ISLAMABAD: Allegations and counter-allegations over casualties during law enforcement action against PTI protesters have become a focal point of contention between the government and the opposition. While the PTI claims multiple fatalities, the government firmly denies any loss of life. PTI’s Allegations Following the retreat of PTI marchers from Islamabad’s Blue Area, the party alleged that several of its supporters had been killed due to law enforcement actions. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja claimed in a video message that around 20 individuals had died, although party sources initially reported six fatalities. Social media and political leaders amplified these claims,…
Author: Web Desk
ISLAMABAD: After the recent PTI-led protests brought Islamabad to a halt, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared zero tolerance for future demonstrations that threaten the capital’s stability and economy. Addressing the federal cabinet on Wednesday, the premier stressed the need for decisive measures to prevent further disruptions. Economic and Social Impact PM Shehbaz highlighted the massive daily economic losses caused by the protests, amounting to approximately Rs190 billion. He attributed these damages to stalled exports, disrupted imports, and shuttered businesses, further straining the nation’s fragile economy. The protests also affected vulnerable groups, such as daily wagers and patients needing medical…
LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers have voiced their frustration over the party leadership’s inability to lead decisively during the recent Islamabad sit-in. Following the retreat from Islamabad, workers expressed feeling abandoned and disorganized, with many turning to social media to criticize the leadership’s lack of on-ground presence. Leadership Under Fire Disgruntled members pointed to the absence of prominent leaders such as Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja, Punjab President Hammad Azhar, and Information Secretary Shaukat Basra during critical moments. Workers claimed the leadership failed to implement contingency plans, leaving them stranded and directionless. Salman Akram Raja faced particular backlash for not being…
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Wednesday that Afghan nationals residing in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) will need a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Deputy Commissioner to stay beyond December 31, 2024. This decision aligns with the government’s effort to regulate the presence of foreign nationals and maintain law and order. Measures Against Unlawful Protests The announcement coincided with allegations that some Afghan nationals participated in recent violent protests linked to a political party. The minister revealed plans to prevent future unlawful demonstrations and criticized claims of fatalities among the protestors, stating that no credible evidence had been presented.…
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has rejected a petition calling for the disqualification of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and several other political figures, including federal cabinet members, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, former caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, and others. The petition was dismissed as frivolous and politically motivated, with the court imposing a fine of Rs. 500,000 on the petitioner. Details of the Petition Filed by Ashba Kamran, the petition accused the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of intentionally delaying general elections in collaboration with certain political parties,…
MANSEHRA: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) sit-in at D-Chowk will persist until party chairman Imran Khan personally calls it off, announced Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. Speaking at a delayed press conference in the Insaf Secretariat, Gandapur condemned the recent crackdown on protesters and reaffirmed his commitment to the party’s cause. Protest and Crackdown Ali Amin Gandapur and former first lady Bushra Bibi led the final protest in Islamabad but retreated during a law enforcement operation. “Hundreds of PTI workers were killed or injured by direct fire from law enforcement agencies. Each family of the deceased will receive…
KURRAM: The warring factions in the Kurram tribal district agreed on Wednesday to extend their ceasefire for an additional 10 days, despite intermittent clashes in the area. The fragile truce, which was set to end on November 30, came following a jirga held in the Alizai area, Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud reported. Key Developments As per the agreement, both parties will vacate their trenches on Thursday, allowing army and paramilitary forces to take control. The ceasefire terms also include an exchange of bodies and hostages during the extended period. Continued Clashes Despite the agreement, sporadic violence was reported in…
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench dismissed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government’s request to take suo motu notice of the casualties during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest in the federal capital. This request was made during a hearing on a petition addressing the existential threat posed by climate change. The KP Additional Advocate General urged the court to address the reported casualties on both sides of the protest, citing constitutional relevance. However, Justice Aminuddin Khan, leading the bench, clarified that the court could not consider matters outside its current scope. Justice Musarrat Hilali criticized the law officer for bringing political…
Cascais: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that unchecked social media networks and artificial intelligence (AI) are amplifying the darkest aspects of human nature, giving hate speech unprecedented speed and reach. Addressing the United Nations’ Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC) 10th Global Forum in Portugal, Guterres stated that these digital platforms, combined with AI, have allowed misinformation and hate to spread faster and wider than ever before, often leading to real-world violence. He emphasized that the proliferation of deepfake technology has made it easier for false information to gain credibility quickly, making it a dangerous tool for spreading prejudice, including anti-Semitism,…
Karachi has been enduring significant internet disruptions for the past three days, affecting daily routines and causing financial losses for those reliant on online services. The outages, which have impacted Wi-Fi, mobile data, and social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, have created immense challenges for residents. Disruptions Linked to Protests and Transportation Issues The ongoing political protests led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters marching toward Islamabad have worsened the situation, with barricades and roadblocks contributing to further connectivity problems. Karachi, despite being a bustling metropolitan city, struggles with an inefficient public transportation system. As a result, many residents…
