The Special Court for the Official Secrets Act delivered its verdict in a high-profile case involving four government officials of the Ministry of Defense. The case revolved around allegations that the officials leaked sensitive information to Russia. The court sentenced one of the accused, Safdar Rahman, to 10 years in prison, while the other three accused, Tefail Rahman, Muhammad Waqar, and Muhammad Tahir, received five years each. The court acquitted two other accused, Mujtaba and Muhammad Ashfaq, due to lack of evidence.
The court’s decision was announced by Judge Tahir Abbas Saeed. The case was registered by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) against the Ministry of Defense officials on charges of leaking sensitive information to Russia. Defense attorney Shumaila Ramzan said that the incident has raised concerns for female lawyers, who may feel vulnerable in the wake of the case.
In other news, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed condolences on the passing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Sindh Assembly has passed a resolution condemning the attacks on Iran. Speaking to Geo News, Ahmed Shahzad said that the fine of 50 million rupees imposed on players is too low and should be increased.
The Hajj flights schedule has been announced, with the first flight from Pakistan set to depart on April 18. A total of 468 flights will be operated under the government’s Hajj scheme to transport pilgrims to the holy city of Mecca.
The European Union’s Foreign Affairs Chief, Josep Borrell, has spoken to Pakistan’s Vice President and Foreign Minister, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, over the phone. The two discussed the Combating Operation to target illegal foreign nationals and the need to increase the operation’s scope.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Muzaffar Tappo, said that around 650 Pakistanis have been deported from Iran in the past two days. The meeting also decided to conduct a daily stock check to ensure a continued supply of essential goods.
The Lahore High Court Bar Association’s election dispute has been resolved, with the Independent Group and Professional Group’s high-level committee meeting to resolve the issue.
According to security sources, the Pakistan Army has successfully targeted another Afghan Taliban post with explosives, as part of Operation Ghazab al-Haq. The operation will continue until its objectives are met.
A petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court challenging the prosecution of PTI founder Imran Khan in a medical check-up case. The court has also scheduled a hearing for a petition filed by the PTI founder seeking a medical check-up.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has spoken to Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq over the phone, discussing the escalating regional situation in the wake of Israel’s attack on Iran. Pakistan is closely monitoring the situation in Iran and is in contact with regional countries.
The Foreign Minister has briefed foreign envoys on the ongoing situation in Iran, which has seen a deterioration in regional relations. According to sources, several lawmakers have fallen ill due to the airport closure.
Former President Asif Zardari has said that the Afghan Taliban has received a decisive response from the Pakistan Army. The sacrifices of the Pakistan Army are not limited to mere numbers, he added.
The US Central Command has confirmed that three American F-15E fighter jets crashed in Kuwait due to a friendly fire incident. Former US President Donald Trump has said that the UK has refused to allow the use of its Diego Garcia military base for attacks on Iran, a move that has left Prime Minister Rishi Sunak disappointed. Jamaat-e-Islami leader Imran Ismail has said that the UK has been a key ally of the US in its anti-Iran operations.
A British court has ordered the former wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, Jemima Khan, to pay a fine of £1,000 for violating COVID-19 protocols.
The airport closure has led to several lawmakers falling ill. The Afghan News Agency, Amaj, has reported that several Afghan Taliban leaders have relocated to the Bamiyan province due to concerns of Pakistani airstrikes.
According to Geo News, Ahmed Shahzad has said that the fine of 50 million rupees imposed on players is too low and should be increased.
