzad Ashghar Exporter Textile

    Mr Shabbir Dewan Exporter Plastic

    Mr. Faud Garib Exporter Rice

    Mr Khalid Mehmood Exporter Pharma

    Masood Akhtar Exporter Sports

    Mr. Yaqoob Zamindar Social Services

    Mr Amin Hashwani Social Services Philanthropy

    TAMGHA-I-QUAID-I-AZAM

    Dr Mehreen Faruqi Services to Pakistan

    TAMGHA-I-KHIDMAT

    Choudhary Pervaiz Iqbal Losar Services to Pakistan

  • Imran Khan to set record for contesting on 9 NA seats

    Imran Khan to set record for contesting on 9 NA seats

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan is set to create a record in the country’s history by contesting the by-elections from nine National Assembly (NA) constituencies.

    Imran Khan will run from Mardan, Charsadda, Peshawar, Kurram, Faisalabad, Nankana, Malir, Korangi, and Karachi South constituencies, i.e. NA-22, NA-24, NA-31, NA-45, NA-108, NA-118, NA-237, NA-239, and NA-246.

    Khan will file his nomination papers today (Saturday) for the three constituencies from Karachi.

    Speaking at a press conference, PTI leader Ali Zaidi said, “The by-elections will once again prove the love of Karachi and its people for Imran Khan.”

    “The PTI will launch an aggressive election campaign and we are very much hopeful that Khan sahib would also visit Karachi very soon,” he added.

    These nine seats were declared vacant after NA Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf accepted the resignations of PTI MNAs.

    By-elections in nine constituencies will take place on September 25.

    Imran Khan to contest by-elections on 9 vacant NA seats

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan will be contesting by-elections on all nine National Assembly (NA) constituencies that had fallen vacant after NA Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf accepted 11 resignations of PTI members under Article 64(1) of the Constitution of Pakistan.

    The announcement that Khan will contest from all nine constituencies was made on PTI’s official Twitter account.

    During the 2018 general elections, the PTI chairman contested elections from five constituencies and won all of them.

    Election schedule for nine vacant National Assembly seats announced

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on August 5, announced that it will be holding by-elections in nine constituencies of the NA on September 25.

    According to the ECP notification, the elections are to be held in NA-22 Mardan -III, NA-24 Charsadda-II, NA-31 Peshawar-V, NA-45 Kurram-I, NA 108 Faisalabad- VIII, NA-118 Nanakana Sahib-II, NA-237 Malir-II, NA-239 Korangi Karachi-I, NA-246 Karachi South-I.

    After Imran Khan was ousted through a vote of no-confidence, 123 PTI lawmakers resigned en masse from the National Assembly.

    11 PTI MNAs whose resignations were accepted by Speaker NA
    • Ali Muhammad Khan (NA-22)
    • Faisal Muhammad Khan (NA-24)
    • Shaukat Ali (NA-31)
    • Fakhar Zaman Khan (NA-45)
    • Farrukh Habib (NA-108)
    • Ejaz Ahmad Shah (NA-118) )
    • Jameel Ahmad Khan (NA-237)
    • Mohammad Akram Cheema (NA-239)
    • Abdul Shakur Shaad (NA-246)
    • Dr Meher Ansa Shireen Mazari (Reserved Seat)
    • Shandana Gulzar Khan (Reserved Seat)
  • Wife of Gill’s driver granted bail

    Wife of Gill’s driver granted bail

    A judicial magistrate in Islamabad on Friday granted bail to Gill’s driver Izhar’s wife, Mehreen, who had been arrested under charges of rioting, assaulting a police party and theft during a raid on the house she was staying in.

    Speaking on Geo News’ programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’ on Thursday, PML-N’s Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the police was wrong to a arrest a woman. “Rana Sanaullah should take notice of the incident and dispose of the issue by arranging a bail for the woman.”

    PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz said that she has spoken to Rana Sanaullah that the woman should be released.

    She tweeted: “She should also be released. I have spoken to Rana Sahab. No one should be abused — not even our abusers.”

    Wife of Shahbaz Gill’s driver arrested, Khan condemns ‘fascist illegal abductions’

    The Islamabad Police on Thursday raided the residence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Dr Shahbaz Gill’s driver, Izhar, to recover Gill’s mobile phone. A sedition case was filed against Gill.

    During Gill’s interrogation, he revealed that he had given his mobile phone to his driver/assistant, Izhar. His mobile phone has material related to the case against him

    Read More: Shahbaz Gill behind bars: CCTV footage contradicts claims of torture

    A first information report (FIR) has been filed against Izhar. He was with Gill at the time of his arrest and claimed he had been subjected to violence during Gill’s arrest. The FIR said Gill told the police that Izhar still had his mobile.

    What’s in the FIR?

    “The man identified himself as Izharullah while the woman identified herself as his wife, Mehreen,” reports Dawn.

    The FIR said both Izhar and his wife created a lot of fuss after seeing the police party and called five to six more people from inside the house.

    “All of them attacked the police party, put up resistance, began creating a hue and cry, and threatened the police party. As a result, more people gathered at the scene,” says the FIR.

    According to the FIR, while the suspects were putting up resistance, some of the suspects tore the shirt of a constable, Sajjad Shahid. They also tore buttons off his shirt and snatched his mobile phone and wallet, which contained his ATM card, service card, and Rs15,000 cash.

    Audio of Gill’s driver:

    In an audio clip posted on PTI’s official Twitter account, a man who identified himself as Gill’s assistant said: “The police have raided my house, harassed my wife and family members, and taken away our mobile phones.”

    “They are repeatedly asking me to bring Shahbaz Gill’s belongings. I don’t have anything,” he said.

    Fascist illegal abductions in shadows of late night: Imran Khan

    PTI Chairman Imran Khan “strongly” condemned the arrests, describing them as “fascist illegal abductions in shadows of late night”.

    Raid and arrests were legal: Islamabad Police

    Islamabad police said in a statement on Twitter that the raid and arrests were “legal”.

    “Wherever legal action is needed, the police will do their job.”

    Read More: Shahbaz Gill behind bars: Court approves two-day physical remand

    Gill, who is PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s chief of staff, was taken into custody on August 9 from Bani Gala Chowk for inciting the public against state institutions.

  • ‘Fear and panic’: TTP sets up ‘check-post’ in Swat

    ‘Fear and panic’: TTP sets up ‘check-post’ in Swat

    Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has established a check-post on the Balasoor Top, reports The News.

    According to the news outlet, the militants have established a check-post on the Balasoor Top in Matta tehsil, the hometown of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, while also roaming in other areas of the district.

    Local residents of the area have said that the number of Taliban militants was increasing in the mountainous areas of Matta tehsil with each passing day, which had created panic and fear among the inhabitants.

    Meanwhile, during Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’, it was revealed that at least 200-250 TTP militants are in the area and have stated that they are in Pakistan based on a peace agreement.

  • ’Great honour, deep-rooted ties’: COAS Bajwa addresses the passing out parade at Sandhurst

    ’Great honour, deep-rooted ties’: COAS Bajwa addresses the passing out parade at Sandhurst

    Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa expressed the hope that relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom would reach “historic heights” in the future. He was addressing the passing-out parade at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, on Friday (August 12). General Bajwa is the first Pakistani dignitary who was invited as the chief guest at the military academy.

    Pakistan’s army chief began his address by saying that it was a “great honour and privilege” for him to be present during today’s ceremony.

    He congratulated the cadets and their families on successfully completing their training at the academy.

    “You are part of the finest militaries in the world that has produced great military leaders.”

    “Two Pakistani cadets will also be graduating with you today and let me say that I am as proud of you as I am of them,” General Bajwa told the graduating officers and congratulated them and their families.

    COAS Bajwa has become the first Pakistani ever to be the representative of the Queen during the sovereign’s parade at the Military Academy Sandhurst.

    “Your alma matter is, without a doubt, one of the finest military institutions in the world which have produced some of the great military leaders that this world has seen,” he said, adding that graduating from Sandhurst is a great honour and pride.

    “My presence here is a testimony of the deep-rooted relationship that exists between Pakistan and the United Kingdom based on mutual respect and shared values which have been carefully nurtured by both the nations over many decades.”

    COAS Bajwa arrives in UK on official visit

    Chief of Army Staff arrived in the United Kingdom (UK) on an official visit on early Thursday, August 11.

    A day before leaving for the UK, COAS Bajwa had a meeting with Commander Iraqi Navy Lieutenant General Ahmed Jasim Maarij Abdullah Al Zayid on Wednesday, August 10.

    ISPR said that matters of mutual interest, regional security issues, and measures to further enhance bilateral defence collaboration were discussed during the meeting.

  • ‘Even Army Chief receives gifts’: Imran Khan demands investigation of Toshakhana gifts

    ‘Even Army Chief receives gifts’: Imran Khan demands investigation of Toshakhana gifts

    Addressing his supporters via video link, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan talked about the Toshakhana controversy. Khan said that all those who were appointed to higher ranks in government offices receive gifts and even the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) receives them.

    “Even the army chief gets gifts. Asif Zardari took three expensive cars from the Toshakhana. I also received one car while Nawaz Sharif took one car,” he added while demanding that all of them should be investigated.

    Khan said that the government is trying to malign his reputation. He also revealed that PTI leaders are receiving threats from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

    Foreign funding case

    Talking about the party’s foreign funding case, Khan said that it is “baseless”.

    The PTI chief said that the party had provided the names of 40,000 donors, who are now being termed “foreigners” by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

    “Despite a court order to investigate other parties’ cases, it was only the PTI that was put under a trial,” added the PTI chairman.

    Imran Khan said that the only way to take the country out of the current crisis was through “free and fair elections”.

    ‘Gill should be given a chance to clarify’: Imran Khan

    Talking about his aide Shahbaz Gill’s arrest, Khan said he should be given a chance to clarify in court.

    “Gill should be charged if he has said anything that goes against the law,” said Khan, defending his party member by saying that his driver was attacked and his vehicle’s glass was smashed.

    ‘Govt conspired to cause rifts between PTI, army’: Imran Khan

    Khan said that the coalition government has hatched a plan to create a rift between the PTI and the Pakistan Army. Khan added that the incumbent government has “conspired against the biggest party in Pakistan”.

    “They [government] had issues with the fact that the army and the PTI were on the same page. Even India used to acknowledge that,” said Khan.

    The PTI leader went on to say that his party exposed the disinformation campaigns against the country.

    “Today, it’s being said that we are against the army and now they’ve [the government people] become the patriots who are calling us traitors,” he said, adding that he cares about Pakistan, and those who care about the country want their army to be strong.

  • ’Aqal hai tumhaaray mein,’ CM Punjab Pervaiz Elahi to Shahbaz Gill

    ’Aqal hai tumhaaray mein,’ CM Punjab Pervaiz Elahi to Shahbaz Gill

    Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi commented on the recent arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s chief of staff Shahbaz Gill in a sedition case.

    Talking on Geo News’ programme ‘Geo Pakistan’, Elahi said, “I have given a statement against him [Shahbaz],” adding that these are honourable institutions.

    “The Pakistan army protects the border of our country, Aqal hai tumhaaray mein (Are you in your senses?).”

    When asked if PTI should distance itself from Shahbaz Gill’s statement, Elahi said, “Definitely yes.”

    He further said Khan himself says that “a person who speaks against the army is not a Pakistani”.

    PTI leaders reactions

    Commenting on Gill’s arrest, Imran Khan termed it an ‘abduction’. He said, “Shahbaz Gill was arrested without any arrest warrant. His driver was tortured and his vehicle was damaged. He should have been given a chance to defend himself.”

    About the rumours about his arrest, Khan said that his arrest is a small thing, he can “sacrifice” his life for haqeeqi azadi.

    “If someone breaks the law, then there must be an action. Has any show-cause notice been issued to ARY News or given any reason for its suspension? The channel’s transmission was suspended without giving any chance to give a clarification. This is not acceptable in a democratic society. Democracy does not allow someone to take a decision solely and close the channel.”

    While Speaking on ARY News, PTI leader Asad Umar said Gill’s words have been misinterpreted.

    He further claimed that personally, he has “never heard Gill giving anti-army statements”.

    Meanwhile, PTI leader Murad Saeed lashed out at the government after the arrest of his fellow party member. He claimed that this is all the government’s propaganda against PTI as they themselves talk against the army and then link it to PTI.

    He further said that the government registers fake FIRs.

    The PTI leader said that “handlers and facilitators” can’t compete with the public as they come out on roads whenever Khan asked them to.

    “Imran Khan is our redline, don’t cross it, or else you will suffer the consequences.”

    ‘Script was prepared under the supervision of Imran Khan’: Rana Sanuallah

    Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, August 9, Interior Minister Rana Snaullah said, “The comments were according to the script prepared under the supervision of PTI Chairman Imran Khan which was carried forward by Fawad Chaudhry and Shahbaz Gill.”

    Sanaullah went on to say that “hateful and seditious” remarks made by Gill were in line with the conspiracy in which a private news channel was also involved.

    “Inquiry will be held regarding who are the people behind Gill and the private channel as no further investigation is needed on Gill’s statement,” he added.

    The interior minister further alleged that the incident proves that the PTI was responsible for running a negative social media campaign on the tragic incident of an army helicopter crash in Balochistan.

  • ARY News taken off air, CEO, journalists booked, head of news arrested

    ARY News taken off air, CEO, journalists booked, head of news arrested

    Karachi police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against ARY Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Iqbal in connection with the controversial remarks made by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Dr Shahbaz Gill during a news transmission.

    The police have also arrested Ammad Yousuf, the head of news and Senior Executive Vice President of ARY News.

    The FIR said that a clip of a news bulletin, aired on August 8 by ARY News, had gone viral on social media, in which Gill had made “hateful remarks” against the Pakistan Army. Producer Adeel Raja, Yousaf, and anchorpersons Arshad Sharif and Khawar Ghumman have also been nominated in the case registered on August 8.

    Meanwhile, ARY News reported that Yousaf was arrested in Karachi late on Tuesday night (August 9). Yousaf was arrested without a warrant from his residence located in Karachi’s DHA.

    “Police officers along with plain-clothed persons forcibly entered the house of Ammad Yousaf. The raiding team diverted the CCTV cameras of Yousaf’s house, and jumped into the house from the top of the main entrance,” reported ARY News.

    Arshad Sharif flies to Dubai

    After Yousaf got arrested, anchorperson Arshad Sharif left the country after his name was nominated in the FIR.

    ARY News distances itself from Shahbaz Gill’s statement about army

    ARY News and Salman Iqbal distanced themselves from Gill’s statement.

    In a statement read out by ARY’s senior anchorperson Kashif Abbasi on his show, ‘Off the Record’, said that Salman Iqbal and the management condemns Shahbaz Gill’s statement.

    Pemra issues show-cause notice to ARY News for airing ‘hateful, seditious’ content against govt

    The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Monday issued a show-cause notice to ARY News for airing what it called “false, hateful and seditious” content based on “absolute disinformation with a clear and present threat to national security by instigating rebellion within the armed forces”.

    Prior to the issuance of the notice, ARY News went off air in many parts of the country on Monday (August 8).

  • Muslim killings in US: Police arrest Muslim immigrant

    Police in New Mexico, United States (US), have arrested a Muslim Afghan immigrant named Muhammad Syed, 51, in connection with the deaths of Muslim men in Albuquerque city. The police have charged Syed with two murders.

    A total of four murders took place. All victims were of Afghan or Pakistani descent. One was killed in November, and the other three in the last two weeks.

    It was speculated that Shia and Sunni tensions may have led to Syed’s actions. However, the police said that while they are aware of the sectarian narrative, the motive is still being “explored” by investigators. 

    Albuquerque police deputy commander Kyle Hartsock stated: “We have heard those things, but we’re not sure if that’s the only motivation”, reports CNN.

    In a statement, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) said, “As their detectives prepared to search Syed’s home in Southeast Albuquerque on Monday, he drove from the residence in the Volkswagen Jetta that detectives believe was used in at least one of the murders.”

    “Detectives discovered evidence that showed the suspect knew the victims to some extent and an interpersonal conflict may have led to the shootings,” the police statement added.

    The APD said Syed was being charged with two of the homicides, the July 26 murder of Aftab Hussein and the August 1 murder of Muhammad Afzaal Hussain.

    “Detectives connected those homicides using bullet casings found at the scenes. The gun used in these shootings was discovered during the overnight search of [Syed’s] home,” the police said.

    The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a statement about the arrest in which the organisation “strongly condemned the anti-Shia hatred that may have motivated the killings”.

    ‘Strongly stand with Muslim community’: US President Biden condemns killing of Muslim men in New Mexico

    Earlier, US President Joe Biden condemned the killing of four Muslims — two of them Pakistanis, in Albuquerque, a city in the southern state of New Mexico. The local authorities are describing the killings as targeted attacks.

    “I am angered and saddened by the horrific killings of four Muslim men in Albuquerque. While we await a full investigation, my prayers are with the victims’ families, and my administration stands strongly with the Muslim community,” tweeted US President Biden.

    “These hateful attacks have no place in America,” he added.

    Four Muslim men killed in New Mexico

    The latest victim was gunned down on Friday night. The police said he was in his mid-20s, Muslim, and a native from South Asia.

    The local Islamic leaders said that the horrific incident occurred shortly after he had attended funeral services for two others slain during the past couple of weeks.

    Before this killing, two of the previous victims were Muslim and Pakistani men. A 27-year-old’s body was found on August 1 and a 41-year-old’s body was discovered on July 26.

    According to Tahir Gauba, spokesperson for the Islamic Centre of New Mexico, the three latest victims belonged to the same mosque.

    Detectives are now investigating whether these murders are connected to the death of a Muslim man from Afghanistan who was killed on November 7, 2021.

    Mayor Tim Keller said state authorities were working to provide an “extra police presence at mosques during times of prayer”.