Tag: trending

  • ‘Khan is using tragic killing of Arshad Sharif for petty politics’: PM Shehbaz

    ‘Khan is using tragic killing of Arshad Sharif for petty politics’: PM Shehbaz

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif—who is currently in Saudi Arabia—has said that Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is using the tragic killing of senior journalist Arshad Sharif for “petty politics”.

    His statement has come after Khan’s comments about Sharif’s death, terming it “a targeted killing”.

    Taking to Twitter, the Premier said: “Imran Niazi is playing a dangerous game. He is using the tragic killing of Arshad Sharif for petty politics and going to the extent of casting aspersions on state institutions.”

    PM Shehbaz further said that the PTI chief should wait for the findings of the Judicial Commission which was constituted to probe the death of the slain journalist.

    ‘Mujhe pata hai target killing ki gayi hai’: Imran Khan on Arshad Sharif’s death

    On October 25, Khan claimed that the killing of journalist and anchorperson Arshad Sharif was a targeted killing, stressing that he himself warned the newsman that his life was under threat.

    Addressing an Insaf Lawyers Forum (ILF) convention in Peshawar, Khan said, “Jo marzi log kahein, mujhe pata hai target killing ki gayi hai” (Whatever people say, I know it was target killing), adding that “Arshad knew that his life was in danger, he was repeatedly warned. I told him too but despite that, he didnt step back even once or get scared,” he said in the speech.

    During the convention, Khan further said Arshad Sharif was the journalist he respected the most, using the term “martyred” for the late television host.

    Imran Khan heaped laurels on the slain journalist, calling him brave and pointing out that he put his life in danger but stayed on the path of justice “People threatened him, offered him money but he didnt change his stance,” Imran Khan revealed.

    “I told him to leave the country, but he did not listen,” Khan shared.

    “Sharif also criticised me, when he used to think I was wrong”, the PTI chief said.

    “Then I received information that they were about to kill him. They invaded his home and scared him in front of his family just so that he doesn’t speak the truth,” the former premier claimed.

    Imran said Sharif left the country but was being called back when his visa in the UAE was about to expire. “Not because he committed a crime but just so he doesn’t speak the truth. And they wanted to do the same with him what they did with Azam Swati, Shahbaz Gill and Jameel Farooqui,” Imran added.

    He repeatedly urged the lawyers’ community at the convention to take a stand. “You people have more responsibility because you know justice and the role of law more than the citizens.”

    “I will fight these cruel people till my last breath”, he said, adding that Allah has not given us the choice of being neutral.

    On Monday, Khan tweeted: “Arshad Sharif’s murder has sent shockwaves across Pakistan. It has highlighted an ongoing targeting of anyone who dares to criticise or question those holding power. When will our senior Judiciary act to ensure our citizens’ fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution are protected”.

    On October 23, Arshad Sharif was killed in Kenya in a reported shooting incident by the country’s police.

  • High court takes notice of flood-affected minor girl gang-raped in Karachi

    High court takes notice of flood-affected minor girl gang-raped in Karachi

    The Sindh High Court (SHC) has reportedly taken notice of a flood-affected minor girl’s gang-rape in Clifton, Karachi. The heinous incident took place on October 23 (Sunday).

    SHC Chief Justice Ahmed Ali M. Shaikh also summoned the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Investigation South-I in a personal capacity.

    The minor girl was living in a camp set up for flood victims in Karachi.

    After the incident, she was rushed to Jinnah hospital where she remained hospitalised. The girl told the police that two men picked her up and then raped her.

    The police surgeon confirmed that the violent crime had indeed taken place and said that child had been given a full medical examination.

    According to the Additional Inspectors General (IG) Karachi, the girl and her six younger brothers and sisters were living with her mother in the vicinity of the shrine of Abdullah Shah Ghazi.

    On Sunday night, two boys at around 11am forcibly took her in their car and raped her, and then left her in the same vicinity at around 2:30pm.

    Clifton SP Ahmed Faisal Chaudhry said the girl’s family was homeless and had set up a makeshift residence on a footpath near Abdullah Shah Ghazi’s shrine in Clifton.

    One of the suspects involved in the gang-rape has been arrested after a case was registered.

    Following the horrific incident, Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali took serious notice of the case.

  • ‘Excellent’: says PM Shehbaz after meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

    ‘Excellent’: says PM Shehbaz after meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud on Tuesday held a bilateral meeting at the Royal Palace of Riyadh.

    During the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the bond between both Islamic countries, reports Radio Pakistan.

    PM Shehbaz thanked the Saudi leadership for extending assistance to Pakistan during the recent devastating floods, particularly for establishing the air bridge between Riyadh and Islamabad to provide relief goods in flood-affected areas.

    Meanwhile, crown prince Salman termed the fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia very important for the two countries as well as for the region and the world.

    Taking to Twitter, PM Shehbaz described the meeting as “excellent”. He said, “We agreed to upgrade and enhance bilateral ties and fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to new heights in line with the requirements of the changing world. I told the crown prince that people of Pakistan are eagerly looking forward to his visit,” he added.

    Later, the premier and his accompanying delegation performed Umrah at Makkah’s Grand Mosque, where he “prayed for the peace and prosperity of Pakistan as well as Muslim ummah.”

    PM Shehbaz addressed the Future Investment Initiative Conference in Saudia

    PM Shehbaz addressed the Future Investment Initiative Conference in Saudia and highlighted the importance his government attaches to enabling the participation of Pakistani youth to become agents of change in the technology world.

    In his address with attendees at the sixth edition of the FII summit, Sharif called the conference a “remarkable” forum launched by his Saudi “friends.”

    “For the investment in solar and wind energy projects in Pakistan, I am standing before you, inviting you to please come forward and invest in these fields”, PM said on the occasion.

    PM Shehbaz landed in Riyadh on Monday where he was received by Riyadh Governor Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud at the airport. The premier is accompanied by several federal ministers. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and other officials are with him.

    The Saudi Crown Prince is likely to visit Pakistan on an official visit in November.

    The last time the crown prince visited Pakistan was in February 2019 when former PM Imran Khan was in power.

  • ‘Long March will be dealt with iron hands’: PML-N leaders and ministers react to Khan’s long march

    ‘Long March will be dealt with iron hands’: PML-N leaders and ministers react to Khan’s long march

    After Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday announced that his long march will commence from Friday, federal ministers and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders came forward, stating that the government will deal strongly with the marchers who are planning to come to Islamabad.

    Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal said that the long march was announced because Khan wants National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) to escape punishment in the foreign funding and Toshakhana cases.

    PML-N leader and former federal minister Abid Sher Ali said that, “The government will deal with the long march with iron hands. There is no leniency for certified thieves”.

    Meanwhile, PML-N leader and former Prime Minister (PM) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that Khan can do whatever he wants but the government is not going anywhere. “Imran Khan may launch a long march or do as he wishes, the government will remain as it is,” he stressed.

    While speaking on the Geo News’ programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath‘ he said that neither politics nor democracy will survive in the country if a tradition takes hold to overthrow the government through long marches.

    He posed a question: “Why does a long march take place whenever bilateral relations with China get off the ground?” Moreover, he mentioned that the last time when the long march was announced, Chinese President Xi Jinping was set to visit Pakistan.

    It is pertinent to mention here that in 2014, President Xi had to call off his scheduled visit to Pakistan because of the political unrest in the country caused by long march in the federal capital. At the time, the Chinese ambassador had even approached Khan to suspend his protest for a few days in order to allow the visit to take place. However, he refused.

    On October 25, Khan announced his party’s much-awaited long march. The march will begin on Friday, October 28 from Lahore’s Liberty Chowk at 11am.

  • ‘Investigation should be held on why Arshad Sharif had to leave Pakistan’: DG ISPR

    ‘Investigation should be held on why Arshad Sharif had to leave Pakistan’: DG ISPR

    Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Babar Iftikhar, has said that the military has requested the federal government to conduct a “high-level investigation” into the killing of senior journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya.

    On October 23, Sharif was shot dead near Nairobi, Kenya, by the local police. The local law enforcing authorities have termed the killing a case of ‘mistaken identity’.

    While talking to 24 News, DG ISPR said, “We have requested the government to hold a high-level investigation so that all these speculations can be put to rest.”

    Gen Iftikhar stressed that it is important to find out why the journalist left Pakistan, where did he live all this time, and what circumstances led to this incident.

    “Investigation should be held that why Arshad Sharif had to leave Pakistan,” the DG ISPR said while adding that we have to put an end to the speculations.

    He regretted that people are accusing institutions, stressing that the military has also requested the government “to take legal action against all these people who are leveling allegations without any evidence”.

    “This is why it is most upsetting that his death is being used for baseless conversations and fingers are being raised on it. We just have to see who is using this unfortunate incident, who is the beneficiary of this thing,”‘ General Iftikhar pointed out.

    Describing Arshad Sharif as a “very professional man”, the General observed that everyone is sad about his tragic death.

    Earlier in the day, General Headquarters (GHQ) asked the government to constitute a high-level panel to look into the tragic circumstances of Arshad’s death.

  • Arshad Sharif 1973-2022

    Arshad Sharif 1973-2022

    Senior journalist and anchorperson Arshad Sharif died on Sunday night in Kenya in a reported shooting incident. His wife Javeria Siddique, confirmed the news.

    Arshad was born in Karachi on February 22, 1973.

    Family:

    Arshad Sharif’s father Commander Muhammad Sharif was in the Navy and died of a heart attack in May 2011. His younger brother, Major Ashraf Sharif, served in the army and was killed on his way to attend the funeral of their father in May 2011.

    Arshad Sharif has five children, one daughter and four boys. He was married to Journalist Javeria Siddiqui. Arshad Sharif’s mother is alive.

    Education:

    Arshad did his BA from Government Gordon Graduate College Rawalpindi. He did a degree in Business of Administration from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad. His Masters was in Media Studies from Ulster University.

    Career:

    He specialised in investigative journalism and covered many political events in the country for national and international news organisations, including in the United Kingdom.

    Sharif was the host of the programme ‘Power Play’ on ARY News. He served on AAJ News as News Director. Prior to joining AAJ, he was leading the news team of Dunya News as Director News, and was the host of program ‘Kyun’.

    In 2011, he worked in Dawn News as Bureau Chief in that capacity. His first media job was working for a weekly journal called Pulse.

    In 1999, he contributed to the publication as a writer, a reporter, and as the managing editor. In 1999, Arshad Sharif became a member of The News, and in 2001, he joined Daily Dawn.

    Awards:

    He was the recipient of Pride of Performance Award in 2019 by the President of Pakistan.

  • ‘A great loss to journalism’: Politicians and journalists extend condolences on the demise of Arshad Sharif

    ‘A great loss to journalism’: Politicians and journalists extend condolences on the demise of Arshad Sharif

    The killing of senior journalist Arshad Sharif late Sunday night has sent shockwaves across the country. Kenyan authorities have confirmed that the renowned television anchor was killed by local police, in what they have said was a case of mistaken identity.

    According to reports, the journalist left Pakistan in August for Dubai. It is unclear when did he go to Kenya.

    Following the tragic news, politicians, journalists extended condolences and expressed shock at the sudden demise of the leading newsman.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif wrote in a tweet, “I am deeply saddened by the shocking news of journalist Arshad Sharif’s tragic death. May Allah SWT grant him a place in Heaven. My deep condolences and prayers for the bereaved family.”

    President Dr Arif Alvi termed Arshad’s death as “A great loss to journalism and Pakistan”. In a tweet, he extended his condolences on the journalist’s death.

    Former Prime Minister and Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, too turned to Twitter to express his shock, stating that that today the entire nation mourns Arshad Sharif’s death. He said, “Shocked at the brutal murder of Arshad Sharif who paid the ultimate price for speaking the truth – his life. He had to leave the country & be in hiding abroad but he continued to speak the truth on social media, exposing the powerful.”

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo spoke to the media in London. About Arshad’s death, he said, “I am really saddened by the news”.

    Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari condemned the killing and extended his deepest condolences to “his family and loved ones”.

    Former Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari shared a Quranic verse through her Twitter account.

    More politicians and senior journalists including Arshad’s colleagues expressed their shock on Twitter when the news broke out in the early hours of Monday.

  • High court says Imran Khan is not restricted from contesting in future elections

    High court says Imran Khan is not restricted from contesting in future elections

    After the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) verdict de-seating Imran Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) approached Islamabad High Court (IHC) to challenge the commission’s decision to disqualify him.

    On Monday, the high court rejected Imran Khan’s request to suspend the ECP order instantly in the Toshakhana reference on the basis of which he had been disqualified.

    However, IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Athar Minallah observed that Khan had not been barred from contesting in future elections, adding that he “won’t face any problems” to contest in the NA-45 (Kurram-I) by-election. The by-election is scheduled to be held on October 30.

    Moreover, CJ said that Khan’s disqualification by the ECP is only to the extent of the seat he was notified on.

    During the hearing today, Khan’s lawyer Barrister Ali Zafar said that his client had been disqualified ahead of the by-election in Kurram and a stay order is needed because the PTI chairman is contesting from the seat.

    The IHC chief justice then observed, “Imran Khan is not disqualified for that election”, adding that he would not face any problems in this regard.

    Justice Minallah also pointed out that the ECP’s detailed judgment is not available yet.

    The chief justice observed that it is normal practice to issue a detailed judgment later.

    “Wait for the [written] verdict. This is a routine matter. The Election Commission is not delaying it,” he stated.

    On October 21, ECP in a consensus verdict, disqualified former Prime Minister Khan and ruled that he is no more a member of the National Assembly (NA) in Toshakhana reference.

    Khan was disqualified under Article 63(1)(p) for misdeclaration.

  • Celebrities react to journalist Arshad Sharif’s demise

    Celebrities react to journalist Arshad Sharif’s demise

    Journalist Arshad Sharif died in Kenya after being shot, according to his wife Javeria Siddique.

    She wrote, “I lost friend, husband and my favourite journalist @arsched today, as per police he was shot in Kenya. Respect our privacy and in the name of breaking pls don’t share our family pics, personal details and his last pictures from hospital.”

    A-list celebrities took to their social media handles to express grief and shock on Arshad’s demise.

    Actors like Sajal Aly, Muneeb Butt and Mariyam Nafees shared their thoughts on the unfortunate incident.

    Kenyan police report:

    According to a Kenyan police report, Arshad was traveling with a man they claim was his brother Khurram Ahmed. The police was tipped off about a stolen car outside an electrical shop. The owner of the car had left his son in the car. When he came back, he found that the car was missing and his son had been abducted. The police traced the car and when they found the car, they state that Arshad and Khurram Ahmed did not stop the car. They were fired upon and when the car was stopped, Sharif had died from a gun shot wound to the head. According to the police report, the car was fired upon nine times.

    According to Arshad’s former employer ARY News, “Police in Kenya have confirmed his death and have opened an investigation into the accident which likely involved a gun attack.”

    He leaves behind five children. The family has asked the media and the general public to refrain from making assumptions and disseminating rumours regarding Arshad Sharif’s death.

    According The Star, a credible news outlet and one of the biggest in Kenya “Arshad Sharif was shot in the head and killed by police after he and his driver allegedly breached a roadblock that had been set up to check on motor vehicles using the route.”

    “They were driving from Magadi town to Nairobi when they were flagged down at a roadblock being manned by a group of police officers, police said.”

    “According to police, at the roadblock, there was a call for police to intercept a car similar to the one they were driving following a carjacking incident in Pangani area, Nairobi where a child was taken hostage.”

    “And a few minutes later, Sharif’s car emerged at the roadblock and they were stopped and asked to identify themselves,” reads the news report.

    “They allegedly failed to stop and drove past the roadblock.”

    “This prompted a brief chase and shooting that left Sharif dead. Their car rolled and his driver was injured and taken to hospital.”

    “He later told police he and his slain colleague were developers and were headed for a site in Magadi.”

  • Arshad Sharif’s former employer ARY News says ‘he was martyred in a gun attack’

    Arshad Sharif’s former employer ARY News says ‘he was martyred in a gun attack’

    Journalist Arshad Sharif died in Kenya after being shot, according to his wife Javeria Siddique.

    She wrote, “I lost friend, husband and my favourite journalist @arsched today, as per police he was shot in Kenya. Respect our privacy and in the name of breaking pls don’t share our family pics, personal details and his last pictures from hospital.”

    Kenyan police report:

    According to a Kenyan police report, Arshad was traveling with a man they claim was his brother Khurram Ahmed. The police was tipped off about a stolen car outside an electrical shop. The owner of the car had left his son in the car. When he came back, he found that the car was missing and his son had been abducted. The police traced the car and when they found the car, they state that Arshad and Khurram Ahmed did not stop the car. They were fired upon and when the car was stopped, Sharif had died from a gun shot wound to the head. According to the police report, the car was fired upon nine times.

    According to Arshad’s former employer ARY News, “Police in Kenya have confirmed his death and have opened an investigation into the accident which likely involved a gun attack.”

    He leaves behind five children. The family has asked the media and the general public to refrain from making assumptions and disseminating rumours regarding Arshad Sharif’s death.

    According The Star, a credible news outlet and one of the biggest in Kenya “Arshad Sharif was shot in the head and killed by police after he and his driver allegedly breached a roadblock that had been set up to check on motor vehicles using the route.”

    “They were driving from Magadi town to Nairobi when they were flagged down at a roadblock being manned by a group of police officers, police said.”

    “According to police, at the roadblock, there was a call for police to intercept a car similar to the one they were driving following a carjacking incident in Pangani area, Nairobi where a child was taken hostage.”

    “And a few minutes later, Sharif’s car emerged at the roadblock and they were stopped and asked to identify themselves,” reads the news report.

    “They allegedly failed to stop and drove past the roadblock.”

    “This prompted a brief chase and shooting that left Sharif dead. Their car rolled and his driver was injured and taken to hospital.”

    “He later told police he and his slain colleague were developers and were headed for a site in Magadi.”

    Condolences poured in from politicians after Arshad’s death.

    Imran Khan

    Former Prime Minister (PM) and Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ImranKhan has also expressed his grief over the death of senior journalist Arshad Sharif.

    “Shocked at the brutal murder of Arshad Sharif who paid the ultimate price for speaking the truth – his life. He had to leave the country & be in hiding abroad but he continued to speak the truth on social media, exposing the powerful. Today the entire nation mourns his death,” he wrote in a tweet.

    The former PM in his tweet demanded a “proper judicial investigation”.

    “A proper judicial investigation must be instituted to examine his own statements plus evidence that other sources have. We have descended into a state of brutality, unknown in civilised society, indulged in by the powerful against those who dare to criticise & expose wrongdoings,” Khan added in his tweet.

    “My prayers and condolences go to his grief stricken family.”

    ISPR

    The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has expressed grief over the tragic death of the senior journalist.

    “May Allah grant patience to the family members of Arshad Sharif in this hour of sorrow,” the ISPR statement added.

    President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif have expressed their grief.