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Asif Zardari will celebrate his 67th birthday in Dubai with his 9-month-old grandson: Bakhtawar Bhutto

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari left for Dubai, which led to some questions about why he had gone abroad at a crucial time for the coalition government.

Taking to Twitter, Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari clarified why her father is in Dubai.

“My father will be spending his 67th birthday (& first as a grandfather) with his 9 month old grandson,” tweeted Bakhtawar.

To clear up confusion – my father will be spending his 67th birthday (& first as a grandfather) with his 9 month old grandson. All of which he is entitled to do – so can postpone the meltdown when he returns in less than a week. https://t.co/0H8Kuigoqm

— Bakhtawar B-Zardari (@BakhtawarBZ) July 25, 2022

Asif Zardari will celebrate his 67th birthday tomorrow (July 26).

In an earlier tweet, Bakhtawar said that Zardari did not run away for “11+ YEARS of jail” so why would he now.

“[Zardari] faced courts under every regime including our wannabe dictator Select but never ran. 1st bday as a grandfather he’s here to spend with his grandson (who due to a medical procedure last month could not fly himself).”

. If he did not run away for 11+ YEARS of jail why would he now. Faced courts under every regime including our wannabe dictator Select but never ran. 1st bday as a grandfather he’s here to spend with his grandson (who due to a medical procedure last month could not fly himself) https://t.co/1GqAPmKNfT

— Bakhtawar B-Zardari (@BakhtawarBZ) July 25, 2022

Bakhtawar Bhutto gave birth to a baby boy, Mir Hakim Mahmood Choudhry, on October 10, 2021.

July 25, 2022
Pressure on Pakistani rupee may decrease in August

Finance Minister Miftah Ismail expressed his continued faith in Pakistani rupee’s (PKR) ability to withstand pressure despite the PKR continuing to hit historic lows versus the US dollar and suffering its biggest weekly slide in more than 20 years.

The finance minister stated in an interview with Radio Pakistan that the political climate and the fact that import payments are being made for shipments beginning in June are both contributing factors to the pressure on the PKR.

“Import of $80 billion were made during the last fiscal year. We are still making payments for energy commodities purchased last month. Therefore, the rupee is under pressure. However, as we are importing less in July, its effect would be reflected from next month or, I should say, next week.”

“The rupee’s fall is connected to the political situation as well. Before July 17, the situation wasn’t like this,” he added.

Miftah also spoke about Pakistan’s economic issues, stating that the poor export base continues to be a matter of concern.

The local currency has continued to depreciate against the US dollar, losing 7.6 per cent last week, more than what businesses typically account for in terms of annual currency depreciation, as the inter-bank market experienced a turbulent five sessions due to renewed political uncertainty and increased worries about Pakistan’s external financing needs.

He also revealed that one friendly country is ready for an instant investment in Pakistan.

It is worth noting that Pakistan anticipates receiving the next International Monetary Fund (IMF) tranche before the end of the following month following the board meeting.

July 25, 2022
New CM Punjab: Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi

Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi is now the chief minister (CM) of Punjab as per the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Punjab CM election case.

The apex court has directed Governor Punjab Balighur Rehman to administer oath to Pervaiz Elahi by 11:30pm tonight.

Punjab CM election: Supreme Court to announce verdict in a while

In a plea filed by PML-Q’s Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, the Supreme Court (SC) heard the case regarding Chief Minister (CM) Punjab election and reserved its decision.

The plea was filed against the Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker’s ruling on the day of the Punjab Chief Minister (CM) election (July 22).

The top court will announce the final verdict at 5:45pm today.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Umar Ata Bandial was hearing the case.

Punjab CM election: PPP and Mazari’s lawyers excuse themselves from SC hearing

Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Dost Mohammad Mazari and Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) lawyers have declined to participate in the Supreme Court (SC) proceedings as they had demanded a full court bench in the case pertaining to the Punjab Chief Minister (CM) election.

Deputy Speaker Mazari’s counsel Irfan Qadir told the bench that his client had told him not to be part of the proceedings. PPP lawyer Farooq H. Naek also came to the rostrum and informed Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial that he would not be part of the proceedings.

At this, the CJP told him that he “is not a party in the case”.

Coalition govt to boycott court proceedings if full bench not constituted

All political parties in the coalition announced that they will boycott court proceedings till a full bench is constituted.

Announcing the decision, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that since the coalition government’s request for the formation of a full court bench was rejected, they have also rejected this decision of the court.

“We will not appear before this bench and will boycott it.”

Punjab CM case: Full court bench rejected

The Supreme Court has rejected the request for a full court bench.

Earlier today, the coalition government had demanded the formation of a full court bench in the case pertaining to Punjab chief minister election.

The three-member SC bench will resume hearing the deputy speaker Punjab Assembly case tomorrow (July 26) at 11am.

More legal clarification needed, CJP Bandial on the formation of full court bench

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial has said that the court will decide whether to form a full court bench or not after listening to more legal clarification.

The top court has also said it is uncertain whether the decision on the formation of a full bench will be made today or not.

CJP also remarked that if the situation gets out of hand will we make full bench court.

Full court bench can only be formed in September

During today’s hearing, CJP Bandial remarked that the full court bench can only be formed in September, questioning that should all work be stopped till then?

‘If there is no full court bench, we will boycott the proceedings’: Rana Sanaullah

Prior to the SC’s decision on the formation of full court bench, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that “if the Supreme Court does not form a full court bench, we will boycott the proceedings.” He added that if the full court is not formed then Hamza Shehbaz will not become a party in this case.

Rana Sanaullah gave a reference, he said that in 2015 eight judges had given a decision regarding the party chief.

Along with Rana, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the way the constitution has been interpreted, it is beyond understanding.

Supreme Court reserves verdict on formation of full court bench

After a joint press conference by the members of the ruling coalition and requests made by SCBA and lawyers, the top court has reportedly reserved its verdict on the formation of a full court bench. The hearing has been adjourned till 5:30pm.

PTI’s leader Fawad Chaudhry said that the top court will announce whether they are hearing the petition or a full court bench. Taking a jibe at the government and its coalition partners’ lawyers, Chaudhry said that they didn’t have any solid arguments.

The Supreme Court (SC) has resumed its hearing on a plea filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi’s petition challenging Punjab Assembly (PA) Deputy Speaker Dost Mohammad Mazari’s decision in the Chief Minister (CM) run-off election on July 22.

SC resumes the hearing

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial along with Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar, is holding the hearing at SC’s Room 1.

On Saturday, the top court said that Hamza Shehbaz would work as trustee CM till Monday and adjourned the hearing.

Petition on Article 63-A should be heard: Ahsan Bhoon

Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Ahsan Bhoon requested the Supreme Court on Sunday to take up the Bar’s already filed review petition against the “short judgment passed by the apex court” on May 17 in the presidential reference over the interpretation of Article 63-A.

Bhoon underlined that it was the right time for the apex court to take up the SCBA petition and decide the matter once and for all “so that no one dares to point finger towards the apex court”.

“What’s the hurry Bhoon Sahab, let us hear this case first,” said CJP Bandial during today’s proceedings.

The bench called former SCBA head Advocate Latif Afridi who said that the country’s current political situation is “very complicated” at the moment and requested a full court bench.

Elahi’s lawyer Barrister Ali Zafar said the Bar presidents should not be involved in such matters.

The deputy speaker’s lawyer, Irfan Qadir, also requested the court to constitute a full bench. At this, the CJP asked him the grounds on which a full court bench should be constituted.

Qadir requested the bench to read paragraphs one and two of its decision on the presidential reference seeking interpretation of Article 63-A, stating that everything would then be clarified.

Law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar informed the court that he has received some important information. At this, the top court asked him to sit. The court also directed Hamza’s lawyer Mansoor Awan not to take directions from Tarar.

SC shouldn’t be blackmailed: Fawad Chaudhry

While talking to the media, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry said that PTI has no issue with a full court bench.

“The party has reservations that SC shouldn’t be blackmailed. Otherwise, it is up to the chief justice to make a full court bench,” said Chaudhry.

SC hearing on Punjab CM election: Political leaders banned to enter court

Before the hearing, all the political leaders were banned from entering SC for the hearing on the matter of the election of the Punjab CM. Strict security arrangements were also being made

An official of the Islamabad police said only leaders of respondent parties would be allowed to enter the court premises with the permission of the SC administration. He added that political parties had provided lists of leaders in this regard.

“No rally, procession, or gathering will be allowed in the Red Zone, including around the Supreme Court”, he said.*

July 25, 2022
Pakistan to increase surveillance after WHO declares monkeypox as global health emergency

In light of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) declaration that the monkeypox outbreak is “a global health emergency”, the health ministry has warned all the provincial governments to keep a watch out for any suspected monkeypox cases.

Minister for Health Abdul Qadir Patel on Sunday said that the government has decided to increase surveillance.

“All the national and provincial health authorities have been advised to remain on high alert for any suspected case of monkeypox,” Patel said in a statement. “Instructions have been issued to stakeholders, especially border health services for strict monitoring at all points of entry.”

He said that at all ports of entry, an efficient surveillance system had been built on a scientific foundation. All incoming travellers would be subject to screening, especially those from African nations, he added.

On July 23, WHO declared the monkeypox outbreak a global health emergency. WHO now sees this virus as a significant enough threat that a global response is needed to prevent it from spreading.

July 25, 2022
Sana Khan finally reveals why she left Bollywood

In a lengthy Instagram note in October 2020, Sana announced that she is quitting the entertainment industry to “serve humanity and follow the order of her creator.” She went through a tough time before that because of her split with choreographer Melvin Louis in 2019, who she also accused of cheating.

It was in November 2020 when she announced her marriage with Surat-based businessman Anas Saiyad. She has been living her life travelling to Maldives, visiting Haj and has also launched her clothing line, Haya by Sana Khan among other exciting things.

Revealing why she left showbiz in the first place, Sana recently told Times Of India, “In my past life of course, I had everything, name, fame, money. I could do anything and everything that I wanted but one thing that was missing was peace in my heart. I was like everything but why am I not happy? It was very tough and there were days of depression, there were days when I would get God’s message, his signs.”

What triggered her decision? Sana added, “In 2019, during Ramadan I still remember I used to see a grave in my dreams. I would see a burning, blazing grave and I could see myself in the grave. I just saw the empty grave, I saw myself. I felt this is the sign that God is giving me that if I don’t change, this is what my end is going to be. That got me a little anxious.”

July 25, 2022
Islamabad police launches crackdown against unregistered vehicles

The Islamabad Capital Territory Police (ICTP) has initiated a crackdown against unregistered vehicles in the federal capital.

Details reveal that during the current year 2022, 8,951 unregistered cars, trucks, and motorbikes received fines from the ICT police.

For the purpose of inspecting the unregistered vehicles operating on the roads, special enforcement squads have been formed.

The campaign was started on the orders of Inspector-General of the Islamabad Police, Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan, and is being led by SSP Traffic Dr. Syed Mustafa Tanweer.

Additionally, the Sabzi Mandi Police areas were the scene of several dacoity occurrences that were busted by the Islamabad Capital Territory Police.

Three members of a dacoit gang who were involved in several episodes of snatching and street crimes were apprehended by a police team from Sabzi Mandi Police Station employing the most recent technology and human resources.

The defendants were named as Munir Ahmed, Muhammad Shafiq, and Raja Zahoor.

A motorbike, three 30-bore handguns, and a dagger used in these sleazy events were also found by police.

The suspects admitted their involvement in dacoity occurrences in the Sabzi Mandi areas during the preliminary investigation.

July 25, 2022
‘Bench-fixing a crime like match-fixing’: Coalition govt demands full court bench

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz said on Monday that “bench-fixing” is a crime similar to “match-fixing” and suo motu notice should be taken over it as a “specific” anti-PML-N bench being constituted for one-sided decisions.

“One or two judges, who have always been anti-PML-N and anti-government, are repeatedly included in the bench. Bench-fixing is a crime just like match-fixing,” said Maryam.

In a joint press conference alongside the coalition government leaders, including Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Maryam Nawaz said, “Institutions are insulted from within, not outside. One wrong decision blows up an entire case. Criticism isn’t needed where the right decisions are taken.”

Referring to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) petition against the chief minister’s July 22 election, Maryam said that the Supreme Court’s (SC) doors were opened late at night and the registrar gave “sufficient time” to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to draft its appeal.

“This is not what happens in our justice system. PTI was given ample time to draft its petition by the registrar, while the common man is given months for the date of hearing.”

‘Have you ever heard of a trustee chief minister?‘

Maryam gave several examples of the PML-N’s legal woes, claiming that the party’s leaders were being discriminated against.

“Have you ever heard of a trustee chief minister?”

She said that since Hamza was elected chief minister of Punjab, he was not being allowed to work. “He goes from parliament to court, and back and forth. What justice is this?”

‘Did any court take suo motu notice against Khan? Are the suo motus only for the PML-N and its allies?’

Maryam also alleged that court decisions were favouring the PTI even though they were mocking the judicial system. She questioned the state of the judicial system and where the country was headed if decisions were given in favour of those who “abuse and bully institutions”.

Maryam said that during former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s tenure, the country witnessed a downfall in all sectors and the courts played “an important” role in that. The PML-N leader asked which crime had Khan not committed — he was involved in inciting violence, attacking property, and in the attack on parliament and PTV.

“Did any court take suo motu notice against Khan? Are the suo motus only for the PML-N and its allies?” she asked.

Criticising the judges for the recent remarks during the “Azadi March” hearing, Maryam said that despite PTI blatantly violating the court’s orders, the party was still given leverage.

“After he blatantly violated the orders, the judge said that maybe he didn’t receive the order; they also said maybe they burnt the green belt to save themselves from tear gas.”

’Three people cannot decide country’s fate’: Bilawal Bhutto

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari asserted that the country’s democratic parties had only one demand: the formation of a full court bench.

“We all want full court bench. Whatever you decide then will be according to the law and Constitution and we will trust it.”

“It cannot happen that only three people decide this country’s fate. That only they decide whether this country is run through a democratic system, an elected system or a selected system.”

Bilawal said that all the parties in the coalition government wanted a democratic system. “It cannot be possible that three people change Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution with just the stroke of a pen,” said Bilawal.

“And it has been three months and some powers, people, political parties and conspirators are unable to tolerate […] a campaign is being run in the country to keep Imran Khan at the forefront,” said Bhutto.

“We did not let any conspiracy succeed in the past and we will not let it happen now. We want institutions to remain uncontroversial. If only three judges give a decision, then we will not be able to control the political situation that will develop in this country.”

“Institutions meddle in political affairs to protect the state but do they ever think that the state is weakened due to their interference?” Maulana Fazl

“Institutions meddle in political affairs to protect the state but do they ever think that the state is weakened due to their interference?”

“You are sitting behind a wall. You may decide whatever you want […] and make politicians the culprit in the eyes of the public and defame them. But hold yourself accountable,” added Maulana Fazl.

He went on to say that the government supported what Maryam said earlier, saying that this was their “united stance”.

“Don’t take this nation to a point where people rebel against institutions,” he said.

The JUI-F chief said that it was very easy to “create difficulties”.

“If you expect us to not create any difficulties for you, then it is also your obligation to not create difficulties for us […] if there’s support for parliament, institutions and the government, the country will stabilise.”

July 25, 2022
Pakistani rupee falls to record low of Rs230 versus US dollar

As the political situation in the country worsens, the Pakistani rupee (PKR) touched an all-time low versus the US dollar on Monday during intraday activity in the interbank market.

Data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) show that during intraday trade, the PKR fell to Rs230 from a rate of Rs228.37.

As local currency fell by over 8 per cent against the greenback in the most recent trading week, its foreign exchange reserves fell below $10 billion, and inflation reached its highest point in more than a decade, worries about the country’s ailing economy have grown.

According to Geo, the acting governor of Pakistan’s central bank, Murtaza Syed, stated this in a recent speech to foreign investors: “Markets are responding to these shocks in an unfairly broad-brush way, without paying enough attention to Pakistan’s relative strengths.”

On Monday, a tola of 24-karat gold costs Rs147,700 in Pakistan.

10 grammes of 24 karat gold were priced at Rs126,700. A single tola of 22-karat gold was being offered for Rs135,391 while 10 grams of 22k gold was being traded for Rs116,141.

July 25, 2022
Aruba Tariq makes revelations about superstar Ayeza Khan

Actor Ayeza Khan has landed in hot water after strong accusations by her brother Ahad’s ex fiancee Aruba Tariq. The incident came to light when Aruba took the matter to her Facebook account and described it in detail. She blamed Ayeza for sabotaging her wedding, mistreating her, being a terrible mother, arrogant, bitchy and for hating her in-laws.

Tariq said that she and Ayeza’s brother used to like each other and he (Ahad) proposed her after they connected on social media. She further added that the plannings of their wedding events were in full swing but then they didn’t marry because Ayeza’s brother Ahad is a cheater and his family is a liar, she also disclosed that Ayeza’s brother was not even graduated but his family told that he’s a well educated guy and is doing a good job.

She accused Ahad and said that he is solely relying on Ayeza’s financial support. She further disclosed about Pyare Afzal actress that she is a horrible mother and she also hates her husband’s family as well.

Aruba also disclosed that Ayeza’s family mistreats their servants and they didn’t even give job to any person who belongs to a different sect. She also said that all their servants run away within the short period of three months.

Not only this, she also said that Ayezha Khan’s brother was also with the actress Sarah Khan.

According to Galaxy Lollywood’s conversation with Aruba, Ayeza used to taunt her that “pehle mere bhai ki shaadhi Sarah se honi thi, wo to bohat kamati thi.” Indirectly she wanted Aruba to take financial responsibility of Ahad and take him abroad with her.

July 25, 2022
Arshad Nadeem secures fifth position at World Athletics Championship

Pakistani Olympian Arshad Nadeem has secured fifth place in the men’s javelin throw final at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States.

Arshad Nadeem threw at a distance of 86.16 meters in the final, which was his best throw of the season. He reached the final on Friday by throwing at a distance of 81.71m during his group B qualifying round to finish ninth overall.

Neeraj Chopra of India won the silver medal with a throw of 88.13 meters.

Arshad finished fifth in the javelin throw event at the Tokyo Olympics held in 2021 and received wide acclaim back home for his achievement with little resources at his disposal.

July 25, 2022