Tag: topnews

  • Aleema Khan fears Imran Khan may get death penalty in cipher case

    Aleema Khan fears Imran Khan may get death penalty in cipher case

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ex-chairman Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, has expressed concern that her brother might get the death penalty in the cipher case, as per a report of The News on Thursday.

    Speaking to journalists outside Adiala jail, Aleema Khan said that she has doubts on the former prime minister’s trial as she can’t see justice being served.

    A day earlier, a special court established under the official secret act indicted Imran Khan and PTI’s vice president Shah Mahmood Qureshi in a cypher case.

    While discussing her brother’s trial, Aleema mentioned that cubicles had been made, and she couldn’t understand the reason for that.

    “Our entire family was in the courtroom, and it was locked from outside,” she said, adding that they were chased and threatened when they were coming for hearing.

    “We have no fear, but there can be no fair trial without the media,” she said, adding that journalists were not being allowed to attend the trial.

    “It seems that we are not in our country but in some other country. It is very sad to see what is happening to us in our own country,” she added.

  • Civilians to be tried in military court; Supreme Court decides

    Civilians to be tried in military court; Supreme Court decides

    The Supreme Court has, by a majority of 5-1, suspended its October 23 order that declared the trials of civilians in military courts null and void regarding the May 9 riots.

    The decision came in response to intra-court appeals (ICAs) filed by the federal and provincial governments, as well as the defense ministry, challenging the earlier verdict.

    A six-member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood and comprising Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Musarrat Hilali, and Justice Irfan Saadat Khan heard the set of intra-court appeals.

    Justice Hilali differed with the majority decision.

    On October 23, a five-member apex court bench headed by Justice Ahsan unanimously admitted the pleas and nullified the government’s decision to try civilians in military courts in connection with the May 9 riots which erupted after the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-then chairman Imran Khan.

    Four judges out of the five declared that Section 2(1)(d) of the Army Act and 59(4) (civil offences) are “ultra vires the Constitution and of no legal effect”.

    “Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing the trials of civilians and accused persons, being around 103 persons […] shall be tried by criminal courts of competent jurisdiction established under the ordinary and/or special law of the land in relation to such offences of which they may stand accused,” the short order read.

    Following its verdict, the federal and the provincial governments along with the defence ministry filed intra-court appeals (ICAs). However, the caretaker government of Sindh refused to file any plea against the SC order.

    Justice Masood, who faced objections regarding his inclusion in the bench, refused to recuse himself.

    Former Chief Justice Jawwad S Khawaja and others had raised concerns about Justice Masood’s previous expressions on the matter, but the judge maintained his position.

    The Supreme Court’s recent decision to suspend the October 23 verdict means that the trials of 103 civilians will continue, with the final ruling conditional upon the Supreme Court’s subsequent orders.

  • Zardari accuses Jemima of paying UK bloggers to support Khan

    Zardari accuses Jemima of paying UK bloggers to support Khan

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairman and former president of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari has accused Jemima Goldsmith, the ex-wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, of paying vloggers while sitting abroad.

    In an interview on Aaj News with Asma Shirazi, the former president stated that a lobby with “multiple interests” has been funding and backing vloggers.

    The former president further added that it was a conspiracy to bring Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) ex-Chairman Imran Khan into power, adding that some people wanted to extend his rule until 2035.

    “He [Khan] would have sold Pakistan, and the country would have defaulted if I had not ousted that person… Sometimes a puppet does not know what its handler is doing to it.”

    Asif Ali Zardari also said that “I can be a candidate for prime ministership and Bilawal too. Even Khursheed Shah can be the candidate.”

    On the other hand, PTI supporters are showing support to Jemima on X (previously Twitter), with #StayStrongJemimaKhan trending on the platform.

  • Indian govt issues notices to Shah Rukh, Ajay Devgan, Akshay Kumar over gutka ads

    Indian govt issues notices to Shah Rukh, Ajay Devgan, Akshay Kumar over gutka ads

    The Indian government has issued notices to Bollywood A-listers Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgan for appeared in gutka advertisements despite a ban on promoting the addictive and harmful products.

    The actors have been issued notices by the government after a court hearing in which the state lawyer mentioned that the Supreme Court is already looking into the. matter.
    The actors appeared in the ads years ago. Akshay Kumar has even apologized to his fans for doing the advertisement.

    Gutka is an addictive substance made from areca nuts and tobacco. Once extremely popular in the subcontinent, gutka is known to cause cancers of the mouth, head and neck.

    The next court hearing is on May 9, 2024.

  • A loyal, committed partner is better than a life in showbiz: Resham

    A loyal, committed partner is better than a life in showbiz: Resham

    In a recent podcast interview with journalist Maliha Rahman, Actor Resham expressed her concern about the rising divorce rates among actors in the entertainment industry. She specifically mentioned the separations of Sajal Aly and Ahad Raza Mir, as well as Imran Ashraf and Kiran Ashfaq, stating that the news saddened her, and she hoped their marriages hadn’t come to an end.

    She mentioned her close relationship with actress Sajal Aly, expressing deep sorrow over Sajal’s divorce, considering they had previously worked together in “Mohabbat Jaye Bhaar Main.” Resham also mentioned actor Imran Ashraf and recalled meeting him and his ex-wife Kiran Ashfaque at an event, noting that they seemed happy together.

    The string of divorces in the industry has made Resham more cautious, prompting her to consider marrying someone outside the entertainment circle, she said. At the end of the interview, Resham spoke about her hopes for a future partner who was willing to commit to a lasting relationship.
    Resham also revealed that she would have left showbiz long ago if she had found a good life partner, who was loyal and committed.
    The veteran actress is set to make a strong comeback to the silver screen in the movie “Gunjal,” featuring Ahmad Ali Akbar in the lead role.

  • Salman Khan shares heartwarming images on Dharmendra’s 88th birthday

    Salman Khan shares heartwarming images on Dharmendra’s 88th birthday

    Actor Salman Khan has shared endearing images capturing heartfelt moments with Actor Dharmendra on his 88th birthday.

    Khan took to Instagram to share some heartwarming pictures and wish him a happy birthday.
    In one picture, Dharmendra is seated on a sofa, while Khan sits in front of him. Another image captures them standing together behind the sofa, with Khan placing his hands on Dharmendra’s shoulders.
    Khan captioned the pictures with, ‘Happy Birthday Dharam Ji,’.

  • Mahira Khan snapped with Hollywood star Andrew Garfield

    Mahira Khan snapped with Hollywood star Andrew Garfield

    The Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is unfolding right now. Pakistani cinema is gaining recognition on the global platform with movies like Wakhri and In Flames being featured at the event. showcase the talent and creativity of Pakistani filmmakers.
    On Thursday, Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt walked the red carpet at the festival. She not only attended the event but also posed with several Pakistani celebrities. Alia was dressed in an elaborate floral silver gown for the red carpet event.
    Hollywood actors including Johnny Depp, Will Smith, Sharon Stone, Michelle Williams, Freida Pinto, Joel Kinnaman, Paz Vega and Sofia Vergara were also in attendance at the festival.
    Pakistani stars, including Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed, Ahad Raza Mir were also there, mingling with international stars like Alia Bhatt and Andrew Garfield. Humayun Saeed was also photographed with Adrien Brody, Nicolas Cage, Henry Golding, and Joel Kinnaman. His wife, Samina Humayun Saeed, was captured in a picture with Alia Bhatt. Take a look at the pictures below to see our Pakistani stars at the festival.

  • Mizna Waqas was wrongly told by doctors that her unborn baby had died

    Mizna Waqas was wrongly told by doctors that her unborn baby had died

    Pakistani actress Mizna Waqas revealed her personal struggles with her pregnancy during a recent interview on a digital platform. Best known for her role as Fazila in Geo TV’s drama ‘Mannat Murad,’ Mizna shared insights into career challenges and personal life. The actress disclosed that she faced criticism initially due to her fair complexion. “In the early days of her career, roles were assigned based on skin colour,” Mizna revealed.
    Talking about pursuing a master’s degree before diving into acting, Mizna said she followed her dreams.

    Moving on to personal milestones, she said that she became a mother eight years into her marriage. In 2019, she welcomed her son Ahil, after experiencing three miscarriages.
    During her fourth pregnancy in 2018, Mizna went through a harrowing ordeal when doctors at a famous hospital initially gave her unborn baby a negative prognosis, saying that the baby’s vital signs were not there and suggesting that the pregnancy be terminated. But after seeking a second opinion and getting another ultrasound, Mizna was shocked to find out that her baby was actually alive and healthy. “When the doctor showed me the second ultrasound, the baby was alive. The doctor even showed me the heartbeat. I was surprised why the last doctor told me that the baby was dead,” the actress shared.

    Her mother’s support was crucial during this difficult time. She encouraged Mizna to get a second opinion, and it turned out to be a game-changer.

    The actress’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by women, both in the entertainment industry and in their personal lives. Mizna’s resilience and determination to pursue her passion despite criticism, as well as her journey through pregnancy struggles, make for a compelling and inspiring narrative.

  • Former Army Chief willing to appear as witness in cipher case: The News

    Former Army Chief willing to appear as witness in cipher case: The News

    Former army chief General (r) Qamar Javed Bajwa can surprise founder and former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan, as he is “willing to appear” as a witness in the cipher case, The News has reported.

    During the last hearing in cipher case, Imran Khan said while speaking to journalists, “I will include General Bajwa and US Embassy officials as witnesses in the case.”

    A source from The News confirmed that the former army chief also showed willingness to appear as a witness. However, he will require permission from military authorities.

    The former prime minister is currently in Adiala jail and facing charges under the Official Secrets Act, 1923. A special court is hearing the cipher case against Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

    Imran had alleged that “General Bajwa did everything on Donald Lu’s directives”. 

    This accusation does not match the statements given by witnesses, including the former secretary of foreign affairs and Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US. Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US was in contact with Donald Lu, and their communication’s result was a cable that was sent to the foreign ministry, which is a normal thing.

    Imran Khan had also claimed that the cipher was a conspiracy against him to remove him from the office.

    The National Security Committee (NSC) deliberated over the cipher twice, once when Imran Khan was the prime minister of Pakistan and later in the tenure of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif.

    The NSC found no evidence of conspiracy on both occasions against Imran Khan in the cipher.

  • SC to hear reference asking Zulkiqar Bhutto’s execution be declared judicial murder

    SC to hear reference asking Zulkiqar Bhutto’s execution be declared judicial murder

    On December 12, a larger bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, comprising nine members, is scheduled to hear on the presidential reference regarding the reconsideration of the judgment on Bhutto’s death sentence.

    It has been decided to schedule a presidential reference hearing to declare the execution of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) founder and former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as judicial murder.

    According to sources, the presidential reference regarding Zulfiqar Bhutto’s execution is likely to be scheduled for hearing next week.

    According to the sources of Geo News, a larger bench will hear the presidential reference related to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

    Sources also said that the presidential reference will be heard under the chairmanship of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faiz Isa.

    It should be remembered that in 2011, the PPP government, through the then President Asif Ali Zardari, filed a reference in the Supreme Court (SC) regarding the execution of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

    Now, after a long gap of almost 11 years, the reference is going to be fixed for hearing again.