Tag: Imran Khan

  • Court rejects Imran Khan’s petition challenging jail trial in cipher case

    Court rejects Imran Khan’s petition challenging jail trial in cipher case

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has said that security concerns justifying Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s jail trial in the cipher case are valid.

    IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq announced the verdict on the PTI chairman’s petition, which challenged the decision to conduct his trial at Adiala Jail in a case registered under the Official Secrets Act.

    The IHC directed Imran Khan to bring forth his concerns regarding the matter before the trial court.

    The PTI chairman, whose government was ousted following a vote of no confidence in Parliament last April, has petitioned the IHC to conduct his trial in a courtroom rather than in prison.

    “The jail trial is in favour of the PTI chairman in view of his security,” the court said, adding that Khan has repeatedly expressed fears about his safety.

    On the other hand, PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi has submitted a petition to the IHC, contesting his imprisonment trial and urging the court to nullify the trial court’s decision from October 9. In that ruling, the special court announced that both politicians would be indicted in the cipher case on October 17.

  • Bushra Bibi gets bail in Toshakhana, Al-Qadir Trust cases

    Bushra Bibi gets bail in Toshakhana, Al-Qadir Trust cases

    Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi has been granted interim bail by an accountability court in Islamabad while barring the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) from arresting her in the Toshakhana and GBP 190-million Al-Qadir Trust cases.

    Bushra Bibi appeared in the court of duty Judge Raja Jawab Abbas along with her counsel Latif Khosa for pre-arrest bail.
    The interim bail was granted in exchange for bonds worth Rs500,000 in each case and the hearing was adjourned till October 31.

    ATC adjourns hearing on bail:

    The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) of Islamabad has postponed the bail hearing for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in three separate cases until October 24.

    These cases, two of which were registered at the Khanna police station and one at Bhara Kahu, require the court to carefully examine the details of each case. The court requested the relevant records for further review.

    During the hearing, Imran Khan’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, appealed for the production orders of his client, emphasizing that the Islamabad High Court had reinstated the bail applications, making Khan’s appearance in court necessary for all three cases.

    Safdar asserted, “Don’t think you have the powers of an Official Secrets Act court also. When a bail application is filed, it is decided on merit. If the court thinks the production cannot be ensured today, then the hearing should be held tomorrow. Whether the client has to be brought by a helicopter or an armored vehicle, it is the responsibility of the prison authorities.”

    Responding to the concerns raised, Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain stated that if the suspect’s appearance posed a challenge, the court would prioritize the bail application where another case was scheduled for the following day. He emphasized that even though the application was for pre-arrest bail, the fact remains that the suspect is currently in jail.

    In response to the lawyer’s request to avoid conducting the bail application hearing within the jail premises the next day, the judge assured him that the appropriate relief would be provided as per the law.

    Cipher Case Updates:

    Islamabad High Court (IHC) has determined that the trial of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan in a cipher case can proceed within the confines of Adiala jail, citing concerns about the leader’s security. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq made the announcement, responding to Khan’s plea challenging the authorities’ decision to hold the trial within the jail premises, under the Official Secrets Act.

    The court directed Khan to take up any reservations he might have regarding the matter directly with the trial court. Khan, whose government was ousted following a vote of no confidence in April last year, had sought for his trial to be conducted in a regular court, rather than within the jail’s confines.

    Citing security as a crucial factor, the court stated, “The jail trial is in favor of the PTI chairman in view of his security,” acknowledging Khan’s repeated expressions of concern about his safety.

    In a related development, PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi also filed a petition in the IHC, challenging his own jail trial. He requested the annulment of the trial court’s order and urged for an open trial. The special court had set the date for the indictment of both Khan and Qureshi in the cipher case on October 17, after the copies of the challan provided by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) were shared with the accused’s counsels.

    In response to the developments, Khan’s lawyer, Latif Khosa, presented arguments highlighting the former prime minister’s concerns and previous legal history. Khosa emphasized that Khan had previously been sentenced to three years of imprisonment in the Toshakhana case, which was suspended shortly after. He questioned the legality of the jail trial, stating that it took place after the judicial remand and that the accused had not been provided with substantial evidence.

  • “The red carpet for his return is not being rolled out by the PML-N but by someone else,” Shah added

    “The red carpet for his return is not being rolled out by the PML-N but by someone else,” Shah added

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Kursheed Shah criticised former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) head Nawaz Sharif, alleging that he had engaged in negotiations with powerful quarters to come back to power.

    “If Nawaz Sharif comes to power by dealing with powerful circles at this age, then what would be left of his politics,” he asked rhetorically.

    “The red carpet for his return is not being rolled out by the PML-N but by someone else,” Shah added.

    Observing that despite facing a lot of problems, PML-N is still doing “backdoor politics”, Khursheed Shah stated that he told the PML-N chief that he was committing a mistake by climbing on “someone else’s shoulder” to come into power.

    The former leader of the opposition also questioned how a convict and fugitive could address a public gathering in Lahore.

    “This is a dangerous trap in which the PML-N is trapped. What was the difference between Pakistan Tehran-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman [Imran Khan] and Nawaz Sharif?”

    Shah asserted that Nawaz Sharif is being taken into power, just as PTI chief Imran Khan was given power in 2018.

  • Imran Khan is a virus : Ahsan Iqbal

    Imran Khan is a virus : Ahsan Iqbal

    In a fiery political showdown, senior leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Hamza Shehbaz and Ahsan Iqbal, launched scathing verbal attacks on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan on different occasions on Sunday.

    During a political rally in Kasur, Hamza Shehbaz fiercely criticized the PTI chief, citing his failure to substantiate corruption allegations against Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif.

    Hamza accused the PTI chairman of concealing state gifts in the Toshakhana case, a scandal that has drawn considerable public attention.

    Hamza argued that Imran Khan forced the public to bear the burden of him violating the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    He praised Nawaz Sharif, saying, “In 1990, there was no motorway in Southeast Asia. At that time, Nawaz Sharif envisioned building a motorway from Islamabad to Lahore. The world praised the motorway project when it was completed.”

    Meanwhile, Ahsan Iqbal, another senior figure within the PML-N, branded the PTI chief as a “virus” during a workers’ convention.

    Iqbal said: “The PTI chief is an inept person who harmed the country during his tenure,” adding that the PTI had launched a campaign against the entire country.

    Recounting the tenure of PTI, Iqbal said, “PML-N leaders were jailed in fake cases. We faced bogus cases.”

    He stated, “The PML-N will start its election campaign across the country after October 21.”

  • Murad Saeed successfully escapes arrest

    Murad Saeed successfully escapes arrest

    A police raid on a residence in Peshawar’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) narrowly missed apprehending former federal minister and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader, Murad Saeed, as confirmed by authorities on Sunday.

    While Saeed managed to slip away, law enforcement officials disclosed that they had successfully detained some of his close associates, including a relative and personal staff members.

    Superintendent of Police (SP) Warsak, Arshad Khan, has revealed that Murad Saeed was purportedly harbored in a residence located in Nasir Bagh, where he received assistance in his escape.

    It was further reported that the relatives of Murad Saeed not only obstructed the police operation but also verbally abused the officers involved in the raid. Shockingly, Saeed managed to flee just minutes before the police’s arrival.

    The trigger for the raid was a tip-off received by the Nasir Bagh police station, suggesting Saeed’s presence at the house of his relative in DHA. The Superintendent of Police (SP) Warsak division, Arshad Khan, confirmed the intelligence and subsequent action taken by the police team.

    The First Information Report (FIR) filed after the incident highlighted Saeed’s alleged involvement in multiple cases, including a violation of Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorist Act. The report also accused the individuals present at the scene, including women, of obstructing the police’s efforts, allowing Saeed an opportunity to flee.

    Additionally, the FIR detailed the recovery of firearms and ammunition from the vehicles seized during the operation. Notably, the owner of the house, Ilyas, along with Mohammad Arsalan, Azizur Rehman, and two women, who were identified as relatives of the former federal minister, faced charges under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Arms Act, including 506, 353, 186, 216, 148, 149, and 15.

    It is pertinent to mention that there are ongoing cases against Murad Saeed related to incidents that occurred on May 9 and 10. The situation surrounding this case continues to evolve as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged escape of the prominent PTI leader.

  • Military officers appointed at NAB

    Military officers appointed at NAB

    In what is being called an effort to enhance the accountability process in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to revive corruption cases, the Establishment Division has officially assigned four military officers to various roles within the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), as reported by The News on Saturday.

    According to the notification, Brigadier Muhammad Khalid of Infantry has been appointed Director National Accountability Bureau in (BS-20), Lt Col Nadeem Muzaffar as Additional Director in (BS-19), Major Waleed Khalid of Military Intelligence as Deputy Director (BS-18), and Major Qais Kamran Syed of Military Intelligence as Deputy Director (BS-18).

    These military officers have been assigned on a temporary basis under the standard terms and conditions outlined in JSI-4/85, effective immediately. The notification was released following Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar’s approval.

    Reports indicate that, in addition to assistance from intelligence agencies, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has also requested technical support from experts in various government departments such as the State Bank of Pakistan, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and others to aid in their investigation of white-collar corruption.

  • Nawaz Sharif performs Umrah with son Hussain Nawaz

    Nawaz Sharif performs Umrah with son Hussain Nawaz

    Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) head, Nawaz Sharif, who was in London since the last three years in self-imposed exile, performed Umrah in Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

    The PML-N supremo travelled from London to Saudi Arabia with his son Hussain Nawaz and close friends, to perform Umrah together.

    Nawaz Sharif will go to Dubai from the Kingdom, where he will stay for three days. After that, the former president will fly to Pakistan on October 21 to address a gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan. He will also explain his agenda to the people of Pakistan for the upcoming general elections.

    Sharif was accompanied on the Saudi visit by his close friend Mian Nasir Janjua, aide Waqar Ahmed, Karim Yousaf, and a few others.

    According to a report filed by Geo News, the flight carrying Nawaz home will be named ‘Umeed-e-Pakistan’. It can carry approximately 150 passengers.

  • Imran Khan details want he wants from people of Pakistan in message from jail

    Imran Khan details want he wants from people of Pakistan in message from jail

    The incarcerated Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan, has a message for the people of Pakistan, shared by his family on October 10, and recently shared on his official X (former Twitter) account.

    The former Prime Minister calls his incarceration illegal but stresses that today’s Imran Khan is different from the one who went to jail.

    “When I was illegally incarcerated in Attock Jail, the first few days were particularly challenging. I wasn’t provided a bed and had to sleep on the floor and had insects and mosquitoes all over me. But with time I have adjusted well to the prison conditions.

    ’ . ; , , ,” the message says.

    He tells his supporters not to give up and hopes that people will vote for PTI, whenever the elections are held.

    “Do not give up. This time of trial will end because Allah says that “with every difficulty there is ease”. Keep raising your voice against this unelected predatory group and their facilitators at every forum and keep demanding a fair and transparent election in the country,” his message said.

    The entire message by Imran Khan is as follows:

    “When I was illegally incarcerated in Attock Jail, the first few days were particularly challenging. I wasn’t provided a bed and had to sleep on the floor and had insects and mosquitoes all over me. But with time I have adjusted well to the prison conditions.

    ’ . ; , , .

    During my time in prison, I have had the opportunity to study and research the Holy Quran in depth, along with other books which has strengthened my faith.

    I was also able to introspect the last few years of my political life. Regardless of what prison they keep me in, whatever conditions they impose upon me, I will not back down even an inch from the quest of Haqeeqi Azadi, for the upholding of the rule of law and the Constitution of Pakistan, at the core of which is free and fair elections.

    To those suggesting that I leave the country, know that I will live and die with Pakistan, and I will not leave my land to go anywhere.

    As far as the Cipher case is concerned, this bogus case is designed to protect former Army Chief General Bajwa and Donald Lu. I was the elected Prime Minister of the country. Treason was committed against me and my govt by General Bajwa, instead of investigating the foreign conspiracy in orchestrating a regime change, a case has been filed against me for informing the people of Pakistan, the real protectors of this country, about this treason.

    If there’s one thing that bothers & pains me, is the suffering of my workers who have been illegally imprisoned, especially our women workers who have been in captivity for months, by a few people who abuse their power to satisfy their egos. I appeal to the judiciary to provide justice and order the immediate release of our workers.

    Finally, Do not give up. This time of trial will end because Allah says that “with every difficulty there is ease”. Keep raising your voice against this unelected predatory group and their facilitators at every forum and keep demanding a fair and transparent election in the country.

    I am predicting that on whatever day the election is held, people of Pakistan will come out in huge numbers to vote for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and defeat all these parties combined. No matter how much these people cheat, their only destiny is defeat. Pakistan Zindabad.”

    Earlier of October 7, Imran Khan’s stance regarding the Palestine issue was also shared on his Twitter account which said, “Chairman Imran Khan has been and will always remain an advocate for the Palestinian cause. He has consistently maintained his stance that oppression, occupation, and peace cannot go hand in hand. From the first Nakba in 1948, to inhumane treatment and the siege of Gaza, Palestinians have stood alone fighting for their right to peaceful existence.”

    Since Hamas sent its fighters to Israel on October 7, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared war, and Israeli forces have increased their attack in Gaza.

  • Imran Khan seeks suspension of cipher case trial

    Imran Khan seeks suspension of cipher case trial

    Imran Khan, the incarcerated Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has taken legal action against an upcoming indictment in a cipher case, filing a petition on Wednesday in the Islamabad High Court, contesting a trial court’s decision to charge him and party Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

    IHC Chief Justice Aamir Farooq heard the case, as the court merged the case with the plea seeking dismissal of the cipher case.

    The trial is scheduled for October 17, however, Khan claims that the relevant documents were not handed over to his defense counsel, despite the trial court’s order suggesting otherwise.

    Khan has also sought bail in two cases filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). These cases involve the Toshakhana case and allegations of corruption involving millions of pounds.

    Khan’s bail plea was previously dismissed by the Accountability Court due to his inability to appear in court. The petitions state that Khan’s detention in Attock Jail prevented him from attending court proceedings, asserting that his absence was not intentional.

    In a related development, the Special Court (Official Secrets Act) distributed copies of the investigation report to Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi during a hearing held on October 9.

    This move precedes their impending indictment. Notably, PTI lawyers have requested that the trial not be held in camera due to the small size of the prison court.

    Shah Mehmood Qureshi has submitted a petition to challenge a notification from the Law Ministry regarding the trial’s location at Adiala Jail. The court has ordered the ministry to explain its decision.

    Copies of the investigation report will be provided to the suspects, contingent on the Islamabad High Court’s decision. The court directed the suspects to sign the copies, but Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi have refused to do so.

    Special court judge Abul Hasnat Zulqernain visited Adiala Jail to solve the problems allegedly being faced by PTI Chairman Imran Khan. The court ordered the demolition of the wall erected in front of Imran Khan’s cell.

    According to the jail superintendent, the PTI chief has been provided a place to walk, adding that he has requested further extension of his cell despite adequate space.

    Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi will be indicted in the case on October 17, said Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqernain.

  • Not going to take part in  upcoming elections, says Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

    Not going to take part in  upcoming elections, says Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

    Former Prime Minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has revealed in an interview with Nadeem Malik on Samma TV that he is not going to take part in the upcoming elections in the current political environment.

    The senior politician said that he is unable to give a final word on elections as he has not consulted the people of his constituency on this matter.

    Abbasi emphasized that he asked Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif to find a solution for the bad economic situation in the country.

    “I have told Nawaz Sharif that all political leaders can sit together and solve the country’s problems,” he added.

    The former prime minister stated that PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif and Vice President Maryam Nawaz are not his leaders. “Nawaz Sharif is my leader,” Abbasi firmly stated.