Politics

The Sri Lankan High Commissioner assures the Interior Minister of full cooperation for which Mohsin Naqvi thanked him.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi achieved another success on Friday in a different arena.

Due to the efforts of the Interior Minister, 43 Pakistani prisoners in Sri Lanka will be returning home.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner, where they agreed on the immediate repatriation of 43 Pakistani citizens imprisoned in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan High Commissioner assured the Interior Minister of full cooperation, for which Mohsin Naqvi expressed his gratitude.

During the meeting, both parties also agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of security and counter-narcotics.

On this occasion, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that arrangements for the repatriation of Pakistani prisoners would be finalized within a few days.

Masood Khan says Pakistan and United States have held many dialogue processes to promote shared objectives and we will continue to work on an agenda that is mutually beneficial for the two countries.

Pakistan and the United States are confidently looking towards a prosperous future together.

This was stated by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan, during an interview on China Global Television Network-America’s program ‘The Heat.’

Ambassador Masood Khan mentioned that Pakistan and the United States have engaged in numerous dialogue processes to promote shared objectives, and they will continue to work on an agenda that is mutually beneficial.

He noted that both countries have agreed to expand their relationship, considering the geostrategic complexities of the region, to establish a stand-alone partnership.

Regarding Pak-China relations, Ambassador Masood Khan remarked that this relationship has been highly productive.

He emphasized that Pakistan’s relationship with China does not come at the expense of its friendship with the United States.

Describing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as highly significant, Masood Khan stated that after completing early harvest projects, both countries realized the need for CPEC to develop an organic character.

The Ambassador highlighted that CPEC is the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, and Pakistan has a reputational commitment to ensure its success under all circumstances.

Discussing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to China, the Ambassador said the agenda would include strengthening defense ties, deepening economic cooperation, and investing in cultural exchanges.

On Wednesday, the Islamabad District and Sessions Court postponed the hearing on six bail applications of PTI founder Imran Khan and one bail application of his wife, Bushra Bibi, until June 4.

Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka presided over the hearing of these bail applications. Representing Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, lawyers Mirza Asim, Zahid Bashir, and Fatahullah appeared in court and requested a postponement, asking to present their arguments on the next scheduled date.

Imran Khan’s lawyer noted that they were also scheduled to attend hearings for the 190 million pound case and the cipher case later that afternoon.

Judge Majoka remarked that during the previous hearing, he intended to set a later date for the arguments, but the PTI lawyers had requested the current date. The PTI lawyer explained that they had expected the cipher case to be resolved by now, but the hearing for that case was also set for Wednesday.

During the last hearing, Adiala Jail authorities mentioned that the video link system was being transported from Haripur. The system has now arrived, and the court instructed Adiala Jail authorities to ensure Imran Khan’s attendance via video link.

The court then postponed the hearing on the bail applications of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi until June 4.

Rauf Hassan, the PTI Secretary Information, was injured in an attack by unidentified individuals in Islamabad on Tuesday.

The attack occurred as Rauf Hassan was leaving the office of a local private TV station after participating in a program. He was assaulted with knives by unknown assailants.

Footage of the attack quickly surfaced and went viral on social and traditional media, with many people sharing it on WhatsApp. The attackers intercepted him while he was on his way back from the TV program and also beat him.

Bystanders quickly intervened upon witnessing the assault and managed to rescue him.

The PTI leader was taken to the hospital for medical care.

“I received a cut on my face from a sharp edge,” Rauf Hassan stated, adding that four individuals attacked him as he was heading to his car. “The attackers fled the scene as people gathered,” he added.

PTI leaders strongly condemned the attack on their colleague, and opposition leaders in the Senate staged a walkout in protest. Presiding Officer Senate Sherry Rehman demanded a report on the attack on Rauf Hassan.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday rejected a petition seeking the disqualification of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan in the Tyrian White case, ruling that it is not admissible.

The IHC’s three-member bench, led by Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangir, delivered the verdict on a plea filed by a citizen, Muhammad Sajid. The bench also included Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Saman Rafat.

The petitioner sought Imran Khan’s disqualification on the grounds that he did not disclose his alleged daughter, Tyrian White, in his nomination papers.

Advocate Hamid Shah, representing the petitioner, appeared before the bench, while PTI leader Shibli Faraz was also present in the courtroom.

Justice Jahangiri noted that a previous division bench had already declared the matter inadmissible. He questioned Hamid Shah about his perspective on the issue and asked about the implications if two out of the three judges signed the decision.

In response, Advocate Hamid Ali stated that he could assist the court further only after reviewing the previous decision in the case. The petitioner’s counsel requested additional time of at least two to three weeks, to which Justice Jahangiri responded that it was not possible to grant more time when two judges had already declared the case inadmissible.

Ultimately, the bench rejected the plea, holding it inadmissible.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s latest photos of shopping at a local Gulberg market have gone viral on social media.

Maryam Nawaz visited a clothing store, showing interest in various outfits.

Both customers and shop staff were surprised to see the Punjab Chief Minister among them. Many took the opportunity to take selfies with her.

Maryam Nawaz was spotted for the first time at any local store since she took charge as a punjab chief manister.

Earlier in April this year, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari stated that Maryam Nawaz had been seen wearing suits ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 800.

The Interior Minister says the recent visit of Saudi Arabian investors to Pakistan was very successful.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that the historic brotherly relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are evolving into a beneficial economic partnership.

He made these remarks during his visit to the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad today, where he met with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy.

The Interior Minister highlighted the success of the recent visit by Saudi Arabian investors to Pakistan. He also mentioned that the people of Pakistan are eagerly anticipating the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.

He expressed confidence that the Crown Prince’s visit will be a game-changer for the relations between the two countries. Mohsin Naqvi acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s support for Pakistan during difficult times.

The Saudi Ambassador assured that Saudi Arabia would extend all possible support to develop the Islamabad police along modern lines. He emphasized the great importance Saudi Arabia places on its relationship with Pakistan.

The latest media reports said that a recent altercation between Egyptian students and local Kyrgyz residents was mistakenly attributed to Pakistani students, resulting in attacks on their hostels.

Dozens of Pakistani students sustained injuries during mob violence targeting student hostels in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

Recent media reports indicate that an altercation between Egyptian students and local Kyrgyz residents was mistakenly attributed to Pakistani students, leading to attacks on their hostels. The attackers forcibly entered the hostels, breaking room doors and assaulting several students.

The Pakistani embassy in Kyrgyzstan has advised Pakistani students in Bishkek to remain indoors until the situation stabilizes. The embassy is coordinating with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of Pakistani students.

In a social media post, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Hasan Zaigham, assured that the embassy is actively working with local authorities to protect Pakistani students. He also provided emergency helpline numbers: +996555554476 and +996507567667 for students to contact in case of emergencies.

“Due to the mob violence around student hostels in Bishkek, the embassy strongly advises all Pakistani students in Bishkek to stay indoors until the situation normalizes. We are in constant contact with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of our student community,” the ambassador stated.

Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra-Baloch echoed the ambassador’s message, emphasizing that the safety of Pakistani students is of utmost importance. She affirmed that the embassy is in touch with Kyrgyz authorities to support and protect the students.

Social media posts have highlighted the incidents of mob violence at hostels housing foreign students in Bishkek, with many sharing footage and images and calling for immediate assistance for the Pakistani students.

Ambassador Hasan Zaigham mentioned that the embassy staff is diligently responding to calls from Pakistani students and providing as much support as possible. “The Embassy of Pakistan is doing its utmost to assist Pakistani students in distress,” he stated on social media.

FO spokesperson Baloch confirmed the ambassador’s efforts, noting that the embassy team is available on the provided emergency numbers, which are also accessible via WhatsApp. She advised students and their families to send text messages or use WhatsApp if phone lines are busy due to high traffic.

The JUI-F chief says calling recently held general election fair election is incorrect due to massive rigging.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman asserted that they haven’t compromised on their stance regarding the recent general elections, insisting that labeling them as fair elections is inaccurate due to extensive rigging.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman stated that seats were bought and sold in the recent elections, emphasizing that there is no personal animosity with the PTI. He called for a re-election while stressing that the establishment should refrain from interference.

Critiquing the current government’s performance, the JUI-F chief attributed its shortcomings to a lack of majority power. He highlighted the absence of PPP’s involvement despite PML-N’s control.

Addressing queries about property leaks, Maulana Fazlur Rehman clarified that his name hadn’t been mentioned previously. He noted that appearing before the court in Tank was a first in his political career and underscored the need to break away from dependence on the establishment for political movements and elections.

“We need to change the mindset that we cannot initiate movements or contest elections without the establishment’s involvement. If the nation doesn’t stand up for their right to vote, we’ll face further oppression,” he remarked.

Pointing out public discontent, he questioned the legitimacy of a government department assuming a ruling role. He mentioned three party gatherings, forecasting a strong public reaction on June 1.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman claimed there is effectively no functioning government currently. When asked about his potential role in future reconciliations, he affirmed the necessity to maintain their stance, even if abandoned by allies. He also expressed concern for farmers’ plight, advocating for accountability for those responsible.

Regarding Imran Khan’s bail in the £190 million case, he remarked that it’s solely a court decision, clarifying his lack of involvement as a petitioner.

The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), predominantly comprising traders across the state, had been advocating for several demands including fair electricity pricing aligned with hydropower generation costs, subsidized wheat flour, and an end to elite privileges.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took prompt action on Monday by approving an immediate allocation of Rs23 billion for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) following recent unrest in the region.

The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), primarily composed of traders across the state, had been advocating for various demands, including fair electricity pricing in line with hydropower generation costs, subsidized wheat flour, and an end to elite privileges.

Tensions escalated on May 9 and 10 when around 70 activists were arrested in attempts to halt a planned long march by the JAAC. These actions resulted in clashes in Dadyal and a widespread “shutter-down strike.”

Friday saw intensified clashes between law enforcement and protestors across Muzaffarabad amid a crippling strike. The following day, violent confrontations occurred, leading to one police fatality and over 90 injuries.

Despite initial calm on Sunday, protests reignited with a renewed march toward Muzaffarabad after talks between the JAAC core committee and AJK Chief Secretary Dawood Bareach reached an impasse.

President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz pledged to address the demonstrators’ “legitimate demands,” emphasizing dialogue and restraint among all stakeholders.

In response, government offices and educational institutions remained closed the following day.

Prime Minister Sharif convened a special meeting in Islamabad, attended by AJK PM Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, local ministers, and political leadership. Federal ministers and coalition party leaders also participated, conducting a comprehensive review of the situation.

PM Shehbaz’s decisive action earned praise from AJK leaders and attendees.

In subsequent announcements, the AJK premier unveiled plans for subsidizing flour, significantly reducing prices, and implementing permanent adjustments to electricity tariffs, as approved by the AJK president. Revised rates aimed to benefit domestic and commercial users, easing financial burdens and promoting stability.