ISLAMABAD: The federal government reaffirmed on Thursday that security forces did not fire on participants of the recent PTI protests in the capital. The clarification came during a joint press conference by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. Ahsan Iqbal stated that PTI Chairman Imran Khan is not a political prisoner but faces severe criminal charges. “In any democratic system, no leader would be allowed to evade accountability for such actions,” he said, adding that Khan is accused of corruption and inciting violence, including urging attacks on sensitive installations. Highlighting the May 9 riots, Mr. Iqbal emphasized…
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
RAWALPINDI: More than 750 individuals detained during the recent PTI protests were presented before the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Thursday. The arrests were made in Rawalpindi, Attock, and Chakwal districts, with suspects brought to ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah by police from these areas. The cases pertained to multiple police stations within these districts. The court granted a five-day physical remand for 77 individuals detained by Sadiqabad police. Similarly, 12 suspects taken into custody by Waris Khan police were remanded for two days, while a four-day physical remand was issued for suspects arrested by New Town police. The…
ISLAMABAD: The lower houses of the parliaments of Pakistan and Russia have formalized an agreement to boost parliamentary cooperation. The agreement was signed in Moscow on Thursday by Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation. This initiative aims to strengthen ties between the two legislative institutions and establish lasting mechanisms for collaboration through parliamentary committees, commissions, and friendship groups. A five-member parliamentary delegation, led by Mr. Sadiq, is currently on a five-day official visit to Russia. In his opening remarks, Mr. Sadiq emphasized his longstanding friendship with Mr.…
To facilitate aspiring Haj pilgrims, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has instructed 15 designated banks to keep their branches open on Saturday and Sunday across the country. The deadline for submitting Haj applications, along with the required dues for the 2025 pilgrimage, is December 3, 2024. This decision follows a request from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, as confirmed in a press release issued on Thursday. According to the central bank’s directives, the designated bank branches will remain operational from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM on November 30 and December 1, 2024, ensuring maximum convenience for…
https://youtu.be/KUyNpVvM8Vo?si=vuMQJMFbMlqzEyHq By: Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada Dallas: Leaders of two major Pakistani political parties, Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), along with other like-minded groups, have established a joint platform in Dallas to counter interference in Pakistani affairs by U.S. lawmakers and address anti-Pakistan propaganda. This platform has been named “Stand With Pakistan.” During a collaborative meeting, participants agreed that the platform aims to rise above political divisions to advocate effectively for Pakistan. The leaders also decided to inform U.S. Congress members and senators about the realities of Pakistan, countering any misinformation or interference in Pakistan’s internal…
Pakistani American Press Association (PAPA) Condemns Arrest and Abduction of Journalists in Pakistan Washington, DC, November 28, 2024 – The Pakistani American Press Association (PAPA) has issued a strong statement condemning the escalating attacks on press freedom in Pakistan, particularly the recent arrest and abduction of senior journalist Matiullah Jan. In an official press release, PAPA General Secretary Yousuf Choudhry called the actions a “blatant violation of fundamental human rights” and an assault on journalistic freedom. “The systematic targeting of journalists through arrests, abductions, and intimidation tactics undermines transparency, accountability, and the essence of a democratic society,” the statement said.…
An Open Letter to PTI Supporters: Reflecting on the Past, Understanding the Present, and Guiding the Future By: Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada The night is dark, with a single dim lamp casting shadows in my room. Those shadows seem to narrate stories from a time gone by. I sit in my study, a bookshelf brimming with books on my right, a pen in my hand. But tonight, I am more inclined to reflect than to write. Faint memories from the past play on the screen of my mind, as if replaying an old movie. Holding the pen between my fingers,…
Former first lady Bushra Bibi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have been booked in seven new criminal cases following recent violent protests across the country. The new cases, registered in Attock, come in the wake of protests that saw confrontations between demonstrators and police. Legal Actions and Accusations The FIRs (First Information Reports) were filed at several police stations, including Hasanabdal, Hazro, and Injra, and name key PTI figures including Bushra Bibi, Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub, and former president Arif Alvi. The charges include assaulting 119 police officers—three of whom…
Prominent journalist Matiullah Jan was placed in a two-day police remand on charges of terrorism and narcotics possession, sparking widespread outrage and allegations of fabricated accusations aimed at silencing critical journalism. Jan’s arrest comes after reports of his alleged abduction from Islamabad, with rights organizations and journalist bodies strongly condemning the incident. Arrest Details and Allegations Jan was reportedly apprehended last night from the parking area of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad by unidentified individuals. The police later booked him under charges of possessing 246 grams of methamphetamine and committing terrorism-related offenses, as detailed in an…
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,…
