US President Joe Biden stated that the US, in collaboration with international allies, would ensure stability in Syria after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Biden emphasized that the US will assist Syria’s neighboring countries and monitor rebel activities during the transition. The collapse of Assad’s government is set to reduce Iran’s influence and could impact Russia’s naval presence in the Mediterranean. The shift may also allow refugees from Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey to return to Syria.
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
The £190 million corruption case against former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi has entered its final phase. Both recorded their statements during the court proceedings. The case alleges that the couple and their associates unlawfully misused funds from the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and illegally acquired land. This case also highlights how the settlement deal was made without proper disclosure to the Pakistani public. Further hearings are scheduled, and this case marks a significant legal challenge for Imran Khan.
Water supply from the Dhabeji Pumping Station was restored after the 84-inch main pipeline on University Road was repaired. The line had burst last month, disrupting water supply. Repair work began on December 3 and involved over 300 workers. The process took 24-hour shifts and led to a loss of 150 million gallons of water. The disruption affected several areas in Karachi, including Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Safoora, and Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
In DI Khan’s Kulachi area, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation, killing two terrorists and apprehending one injured. Weapons and ammunition were recovered during the raid. A sanitization operation is ongoing to eliminate remaining threats.
In Karachi’s District Central, pillion riding and public gatherings, including protests, are banned on December 9-10 under Section 144 to ensure public safety. Police have been instructed to act against violators of these restrictions.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticized the government for allegedly dividing religious scholars through the Seminaries Registration Bill. He demanded the current system of madrasas be maintained and kept separate from politics. During a conference, Ulema passed a resolution urging the government not to abolish the existing system. Fazlur Rehman reaffirmed JUI-F’s non-confrontational stance while committing to protect religious seminaries.
PTI leader Omar Ayub stated the party is open to dialogue, “be it with humans or angels.” This announcement came as PTI forms a negotiation committee ahead of its planned civil disobedience movement. Ayub criticized the government for alleged “fake cases” against party leaders and stressed the need for rule of law.
PM Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to develop an immediate plan for the safe evacuation of Pakistanis from Syria due to unrest. The Pakistan Embassy in Damascus will operate round-the-clock to assist citizens. Coordination with Lebanon’s PM Najib Mikati has been established to facilitate evacuees via Beirut. Around 250 Pakistani pilgrims stranded in Syria will be repatriated once flights resume.
Pakistan will send skilled and unskilled workers, including medical professionals and construction experts, to the Middle East, focusing on Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) is accepting applications until December 18, 2024. Candidates can apply online via the OEC website.
The Supreme Court reinstated PML-N MNA Adil Bazai’s membership, suspending the Election Commission’s disqualification ruling. Bazai was accused of defying party directives. A three-member bench postponed the case until December 12 and questioned the ECP’s jurisdiction. The court stressed thorough examination before disqualifying an elected representative.
