Tag: interior ministry

  • ‘No evidence that TLP is anti-state party’: Election Commission

    ‘No evidence that TLP is anti-state party’: Election Commission

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday submitted an implementation report in the Faizabad sit-in case to the Supreme Court, stating that there is no evidence that Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) is involved in anti-state acts.

    The ECP sought a report from the Interior Ministry on the involvement of the TLP in anti-state activities, and as per the report, the group was not involved in such activities.
    “There is no evidence that TLP is an anti-state party,” the report states.

    While examining the party’s funding, the ECP discovered a sum of Rs1.5 million received through unauthorized channels by the TLP. However, the commission clarified that this amount, though obtained improperly, couldn’t be considered foreign funding.

    “The TLP’s funding sources were also reviewed and according to the Scrutiny Committee report, the party received Rs1.5 million from prohibited sources, which is little amount for such a party. Such a minor amount received by Tehreek-e-Labbaik cannot be classified as foreign funding,” the ECP report says.

    A three-member bench of the Supreme Court (SC) will take up Faizabad sit-in review petitions for hearing on November 1.

    The bench would be presided over by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa. The Registrar’s office of the top court had issued notices to respondents including the Attorney General of Pakistan.
    Faizabad Sit-in
    Back in November 08, 2017, TLP organized a sit-in at Faizabad interchange against the amendments in the Election Bill 2017, changing the word oath to declaration.

    The protesters demanded the resignation of Minister for Law and Justice Zahid Hamid to “protect the identity of the country”.
    The protestors achieved their objective as the Pakistani law minister Zahid Hamid stepped down from his position on November 27, 2017 culminating in an end to the protests that continued for 20 days without harm.

  • Pakistan grants citizenship to 214 foreigners, including 159 Indians

    Pakistan grants citizenship to 214 foreigners, including 159 Indians

    According to official documents accessed by SAMAA TV Investigation Unit, the Interior Ministry has granted Pakistani citizenship to 214 foreigners in the last five years.

    The reasons for granting citizenship included marriages, family relationships, professions, and long-term residency in Pakistan. Of the 214 foreigners, 159 were Indians, while 55 were citizens of other countries, including four Afghans, three Chinese, four Bangladeshis, one Italian, one Swiss, three Americans, two Canadians, and four British nationals.

    Additionally, more than 20 nationals of Burma, Philippine, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal also obtained Pakistani citizenship during this period.

    The documents also showed that two Indians were granted Pakistani nationality last month, with 55 granted in 2019, 43 in 2018, 27 in each of 2020 and 2021, and 18 in the previous year. The ministry still had thousands of pending applications for citizenship approval.

  • Five years jail and arrest without warrant for criticising army and judiciary in new draft bill: Dawn

    Five years jail and arrest without warrant for criticising army and judiciary in new draft bill: Dawn

    A bill has reportedly been prepared by the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) led government where up to a five-year imprisonment sentence can be given to “whoever scandalises or ridicules the Pakistan Army and judiciary through any medium”, reports Riazul Haq for Dawn.

    It is to be noted that the bill is to amend the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)

    The newspaper has reported that the summary and the bill will be forwarded to the federal cabinet soon.

    It says that whoever makes, publishes, circulates any statement or disseminates information, through any medium, with an intention to ridicule or scandalise the judiciary, the armed forces or any of their members will be found guilty. And the punishment may extend to five years or with a fine which may go as high up as Rs 1 million or both.

    Moreover, it says that the offender will be arrested without a warrant and the offence will be non-bailable and non-compoundable and can only be challenged in a sessions court.

    Dawn also reached out to PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi who said that he had not seen the draft but there had to be “some limit” to defaming someone.

    “Everywhere in the world there is a defamation law and this does not happen that anyone comes up willy-nilly and says whatever they want,” he was quoted saying by Dawn.

    However, later he denied his comments in a tweet as reported by Dawn, and said that he “simply cannot lend support to any draconian legislation”.

    “I believe that Pakistan needs defamation laws with financial recourse to protect everyone from unsubstantiated accusations,” he explained.

    PML-N’s Rohail Asghar also made it clear that no such laws should be passed by the government as he believed that there should be space for criticism.

  • Rana Sanaullah shares alleged audio of PTI’s Gandapur talking about bringing guns during long march

    Rana Sanaullah shares alleged audio of PTI’s Gandapur talking about bringing guns during long march

    During a press conference on Saturday, Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah played an audio purportedly of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Amin Gandapur in which the PTI leader can be heard talking about bringing guns and men to the long march.

    In the audio clip, a man believed to be Gandapur is heard asking an unidentified person named “Asad Ali” about the number of available guns and individuals.

    Citing the audio, Sanaullah alleged that the PTI intends to spread “violence” and “chaos” during its long march to Islamabad.

    He further claimed that as per initial investigations, details of this conversation have been secured by the ministry, however, he refused to reveal the identity of the unknown person allegedly speaking to the PTI leader.

    Sanaullah said that the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) should immediately arrest Gandapur and the unknown person.

    The script of the audio goes as follows:

    Asad Khan: Yes, Ali Khan?

    Ali Amin Gandapur: Mr president, what’s the position?

    Asad Khan: Sir, the position is A-one, what about you?

    Ali Amin Gandapur: How many guns are there?

    Asad Khan: There are several.

    Ali Amin Gandapur: License?

    Asad Khan: There are several licenses also.

    Ali Amin Gandapur: Men?

    Asad Khan: There will be as many men as required, sir.

    Ali Amin Gandapur: Okay. We are camping here in a nearby colony.

    Asad Khan: Yes.

    Ali Amin Gandapur: What is the nearest place here at the end here? Which colony is adjacent to it?

    Asad Khan: At ours?

    Ali Amin Gandapur: At the border… at the border… at the Islamabad-Pindi border.

    Asad Khan: Top [City] is also there, Capital is also there. There are several.

    Ali Amin Gandapur: Top is at the airport.

    Asad Khan: Top is on the airport’s side, right… I sent you the entire map.

    Ali Amin Gandapur: I received it, I have it. You just keep the men and equipment ready there.

    Asad Khan: Sir, no problem, Insha’Allah.

    Ali Amin Gandapur: Just stay in contact then, Insha’Allah.

    Asad Khan: Okay sir, Insha’Allah.

  • Govt spends Rs20 million per month on Khan’s security: IG Islamabad

    In a meeting of the Senate Standing Com­mittee on Interior chaired by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Senator Mohsin Aziz, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Isla­mabad Dr Akbar Nasir Khan revealed that 266 personnel have been deployed for PTI Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s security, which costs the government Rs20 million per month.

    The meeting took place on Wednesday, in which IGP Islamabad also admitted that there are reports of threats to Khan’s life.

    IGP Nasir provided these details in the form of a report sought by Committee Chairman Mohsin Aziz, who took a suo moto notice on reports of withdrawal of Khan’s security.

    He was asked about the reasons for the withdrawal of Khan’s security and revoking of private security companies’ licenses that were deployed for his protection. In reply, the IGP said that besides the two private security companies, 266 personnel from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) police, Frontier Consta­bulary and Rangers have been deployed for PTI Chairman’s security.

    He added that the said licenses were revoked by the Interior Ministry, however, they are still performing security duties.

    Chairman Committee Aziz observed that Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah was invited eight times for this meeting, but he did not come to attend the meeting once.

    Senator Shahadat Awan remarked that instead of calling a meeting, the committee chairman could have directly asked the IGP about the issue.

    “An hour-long meeting costs Rs15 lakh from the national exchequer”, he pointed out.

    Federal Minister of Law and Justice, Azam Nazeer Tarar, said that despite concerns for flood victims, Imran Khan’s rallies were being held and abuses were being hurled. “This forum is not for discussing such matters,” he said.

    On Thursday, Imran Khan’s counsel, Babar Awan, informed the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) that Khan’s life is under threat.

    “IGP and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations will be responsible if something happens to my client,” warned Babar.

  • Life threats: PM Shehbaz orders foolproof security for Imran Khan

    Life threats: PM Shehbaz orders foolproof security for Imran Khan

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed Interior Ministry to ensure foolproof security of former prime minister and PTI chairman Imran Khan.

    The Prime Minister issued the directives through twitter in view of the reported security threats to the life of former prime minister Imran Khan.

    On the directives of PM Shehbaz Sharif, the Interior Ministry issued a letter to the authorities concerned to ensure foolproof security of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    The Interior Ministry sent an urgent letter to the Home Secretaries of the four provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, asking to take strict security measures for PTI chief Imran Khan.

    Deputy Commissioner Lahore Wednesday wrote a letter to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership regarding the security threats ahead of public rally at Minar-e-Pakistan.

    Amid security threats, Imran Khan was advised to address the public rally via video link, the DC stated in a letter penned to the PTI leadership.

    The same directive was issued to the Inspector General Police and the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad.

    PM Shehbaz Sharif also directed Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah to personally monitor the situation and ensure the implementation of the orders.

    The letter instructed about putting in place foolproof security arrangements for Imran Khan during public rallies and other events.

    The letter also stressed the deployment of a bomb disposal squad outside the residence of the former prime minister in Bani Gala.

    It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will hold a public rally at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore. Imran Khan will address the public rally.

    On Tuesday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan asked the masses if they want an independent Pakistan then they must come to Minar-e-Pakistan to attend PTI’s protest rally on Thursday (April 21).

  • PM Khan ready to share ‘written letter of foreign conspiracy’ with CJP Bandial: Asad Umar

    PM Khan ready to share ‘written letter of foreign conspiracy’ with CJP Bandial: Asad Umar

    Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar said that Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan is ready to share the “threat letter” with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial. PM Khan claimed during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) March 27 rally that he had evidence of a “foreign-funded conspiracy” to topple his government and showed a letter to the audience.

    Addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, Minister for Planning and Development Umar said he has seen the letter himself, adding that if someone had doubts, the “prime minister is ready … he thought we can share with the chief justice of the Supreme Court”.

    Chief justice has a very good reputation

    Asad Umar said that after the masses questioned the credibility of the letter, the prime minister deliberated over sharing the letter with someone, and he thought that it would be right to share it with the CJP — as he is a credible person.

    “He holds a high office […] and the chief justice himself is a well-respected man,” the federal minister said, noting that it would be shared with the CJP when the need might arise.

    “Obviously, it is the highest office of justice in Pakistan, it is a huge position that has respect in this country. Personally too, the chief justice has a very good reputation. The prime minister said that on the nation’s behalf, if necessary, and for the people’s satisfaction, he is ready to present the letter to the chief justice of the Supreme Court.”

    Letter stated that if Imran Khan remained the prime minister, it would lead to “horrific consequences”

    “This is a very concerning thing and it is important because this letter clearly mentions the no-confidence resolution. There is no ambiguity that the no-confidence motion is being talked about.”

    Umar further said the letter stated that if Imran Khan remained the prime minister, it would lead to “horrific consequences”.

    ‘Letter shared with top civil, military leadership’

    Without naming anyone and in an apparent reference to opposition leaders, Umar referred to demands sharing contents of the letter.

    “They are asking why can we share the letter with them,” he said, adding that “national secrets are very sensitive in nature and there are clear laws on with whom these could be shared”.

    Umar then insisted that the letter was a “reality” and revealed that he had seen it.

    “I bear witness to it,” he said.

    Umar further said the letter had only been shared with the top civil and military leadership and a few members of the federal cabinet.

    Nawaz Sharif is involved in the “conspiracy” against PM Imran Khan

    Without naming anyone and in an apparent reference to Opposition leaders, Umar referred to demands sharing contents of the letter.

    “They are asking why can we not share the letter with them,” he said, adding that “national secrets are very sensitive in nature and there are clear laws on with whom these could be shared”.

    Umar then insisted that the letter was a “reality” and revealed that he had seen it.

    “I bear witness to it,” he said.

    Umar further said the letter had only been shared with the top civil and military leadership and a few members of the federal cabinet.

    Pakistan has a leader who is not attending foreign phone calls and is connected with the people

    “Until now, they were unaware, but now, they have been informed about the letter. So, it is up to them to decide whether they will side with forces working against Pakistan or not,” added Chaudhry.

    Chaudhry said this is “not a new thing” as earlier ex-prime minister Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated, former premier Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was prosecuted, and former military ruler Gen Zia-ul-Haq lost his life in a plane crash.

    The information minister said that the decisions taken in the past were part of Pakistan’s history. “But now, Pakistan has a leader who is not attending foreign phone calls and is connected with the people.”

  • Alert issued after Lahore and Islamabad terror attacks

    Alert issued after Lahore and Islamabad terror attacks

    The Interior Ministry of Pakistan has issued a notification on Saturday in which it directed the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to exercise “extreme vigilance”.

    The notification alert has asked LEAs of all provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to tighten security measures to prevent any unforeseen terror attacks.

    “… In view of recent terrorist attack in Anarkali Bazar, Lahore and threat posed by activities of anti-state elements, all provincial and special area governments/Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) are requested to exercise extreme vigilance and be on alert to deal with any untoward situation,” the notification said.

    On January 17, militants opened fire on a police checkpoint in the vicinity of the Karachi Company Police Station in Islamabad. The incident resulted in a policeman’s death and two injuries. The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility.

    After this incident, Interior Minister, Sheikh Rasheed has also warned of more terrorism-related incidents in Islamabad and said that the capital’s police and other forces are on alert.

    However, another terror attack on January 20 took place in which terrorists targeted the famous Anarkali market in Lahore. Three people died and 28 people got injured in the Lahore bomb blast. An investigation is still underway.

    Sheikh Rasheed also faced criticism from the Opposition for rising terrorism activities in the country. One of the senators from the Opposition commented that he “not seen the interior minister in the House for any briefing during the last nine months”.

  • Zahir Jaffer can’t be killed in a police encounter because of active Islamabad ladies: Sheikh Rasheed

    Zahir Jaffer can’t be killed in a police encounter because of active Islamabad ladies: Sheikh Rasheed

    Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed on Monday said that they [government] cannot have the Noor Mukadam case suspect, Zahir Jaffer, killed in a police encounter. He was addressing a press conference in Islamabad.

    Rasheed sarcastically said that the “active ladies in Islamabad” and “large social media” have ruled out the possibility of an extrajudicial killing.

    The interior minister added that the investigation is complete and the forensic test has been conducted. He said that all the evidence has been provided to the court. He hoped that the court will hand down a death sentence to Zahir Jaffer.

    A local court in Islamabad on Monday sent Zahir Jaffer, the key suspect in the Noor Mukadam murder case, to jail on a 14-day judicial remand.

  • ‘Punjab police will soon arrest culprits behind Lahore blast’: Sheikh Rasheed

    ‘Punjab police will soon arrest culprits behind Lahore blast’: Sheikh Rasheed

    Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed on Thursday said that the Punjab Police were close to arresting the culprits responsible for the Johar Town blast.

    The minister tweeted that officials had achieved “great success” during the investigation process. “Punjab police will soon arrest the suspects and give good news to the people,” he said.

    Rasheed said that Pakistan’s enemies could not tolerate the economic and political stability in the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan and had started adopting “terrorist routes”.

    A powerful blast near the residence of Jamaatud Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed killed three people and injured 24 others, including a police constable.