Sunday, December 31, 2023

President extends New Year felicitations to nation, global community

President Dr Arif Alvi has extended his felicitations to the nation, the Muslim Ummah, and the international community at the beginning of the New Year.

In a message, he prayed to Allah Almighty that the coming year brings prosperity, political and economic stability for Pakistan and the entire world.

President Dr Arif Alvi emphasized that at the beginning of the New Year, the brothers and sisters of Palestine cannot be forgotten, as they continue to face brutal and barbaric attacks at the hands of the Israeli forces.

He also expressed serious concerns over Indian atrocities in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The president highlighted the importance of the international community taking practical measures to resolve these longstanding disputes in accordance with UN resolutions to promote global peace and security.

Additionally, President Alvi wished for economic development, interfaith harmony, forgiveness, tolerance, and mutual respect in Pakistan.



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PTI leader Latif Khosa’s son arrested in Lahore

PTI, Latif Khosa, arrested, Lahore

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Latif Khosa’s son Khurram Latif Khosa was arrested in Lahore, ARY News reported.

As per details, the police officials stated that an FIR was registered against Khurram Khosa in Mozang police station Lahore yesterday at 02:50 pm.

The FIR also includes terrorism acts, interfering in state affairs and robbery whereas unknown lawyers were also nominated in the FIR.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) disgruntled leader Sardar Latif Khosa officially announced to joining the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating that he took the step “on the wish” of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan.

In a press conference held in Lahore, Khosa emphasized that his move was driven by the “interest of the country and democracy,” expressing his commitment to raising his voice for the truth.

“I have decided this only in the interest of the country and democracy,” he said.

Related: PPP’s Latif Khosa announces joining PTI

Khosa underscored the importance of adhering to the constitution, describing it as a “civil agreement” with the characteristics of welfare states.

Notably, Latif Khosa, also a member of Imran Khan’s legal team, received an invitation to join the PTI on December 4.

The decision comes after the PPP suspended Khosa’s party membership on September 22 for defending the PTI head without approval and criticizing the state policy during a lawyers’ function.

The PPP had issued a notice on September 14, warning of membership termination if Khosa failed to respond within the stipulated timeframe.



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Petrol price in Pakistan remains unchanged

Petrol price, diesel price, Petrol prices in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The caretaker government on Sunday announced that the prices of petrol will remain unchanged, for the next fortnight, ARY News reported.

The official notification of finance ministry said, “the government has decided to maintain the current prices of Petrol and High Speed Diesel (HSD) during the fortnight starting from 1st January 2024, as recommended by Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority(OGRA),” it said.

Accordingly, petrol would be available at current rate i.e. Rs.267.34 per liter whereas HSD would be sold at Rs.276.21 per liter.

Whereas, the prices of kerosene oil and light-diesel oil were reduced by Rs 2.19 and Rs1.11 per litre, respectively.

Last fortnight, the caretaker government reduced the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs14 and Rs13.50 per litre, respectively.

According to a notification from the Ministry of Finance, the new prices of petrol and HSD were set at Rs267.34 and Rs276.21.

The new prices of petroleum products for the fortnight — from Dec 16 to Dec 31 — were recommended by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).

Meanwhile, the prices of kerosene oil and light-diesel oil were reduced by Rs10.14 and Rs11.29 per litre, respectively, to Rs191.02 and Rs164.64.

It is pertinent to mention here that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) forecasted in its annual report on the past fiscal year, that the inflation rate would ease to 20-22 per cent in the financial year 2023-24 (FY24) as the country heads into February 8 general elections.



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Saturday, December 30, 2023

Election 2024: Scrutiny of nomination papers concludes

ECP, nomination papers, General elections,

ISLAMABAD: The Scrutiny of the nomination papers filed by candidates for general elections 2024 has concluded today (December30), ARY News reported.

Appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers can be submitted till Wednesday and decisions on these appeals will be made by the tenth of next month.

The preliminary list of candidates will be displayed on the eleventh of January and candidates can withdraw their nomination papers by January 12.

The electoral symbols will be allotted on the thirteenth of next month and polling for the general elections will be held on February 8

Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Saturday approved the nomination papers of Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif, Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz and PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, ARY News reported.

The nomination papers of prominent leaders have been approved whereas many others rejected in the ongoing scrutiny of the nomination papers filed by the candidates to contest the general elections 2024.

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s nomination papers have been accepted as no objection was filed in NA 130 (Lahore). The nomination papers of PML-N chief organizer Maryam Nawaz were approved from provincial constituency whereas objections were filed on the National Assembly seat.

The ECP also approved the nomination papers of former president and PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari from NA 207 (Nawabshah).

On the other side, the nomination papers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Yasmin Rashid NA 130 (Lahore), Hammad Azhar PP 172, Asad Qaiser NA 19, PK 50, Shehram Tarakai NA 20, PK 52,53, Ali Muhammad Khan NA 23 and Qasim Khan Suri NA 263 were rejected.



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Karachi police devise strategy against ‘drunk drivers’ on New Year’s Eve

Karachi police, drunk drivers, New Year’s Eve

KARACHI: The Karachi police on Saturday devised a strategy to deal with drunk drivers on New Year’s Eve in the port city, ARY News reported.

In a statement, DIG Traffic Iqbal Dara said that the police will use breathalysers on New Year’s Eve to arrest drunk drivers, adding that carrying alcohol and narcotics in cars would not be allowed at any cost.

“The Karachi City Traffic Police, on the instructions of the Karachi police chief and DIG Traffic, has constituted multiple teams and provided them breathalysers to deal with intoxicated drivers,” it added.

The statement noted intoxicated drivers and motorbike riders along with people who indulge in aerial firing would not only be arrested but also booked while their vehicles impounded.

Meanwhile, the district administration imposed section 144 in Karachi division on the eve of New Year.

According to the notification issued by the Karachi commissioner, section 144 will remain in force from Saturday (today) evening to January 1st, 2024.

The notification said that aerial firing will be banned in the metropolis while strict action will be taken against the violators.

It is pertinent to mention here that Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar had announced a complete ban on New Year celebrations in an expression of solidarity with the Palestinian people.

He had requested the nation to show solidarity with the Palestinians and exhibit sobriety and humility at the New Year.



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14-year-old girl guns down sister during quarrel over TikTok video

girl guns down sister, TikTok video

SARAI ALAMGIR: A 14-year-old girl gunned down his sister following a quarrel while filming a video for popular video-sharing platform TikTok in Sarai Alamgir town located in Punjab’s Gujrat district, ARY News reported on Saturday.

According to details, the incident took place when a quarrel broke out between the two sisters – Saba Afzal and Maria Afzal – while filming a video for the social media platofrom.

Following the heated argument, 14-year-old Saba Afzal gunned down his sister. A case has been registered against the suspect on complaint of his brother with Saddar Police Station.

Earlier in Dec, three youngsters lost their lives while filming a video for popular video-sharing platform TikTok near Sheikhupura district.

The deceased, residents of Khanqah Dogran city in Safdarabad Tehsil, were riding a motorcycle while filming a video for TikTok.

Due to distraction, the motorcycle collided head-on with a car coming from the opposite direction, resulting in the killing of the three youngsters.



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Caretaker Govt not involved in nomination papers decision: Solangi

Caretaker Government, nomination papers, Murtaza Solangi, Election

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Minister for Information Murtaza Solangi categorically rejected the notion that the caretaker government had any involvement in either acceptance or rejection of the nomination papers of the aspiring candidates for the general election.

The caretaker government had nothing to do with the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers which was part of the constitutional process, the minister said while speaking to private news channel.

“Only the Election Commission has authority to decide on election-related matters,” the minister stressed.

He said the caretaker government was committed to assist the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in providing financial and administrative support to the electoral watchdog for the elections.

Solangi said an amount of Rs17.4 billion had been released to the Election Commission of Pakistan in addition to Rs10 billion which was released earlier for holding elections. To a question, he said the constitutional bodies had been working within their limits.

The PTI was a registered political party, he said, adding all political parties were being given due coverage on the national broadcasters in line with their editorial policy.

He said negotiations with Baloch protesters resulted in the release of all children and women in the first phase.

In the second phase, 163 male individuals were released, he said, adding the remaining 34 individuals were also freed in the third phase.

He said peaceful protest was the right of every citizen. However, blocking roads, entering restricted zones, attacking the police, and throwing stones were beyond the scope of a peaceful protest and were not permitted at any cost, he added.

The minister said the general elections would be held on February 8, 2024.



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Friday, December 29, 2023

Karachi experiences dry weather with colder night

Karachi, dry weather, colder night

KARACHI: The Met Office has forecast dry weather with colder night in Karachi during next 24 hours, ARY News reported on Saturday.

The northeastern winds blowing with the speed of seven kilometers per hour in the city.

Minimum temperature was recorded 16.5 degree Celsius in the city, while maximum temperature will likely to remain between 28 to 30 degree Celsius, weather department said.

The metropolis was measured to have 183 reading of particulate matter on the air quality index and ranked 10th most polluted city of the world today.

Earlier, health experts described Karachi’s air quality as “very unhealthy” and advised citizens to restrict their outdoor activities especially during peak pollution hours.

It is to be mentioned here that AQI as high as 151-200 is considered unhealthy, while an AQI reading between 201 to 300 is more harmful and AQI reading over 300 mark is extremely hazardous.

According to experts, the air becomes heavier in the winter, causing poisonous particles in the atmosphere to move downwards and making the atmosphere polluted. As a result, a layer of polluted particles, including large amounts of carbon and smoke, covers an area.

The smoke produced by factories or by burning coal, garbage, oil or tyres, enters the atmosphere and its impact appears at the onset of the winter and remains till the end of the season, experts said.

Although southwestern winds blowing from the sea in Karachi, work as a filter for the air, these winds remain mostly suspended during the winter, experts said.



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Five terrorists killed in North Waziristan IBO: ISPR

Pakistan Army, South Waziristan, ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Security forces killed five terrorists in an Intelligence Based Operation (IBO) in Mir Ali area of North Waziristan district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Saturday.

According to the army’s media wing, an operation was carried out on information about the presence of terrorists in Mir Ali.

The killed terrorists included Commander Rahzeb alias Khoray, according to the ISPR.

“The killed terrorists remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces,” it said, adding that terrorists were also involved in extortion and target killings of innocent civilians.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered during the operation, the ISPR said.

“Sanitization operation is being carried out to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area as the security forces are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country,” the military’s media wing said.

On Thursday, the participants of reiterated the Pakistan Army’s resolve to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan against direct and indirect threats.

The gathering was briefed on the prevalent geostrategic environment, challenges to national security and the armed forces’ strategy in response to the evolving threat. The sanctuaries and liberty of action available to the terrorists of the proscribed TTP and other groups of that ilk in a neighbouring country, and availability of latest weapons to the terrorists were noted as serious points of concern, impacting the security of Pakistan.

The officers resolved that all terrorists, their facilitators, and abettors, working at the behest of hostile forces to destabilise Pakistan, would be dealt with the full might of the state.



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Senate body opposes public executions for capital offences

Senate body, public executions, capital offences

ISLAMABAD: The Senate’s Standing Committee on Human Rights, by a majority of the members present, opposed any statutory amendments that call for public execution for capital offences.

The committee, which met with Senator Walid Iqbal at the Parliament House, resolved, by a majority vote, that given the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution – as interpreted by superior courts – and all of Pakistan’s applicable laws, any statutory amendments calling for public executions involving capital offences be opposed, and also appealed to the House to reject any such proposed amendments should they come up on its legislative agenda.

Two of the Senators present, Dr Mehr Taj Roghani and Dr Humayun Mohmand, expressed their disagreement by asserting that the committee had decided upon the matter in a haste without accessing any proper research and information on the possible deterrent effects of public executions.

The committee received detailed briefings on the subject of public executions from the Secretary, Ministry of Human Rights, and the Secretary, National Commission for Human Rights.

The briefings highlighted a judgment passed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 1994 that had declared public executions to be contrary to the inviolability of human dignity as guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan, a position that was followed by the Lahore High Court in 2018 while disallowing the public execution of the rapist and murderer convicted in the infamous Zainab Case.

The committee was also apprised of a decision of the Federal Shariat Court where the matter of upholding human dignity was endorsed in the light of Quranic teachings.

The briefings additionally underscored various international conventions that Pakistan had ratified and made part of domestic law, most notably the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which prohibit public executions as cruel and inhuman, and also emphasized that according to global research and empirical evidence, public executions serve to brutalize society as opposed to having a deterrent effect, pointing out, in the case of Pakistan, that in the year immediately following the execution of Zainab’s murderer, there was a 33% increase in rape cases.

The Secretary, Ministry of Human Rights, also briefed the committee on various aspects of the “Bangkok Rules”, stressing on gender sensitivities involved as far as under-trial and convicted prisoners are concerned, but explained that the rules are non-binding in nature due the manner and circumstances in which they were issued.

The committee deferred discussion on the state of implementation of the rules in Pakistan to a subsequent meeting where Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women would be in attendance, and also directed representatives of the Commission to collect and bring with them some additional data and information on the subject from all of Pakistan’s provinces.

The meeting was attended by Senators Dr. Mehr Taj Roghani, Dr. Mohammad Humayun Mohmand, Kamran Micheal, Mushahid Hussain Sayed and Syed Waqar Mehdi. Senior officials from attached departments were also present.

 



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Thursday, December 28, 2023

Fire erupts at Karachi’s towel factory

Fire erupts, Karachi towel factory

KARACHI: A fire broke out in the early hours of Friday in a multi-story towel factory located in the Korangi Industrial Area of Karachi, ARY News reported.

According to the initial details received from the rescue officials, as many as six fire brigade vehicles are busy in firefighting operations, while it was reported that the fire broke out due to the explosion of the PMT transformer – transformers mounted on poles for electric utility distribution.

Meanwhile, the rescue team was present at the spot trying to control the fire, furthermore, no casualties were reported in the fire incident as only a watchman was present in the factory when the fire broke out, who informed the authorities about the incident.

This was the second fire incident this week in the metropolis.

Earlier to this incident, a fire broke out in Karachi’s Saddar mobile market has been doused after hours of struggle, quoting fire brigade authorities.

As per details, the blaze erupted at Saddar Shah Jahan mobile market, in the early morning and quickly spread to numerous shops, creating a challenging situation for the authorities.

Promptly responding to the emergency, five fire tenders and two water bowers combated the fire.

According to Saddar Electronics Dealers Association President, Rizwan Irfan, more than 100 shops in the market were damaged and the trades suffered the loss of millions of rupees.

Irfan said a fire safety system is present in the market, but the blaze quickly engulfed shops.



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Karachi: Speeding car falls in Gujjar Nullah

Karachi Gujjar Nullah car falls

KARACHI: A speeding car, driven by an underage driver, crashed into Gujjar Nullah, Karachi, ARY News reported on Friday. 

According to police, the car fell into Gujjar Nullah near Cafe Piyala Hotel at Gulberg Chowrangi.

They further said the car being driven by an underage driver, fell in Gujjar Nullah as the driver lost control due to over-speeding.

The boy was rescued by the locals of the area and was shifted to nearby hospital, while the vehicle was also taken out from the nullah with the help of a crane.

Police said the youth received minor injuries.

Read more: Lahore DHA accident: Afnan confesses to car drifting, over-speeding

The issue of underage driving needs the attention of the authorities.

In a separate incident of underage driving, six members of the same family were killed in a tragic car accident in Lahore’s Defence Phase 7 area.

The family was reportedly returning home in two cars after visiting relatives in Shadab Colony on Ferozpur Road. As they reached a roundabout, the car rammed into their vehicle.



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Four people burnt to death in Khuzdar road crash

Khuzdar four dead cars collision

KHUZDAR: At least four people were burnt to death after two vehicles caught fire following a collision in Khuzdar, Balochistan, ARY News reported, citing sources.

Rescue sources said the deadly collision took place in Khark area of Khuzdar, resulting in fire eruption in both the vehicles.

Four people were burnt to death in the incident. The bodies were moved to the Teaching Hospital Khuzdar.

Separately on August 20, at least 20 people, including women and children, were burnt to death while 14 others sustained injuries in a collision between a passenger bus and a pick up carrying diesel barrels on Faisalabad Motorway near Pindi Bhattian.

Read more: Pindi Bhatian: 20 burnt to death, 14 injured in horrific road crash

The ill-fated bus was carrying 40 passengers, and was going to Islamabad from Karachi, said rescue officials.

District Police Officer (DPO) Dr Fahad said the fire engulfed the bus shortly after the collision that took place at 4:30 AM.

Eyewitnesses said people from nearby area tried to pull the passengers out of the burning bus by smashing windows.



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PTI founder to be indicted in Toshakhana reference on Jan 4

PTI, Imran Khan, indicted , Toshakhana reference

ISLAMABAD: An Accountability Court in Islamabad decided to indict the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in Toshakhana reference case on January 4, ARY News reported.

Judge Muhammad Bashir heard the Toshakahna reference case at Adaiala jail. During the hearing, copies of the reference and relevant information were provided to the accused.

Imran Khan and his wife have been named in the list of accused for possessing gifts received from international dignitaries, which they were obligated to deposit in the Toshakhana.

Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were summoned in connection with NAB Toshakhana reference on December 23.

The Accountability Court accepted the Toshakhana reference filed by NAB against the former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi for hearing.

Related: PTI Founder, Bushra Bibi summoned in NAB Toshakhana reference

The reference stated that the accused had obtained 108 items from the Toshakhana and kept 58 with them.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed a reference with the Accountability Court against PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi pertaining to Toshakhana case.

As per details, the Registrar Office of the accountability court would take further action after scrutiny of the case. The NAB Rawalpindi has named two accused in the graft reference.

Toshakhana reference

The reference, which alleges that Imran failed to share details of the gifts he retained from the Toshaskhana (during his time as the prime minister) was filed by lawmakers from the ruling coalition last year.

The Toshakhana issue became a major sticking point in national politics after the Election Commission of Pakistan disqualified the PTI chief for making “false statements and incorrect declaration” last month.

The judgement added that the former premier was found to be indulged in corrupt practices under sections 167 and 173 of the constitution. “A criminal proceeding will be initiated against him over filing a false statement.”

“His disqualification under Article 63, 1(P) has been for his current parliament membership”, the ECP said in its 36-page detailed judgment of the reference.

“The amount in his bank account was around half of the value of the state gifts. Imran Khan was bound to declare the cash and bank details in his returns but he didn’t declare it,” ECP decision read.

“Imran Khan being declared disqualified and unseated from his National Assembly seat,” the ECP said, adding: “He has been disqualified under Article 63, 1(P), over submitting a false statement and declaration”.

Following this, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had launched probe against former prime minister Imran Khan in Toshakhana case on March 9.



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Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Election 2024: Interim govt allocates Rs 17 bln for security

Election 2024, Interim govt allocates Rs 17 bln, expenditures

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday allocated Rs 17 billion for security related to the upcoming general election in 2024, ARY News reported, citing sources.

A meeting was held to overview the security arrangements for the upcoming general elections scheduled to be held on February 08, 2024.

According to well-informed sources, the meeting – attended by the Inspector Generals (IGs) of all four provinces – briefed the meeting members about the polling day security arrangements.

READ: Nomination papers of 109 candidates face intense scrutiny

Reports indicate that to ensure a peaceful election in the country, a total of 600,000 police officials are necessarily required.

Sources further revealed that only 200,000 police officials are currently available leaving a significant shortfall, with an additional 400,000 personnel required to meet the basic security requirements for the upcoming general elections.

Meanwhile, 58 percent of polling stations declared sensitive.



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Nomination papers of 109 candidates face intense scrutiny

Nomination papers, general elections

ISLAMABAD: In the bustling political arena, today witnessed the meticulous examination of nomination papers for key figures in three constituencies of Islamabad.

Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar’s NA-47 and NA-48, Shoaib Shaheen’s NA-48, Zubair Farooq’s NA-46, Hafeez Rehman’s NA-46, and Jamshed Mughal’s NA-46 were all subject to thorough scrutiny by the District Returning Officer’s watchful eye, ICT spokesman Dr Abdullah Tabasum said on Wednesday.

As the scrutiny unfolded, the fate of these prominent personalities now hangs in the balance until the Returning Officers in Islamabad deliver their decisions on December 30. It’s a critical juncture in the political landscape as contenders await the verdict that will determine the approval or rejection of their nomination papers.

The hustle and bustle of these constituencies resonate with the anticipation of a decision that could shape the course of the upcoming political journey. With the clock ticking down to December 30, the candidates and their supporters are on the edge of their seats, awaiting the outcome that will either pave the way for their electoral journey or mark an unexpected halt.

The scrutiny process is akin to a political litmus test, sifting through the candidates to ensure that only those who meet the established criteria move forward in the electoral race.

The echoes of today’s scrutiny will reverberate until the decisive day when the Returning Officers pronounce the fate of the nomination papers.

As the nation holds its breath, the political narrative unfolds, offering a glimpse into the dynamics that will shape the representation in the National Assembly.

The next few days will be crucial, setting the stage for the political players and their constituents as they navigate the intricate web of scrutiny and decision-making in this pivotal election season.



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Bhakkar: Widow thrashed by brother for refusing to marry

Widow thrashed, brother beat sister, refusing to marry, Bhakkar,

BHAKKAR: In a horrific incident, a widow was thrashed by her brother and brother-in-law for refusing to marry, ARY News reported.

As per details, the police officials said that the brother-in-law of the widow Jati Mai wanted to forcefully marry her.

The police spokesperson said that both the accused broke the legs and rib bones of the victim with an iron rod and shaved her head.

Rescue 1122 officials said that the injured woman was shifted to DHQ hospital with severe injuries whereas an FIR has also been registered against the accused.

Read more: Man beats mother-in-law for not letting wife go home with him

In a separate incident, a man in Karachi beat his mother-in-law for not letting his wife go home with him.

As per details, Sharjeel started beating his mother-in-law publicly in the Defence Zamzama area of Karachi when she did not allow his wife to go home with him.

Police stated that his wife had a fight with him and she came to her mother’s home but the situation got escalated when her mother stopped him from taking his wife back home.

The victim woman registered a case against the son-in-law and told police that the incident happened in the parlour. 



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Mohammad Yousaf has an advice for Babar Azam

babar azam, mohammad yousaf, pakistan, australia, cricket, pakistan cricket, pakistan cricket team, cricket australia, australia cricket team, ausvpak, pakvaus, aus v pak, pak v aus, ausvspak, pakvsaus, aus vs pak, pak vs aus, australia vs pakistan, pakistan vs australia,

Legendary Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Yousaf backed compatriot Babar Azam amid the latter’s poor form in the ongoing Test series against hosts Australia.

Watch ARY News live on live.arynews.tv  

Babar Azam has not been able to get going in the three-match series. 

The former captain scored just 35 runs (21 and 14) in the series opener. His poor form continued in the ongoing second Test in Melbourne as the right-handed batter was dismissed by a dream delivery by Pat Cummins for one. 

Mohammad Yousaf shared a piece of advice for Babar Azam following his dismissal on the social media application X, formerly Twitter. His tweet was accompanied by a picture of the latter.

He urged Babar Azam to be strong because his fortunes would change.  

“Be strong now because things will get better, it might be stormy now, but it can’t rain forever,” the legendary cricketer tweeted.

It is pertinent to mention that the former captain has been under the scanner for his performances since Pakistan’s elimination from the Asia Cup 2023. The side was eliminated from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India in the group stages. 

He stepped down as the team’s all-format captain under the debacle.

Related – Imad Wasim’s fresh statement on Babar Azam goes viral



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Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Pakistan Steel Mills’ privatisation would have benefited country: Zubair

Pakistan Steel Mills, privatisation, Muhammad Zubair, PML-N

KARACHI: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Muhammad Zubair believes that the privatisation of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) would have benefitted the country, regretting the financial losses due to delay in process, ARY News reported on Tuesday.

Speaking at ARY News programme ‘Khabbar’, the former Sindh governor said that the PML-N believed that privatisation of country’s institutions was the ‘perfect solution’ to financial concerns.

‘There is no other way than privatisation of loss-making institutions,” Muhammad Zubair said, adding that the people of Pakistan were bearing the losses of the country’s institutions.

He pointed out that former chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry reversed the privatisation of Pakistan Steel Mills – which caused a “lot of loss”. “That decision portrayed Pakistan’s negative image at the global level,” he said.

“Foreign companies, including ones from China, had expressed interest in PSM, and its privatisation would have benefitted Pakistan,” he said.

Zubair further said that PML-N had constituted the “best privatisation board” which also took important decisions. “It was in our manifesto that up to 70 per cent of institutions should be privatized”, he added.

He pointed out three big loss-making institutions – Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and FESCO – which according to him were causing financial problems to the country.

“We had decided to privatise PSM, PIA and FESCO in October 2015,” he said, claiming that they even received bids related to electric distribution company. “If FESCO’s bids were open, it would be easy to privatise other DISCOs too,” he added.

Speaking of national carrier, Muhammad Zubair said that the PMLN-led government reached the last stage in the process of PIA’s privatisation. “Unfortunately, the process of privatisation of all three institutions was reversed’, he regretted.

According to Zubair, the board – which halted the process – was headed by former finance minister Ishaq Dar. “Despite the bids, Ishaq Dar halted the privatisation process,” he alleged.

Zubair also claimed that the Pakistan Steel Mills was handed over to Sindh government on directives of Ishaq Dar. “There is always a political hindrance in privatisation process,” he added.

 



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Religious party worker shot dead in ‘targeted attack’

Karachi, Religious party worker, targeted attack

KARACHI: A religious party worker was shot dead in what police described as a suspected targeted attack in Karachi’s Korangi area on Tuesday, ARY News reported.

In a statement, the police said the victim – identified as Saleem – was sitting at his workplace near Chamra Chowrangi in Korangi when armed pillion riders arrived there and opened indiscriminate firing on him and fled.

The police ruled out the possibility of a robbery bid, describing it as a suspected targeted attack. The police said they were investigating the case from all angles.

The investigation team found four bullet shells at the crime scene, noting that the pillion riders had put a fake number plate on the motorcycle.

The footage obtained, they said, is so substandard that the faces of the visitors are not clear. The victim is a resident of Chakwal while his son is also an active worker of the religious party.

Earlier in March 2023, a religious party worker Saleem Khatri was shot dead near Bilal colony Karachi by four suspects riding on bike.

The police said as per the initial investigation the deceased got six bullets in his body which resulted in his death.

 



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Monday, December 25, 2023

PSX faces substantial decline, points dip below 61,000 mark

PSX, faces substantial decline, points dip, below 61,000 mark

KARACHI: During the early hours of the intra-day trading on Tuesday, the Pakistan Stock Market (PSX) experienced a significant decline, with points dropping below the 61,000 mark, ARY News reported on Tuesday.

The benchmark, Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE-100) index of PSX witnessed a decline of 1021 points after which the market is currently trading at 60684.47 points with a percent change of 1.26.

Last week, the benchmark KSE-100 index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) plunged over 2,600 points during intra-day trading on Tuesday.

According to the market, the PSX lost 2,633 points and the 100 index dropped below the 63,000 points mark.

The market was reported trading at 62,571 around 2:30 pm.

The benchmark KSE-100 index maintained its bullish run for over a month, following the successful conclusion of a staff-level deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

According to market experts, the bearish trend was mainly fuelled by stocks in the exploration and production (E&P), fertilizer and banking sectors.

 



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Fire erupts at Karachi’s Saddar mobile market

Karachi-Saddar-Mobile-Market-fire

KARACHI: Fire broke out in Karachi’s Saddar mobile market has been doused after hours of struggle, ARY News reported, quoting fire brigade authorities.

As per details, the blaze erupted at Saddar Shah Jahan mobile market, in the early morning and quickly spread to numerous shops, creating a challenging situation for the authorities.

Promptly responding to the emergency, five fire tenders and two water bowers combated the fire.

According to Saddar Electronics Dealers Association President, Rizwan Irfan, more than 100 shops in the market were damaged and the trades suffered the loss of millions of rupees.

Irfan said a fire safety system is present in the market, but the blaze quickly engulfed shops.

Read more: Fire erupts in building at Karachi’s Shahrah-e-Faisal

Efforts to bring the situation under control are underway, with the fire brigade resorting to breaking the locks and shutters of the shops in an attempt to extinguish the fire.

The authorities continue to work diligently to ensure the area’s and its residents’ safety.

In a separate incident, several families and traders were affected by a deadly fire that erupted at the multi-story Arshi Shopping Mall located in the Ayesha Manzil area of Karachi.

The furniture shops caught fire at the shopping mall. The fire engulfed several residential apartments and 130 shops turning several jewellery and garment shops into ashes in the multi-storey building.



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PTI should ‘work hard’ to win unlike their previous tenure: Zardari

PTI, PPP, Asif Ali Zardari

NAWABSHAH: The future of Pakistan is bright and the Prime Minister of Pakistan would be from PPP, this was stated by President PPP and former President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari while talking to the media during the visit of Returning Officer office for scrutiny of his nomination form filed for NA-207 Nawabshah.

He was accompanied by Advocate Farooq Naik, former provincial minister of law Ziaul Hassan Lanjar and other party leaders.

Later the nomination form of Asif Ali Zardari was approved by the Returning Officer after scrutiny.

Asif Zardari said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf should work hard this time to learn as early as they came to power last time without any labour.

Zardari said the hopes of the nation are linked with PPP and the future of PPP is very bright. He was confident that the general elections would be held in time.

He said that earlier all political parties were in PDM and now they are contesting in individual status but the future of PPP is bright and would form the government.



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ECP refutes reports of allocating ‘bat’ symbol to any party

General elections, ECP, delimitations

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has provided clarification, asserting that the Bat symbol has not been allocated to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Parliamentarians, ARY News reported.

In an official statement released on Monday evening, the spokesperson for the ECP clarified that the Bat symbol has not been granted to PTI-P or any other political party.

Earlier today, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarians (PTI-P) head Pervaiz Khattak claimed that he was offered ‘bat’ as an election symbol but he declined that offer.

ECP verdict

Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lost their electoral symbol ‘bat’ as Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced the reserved verdict on the party’s intra-party elections.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) earlier reserved its verdict on pleas challenging the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) intra-party elections after hearing arguments from all the parties.

Announcing the reserved verdict, a five-member bench of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), headed by Chief Election Commissioner, Sikandar Sultan Raja, declared the PTI’s intra-party elections null and void.

Following the ECP verdict, the newly elected PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan who replaced Imran Khan earlier, will no longer remain as party’s head.



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Sunday, December 24, 2023

Change of Guards ceremony held at mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam

Change of Guards ceremony, mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam

KARACHI: Change of guards’ ceremony held at the mausoleum of the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on his 147th birth anniversary, ARY News reported on Monday.

An elegant change of guards’ ceremony held at the Quaid’s mausoleum in Karachi today to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation.

A smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Military Academy Kakul assumed the ceremonial guards’ duty.

Commandant PMA Major General Iftikhar Hassan Chaudhry was the chief guest in the change of guards’ ceremony at Mazar-e-Quaid.

Commandant PMA laid floral wreath at the Mazar-e-Quaid and paid respects.

The nation is celebrating Quaid’s birth anniversary today across the country with enthusiasm and national spirit.

President Arif Alvi arrived at Mazar-e-Quaid and laid floral wreath and observed Fateha this morning.

Caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh Justice Maqbool Baqar, Governor Kamran Tessori and provincial ministers were also accompanied with the president.



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Govt striving to find solution of Baloch protesters’ concerns: Solangi

Murtaza Solangi, solution, Baloch protesters

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Murtaza Solangi said that it was an effort of the government to go towards the solution of the problem of protestors from Balochistan through negotiations.

In an interview with a private news channel, the minister said that it was desire of the interim set-up that the protestors should go back to their homes with dignity, honour and safety.

“We want to solve the problems of the protesters and talks should be held in Balochistan or Quetta instead of Islamabad,” Solangi said.

The minister for information said that most of the protesters from Balochistan were women and at this time, they were present in front of the National Press Club.

Security, ambulance and medical facilities were available for the protesters, Murtaza Solangi informed.

The minister said that it was the preference of the protestors to sit in front of the NPC and register their protest peacefully.

“Everyone is allowed to protest peacefully and our effort is to ensure that the protestors do not face any kind of inconvenience”, Murtaza Solangi remarked. He said that yesterday also, the negotiation committee held talks with the protestors.

The minister pointed out that the demands of the protesters were decades old.

When the protestors reached Islamabad, some people were already in the NPC, Murtaza Solangi added that protesters who came from Balochistan blocked the road near Chaungi No. 26 ( Motorway Chowk).

He said that the local administration offered the protesters space for protest in F-9 Park and H-9 ground but they refused to go there.

Elaborating further, the minister said that late night these protesters were joined by some locals.

“When the protestors in Islamabad started moving towards the red zone, the police tried to stop them,” Murtaza Solangi said.

He said some protesters were arrested who were involved in stone pelting on the law enforcement agencies.

The minister said that arrested women were released two days ago whereas releasing 163 arrested men was in progress.

When the protestors left Balochistan, they were not stopped anywhere, Murtaza Solangi added that no ill-treatment was done to the protestors.



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NADRA refutes rumours about deadline on “Form B” issuance

NADRA, refutes rumours, Form B,

ISLAMABAD: National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) on Monday clarified that no policy was changed in the issuance of “Form B” to the general public.

In a message, it said that no deadline was set for obtaining “Form B” but some elements spread wrong information on social media regarding the change of policy.

The clarification further said that some of the statements coming out on the internet from some quarters are contrary to the facts and are misleading the citizens.

NADRA also advised that being a responsible citizen, it requires avoiding to spread of such false news. It said that there has been no change in the policy of issuance of “Form B” by NADRA and no change is contemplated.



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Rana Sanaullah’s car crashes into tractor in Faisalabad

Rana Sanaullah, Car crashed, Faisalabad

FAISALABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former interior minister Rana Sanaullah’s car crashed into a tractor-trolley on Saddhar Bypass near Faisalabad, ARY News reported.

As per details, the accident occurred when a tractor-trolley loaded with sugarcane crashed into PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah’s vehicle due to fog.

However, former interior minister Rana Sanaullah and his family members remained safe and left for Lahore to attend a party meeting.

In a separate incident on December 19, former speaker National Assembly Dr Fahmida Mirza got injured in a road accident occurred in Karachi.

Related: Ex-NA speaker Fahmida Mirza injured in Karachi road accident

According to police officials, two vehicles collided in Karachi and as a result the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) leader sustained injuries.

Furthermore, the police spokesperson said that the former speaker has been shifted to a private hospital in Karachi’s Defence.

Fahmida Mirza, who previously served as the Speaker of the National Assembly during the previous government of the Pakistan Peoples Party, was the first and only woman to have held the position.



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Saturday, December 23, 2023

FIA apprehends suspect for issuing fake degrees in Islamabad

FIA, suspect, fake degree

ISLAMABAD: Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) has apprehended a suspect in Sector F-10 for allegedly distributing fraudulent degrees. 

The FIA spokesperson stated here Saturday that Inspector Kashmif Riaz and Ehtasham Gondal, members of the FIA team, found printed degrees, certificates, fake university stamps and admission forms in the possession of the accused.

Investigations are going on with more revelations expected. Amin ran a fraudulent international council, providing MD degrees for $1,000 and PhD degrees for $1,500.

Amin’s arrest was ordered by Deputy Director of Anti-Corruption Circle, Islamabad, Afzal Khan Niazi. Biag was conducting his unlawful operations through different agents.

The detained former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Drap, Sheikh Akhtar Hussain, had acquired a degree from Baig’s fraudulent operation. Amin’s arrest was facilitated by information provided by the apprehended suspect.

It is pertinent to mention here that the anti-corruption circle of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested Sheikh Akhtar Hussain, ex-CEO of the DRAP in a fake degree case.

“He was appointed CEO of the regulatory authority based on PhD degree, which was found fake,” an FIA spokesperson said.

Sheikh Akhtar Hussain was appointed as CEO of DRAP in the year 2018-19.

The FIA arrested him after a special judge central dismissed his pre-arrest bail.

The anti-corruption wing of the Federal Investigation Agency had lodged a case against the former DRAP CEO for holding a fake PhD degree.

The Sri Lankan Interpol confirmed the Ph.D. degree was fake as the degree-awarding institution was not recognised.



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Truck-car collision leaves four dead in Badin

Car-truck collision, dead, Badin ,

BADIN: At least four dead and two others sustained injuries in a collision between a car and a truck in Badin on Saturday, ARY News reported.

As per details, a car collided with a truck on the Badin-Thar highway resulting in the death of four people and leaving two others injured.

According to police officials, the rescue personnel moved the dead bodies and injured to the nearest hospital.

Earlier, in a horrific incident, at least five people died and nine others sustained injuries as bus collided with a truck in Bahawalpur.

Read more: Five dead, nine injured in Bahawalpur bus-truck collision

As per details, the accident occurred on the national highway where a truck collided with a bus and took the lives of five people.

The rescue sources said that truck caught fire right after the accident however the rescue team arrived on the spot of the incident.

In a separate incident, at least seven people were killed and several injured, when a speeding truck collided with a passenger van in Kandhkot.

The rescue sources said the deadly road crash occurred on the National Highway near Karampur, where a Punjab-bound truck from Karachi collided with a passenger van heading towards Sukkur from Kandhkot.

The cause behind the deadly road crash is said to be defense fog. Several road crashes are being reported from across the country due to dense fog as the winter season has begun.



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Poliovirus reported in two more environmental samples

Poliovirus

KARACHI: Poliovirus was reported in more environmental samples collected in Karachi and Chaman, ARY News reported on Saturday.

The Ministry of Health confirmed that poliovirus in more samples of sewage water from Karachi’s South District and Balochistan’s Chaman.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health confirmed poliovirus in environmental samples of Quetta district.

According to the Ministry of Health spokesperson, the poliovirus was found in two samples of sewage water from Quetta.

Read more: PM Kakar orders emergency polio eradication plan for high-risk areas

He said that the surveillance system of the polio program is very strong.

The spokesperson said that the government is ensuring effective measures to eradicate polio. He said an integrated strategy has been formulated in high-risk areas of polio.

He said that parents must give their children a polio vaccine during every polio immunization campaign.



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Friday, December 22, 2023

Two Bombs found at Karachi’s Cantt railway station

Karachi, Railway station, Cantt station, Bomb defused

KARACHI: Two bombs found at cantonment railway station Karachi have been diffused by the authorities, ARY News reported. 

As per details, the two bombs that looked like time devices were found at platform 2 of Karachi Cantt station.

According to police spokesperson, the time devices weighing 10 to 12 kilograms were found in a bag along with battery wire, switches and other items.

Police officials said that the train reached Karachi Cantt station from Peshawar at 08:20 pm and the Bomb Disposal Squad was called at 09:15 when the suspicious bag was spotted.

The police spokesperson said that Rangers had cordoned off the surrounding area until the bombs were diffused.

Earlier on February 16, at least two passengers were killed and six others injured as a result of a blast inside the Quetta-bound Jaffer Express train.

The blast occurred when Quetta-bound Jaffer Express was passing from Chichawatni railway station. The train was coming from Peshawar.

Read more: Two killed, six injured in Jaffar Express train blast

According to sources, the blast occurred in bogie No. 6 of economy class of Jaffar Express, resulting in the killing of two people and injuring at least six persons who were moved to a nearby hospital.

The nature of the blast was unknown, according to the railway sources. Soon after the incident, police, rescue teams and a bomb disposal squad arrived at the site and launched rescue operation.



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Thursday, December 21, 2023

Early completion of delayed Nai Gaj Dam project ordered

Nai Gaj Dam project, PMIC

ISLAMABAD: Chairman of Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission (PMIC) Brigadier (Retd) Muzaffar Ali Ranjha on Thursday chaired a meeting to review the progress on the Nai Gaj Dam project being constructed in Dadu, wherein he directed the authorities concerned to ensure its early completion.

The meeting was held after the PMIC chairman took cognizance of the concerns of the prime minister over the unwarranted delays in the completion of PSDP projects.

After showing dissatisfaction over the implementation status, the monitoring task was assigned to PMIC Member Engineer Aamir Hasan to ensure the effective supervision of the project.

The meeting was attended by PMIC officers including Engineer Aamir Hasan, Director Muhammad Saleh Narejo and the officers of the Ministry of Water Resources and WAPDA. Special Secretary, Irrigation Department, Commissioner Hyderabad, Deputy Commissioner Dadu and the officers of the Sindh government joined via video link.

The meeting was briefed about the implementation status and the latest progress on decisions made during the field visit and meeting chaired by PMIC chairman on November 2 at Nai Gaj Dam Project, Dadu.

The PMIC chairman was apprised of the meeting held at the Sindh chief secretary’s office on November 3 in which the WAPDA had raised the issues regarding land acquisition, resettlement and road.

The PMIC head directed the authorities concerned to ensure the speedy completion of the project as the deadlines had been significantly delayed.

Once completed, the project would cultivate an area of 28,800 acres, protect the downstream areas from floods, ensure water supply to Manchar Lake and lower riparian, fisheries development, and recharge groundwater besides ensuring socio-economic uplift of the poor community.

It will also produce four megawatts of electricity for the local populace.

The implementation report regarding the progress on the project will be submitted to the prime minister.



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High-level committee proposes amendments to JCP rules

JCP rules, Judicial Commission of Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The high-level committee constituted to Review Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) rules 2010 has proposed amendments in various areas.

The meeting of the Committee was held on 16th December,2023, under the co-chairmanship of Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice (Retired) Manzoor Ahmed Malik with mandate to propose such rules of procedure for the Commission in making appointments of the Judges of the Constitutional Courts of the country, that comply with the collegial and inclusive decision-making process enshrined in Article 175-A of the Constitution, said a press release issued on Thursday.

The important areas of consideration for proposing amendments in the 2010 Rules includes, process for convening meetings of the Commission and making decisions therein, initiation of nomination(s) in the Supreme Court, initiation of nomination(s) in the High Courts, adequate representation of the District Judiciary and the Bar for elevation, diversity, criteria for selection for appointment of Judges to the Supreme Court and the High Courts, confirmation of Additional Judges in the High Courts and establishment of a Secretariat of the Commission, appointment of the Secretary and other staff thereto.

The co-chairs empowered “co-opt any person to the Committee” decided in the meeting on 16th December 2023, to co-opt following persons to the Committee to ensure adequate representation of females and the District Judiciary, as well as adding a public sector governance expert, to send in their proposals/recommendations to the Committee.

The meeting was also attended by Mrs. Justice Ayesha A. Malik, Judge SC, Ms. Justice Musarrat Hilali, Judge SC, Mrs. Justice Kausar Sultana Hussain, Judge High Court of Sindh, Ms. Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz, Judge IHC, Justice (Retired) Syeda Tahira Safdar, former Chief Justice High Court of Balochistan, Ms. Mahrukh Aziz, District and Sessions Judge (Retd.) Punjab, Hayat Ali Shah, District and Sessions Judge (Retd.) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Imdad Hussain Khoso, District and Sessions Judge (Retd.) Sindh, Rashid Mehmood, District and Sessions Judge (Retd.) Balochistan, Ms. Hina Jilani, Advocate SC, Ms. Reema Omer, Legal Advisor International Commission of Jurists and public sector governance expert Rafiullah Kakar.



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Wednesday, December 20, 2023

FIA reopens investigation into Greece shipwreck  

FIA, investigation, Greece shipwreck  

KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Wednesday reopened an investigation into a Greece shipwreck incident – which claimed more than 100 lives, ARY News reported.

In June, an Italy-bound fishing trawler reportedly carrying at least 800 people — including approximately 350 Pakistanis — capsized off Greece.

The incident prompted the government to launch a countrywide crackdown against the human traffickers, taking several into custody for allegedly sending several Pakistanis to Europe through unauthorised means.

Sources told ARY News that the FIA would investigate the departure of 155 Pakistanis from Karachi Airport. FIA director general gave direction to Director Cybercrime South to lead the investigation.

The new investigating officer (IO) has sought the old report and record from 12 officers. During the investigation, several officers from different airports were questioned about clearing the names of the immigrants.

In the previous investigation report, the officers were held responsible for not stopping the immigrants from traveling from Karachi to Libya.

On 2nd June 2023, 286 immigrants left from different Pakistani airports.

At least 350 Pakistanis, 200 Egyptians and 150 Syrians, including around two dozen Syrian women and young children, were travelling on the trawler, according to the initial information shared by survivors of the shipwreck.

Earlier in December, the FIA claimed to have made a significant breakthrough in its crackdown against human smugglers, arresting the main suspect involved in the Greece shipwreck incident.

READ: Greece boat tragedy: Initial probe report handed over to Pakistan

The individual, named Atiq Butt, is the key operative of a gang involved in human trafficking from Pakistan. During the investigation, it was revealed that a total of Rs 6.7 million of human trafficking was transferred to Atiq’s bank account.



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Wahab Riaz opens up on picking Azam Khan over Mohammad Haris

azam khan, mohammad haris, wahab riaz, cricket, pakistan, new zealand, cricket, pakistan cricket, pakistan cricket team, new zealand cricket, new zealand cricket team, nzvpak, pakvnz, nz v pak, pak v nz, nzvspak, pakvsnz, nz vs pak, pak vs nz, new zealand vs pakistan, pakistan vs new zealand,

Pakistan Chief Selector Wahab Riaz gave reason for picking Azam Khan over Mohammad Haris for upcoming for the upcoming five-match T20I series against hosts New Zealand.

Watch ARY News live on live.arynews.tv

Wahab Riaz, in a press conference, said that Mohammad Haris was dropped from the series but the batter is part of Pakistan’s future plans.

“We have rested Mohammad Haris for this series,” he said. “We know his capability and he is part of our plans going forward. There were some domestic performers in First Class cricket who we wanted to give a chance and increase our pool of players, so we rested Haris from this tour.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Muhammad Haris (@iamharis63)

The chief selector said the management had looked at Azam Khan’s game closely and a player’s match-winning skills (rather than his weight) should be given preference.

“We have watched Azam Khan very closely. At times, you have to prefer skills over fitness. If a player can win you a match, that’s more important than anything else. We’ve spoken to Azam Khan and given him a clear message – we want to invest in him, but he has to respond as well. You can’t expect anyone to lose ’10 kg in 10 days, but there is a way to improve fitness,” Wahab Riaz said.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by M Azam Khan (@azam77khann)

He added, “We’ve seen he’s a high-impact player in PSL, domestic cricket, other leagues – we’ve tried many players at number so now we want to give Azam a chance.”

Related – Former cricketer Aqib Javed suggests ‘Azam Khan should quit cricket’



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IHC orders not to allow PTI protest in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday instructed the district administration to take all measures according to the law to m...