Tag: trending

ECP verdict: PTI Chairman Imran Khan disqualified

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), in a consensus verdict, disqualified former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and ruled that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman is no more a member of the National Assembly (NA).

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

Article 63 (1) (p) of the Constitution states that an individual is, “for the time being, disqualified from being elected or chosen as a member of the Majlis-e-Shoora (parliament) or of a provincial assembly under any law for the time being in force”.

What happened today?

A four-member bench, headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja, announced the verdict at the ECP Secretariat in Islamabad.

The decision was taken unanimously by the five-member bench. However, the member from Punjab was not present for today’s announcement.

According to the verdict, criminal proceedings will be initiated against Imran for misdeclaration.

The verdict was announced amid tight security in the Red Zone where at least 1,100 police officials were deployed under the command of a senior superintendent of police to control the law and order situation in the area. The officer was assisted by five superintendents and six deputy superintendents of police.

Ahead of the verdict, PTI leaders intensified their criticism of the ECP, repeating their allegations of the electoral watchdog being partial against them.

What is the case?

The ECP had reserved its verdict in the Toshakhana case on September 19 after arguments were completed from both sides. A five-member bench of the ECP, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, heard the case.

In August 2022, National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf sent a reference to the ECP under Articles 62A, 63A, and 223, seeking former prime minister Imran Khan’s disqualification in the light of the Toshakhana scam.

The disqualification reference was filed by Ali Gohar Khan, PML-N’s Mohsin Nawaz Ranjha, and five others.

The 28-page reference identified 52 gift items of Toshakhana received by the former prime minister Khan, violating the law and rules, taken away at nominal prices and most of the gifts were sold in the market, including some precious watches.

The assessed value of the gifts has been put at Rs 142,042,100. The gifts were received between August 2018 and December 2021.

What is Toshakhana?

Established in 1974, the Toshakhana is a department under the administrative control of the Cabinet Division and stores precious gifts given to rulers, parliamentarians, bureaucrats, and officials by heads of other governments and states and foreign dignitaries.

According to Toshakhana rules, gifts/presents and other such materials received by persons to whom these rules apply shall be reported to the Cabinet Division.

October 21, 2022
Mahenoor Soomro breaks silence on alleged wedding with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s marriage rumours with PPP leader Ruqia Khanum Soomro’s grand daughter, Mahenoor Soomro, has been doing the rounds since the last few days. The rumours started after multiple publications shared the news about their alleged wedding.

However Mahenoor has now put an end to the speculation with a Tweet.

https://twitter.com/mahenoor28/status/1583084725044154371?s=46&t=Gsmmf1nNBHTZ_-a21evLZA

Soomro tweeted, “Kindly avoid spreading fake news regarding my marriage. Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is my party leader and PPP is family to all jiyalas! Thank you.”

Mahenoor Soomro’s family is involved in politics, and her forebears have worked for PPP.

Last month, Bilawal faced questions about his marriage during his United Nations General Assembly visit.

In a clip doing rounds on social media, a journalist of a foreign publication was heard asking Bilawal, ‘There are my Pakistani friends asking if you have any plans to marry.’

Bhutto scion, who was seen in a jovial mood, answered the most-asked question. ‘Of course, I have plans to marry, he said hurriedly without delving into more details’.

When the journalist asked about the exact time, PPP Chairman moved away, saying ‘I’m in rush’.

October 21, 2022
‘I am the biggest fan’: Sargun Mehta reveals her favourite Pakistani dramas

Bollywood and Pollywood actor Sargun Mehta has confessed about her obsession with Pakistani dramas in her latest interview.

The Qismat star listed some of her all-time favorite Pakistani dramas in her recent interview. Her favorites were Meray Paas Tum Ho and Raqeeb Se.

She said,” I am the biggest fan of Pakistani dramas. I always keep a list and finish Pakistani dramas in three or maximum four days. My top of the list is Mere Paas Tum Ho, which I have already watched thrice. I love Raqeeb Se, the drama is ahead of its time and written beautifully.”

On the work front, Sargun is gearing up for the release of Babe Bhangra Paunde Ne co-starring Diljit Dosanjh and Sohail Ahmed.

October 21, 2022
Neighbour who went to resolve dispute between husband and wife, killed by husband

A domestic dispute between a husband and wife in India ended in the death of their neighbour who came to help resolve the matter.

The incident took place in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Hearing the loud sounds coming from the house, the neighbour went there to resolve the dispute, returning home once the matter appeared settled.

However, after a while, the husband went to the neighbour’s house and tortured him to death.

According to Indian media, the wife objected to cooking mutton on Tuesday over which a fight broke out between the two.

Many followers of the Hindu religion consider Tuesday the holiest day of the week and try not to cook any meat on that day.

After the neighbour’s death, the police registered a complaint against the husband on the basis of his wife’s statement. He was arrested on the same day.

October 21, 2022
‘Chaar saal haath nahin milaya, abb aakay kehtay hain hamaaray sath baat karein’: Shehbaz Sharif

Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has said that Imran Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), did not shake hands with the Opposition for four years while he was in power but now he wants to talk.

Shehbaz Sharif was referring to reports of the government holding talks with the PTI chief.

The Premier, while addressing an event of the Planning Division, said that he and the government were ready to take tough decisions for the sake of the country and its betterment.

Without talking Khan’s name, the Prime Minister said, ” You labeled us as thieves and corrupt. Had you taken steps for the betterment of our youth, and introduced innovative programmes for their improvement, I would be standing here and praising you instead.”

Accusing the former prime minister of dividing the country, Shehbaz Sharif said that this is not how great nations are made. “For four years, you said you don’t want to shake hands with the Opposition, but now, in present times and conditions, you say that we should talk,” said the prime minister.

“For how long will this duplexity continue? For the national interest [of the country] we are ready [to hold talks]. I am not going into details here, but what I am saying here is that I am ready to give any sacrifice for my country,” he stated.

Journalist Saleem Safi has also revealed that the PTI Chairman Imran Khan has sent a message to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Shairf.

“They contacted Nawaz Sharif,” Safi said about PTI. “Imran Khan sent a message to Nawaz Sharif to team up against the establishment. However, Nawaz Sharif did not accept the proposal,” said Safi while speaking on Geo News programme ‘Report Card.’

“Khan Saab sent a messenger to Nawaz Sharif, you heard this in Khan’s [leaked audio] as well that no matter what happens, whether it is fair, legal or illegal, so he will continue to do such things. He will continue to blackmail,” stated Safi.

When the anchor asked what was the message sent to the elder Sharif, Safi replied, “The message was that we two should shake hands, including [Asif Ali] Zardari and that we all team up against the establishment. However, he [Sharif] rejected the offer.”

October 20, 2022
Indonesia bans all syrup, liquid medication after death of nearly 100 children

Indonesia has suspended sales of all syrup and liquid medication in the country after the death of nearly 100 children in the region.

According to the media reports, a few syrup medicine was found to contain ingredients linked to Acute Kidney Injuries (AKI), which have killed a total of 99 young children this year.

The country’s authorities have so far not disclosed the brands or types of syrup medicines suspected to have caused the illnesses. For now, the government has temporarily banned the sale and prescription of all syrup and liquid medicines.

Indonesian health officials said they had reported around 200 cases of AKI in children, most of who were aged under five

“Some syrups that were used by AKI child patients under five were proven to contain ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol that was not supposed to be there, or is supposed to be in very little amount,” said Indonesia’s Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin.

Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a global alert over four cough syrups, allegedly manufactured in India, that were linked to the deaths of almost 70 children in The Gambia.

October 20, 2022
‘Mai PPP mein hoon, Imran mera dost hai’: Aitzaz Ahsan

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) stalwart Aitzaz Ahsan has said that he is a member of the PPP and that Imran Khan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s Chairman is a friend of his.

“I am part of PPP, but having said that, Imran Khan and I are friends,” said Aitzaz.

“PPP is my family. We have differences of opinion on things at times. And that is healthy, and a good thing as PPP is a democratic party, and we value opinions,” said Aitzaz while addressing a press conference.

“Among all the national parties, PPP is the only one which does not involve religion into politics,” said Aitzaz.

Prior to this, PTI leader Farrukh Habib invited Aitzaz to join the party, saying, “He is a role model for political workers.”

“Aitzaz Ahsan openly disagrees with his party’s decision while no one can dare to disagree in PPP and PML-N,” he said.

Farrukh Habib said that if Aitzaz Ahsan wanted to join PTI, he was welcome. “We have opened our doors for every good person,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistani Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Caption retd Safdar, who also happens to be Maryam Nawaz’s husband, has alleged that Aitzaz Ahsan was trying to become a senator on a PTI ticket.

“Aitzaz Ahsan has made the judgment of this respectful court very controversial. He has spent 40 years as a lawyer and yet he did this,” Safdar said while talking to media outside Lahore High Court.

October 20, 2022
‘Murder of school van driver in Swat was honour killing’: police

Inspector General (IG) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police, Moazam Jah Ansari, has said that the case of an attack on a school van in Swat on October 10 was actually an “honour killing incident”.

Addressing a press conference, the IG said that the murder killed his sister’s husband [the van’s driver] for honour. “We have collared one of the three suspects, while the other two will soon land in the hands of police”, he added.

Earlier, the police had also claimed that the van driver was in fact the target of the shooting incident which happened while there were 10 to 11 children in the van.

Moreover, Ansari said, another incident of firing in which children were apparently targeted in Lower Dir was also an armed clash between two rival groups.

It is pertinent to mention that following the incident of October 10, protestors in Swat valley took to the streets to condemn the attack, believing it was an act of terrorism.

Many journalists and politicians also expressed concern after the horrifying attack on a school van which left one child injured.

October 20, 2022
Punjab govt buries abandoned bodies, says they are not of Baloch missing persons

The Punjab government revealed on Wednesday that the abandoned bodies that were found on the roof of Nishtar Hospital’s mortuary in Multan are not of Balochistan’s missing persons and have been buried.

Punjab Chief Minister’s Advisor, Tariq Zaman Gujjar, clarified that the Vice Chancellor and administration of Nishtar Medical Health University have a complete record of abandoned bodies and none of them is a missing person

On the same day, the hospital’s administration and Edhi Foundation buried the remains of 66 corpses, all found in various stages of decomposition.

Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) Chief, Sardar Akhtar Mengal, had also expressed concerns that the bodies could be of Balochistan’s missing persons. Mengal had demanded that an investigation must be held.

The Baloch leader also asked for conducting DNA tests on the corpses, fearing that some of them might be missing persons.

Responding to this, Gujjar said that he respects Akhtar Mengal but his statement was surprising in that he suspected the abandoned bodies might be those of missing persons.

Last week, the grisly discovery of putrefied bodies found lying in open on the roof of Multan’s Nishtar Hospital grabbed the country’s attention after videos were widely shared on social media.

At that time, it was speculated by online media that up to 500 bodies were allegedly found on the rooftop of the hospital. Soon after, an investigation was launched.

Earlier, Nishtar Medical University’s (NMU) Head of Anatomy Department, Dr Mariam Ashraf said that the facility does not just keep bodies for research purposes but also for safekeeping, if handed over by police or Rescue personnel.

She claimed that there were only four bodies on the rooftop. “The only reason for keeping bodies on the roof is that their influx is huge and they aren’t being returned back to police stations in the numbers that they should,” she claimed.

October 20, 2022
‘Lucky to have him’: The Crown’s leading lady Elizabeth Debicki reveals how much she adores Humayun Saeed

Pakistani superstar Humayun Saeed is essaying Dr Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana’s love interest in season five of the hit Netflix series, The Crown.

Saeed will be the second Pakistani to be cast in a Netflix Original which will premiere on 9th November 2022.

The actor will play alongside Australian actor Elizabeth Debicki who has been cast as Princess Diana.

Now Elizabeth has praised the London Nahi Jaunga hero in her latest interview, “I absolutely adored Humayun — he was such a lovely actor, and such a beautiful person,” she told Entertainment Weekly.

“You never know how that’s going to feel when you’re playing things like that with an actor. So I was very lucky to have him and I think he does such a beautiful job.”

When the news was confirmed earlier this year, Pakistani superstar Mahira Khan congratulated the Bin Roye hero.

Finaaaallly it’s out!!!! So proud! So excited!!! MashAllah mashAllah ✨ ♥️ What a show! What a star @iamhumayunsaeed @TheCrownNetflix

— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) January 9, 2022

Dr Hasnat Khan, a British-Pakistani surgeon, is widely known for his romantic, two-year relationship with Diana. In May 1996, she visited his family in Lahore too. Diana’s friends are reported to have described Hasnat as the “love of her life” and to have spoken of her distress when he ended their relationship in June 1997. Dr Khan attended Diana’s funeral ceremony in September 1997.

Season 5 will be about the turmoil of Diana and Prince Charles’ marriage breakdown and the tragic death of Diana in August 1997.

October 20, 2022