An accountability court on Monday approved Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s wife and former first lady Bushra Bibi’s pre-arrest bail in the £190 million reference.
The development comes after a two-member Islamabad High Court (IHC) bench comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri had approved Khan’s bail plea in the said case in May.
The former prime minister, along with Bushra and other PTI leaders, are facing a NAB inquiry related to a settlement between the PTI government and a property tycoon, which reportedly caused a loss of £190 million to the national exchequer.
The couple, however, remains behind bars due to the iddat case and is unlikely to be freed after a district and sessions court rejected their pleas seeking suspension of the sentences in the aforesaid case.
During the hearing today, the NAB presented three more witnesses who were cross-examined by the defence lawyers.
So far, statements of 30 witnesses have been recorded in the case, of which, 27 have gone through cross-examination.
The accountability watchdog’s counsels also apprised the court that the arrest warrant for the former first lady has not been issued yet.
The court then summoned other witnesses on the next hearing and adjourned the case till July 5.
The case
The NAB had filed a reference against Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi and others back in December 2023 relating to £190 million that were transferred from the UK.
Amongst those named in the reference are Farhat Shezadi (Farah Gogi), Mirza Shehzad Akbar, Zulfi Bukhari and others.
In the reference, the NAB Rawalpindi said that the accused persons in connivance with each other have committed the offence of corruption and corrupt practices as defined and punishable under the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) 1999.
The watchdog has accused the former PM and others of allegedly adjusted Rs50 billion — £190 million at the time — sent by Britain’s NCA to the Pakistani government as part of the agreement with the property tycoon.
They are also accused of getting undue benefit in the form of over 458 kanals of land at Mouza Bakrala, Sohawa, to establish Al Qadir University.
During the PTI government, the NCA seized assets worth 190 million pounds from the business tycoon in Britain.
The agency said the assets would be passed to the government of Pakistan and the settlement with the Pakistani property tycoon was “a civil matter, and does not represent a finding of guilt”.
Subsequently, then-prime minister Khan got approval for the settlement with the UK crime agency from his cabinet on December 3, 2019, without disclosing the details of the confidential agreement.
It was decided that the money would be submitted to the Supreme Court on behalf of the tycoon.
Subsequently, the Al-Qadir Trust was established in Islamabad a few weeks after the PTI-led government approved the agreement with the property tycoon.
Bukhari, Babar Awan, Bushra Bibi, and her close friend Farah Khan were appointed as members of the trust.
Two to three months after the cabinet’s approval, the property tycoon transferred 458 canals of land to Bukhari, a close aide of the PTI chief, which he later transferred to the trust.
Later, Bukhari and Awan opted out as the trustees. That trust is now registered in the name of Khan, Bushra Bibi and Farah.
According to the NAB officials, Khan and his wife obtained land worth billions of rupees from the property tycoon, to build an educational institute, in return for striking a deal to give legal cover to the property tycoon’s black money received from the UK crime agency.
The British-Muslim vote could play a crucial role in around 100 constituencies including in majority of swing seats around the country, new research has found.
A new campaign group called “The Muslim Vote” and the right-wing “Henry Jackson Society” (HJS) have put the number of seats at 92 and 120 respectively, stating that the population is more than 10% Muslims in around 100 seats.
The Henry Jackson Society’s research on religious diversity in UK constituencies puts the number at 120 where Muslim vote can play a major role, especially in swing seats.
The HJS said that of the 220 most marginal seats in the general election, Islam is the largest minority religion in 129 of them (58.6%); the second largest minority religion in marginal seats is Hinduism in 23 of them (10.5%), followed by Sikhism in six marginal seats (2.7%), and Judaism in three (1.4%).
The swing seats were identified by the political consultancy Electoral Calculus, which defines a marginal seat as one where the margin of victory is expected to be 10% or less.
The 220 marginal seats at the general election make up a third (33.8%) of all available seats. Martin Baxter, chief executive of Electoral Calculus, said that the results of their most recent MRP poll with Savanta found that religion is a “significant factor” in how people vote.
A demonstration of this came when in the local elections earlier this year, dozens of candidates around the country ran on a Gaza ticket and defeated their Labour rivals — dealing a huge blow to the Labour in areas it took for granted for decades.
Labour votes plummeted in areas with a high Muslim population including Blackburn, Bradford, Pendle, Oldham, Luton, London and Manchester. If the same pattern is repeated at the July 4 elections at the hands of the Gaza candidates, the Labour support will collapse further in these areas.
The Muslim Vote, a campaign group set up by grassroots Muslim organisations, to encourage Muslim voting participation has identified around 92 seats where the Muslim voters are above 10% of the total vote.
However, all agree that Muslims are a diverse group and don’t vote in unison or en block. They are divided on political, ethnic and sectarian lines.
Pakistan’s tallest man Zia Rasheed on Tuesday passed away after a protracted illness at the age of 30 in Vehari.
A large number of people, including influential social and political personalities, attended his funeral prayer.
At the age of 15, he had become Pakistan’s tallest man. However, he had long been suffering from a disease related to knees, after he suffered a knee pain at 20.
Since then, he could not get himself treated properly and neither the government took care of him, Geo News reported. With the time, his illness exacerbated.
Last year, he slipped while climbing down from stairs which further aggravated his pain and he breathed his last, battling the disease, today.
In an interview with APP in December 2018, Rasheed had said he was getting taekwondo training to ensure his body fitness and self defence.
He had claimed that his height was eight feet and three inches and he was the second tallest man in the world.
Rasheed had said that he had received education till matric and added that he wanted to continue his study but facing financial and travelling problems.
He had demanded the government to support him financially for living a better life.
Justice Aalia Neelum has been nominated as the chief justice (CJ) of the Lahore High Court (LHC) in a first event of a woman judge being named for the post, sources said on Tuesday.
The jurist was unanimously nominated by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) during a meeting headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa earlier in the day.
Justice Aalia is third in the seniority list of the LHC after the elevation of former LHC CJ Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan to the Supreme Court.
After Justice Shahzad’s elevation, Justice Shujaat Ali Khan had been appointed as the acting CJ for the high court by President Asif Ali Zardari under Article 196.
Meanwhile, Justice Shafi Muhammad Siddiqui was also unanimously nominated for post of Sindh High Court (SHC) top judge.
The slot was vacated after former SHC CJ Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi’s elevation as a top court judge with Justice Shahzad and Justice Shahid earlier this month.
Justice Aalia: a brief profile
Hon’ble Justice Miss Aalia Neelum was born on November 12, 1966 and got the LL.B. degree from University of the Punjab in 1995. She was enrolled as an advocate a year later.
She also served as an advocate in the top court after her enrollment in 2008.
The lady jurist has rendered a number of reported judgments on numerous important issues since her elevation to an LHC bench in 2013.
As per her academic qualifications, Justice Aalia did Masters in Political Science from University of Punjab and also hold diplomas in multiple fields related to law and judiciary. Moreover, she also acquired a B.Ed degree from her alma mater.
Besides practicing judiciary dealing with criminal, civil and anti-terrorism laws, Justice Aalia also performed as a focal person for gender-based violence courts among other works.
Police on Tuesday formed a six-member team to probe into killing of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) councillor Muhammad Amir Abbasi, who was shot dead in a suspected targeted attack in the metropolis’ Korangi area a day earlier.
The incident took place near Singer Chowrangi, Korangi, when unidentified gunmen, according to a first information report (FIR), opened fire on the elected councillor while he was riding a motorcycle with his brother sitting behind him.
A case was registered at Awami Colony Police Station over complaint of the slain councillor’s brother Sumair Abbasi. The FIR stated that the elected representative received a bullet in his neck which became fatal for him.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari took notice of councillor Abbasi’s murder and demanded immediate arrest of the killers.
Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Korangi Toheed Rehman Memon told the media that they recovered one spent bullet casing fired from a 9mm pistol at the crime scene. He added that CCTV footage of the area was also obtained.
— Reporter
He termed it a “personal enmity” case, adding that efforts are underway to arrest the culprits behind it.
Later, the SSP Korangi formed a six-member team to probe two incidents of killings, including the councillor and a trader Waseem’s murder who was gunned down in Korangi No 6 area on June 30.
The team will be headed by SDPO Landhi while other members include SHO Zaman Town and Awami Colony, SSP Touheed said, adding that two inspectors were also among the investigators.
He detailed that the team will take necessary steps to arrest the accused and submit a daily progress report to the higher authorities until the culprits are brought to justice.
At least 116 people, many of them women and children, were killed in a stampede at a Hindu religious gathering in northern India on Tuesday, authorities said, in one of the country’s worst such tragedies in years.
The stampede happened in a village in Hathras district in Utter Pradesh, about 200 km (125 miles) southeast of the national capital New Delhi, where authorities said thousands had gathered in sweltering late afternoon temperatures.
The stampede occurred when a crowd of devotees started pushing towards the stage after the event to touch the preacher, who was coming down, said Yogi Adityanath, chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state.
While the cause was not immediately clear, Hathras district administrator Ashish Kumar suggested it may have been “due to overcrowding at the time when people were trying to leave the venue”.
Another senior state official, Chaitra V., told broadcaster India Today that people may have lost their footing as they sought water in the heat.
“There was wet mud at one place where people may have slipped. Also because of the heat, people may have made their way to the spot where water was kept and that could have caused the incident as well,” she said, adding that 18 were injured and in hospital.
Police said they had launched an investigation and promised action against anyone found to be responsible, adding that the gathering may have been larger than had been permitted.
“Lapses by authorities will also be investigated and action will be taken on the basis of the report which will be available within 24 hours,” state police chief Prashant Kumar said.
Video clips recorded by news agency ANI, in which Reuters has a minority stake, showed bodies piled into the back of trucks and laid out in vehicles.
Purses and bags covered in dust, were heaped up at the venue, with people sitting on their haunches sifting through them to identify their belongings.
Mobile phones were similarly piled together, waiting to be claimed by their owners.
A video on social media showed a large crowd packed into a tented area, standing and listening to devotional tunes as they waved their hands in the direction of the religious leader who sat on a stage.
It also showed some women hanging on to the bamboo poles holding up the canopy to get a better view above the heads of the large crowd.
Reuters could not immediately verify the social media images.
“There must have been about 50,000 people…at the gate on the highway, some people were going left and some people were going right, the stampede was caused in that confusion,” Suresh Chandra, a witness who was at the gathering, told local media.
Seema, a woman who travelled from a town almost 60 km away to attend the event, said she was leaving the venue when the stampede occurred. She was accompanied by three relatives, two of whom were killed.
Stampedes and other accidents involving large crowds at religious gatherings and pilgrimage sites have happened in the past and are often blamed on poor crowd management.
A stampede in central India in 2013 killed 115 people, while nearly 250 died in 2008 and more than 340 were killed during an annual pilgrimage in the western state of Maharashtra in 2005, according to local media reports.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the federal government was assisting the state and announced a compensation of 200,000 rupees ($2,400) to the families of the dead and 50,000 rupees to those injured.
Police in Gulbahar Colony, also known as Golimar, on Tuesday arrested a gang of high-tech young thieves specialising in stealing motorcycles, forging documents, and then selling them online — cleverly staying off the radar of anti-vehicle lifting agencies.
According to SSP Central Zeeshan Siddiqui, the modus operandi of the motorbike lifters was a sophisticated three-stage operation, which they had been successfully using to make illegal money for quite a while now.
“The gang members would first acquire legitimate documents for motorcycles. These documents were the foundation of their illicit trade,” said Siddiqui while talking to the media.
“Then, using these genuine papers, they would forge fake documents for the stolen motorcycles, ensuring that the bikes appeared legal and trustable.”
With tampered engine and chassis numbers, these motorcycles were then listed and sold on various online platforms, conning unsuspecting buyers, the SSP revealed.
Siddiqui said that the gang was highly active across various parts of Karachi. The culprits, identified as Bilawal, Shah Rukh, and Rizwan, have confessed to tampering with and selling dozens of stolen motorcycles.
During the operation, police recovered eight stolen motorcycles and five chassis from the gang’s possession. The police said that each gang member had his own expertise in this criminal operation.
Rizwan, one of the gang members, admitted to faking the documents and later selling the stolen motorcycles online. Bilawal, another of the thieves, confessed to lifting the motorcycles, often targeting specific models on demand. Shah Rukh, an expert in tampering with engine and chassis numbers, used to charge Rs3,000 for each alteration, the police said.
“With the gang now in custody, formal legal proceedings have been initiated against them,” SSP Central said, adding, “The successful operation marks a significant step in curbing motorcycle theft and fraud in Karachi.”
West has been facing yet another legal lawsuit filed by his former employees over allegations of a hostile work environment, unpaid wages, and discrimination.
The 47-year-old rapper, along with his Yeezy brand and former head of staff Milo Yiannopoulos, was sued by eight former employees – some of whom are minors – in the Central District Court in California this weekend on Saturday, June 29.
According to Us Weekly, the former employees, whose ages range from 14 to 25 belong to various countries and alleged that they were not paid for long working hours and were subjected to harassment, including being called slaves and new slaves in the company’s Discord channel.
They also claimed that the work environment was hostile as even app developers on the team were allegedly bullied over their race, gender, age, sexual orientation and more, according to the suit.
Moreover, the former employees alleged they were subjected to explicit images in the workplace back in April after West began lauding the idea of an adult film venture under his branding.
As per the lawsuit filed by the plaintiffs, West’s wife, Bianca Censori, sent a YZYVSN worker a file sharing link of the explicit content for the app. “No guardrails were put in place to prevent the underaged YZYVSN workers from working on Yeezy Porn, or to prevent them from being exposed to and being forced to view pornography to perform their work,” the suit states.
The lawsuit also claims that West told employees that they would be paid upon completion of the app; however, none of the plaintiffs received their wages.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday was given a guard of honour as he arrived in the Tajikistan’s capital on a two-day official visit at the invitation of President Emomali Rahmon.
The premier was welcomed at Dushanbe airport by top Tajik officials including Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda, Energy Minister Daler Juma and others, while Pakistan Ambassador in Dushanbe Saeed Sarwar and senior diplomatic officers were also present on the occasion.
President Rehmon received the prime minister as he arrived at the Qasr-e-Millat, Tajikistan’s presidential palace, on Tuesday. The national anthems of both countries were played as the prime minister stood at the salute dias.
PM Shehbaz reviewed the guard of honour presented by smartly turned-out contingents of Tajik armed forces.
Later, both Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Rahmon introduced their respective delegations to each other.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi are part of the PM’s delegation.
During his two-day visit, Shehbaz will meet different Tajikistan leaders, including Chairman of Majlisi Namoyandagon of Majlisi Oli Mahmadtoir Zoir Zokirzoda and Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda, according to a Foreign Office statement.
The visit is a part of regular high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Tajikistan. The two sides would engage in wide-ranging discussions on areas of mutual interest to further deepen bilateral cooperation, especially in the areas of regional connectivity, trade, people-to-people contacts and energy as well as cooperation on multilateral issues. The two sides would also sign agreements and MoUs in diverse areas of cooperation.
PM Shehbaz will travel to Kazakhstan tomorrow for the twin summits of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS) and SCO Plus in Astana.
According to the FO statement, the prime minister would be accompanied by FM Dar and other senior members of the cabinet and senior government officials.
At the SCO Council of Heads of the summit, Shehbaz would share Pakistan’s perspective on important regional and global issues and underline the importance Pakistan accords to regional connectivity and cooperation with the SCO member countries.
The prime minister would also address the SCO Plus Summit that brings together the member states as well as invited dialogue partners, observer states, guests of the chair and international organisations.
He would share Pakistan’s perspective on important regional and global issues and underline the importance of strengthening the organisation for the benefit of the people of the SCO region.
PM Shehbaz would also hold meetings with participating leaders on the sidelines of the summit, including the Russian and Chinese presidents. It would be the prime minister’s second meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in less than a month.
Moreover, the premier will also have a maiden meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in his present stint during which bilateral cooperation would be discussed.
Adding a new feather to his hat, Pakistan’s Awais Munir defeated Hong Kong cueist Nansen Wan to win the Asian 6-Red Snooker Championship in Riyadh on Tuesday.
Munir secured a 6-3 victory against his opponent. The game was tied at 2-2 and Munir won three sets straight and made his lead 5-2. In the eighth frame, Nansen made a comeback.
However, in the ninth frame, Munir displayed excellent control and potting to clinch the victory. Munir won the match with the scores 0-65, 35-26, 27-36, 38-20, 0-65, 13-46, 8-60, 34-0, 27-40.
Remember, Munir defeated countryman Asjad Iqbal 5-2 in the semi-final yesterday. He secured victory by winning five consecutive frames after initially trailing 0-2.
Earlier, Pakistan’s Mohammad Hasnain beat compatriot Ahsan Ramzan 4-3 in the final of the Asian U21 Snooker Championship. Ramzan was the defending champion after winning the trophy in Iran last year.
Earlier, Hasnain defeated Shawn Lee of Hong Kong in the last four clash. The semi-final, which consisted of best-of-seven frames, saw Akhtar emerge victorious with a score of 4-1. Hassan’s victory came with scores of 54-64, 21-59, 61-15, 10-86, and 35-63
Hasnain had also defeated Ranveer Duggal of India 4-3 in the quarters.
Hasnain also remained undefeated during the group stage of the tournament.
Ramzan also didn’t lose a single match in the championship before the final against Hasnain.
Labour party’s parliamentary candidate for Birmingham Ladywood and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s close ally Shabana Mahmood has shared that in her 14 years of public life as a Pakistani-Kashmri origin Muslim woman in the UK, she has encountered intimidation and harassment, emphasising that being a Muslim woman in public life is challenging.
In an interview with Geo News, Mahmood explained that she had not previously discussed such harassment because she did not want people “especially our sisters, daughters, to perceive politics negatively and be deterred by the challenges of intimidation and harassment”.
The Shadow Secretary of State for Justice emphasised that in a free democracy, everyone should participate in elections free from fear of harassment or abuse.
Pushing women out of the democratic process through intimidation is unacceptable, she said, stressing the importance of candidates freely standing for election and voters casting their votes without any form of coercion.
Mahmood shared her experience in the current environment riven by divisions and hate — most of it misogynistic in nature and driven by fake news.
In her constituency in Birmingham that she won around 14 years ago, Mahmood, an Oxford graduate and a leading figure in the Keir Starmer’s closest circle is facing a lot of misinformation, fake news and misogynistic attacks from a group of men who are vying to oust her in this election.
In several parts of the constituency, her posters were ripped off. She has been accused of the things she has not done and for that purpose social media sites such as TikTok and Instagram have been used to direct hate at her.
Mahmood, like several other Labour and Tory politicians, is strictly constrained by party discipline and cannot say things she likes, unless approved by the party machine.
In an interview with Geo News, she spoke of the deep pride and honour she feels in representing a minority faith and ethnicity in public life, foreseeing a future where these challenges can be openly addressed.
She expressed that being the sole Muslim woman in the key role in parliament is a motivating factor. Winning the elections would bring the substantial responsibility of leading a political department — a duty that drives her to work towards a brighter future for future generations.
Mahmood has served as the head of the Labour Party’s election campaign during by-elections over the past two years and has been a member of the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee since 2016, playing a key role in preparing the party manifesto for this week’s 4 July elections.
Responding to a query about Palestine issue and ongoing war in Gaza, she said innocent children are being killed, cruelty is rampant, and millions of people are deeply saddened and affected by it.
She stated that the Labour Party believes in a two-state solution and that is the only way to end the Palestine-Israel conflict.
Upon assuming power, the party will initiate a peace process led by David Lammy, Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs as the goal is to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, with full diplomatic efforts dedicated to this end, she said.
When asked about plans to improve the lot of deprived communities in the UK, she said that the Tories have been in power for the past 14 years, resulting in funding cuts and rubbish-filled streets.
She noted that many of the current issues are a direct consequence of these 14 years of Tory governance.
“The Conservative Party policies have led to cuts in the local development budget. The Labour Party will immediately allocate resources to public services, including appointing more doctors, teachers, and police officers. The Labour government’s foremost priority will be achieving economic growth, and prosperity as tangible economic growth is essential to allocate resources for public services,” she added.
Mahmood further stated that on the 5th of July either Labour or Conservatives will win and it’s important for the voters to “choose Labour and end the Tory nightmare for a better future”.
In a major development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that Pakistan and Tajikistan have exempted official passports from visa requirements.
The premier arrived in Dushanbe on Tuesday on a two-day official visit. President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon hosted him as he arrived at the Qasr-e-Millat — Tajikistan’s presidential palace.
The bilateral ties between Islamabad and Dushanbe would strengthen as several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed between the two countries, PM Shehbaz said while addressing a press conference in the capital city of Tajikistan.
He also vowed to work to promote trade, agriculture, health, education, and investment between the two nations.
The visiting premier also expressed his desire to connect Pakistan and Tajikistan through rail and road networks and to be part of the trade corridor between China, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.
Goods, he said, are being transported from the Karachi port to Tajikistan via Afghanistan.
He also announced that Pakistan and Tajikistan exempted official passports from visa requirements.
Speaking about the issue of terrorism, the prime minister said that both Pakistan and Tajikistan are afflicted by the menace. “Pakistan has been facing the scourge of terrorism for a long time now. The country has made significant sacrifices in the war against terrorism,” he said.
“We pulled off uprooting terrorism from the country in 2017. However, the menace is resurging now, unfortunately,” he stressed, adding that Pakistan wanted to eliminate terrorism through joint efforts with Tajikistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also underscored the importance of peace in the region, saying: “The region can’t prosper without peace.”
While expressing his hope for the CASA-1000 project — an ambitious renewable energy infrastructure construction project — he said that it would be completed by the next year, which would bring prosperity to the region.
He also highlighted the challenges facing by the world, including the Ukraine war and the precarious humanitarian situation in Gaza, expressing his support for the Palestinian people’s right to freedom.
At least 37,925 Palestinians have been killed and 87,141 have been injured in the Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip since October 7, the Gaza health ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
The premier expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received in Tajikistan. He invited the President of Tajikistan to visit Pakistan.
With the recent conclusion of the T20 World Cup, the lineup for the next edition of the mega event has been finalized. Scheduled to take place in 2026, the tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. This upcoming ICC event will feature an expanded roster of 20 teams, which will be divided into four groups of five sides each.
The first two spots in the event have naturally been occupied by the host nations, India and Sri Lanka. The remaining spots were decided based on performances in the Super Eight qualifiers at the 2024 T20 World Cup and the T20I team rankings. Through this process, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, the West Indies, and the United States secured their places in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Additionally, Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, managed to clinch a spot due to their T20I ranking, standing at 7th. Similarly, New Zealand (6th) and Ireland (11th) also qualified based on their rankings.
The remaining eight teams will emerge from regional qualifiers. These qualifiers allocate two spots each for Africa, Asia, and Europe, and one spot each for the Americas and the East-Asia Pacific regions. This structure ensures a diverse and global representation in the tournament, maintaining the competitive spirit and inclusiveness of the T20 World Cup.
India’s triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup was a significant highlight. Rohit Sharma’s team clinched the trophy by defeating South Africa in a thrilling final, winning by seven runs. This victory marked India’s second T20 World Cup title, their first win being in the inaugural tournament in 2007 when they bested Pakistan in the final. With this win, India joined the ranks of England and the West Indies, the only other nations to have won the T20 World Cup twice.
The 2026 T20 World Cup promises to be a grand spectacle, with an increased number of teams and a diverse mix of cricketing nations. The format of four groups of five teams each will ensure a series of engaging and competitive matches right from the group stages. The inclusion of teams from various regional qualifiers adds an element of unpredictability and excitement, as emerging cricketing nations will have the chance to compete on the world stage.
The confirmed teams for the 2026 edition include traditional powerhouses and some unexpected qualifiers, reflecting the evolving landscape of international cricket. The host nations, India and Sri Lanka, will aim to leverage their home advantage, while other established teams like England, Australia, and South Africa will be keen to add to their T20 credentials. Afghanistan and Bangladesh, known for their passionate cricketing culture and rapidly improving performances, will also be teams to watch.
The West Indies, with their rich T20 heritage, and the United States, a relatively new entrant on the world stage, add to the tournament’s intrigue. Pakistan, New Zealand, and Ireland, who secured their places through rankings, will bring their unique strengths and strategies to the competition.
The final list of participating teams will be completed once the regional qualifiers are concluded, rounding out the 20-team roster. This diverse and competitive field is expected to deliver a series of memorable matches and moments, showcasing the global appeal and excitement of T20 cricket.
Overall, the 2026 T20 World Cup, with its expanded format and inclusive qualification process, underscores the ICC’s commitment to growing the game and providing a platform for emerging cricketing nations. The tournament is set to be a celebration of cricket, featuring a blend of established stars and new talents, all vying for the coveted title on the grand stage provided by India and Sri Lanka.
July is set to be a remarkable month for celestial events, offering a plethora of opportunities for sky gazers to marvel at the night sky. As the month progresses, there will be several notable phenomena to observe, each bringing its own unique spectacle.
Starting off, early July will feature the conjunction of Mars and Venus. On July 7, these two planets will appear very close to each other in the western sky just after sunset. Venus, the brighter of the two, will be easily visible, with Mars appearing as a dimmer, reddish point nearby. This conjunction will be a great opportunity to view two neighboring planets in close proximity.
Following the planetary conjunction, the next significant event will be the peak of the Delta Aquarid meteor shower. This meteor shower, which runs annually from mid-July to late August, will reach its peak on the night of July 28 and into the early hours of July 29. During this time, observers can expect to see up to 20 meteors per hour under optimal conditions. The best time to view the Delta Aquarids is after midnight, away from city lights, with the meteors appearing to radiate from the constellation Aquarius.
In addition to the Delta Aquarids, the Alpha Capricornid meteor shower will also peak towards the end of July, around the night of July 30. Although this meteor shower is less intense, with around five meteors per hour, it is known for producing bright fireballs that can be quite spectacular. The Alpha Capricornids are best observed after midnight as well, with meteors radiating from the constellation Capricornus.
July will also offer a chance to witness the full Buck Moon on July 21. Named by Native American tribes for the time of year when male deer, or bucks, grow their new antlers, the Buck Moon will appear fully illuminated by the Sun. This full moon will rise in the southeast after sunset and will be visible throughout the night, setting in the west the following morning. For the best view, find a location with a clear horizon and minimal light pollution.
Another noteworthy event is the opposition of Saturn on July 20. Opposition occurs when a planet is directly opposite the Sun in the sky, providing the best opportunity to observe it. During this time, Saturn will be at its brightest and closest to Earth, making its rings and moons visible through a telescope. The planet will rise in the east around sunset and will be visible all night, offering ample time for observation.
Finally, throughout July, the Milky Way will be prominently visible in the night sky. This is an excellent time for astrophotography enthusiasts to capture the stunning beauty of our galaxy. The best time to view the Milky Way is during the new moon, which will occur on July 10, as the absence of moonlight will provide the darkest skies. The Milky Way will stretch across the southern sky, with the galactic center located in the constellation Sagittarius.
To maximize your viewing experience, it’s important to find a dark location away from city lights, use a star chart or a stargazing app to help identify celestial objects, and give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness. With clear skies and a bit of patience, July promises a month full of captivating celestial events that are sure to delight both amateur and experienced astronomers alike.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Pakistan has implemented significant changes to customs duties and regulatory measures on imports, effective from July 1, 2024. These adjustments, outlined in SROs 928(I)/2024 and 929(I)/2024, aim to regulate and manage the importation of various goods, imposing new duties and regulatory measures on a wide array of items. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the recent developments:
The FBR has introduced a 2% Additional Customs Duty (ADC) on items that were previously subject to a 0% duty rate. This measure applies to a range of imported goods and is structured across various rates: 2%, 4%, 6%, and 7%. The imposition of ADC on items previously enjoying a 0% duty rate is aimed at generating revenue and potentially encouraging local manufacturing by making imported goods marginally more expensive.
In addition to ADC, the government has imposed Regulatory Duty (RD) on a list of 657 luxury items. RD rates vary significantly, ranging from 5% to 55%, depending on the nature of the goods. This measure targets items such as cars, watches, cosmetics, perfumes, sunglasses, imported cycles, dairy products, natural honey, dates, fruit, and various types of clothing. Notably, cosmetics face a high RD of 55%, indicating a strong governmental stance on boosting local production or reducing imports in certain sectors.
Under SRO 929(I)/2024, the FBR has detailed specific duties applicable to automotive and agricultural sectors. This includes:
Components for Automotive Vehicles: A 2% ADC on sub-components, components, sub-assemblies, and assemblies used in the manufacturing of automotive vehicles, including agricultural tractors, road tractors, and CNG-dedicated vehicles.
Tyres and Tubes: Components for the assembly/manufacture of agricultural tractors and road tractors for semi-trailers and trailers above 280 HP are also subject to a 2% ADC.
These measures aim to support local industries by making imports for manufacturing slightly more expensive, thereby incentivizing the use of locally produced components and enhancing economic activity within these sectors.
Despite the broad application of ADC and RD, there are exemptions and special cases specified under various notifications and schedules. Notable exemptions include:
Essential Goods: Items such as seeds and spores for sowing, motor spirit, high-speed diesel oil, liquefied natural gas, and fertilizers are exempt from additional customs duties, ensuring affordability and availability of essential commodities.
Sector-Specific Exemptions: Importations under specific schemes and notifications, such as those related to temporary importation, special steel products, and certain categories of vehicles, benefit from exemptions to foster growth in strategic sectors.
The imposition of additional customs duties and regulatory measures by the FBR is expected to have several implications:
Revenue Generation: The introduction of ADC on previously duty-free items aims to enhance government revenue streams through increased customs collections.
Local Industry Support: Higher RD on luxury items and specific sectors like automotive encourages local manufacturing and reduces dependency on imports, aligning with national economic priorities.
Consumer Impact: Consumers may experience increased prices on imported goods subject to new duties, potentially influencing purchasing behaviors and promoting alternatives.
Compliance and Administration: Businesses and importers will need to ensure compliance with new duty structures and administrative requirements, potentially impacting supply chains and cost structures.
The recent regulatory changes by the FBR underscore Pakistan’s efforts to regulate imports, boost local industries, and manage economic priorities effectively. While aimed at revenue enhancement and economic protectionism, these measures also seek to balance consumer affordability and industrial growth. Monitoring the impact on various sectors and consumer markets will be crucial in assessing the long-term implications of these customs and regulatory adjustments.
PIA Increases Federal Excise Duty on International Flights
KARACHI: Passengers flying internationally from Pakistan will now face higher costs, as Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other local airlines have implemented a significant increase in the federal excise duty (FED) on their tickets. This hike, introduced by the federal government in the budget for 2024-25, affects all classes of international travel.
The FED on economy and economy plus tickets has surged by 150%. Consequently, passengers who previously paid Rs5,000 in FED on economy tickets will now be charged Rs12,500. This steep rise will impact a large number of travelers, particularly those seeking more affordable travel options.
For those traveling in the Club Class to the USA, the increase is even more pronounced. The FED has risen from Rs250,000 to Rs350,000, representing a substantial additional cost for premium travelers. Similarly, for flights to Africa and the Middle East, the FED has been increased from Rs75,000 to Rs105,000.
European destinations are also affected by this hike. The FED on tickets for flights to European cities has increased from Rs150,000 to Rs210,000. This increase will likely influence travel plans for many passengers who frequently fly between Pakistan and Europe.
Additionally, flights to Australia, New Zealand, and the Far East have seen a 40% increase in FED, now set at Rs210,000. This adjustment will impact those traveling to and from these regions, further escalating travel costs.
The new FED rates mark a significant shift in the cost structure for international travel from Pakistan, potentially influencing travel decisions and overall passenger traffic. The increases in FED across various routes underscore the government’s move to generate additional revenue from the aviation sector.
In contrast to these hikes, Pakistan International Airlines recently announced a reduction in Umrah fares for pilgrims. This move is aimed at facilitating religious travel for many Pakistanis. The revised fares for Umrah pilgrims are as follows:
Karachi to Madina: PKR 76,000 (plus tax) for a two-way ticket.
Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, and Sialkot to Madina: PKR 86,000 (plus tax) for a two-way ticket.
These reduced fares for Umrah travel come as a relief to pilgrims planning their journeys to the holy cities of Madina and Jeddah. The reduction aims to make religious travel more affordable for a larger number of people, especially during the peak pilgrimage seasons.
Overall, while the increase in FED represents a significant additional burden for international travelers, the reduction in Umrah fares demonstrates PIA’s commitment to supporting religious tourism. The contrasting changes reflect a broader strategy to balance revenue generation with service to key customer segments.
Travelers planning international trips from Pakistan will need to factor in these increased costs, while those embarking on Umrah pilgrimages can take advantage of the reduced fares. As these changes take effect, the aviation industry and passengers alike will need to navigate the evolving landscape of travel expenses.
On Baba Island, a densely populated fishing settlement off the coast of Karachi, pregnant women endure the harsh effects of climate change, including sweltering heatwaves and rising sea levels. The island, home to around 6,500 people in a mere 0.15 square kilometers, is among the most crowded in the world. Here, Neha Mankani, the only midwife, arrives by boat ambulance weekly to provide essential healthcare to expectant mothers.
Zainab Bibi, a 26-year-old resident, recalls her tragic experience during a previous pregnancy. Last summer, she suffered a second-trimester miscarriage on a scorching day. “It was a very hot day, I was not feeling well,” she said. Her husband struggled to find a boat to take them to the mainland hospital, and by the time they arrived, it was too late. “By the time I delivered my baby in the hospital, she was already dead.”
Heatwaves in Pakistan, exacerbated by climate change, are becoming increasingly severe, with temperatures reaching up to 52°C (126°F). Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to these extreme conditions. “Climate change doesn’t affect everyone equally,” said Mankani. “Pregnant women and newborns, postpartum women are definitely more affected.” Mankani has observed a rise in low birth weights, preterm births, and pregnancy losses during the hot summer months.
Research published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology last year corroborates these observations, indicating that women are at higher risk of stillbirth when exposed to temperatures above 90% of the normal range for their location. This scientific backing adds weight to the anecdotal evidence Mankani has gathered over the years.
Pakistan’s maternal mortality rate is high, with 154 women dying for every 100,000 live births. This rate is influenced by socioeconomic factors, limited healthcare access, and restricted decision-making power for women, particularly the young. Mankani, who started her career as a midwife in Karachi, has dedicated her efforts to addressing these issues. In 2015, she founded the Mama Baby Fund and established the first clinics on the islands to support expectant and new mothers. The introduction of a free, 24/7 boat ambulance last year has been vital in navigating the rough seas and providing timely medical assistance.
Sabira Rashid, 26, recently gave birth to a daughter, Eesha, after previously experiencing a stillbirth and a seven-month miscarriage due to delays in reaching the hospital. “At the dock, they make us wait because they don’t want to ferry only two or three people. They told us to wait for more passengers, no matter what the emergency,” she said.
On Baba Island, young girls often marry as early as 16, driven by the need for security in an area where polluted waters have devastated the fishing trade. “Most of these girls don’t know how to take care of themselves; they get severe infections from the dirty water they are constantly exposed to,” explained Shahida Sumaar, a clinic assistant.
With no access to running water and limited electricity, coping with heat stress is a significant challenge. Women, typically responsible for cooking over open flames in poorly ventilated rooms, are at particular risk. Ayesha Mansoor, 30, lives on the island’s fringes with her four children and faces just four to five hours of electricity daily. “Only those who have solar can deal better with the heat. We can’t afford it,” she said.
Despite these challenges, hope is on the horizon. Mariam Abubakr, an 18-year-old clinic assistant, aspires to become Baba Island’s first full-time midwife. “I used to wonder why we women didn’t have any facilities here, a clinic that could just cater to us,” she said. “When Neha opened her clinic, I saw a way that I could help the women of my community.”
The efforts of Mankani and her team highlight the critical need for accessible healthcare in vulnerable communities affected by climate change. Their work offers a glimmer of hope and resilience amid the harsh realities faced by the women of Baba Island.
Pakistan Railways has announced the launch of a special “Summer Vacation Special Train” to cater to the increased travel demand during the summer season. Scheduled to operate from July 5 to July 30, the train will run between Karachi and Rawalpindi via Lahore, aiming to provide a comfortable and convenient travel option for passengers.
The Ministry of Railways has confirmed that all necessary preparations for the launch of the special train have been completed under the guidance of Secretary of Railways Syed Mazhar Ali Shah. This initiative is part of Pakistan Railways’ efforts to alleviate pressure on the transportation system and ensure a smoother journey experience for families and travelers.
The special train, designated as 50-Dn, will depart from Karachi at 8:45 pm and arrive in Rawalpindi the following morning at 10:00 am. On the return journey, it will depart from Rawalpindi at 12:30 pm and reach Karachi Cantt at 2:15 pm the next day. This schedule allows for overnight travel, which is convenient for passengers looking to minimize travel time during daylight hours.
During its journey, the Summer Vacation Special Train will make stops at several major stations, including Jhelum, Lalamusa, Gujrat, Wazirabad, Gujranwala, Lahore, Raiwind, Okara, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Khanpur, Rohri, and Hyderabad. These stops are strategically located to serve passengers across different regions, providing accessibility to both urban and rural areas along the route.
Train Features
The train is equipped with various classes to cater to different preferences and budgets:
Two AC Standard Coaches: Providing air-conditioned comfort for passengers seeking a higher level of comfort.
Two AC Business Coaches: Offering enhanced amenities and services for business travelers or those looking for premium accommodations.
Five Economy Class Coaches: Designed to accommodate a larger number of passengers with comfortable seating arrangements.
One Brake Van and One Power Plant: Essential for the operational and safety aspects of the train.
Additionally, in response to anticipated demand, six additional economy-class coaches will be added to the special summer vacation train from Lahore, ensuring that more passengers can benefit from this service.
The introduction of this Summer Vacation Special Train serves several purposes:
Relief for Passengers: It provides relief to passengers during the busy summer season, offering an alternative to crowded buses and highways.
Comfortable Journey: With air-conditioned coaches and scheduled stops at major stations, the train ensures a more comfortable and convenient travel experience.
Increased Accessibility: By stopping at multiple stations along the route, the train enhances accessibility for travelers from various cities and towns.
Pakistan Railways’ initiative to launch the Summer Vacation Special Train reflects its commitment to improving the travel experience for passengers, especially during peak seasons. By expanding services and enhancing comfort levels, the railway aims to attract more travelers and alleviate strain on the country’s transport infrastructure. This initiative not only supports tourism and travel but also contributes to the overall development of the railway sector in Pakistan.
In a candid interview with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rohit Sharma opened up about a unique and symbolic act that followed a momentous victory. After winning the T20 World Cup, Sharma was seen eating soil from the pitch, an act that left many curious and intrigued.
Sharma explained that the moment was entirely unscripted and driven by instinct. “I don’t think I can describe that as nothing was scripted. Whatever was coming (out) instinctively I was feeling the moment when I went to the pitch, because that pitch gave us this (victory), we played on that particular pitch and we won the game on that particular ground as well,” he said. This spontaneity highlights the deep emotional connection he felt with the ground where his team clinched the coveted title.
He emphasized that the pitch and the stadium held significant importance to him and his team, as it was the very ground where they achieved their World Cup final triumph. This attachment to the venue was a driving force behind his desire to take a piece of it with him. “I will remember that ground forever in my life and that pitch as well. So, I wanted to have a piece of it with me,” Sharma shared, underscoring the profound impact the location had on him.
Sharma elaborated further on the symbolism of the act, expressing that those moments were incredibly special to him. The ground where all their dreams materialized held a unique place in his heart, and he wanted to carry a tangible piece of it as a memento. “Yeah, those moments are very very special and the place where all our dreams came true, I wanted something of it. So that was the feeling behind it,” he explained.
This gesture of consuming a part of the pitch is not entirely unprecedented in the world of sports. Famous tennis player Novak Djokovic has been known to eat grass from the court after winning matches, adding a layer of ritualistic celebration to his victories. Sharma’s act can be seen in a similar light, where the physical incorporation of the ground symbolizes the deep connection and gratitude he feels towards the place of his triumph.
Sharma’s explanation provides a glimpse into the emotional and symbolic nature of his actions, showcasing a side of sports that goes beyond the physical game and delves into the spiritual and sentimental aspects of achieving greatness. This unscripted and heartfelt gesture serves as a testament to the profound impact that moments of victory can have on athletes, creating memories and connections that last a lifetime.
Rizwan Concedes Flaws in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Campaign
Opening batter and wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan admitted on Tuesday that the Pakistan cricket team deserved the criticism it received for its dismal performance in the T20 World Cup 2024. Speaking to the media in Peshawar, Rizwan acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and the multiple factors that led to their early exit from the tournament.
“After the poor show, we deserve criticism. Those who can’t face the flak, cannot succeed,” Rizwan stated, emphasizing the importance of accepting constructive criticism in the path to improvement.
Pakistan’s exit at the group stage of the T20 World Cup sparked a wave of disappointment and criticism from fans, analysts, and former cricketers. The team’s defeat at the hands of less established teams like the United States exacerbated the backlash. Rizwan expressed that the team was equally disappointed with their performance, recognizing that they failed to meet the expectations and aspirations of their supporters.
Rizwan underscored that there wasn’t a singular reason behind the team’s failure but rather a combination of weaknesses in both batting and bowling. “After the T20 World Cup debacle, the Green Shirts could not claim that they wielded strong batting and bowling,” he admitted. This candid reflection indicates a recognition within the team of the need for substantial improvements in all aspects of their game.
Rizwan also addressed the speculations surrounding internal biases and grouping within the team. He refuted these rumors, stating that the team members play for the green flag and are united in their efforts to represent Pakistan on the global stage. “The speculations about bias in the team were not true. We all played for the green flag,” Rizwan asserted, seeking to dispel any notions of discord within the squad.
Responding to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s comments about the need for “major surgery” in the team, Rizwan acknowledged that it is within the chairman’s rights to make decisions about the team’s composition. “When you get ill, you get a surgery. He’s chairman of the board and it is his right. It’s his right whom he wants to retain and whom not,” Rizwan said, indicating an understanding that changes are necessary and may involve tough decisions about player retention and team structure.
Naqvi’s remarks suggest that significant changes are on the horizon for the Pakistan cricket team. These could involve overhauling the team’s strategy, introducing new players, and possibly making changes in the coaching staff to address the identified weaknesses and improve future performances.
The recognition of their flaws is a crucial first step for the Pakistan cricket team. Moving forward, the team will need to focus on identifying specific areas of improvement, whether in technical skills, strategic planning, or mental resilience. This process will likely involve rigorous training, increased focus on fitness, and perhaps a shift in team dynamics to foster a more cohesive and supportive environment.
Rizwan’s willingness to openly discuss the team’s failings and accept criticism reflects a mature and constructive approach to overcoming setbacks. For Pakistan cricket to bounce back, it will require a collective effort from players, coaches, and administrators to implement the necessary changes and rebuild the team’s strength and confidence.
While the T20 World Cup 2024 was a disappointing chapter for Pakistan cricket, it also serves as a critical learning experience. The team’s candid acknowledgment of their shortcomings, combined with proactive measures from the PCB, could pave the way for a stronger and more resilient squad in future competitions. As Rizwan aptly put it, accepting criticism and facing challenges head-on is essential for achieving success and fulfilling the nation’s hopes and dreams.
Bot-like Accounts Spreading ‘Hate’ During UK Election
Bot-like social media accounts have significantly spread “disinformation and hate” during the UK general election campaign, a watchdog investigation revealed Tuesday. According to Global Witness, 10 suspected bot profiles on X (formerly known as Twitter) shared over 60,000 messages containing conspiracy theories and violent hate speech, including Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, homophobia, and transphobia. These posts were viewed an estimated 150 million times, potentially exerting an outsized influence on the election discourse.
The accounts also promoted praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising concerns about foreign influence. Bot profiles are run by computers but are designed to mimic human behavior, making them difficult to distinguish from genuine accounts.
These findings underscore growing fears about the integrity of key elections worldwide, which are increasingly vulnerable to cyber-tech advancements and geopolitical tensions. UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden recently warned that hostile actors, such as Russia, are attempting to influence the country’s democratic process, with reports of Facebook pages disseminating pro-Kremlin talking points.
Ava Lee, a campaign leader at Global Witness, called on social media companies like X to “clean up their platforms and put our democracies before profit.” She emphasized the danger posed when online political discussions are manipulated by bot accounts. “When the conversation may have been influenced by someone who has paid for bots to spread division or to get a particular party into power, our democracy is in jeopardy,” Lee said.
Global Witness researchers identified the suspected bot accounts by searching for posts and hashtags related to climate change and migration, two issues frequently targeted by disinformation. They tracked at least 10 profiles that posted scores or hundreds of messages daily on these topics after the UK election date was announced on May 22.
Eight of the accounts were overtly political, clearly supporting or opposing specific parties by using party logos as profile pictures or regularly reposting their content. Despite the political nature of the content, Global Witness did not find evidence that any UK party was directly involved in using or promoting these bots.
The content shared by these bot accounts was overwhelmingly extreme, with some posts spreading anti-Semitism and transphobia. Others claimed that climate change is a “hoax” and that vaccines have caused a “genocide.” Although one of the 10 profiles was recently deleted, the other nine remained active as Global Witness released its findings.
The NGO has urged X to investigate these accounts, which likely violate the platform’s policies. It also called on X to invest more in protecting democratic debate from manipulation. X, which was rebranded from Twitter after US billionaire Elon Musk acquired the platform in 2022, did not respond to requests for comment.
These revelations highlight the ongoing challenge of ensuring fair and transparent elections in the digital age. The influence of bot accounts and disinformation campaigns poses a significant threat to democratic processes, requiring urgent action from social media companies and regulators to mitigate their impact. As the UK election approaches, the findings from Global Witness serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in the current electoral system and the need for robust measures to safeguard the integrity of political discourse online.
Italy-Pakistan K2 Jubilee Expedition Team Celebrates at Base Camp
SHIGAR: The Italy-Pakistan K2 Jubilee Expedition team, composed of women from both nations, has officially begun its journey from the K2 base camp. This momentous expedition, led by Samina Baig, the first Pakistani woman to summit K2, includes four Pakistani and four Italian women climbers. Upon reaching the base camp, the team proudly raised the flags of Pakistan, Italy, and the Olympics while reciting Pakistan’s national anthem.
The expedition, which marks the 70th anniversary of the first successful K2 summit, aims to commemorate this historic achievement. Italian mountaineer Agostino da Polenza praised the women climbers for their enthusiasm and resilience. “The women climbers are in good spirits,” he remarked, acknowledging the rigorous preparations and the significance of this endeavor.
Before embarking on this journey, the climbers underwent a series of comprehensive tests in Italy. “After selection, we underwent all sorts of tests — mentally, physically, emotionally,” said Pakistani climber Nadeema Sehar. These preparations were essential to ensure that each team member was equipped to face the challenges of K2, known as one of the most formidable peaks in the world.
The expedition holds particular importance due to its all-female team, symbolizing empowerment and the breaking of traditional gender barriers in the field of mountaineering. Samina Baig expressed her pride in leading this unique expedition. “It is a matter of great happiness for me that I am a part of this expedition and leading this expedition which is very important. I am especially happy that Pakistani women are a part of this as K2 is a dream of every climber,” she said.
The Italian members of the team bring with them a rich history of mountaineering achievements. Italy has a long-standing tradition in the sport, with numerous records to its name. Notably, on July 31, 1954, Italian climbers Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli became the first to reach the summit of K2, the world’s second-highest peak at 8,611 meters. This historical ascent set the stage for future mountaineering endeavors on K2 and established Italy’s reputation in the mountaineering community.
This joint expedition not only celebrates past achievements but also fosters international cooperation and friendship. The collaboration between Pakistani and Italian climbers underscores the universal appeal of mountaineering and the shared passion for exploration and adventure. By working together, the team aims to inspire future generations of climbers, particularly women, to pursue their dreams and challenge themselves in the great outdoors.
The journey to K2’s summit is fraught with difficulties. The mountain is notorious for its treacherous conditions, including steep, icy slopes and unpredictable weather. Despite these challenges, the Italy-Pakistan K2 Jubilee Expedition team remains determined and hopeful. Their preparation and dedication serve as a testament to their commitment to this ambitious project.
As the team continues its ascent, the world watches with anticipation. The expedition is more than a physical challenge; it is a powerful statement about the capabilities and potential of women in mountaineering. By raising their respective flags and uniting under a common goal, the team exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and the enduring human drive to conquer the highest peaks.
Tqhe Italy-Pakistan K2 Jubilee Expedition team’s commencement from the K2 base camp marks a significant milestone in the world of mountaineering. Led by Samina Baig and consisting of climbers from both Pakistan and Italy, the team celebrates the 70th anniversary of the first successful K2 summit. Their journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, symbolizes international cooperation, women’s empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. As they progress, they continue to inspire and captivate the global community with their courage and dedication.
Labour Votes Plummet in Areas with High Muslim Population Including Blackburn, Bradford
LONDON: Recent research indicates that the British-Muslim vote could be pivotal in approximately 100 constituencies, including many of the crucial swing seats across the country. This finding emerges from a report by two distinct groups: “The Muslim Vote,” a new campaign group, and the right-wing “Henry Jackson Society” (HJS).
According to these organizations, there are between 92 and 120 constituencies where Muslims comprise more than 10% of the population, making their vote highly influential. The HJS’s research on religious diversity within UK constituencies estimates that in 120 constituencies, the Muslim vote could be particularly decisive, especially in swing seats.
The HJS noted that among the 220 most marginal seats in the general election, Islam is the largest minority religion in 129 of them (58.6%). Following Islam, the second-largest minority religion in marginal seats is Hinduism, present in 23 of them (10.5%), followed by Sikhism in six marginal seats (2.7%), and Judaism in three (1.4%).
Political consultancy Electoral Calculus defines a marginal seat as one where the margin of victory is expected to be 10% or less. It identified 220 such seats, constituting a third (33.8%) of all available seats. Martin Baxter, chief executive of Electoral Calculus, highlighted that their most recent MRP poll with Savanta found religion to be a “significant factor” in voting behaviors.
This religious influence on voting was demonstrated during the local elections earlier this year. Dozens of candidates around the country ran on a pro-Gaza platform and succeeded in defeating their Labour rivals. This shift dealt a substantial blow to Labour in areas it had relied on for decades. As a result, Labour votes saw a significant decline in regions with high Muslim populations, including Blackburn, Bradford, Pendle, Oldham, Luton, London, and Manchester. If this trend continues in the upcoming July 4 elections, Labour’s support in these areas could diminish further.
“The Muslim Vote,” established by grassroots Muslim organizations to encourage Muslim electoral participation, has pinpointed around 92 seats where Muslim voters constitute more than 10% of the electorate. This group aims to mobilize the Muslim community to ensure their voices are heard in the political arena.
Despite the potential influence of the Muslim vote, it is important to note that Muslims are a diverse group with varied political, ethnic, and sectarian affiliations. Consequently, they do not vote as a monolithic bloc. This diversity means that while the Muslim vote can be significant in certain constituencies, it does not guarantee uniform support for any particular party.
The Labour Party, traditionally a favorite among Muslim voters, has recently faced challenges in maintaining this support. The decline in Labour votes in high Muslim population areas is partly attributed to dissatisfaction with the party’s stance on international issues, particularly the Israel-Palestine conflict. Many Muslim voters feel that Labour has not sufficiently supported Palestinian rights, leading to a shift towards candidates and parties that align more closely with their views on this and other issues.
The British-Muslim vote holds considerable potential to influence election outcomes in a substantial number of constituencies. Both “The Muslim Vote” campaign and the HJS emphasize the importance of this demographic in determining the results of the upcoming elections. However, the diversity within the Muslim community means that their voting patterns cannot be easily predicted, and political parties must engage with this group thoughtfully and respectfully to gain their support.
Pakistan’s Tallest Man, Zia Rasheed, Passes Away at 30 After Prolonged Illness
VEHARI: Zia Rasheed, recognized as Pakistan’s tallest man, passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged illness at the age of 30. Rasheed’s funeral prayer was attended by a large number of people, including influential social and political figures, reflecting the impact he had on his community.
Rasheed’s extraordinary height became apparent early in his life. By the age of 15, he had already earned the title of Pakistan’s tallest man. Standing at an impressive height of eight feet and three inches, he was believed to be the second tallest man in the world. Despite this unique attribute, Rasheed’s life was fraught with health challenges, particularly a debilitating knee condition that plagued him for much of his life.
Rasheed began experiencing severe knee pain at the age of 20. This condition, which he struggled to get treated properly due to financial constraints and lack of adequate medical attention, significantly affected his mobility and overall quality of life. The government did not provide the necessary support for his treatment, leading to the exacerbation of his illness over time.
In December 2018, during an interview with the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Rasheed shared that he had been training in taekwondo to maintain his fitness and for self-defense. Despite his efforts to stay active, his knee condition continued to deteriorate. Last year, he suffered a severe setback when he slipped while descending stairs, which further aggravated his knee pain and mobility issues. This incident marked the beginning of a rapid decline in his health, ultimately leading to his passing.
Rasheed’s story is not just one of extraordinary physical stature but also of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. He had pursued his education up to the matriculation level and had expressed a strong desire to continue his studies. However, financial difficulties and travel problems impeded his educational ambitions. Despite these challenges, Rasheed remained hopeful and continued to call for financial support from the government to improve his living conditions.
Throughout his life, Rasheed faced numerous hardships, but his spirit remained unbroken. His struggle with health issues, coupled with the lack of adequate medical care and financial support, highlights the broader issues of healthcare accessibility and social support for individuals with unique needs in Pakistan. Rasheed’s plight underscores the importance of providing timely and effective medical care to those in need, regardless of their circumstances.
The community’s turnout at Rasheed’s funeral is a testament to the respect and admiration he garnered throughout his life. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and support for individuals facing extraordinary challenges. As Pakistan’s tallest man, Rasheed will be remembered not only for his remarkable height but also for his perseverance and the obstacles he overcame in his journey.
Zia Rasheed’s life story is one of exceptional physical characteristics, relentless struggle with health issues, and a continuous fight for a better life. His passing at the young age of 30 is a significant loss to his community and the country. Rasheed’s life and experiences call for greater awareness and action towards supporting individuals with unique health and financial challenges, ensuring that their needs are met with the dignity and care they deserve.
Picking up the pace at the outset of the new fiscal year, headline inflation came in at 12.6% year-on-year (YoY) in June compared to 11.8% in May, according to data released by the country’s federal statistics agency on Monday. This increase aligns with market and government expectations.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) based inflation increased by 0.5% on a month-on-month basis in June.
The CPI-based inflation in May rose 11.8% from a year earlier, the lowest reading in 30 months and below the finance ministry’s projections.
The country has been beset by inflation above 20% since May 2022. Last year in May, inflation jumped as high as 38% as the country navigated reforms as part of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout programme. However, inflation has since slowed down.
Brokerage firm Topline Securities noted that the reading matched their projections, so it did not surprise them.
This CPI reading brings the average inflation for fiscal year 2023-24 to 23.4%, compared to 29.2% in fiscal year 2022-23.
The Ministry of Finance, in its Monthly Economic Update and Outlook report, had forecast a marginally higher inflation rate for June 2024 compared to the previous month but noted it was still lower than the same period last year.
The ministry attributed the hike to higher prices of perishable items driven by Eid ul Adha and added that the government is working to manage supply and demand to bring about price stability, reduce market volatility, and improve the inflation outlook.
JS Global Research, another brokerage firm, had projected CPI inflation to hover around 12.5% YoY, with the FY24 average at 23.8%, continuing the slowdown that started in May (11.8%). This compares to 17.3% in April and a significant drop from 29.4% in June 2023.
“June is expected to see a 37 basis points month-on-month decrease in food inflation, following an 8% month-on-month drop in April. This translates to a year-on-year food inflation rate of just 0.5% in June, a significant improvement from 39% in Jun-2023,” JS Global said in its report.
AKD Securities Limited, another brokerage house, estimated that inflation would register a 12.55% year-on-year increase, up from 11.76% in the previous month.
“On a monthly basis, it is likely to ascend by 0.45%, following a slight rebound in vegetable prices due to ongoing festivities during the current month,” the AKD report said.
As per the AKD report, with both food and fuel indices slowing down in May, “we anticipate near-term CPI readings to remain highly susceptible to the upcoming inflationary hikes announced in the federal budget”.
“Additionally, any further rebounds in essential commodity prices driven by a pullback in crude oil in the wake of global monetary easing, alongside moderate weakness in the domestic currency, if any, may keep disinflationary prospects in check,” according to the AKD report.
The parliament on Friday, June 28, passed the government’s tax-heavy finance bill for the current fiscal year amid an annual inflation projection of up to 13.5% for June 2024.
The bill came ahead of more talks with the IMF for a loan of $6 billion to $8 billion to avert a debt default for Pakistan, the slowest-growing economy in South Asia.
A finance ministry report had projected annual consumer price inflation for June 2024 between 12.5% to 13.5%, up from 11.8% in May.
“The government was implementing various administrative, policy and relief measures to control inflationary pressures,” the report said.
The rise in the tax target is made up of a 48% increase in direct taxes and a 35% hike in indirect taxes over revised estimates of the current year. Non-tax revenue, including petroleum levies, is seen increasing by 64%.
Opposition parties, mainly parliamentarians backed by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, have rejected the budget, saying it would be highly inflationary.
Pakistan has projected a sharp drop in its fiscal deficit for the new financial year to 5.9% of gross domestic product (GDP), from an upwardly revised estimate of 7.4% for the current year.
Former president Donald Trump has immunity only from official actions taken in office, the Supreme Court ruled Monday, overturning a lower court verdict that had denied him legal shield against criminal charges stemming from his contentious efforts to manipulate the 2020 election results.
As a result of this landmark ruling, the federal election meddling case against the Republican presidential candidate will be back in a lower court that will then choose to apply this ruling in the best of ways.
The court, in a 6-3 decision, ruled that while former US presidents enjoy immunity for actions taken within their constitutional authority, they are not entitled to it for deeds done in a private capacity.
The ruling marked the first time since the nation’s 18th century founding that the Supreme Court has declared that former presidents may be shielded from criminal charges in any instance.
Chief Justice John Roberts announced the landmark ruling on behalf of the court’s six-justice conservative majority. The court’s three liberal justices dissented.
The decision came in Trump’s appeal of a lower court ruling rejecting his immunity claim. The court decided the case on the last day of its term.
“We conclude that under our constitutional structure of separated powers, the nature of presidential power requires that a former president have some immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts during his tenure in office,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in Monday’s opinion.
“At least with respect to the president’s exercise of his core constitutional powers, this immunity must be absolute.”
“The President enjoys no immunity for his unofficial acts, and not everything the President does is official. The President is not above the law,” Roberts also wrote.
Trump is the Republican candidate challenging Democratic President Joe Biden in the November 5 presidential election in a rematch from four years ago. The court’s slow handling of the blockbuster case already had helped Trump by making it unlikely that any trial on these charges brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith could be completed before the election.
Trump had argued that he is immune from prosecution because he was serving as president when he took the actions that led to the charges. Smith had opposed presidential immunity from prosecution based on the principle that no one is above the law.
During April 25 arguments in the case, Trump’s legal team urged the justices to fully shield former presidents from criminal charges – “absolute immunity” – for official acts taken in office. Without immunity, Trump’s lawyer said, sitting presidents would face “blackmail and extortion” by political rivals due to the threat of future prosecution.
The court’s 6-3 conservative majority includes three justices Trump appointed. Smith’s election subversion charges embody one of the four criminal cases Trump has faced.
Trump, 78, is the first former US president to be criminally prosecuted as well as the first former president convicted of a crime.
In the special counsel’s August 2023 indictment, Trump was charged with conspiring to defraud the United States, corruptly obstructing an official proceeding and conspiring to do so, and conspiring against the right of Americans to vote. He has pleaded not guilty.
Trump’s trial had been scheduled to start on March 4 before the delays over the immunity issue. Now, no trial date is set. Trump made his immunity claim to the trial judge in October, meaning the issue has been litigated for about nine months.
In a separate case brought in New York state court, Trump was found guilty by a jury in Manhattan on May 30 on 34 counts of falsifying documents to cover up hush money paid to a porn star to avoid a sex scandal before the 2016 election. Trump also faces criminal charges in two other cases. He has pleaded not guilty in those and called all the cases against him politically motivated.
A lawyer for the special counsel’s office told the Supreme Court during arguments that the “absolute immunity” sought by Trump would shield presidents from criminal liability for bribery, treason, sedition, murder and, as in this case, trying to overturn the proper results of an election and stay in power.
During the arguments, justices asked hypothetical questions involving a president selling nuclear secrets, taking a bribe or ordering a coup or political assassination. If such actions were official conduct, Trump’s lawyer argued, a former president could be charged only if first impeached by the House of Representatives and convicted in the Senate – something that has never happened in US history.
In a May Reuters/Ipsos poll, just 27% of respondents – 9% of Democrats, 50% of Republicans and 29% of independents – agreed that presidents should be immune from prosecution unless they have first been impeached and convicted by Congress.
BTS Jimin intrigued his fans with yet another fun video on the set of his latest music video.
The 28-year-old South Korean singer released his latest single, Smeraldo Garden Marching Band, on June 28, 2024, however, he has kept up with hyping up its launch.
In his latest video, uploaded by the official Instagram account of the band, bts.bighitofficial, Jimin, also known as Park Jimin, could be seen dancing to his tune.
As he mesmerized viewers with his smooth choreography, the band behind him played their instruments energetically.
Towards the ending seconds of the video, as the Lie hit-maker gets lost in the flow of his dance moves, the rest of the band members exit the frame, leaving a shocked Jimin behind.
This funny reel comes almost a day after he uploaded another video, featuring the South Korean rapper, Loco, with whom Jimin collaborated with on his latest track.
BTS Jimin is geared to release his solo studio album titled, Muse, on July 19, 2024, which would be composed of seven different tracks, including the song, Smeraldo Garden Marching Band.
Election campaigning in Bradford is so toxic, dangerous, hate-filled and Baradariism-fuelled that one of Britain’s highest-profile female politicians Naz Shah has police guard protecting her round the clock over death threats she has received – and intelligence reports confirming that there is an active threat to her life.
A huge banner hanging outside her central campaign office in Bradford City centre has been defiled and slashed with a knife in a clear attempt to intimidate her.
Election banners of Labour Party’s candidate Naz Shah defaced and slashed with knives in Bradford. — Reporter
Welcome to Bradford — known as Britain’s mini Pakistan.
In two seats of Bradford West and Bradford East, there are areas where the situation is so tense, divisive and volatile that it can be cut with a knife. Naz Shah is standing in Bradford West for re-election on Labour’s ticket and Imran Hussain is seeking re-election on Labour’s Bradford East. In both seats, there are “independent” candidates putting up a challenge on the traditional safe Labour seats.
On the face of it, Gaza is the central issue in this election in these constituencies with a large Pakistani & Kashmiri (Mirpur, Kotli) origin diaspora but in reality, this election is much more than that: it’s about hate-filled abuse, vile smear campaigns, violence, old family rivalries, Baradariism imported from Pakistan and Kashmir, extreme misogyny, caste and creed divisions and the long-term political planning of the local players.
Masked men trying to set alight independent candidate Talat Sajawal’s banner on a house in Bradford. — Screengrab/CCTV footage/Reporter
The division in both constituencies is visible. In large areas and streets, posters and banners of only one candidate (either party-affiliated or independent) are visible while the other candidates are almost non-existent. The situation changes completely in the next few streets where banners and garden poles of only one candidate start becoming visible.
Hussain faces challenge from Talat Sajawal, who has backing of around ten local councillors all of whom resigned from Labour over the Gaza issue. Naz Shah faces a challenge from two independent candidates Ali Islam and Akeel Hussain, both of whom are running on the Gaza issue.
Several candidates shared videos and pictures with Geo News of how their banners and posters were ripped apart at night and in daylight and how they fear campaigning outside of their safe zones, their fiefdoms.
In this election, there are eight parliamentary candidates for Bradford West, and only one of them is a woman and the fact that she is at a huge disadvantage – over her origin and her being – is evident in the area.
She has been serving as a Member of Parliament for nine years on the Labour ticket but some members of the local Labour party have abandoned her as a campaign gets underway to oust her from the constituency at any cost – fuelled and aided by the local Labour stalwarts. Information shared with us, highlights close high profile Labour members and post-holders close to the campaign with Hussain in Bradford East are actively opposing Shah in Bradford West, who is standing on the same labour ticket.
Shah is clear that the campaign against her is sponsored by some local Labour leaders who never liked her because she’s a woman, doesn’t have a strong local family and Baradari orientation and her position in the Labour in Bradford is seen as a stumbling block for the career progress of the local Labour stalwarts who would benefit if she’s not there.
She believes that at least one iIndependent” standing against her has the financial and political backing of another local Labour leader who wants her out of the area at all costs and this election offers yet another opportunity for the local Labour group — who tried the same tactics but under different guises on two previous terms when Shah stood from here.
“It is sad to see the issue of Palestine, where real suffering is taking place is being used by some people as a ploy to oust me for their own political agendas. This issue is emotive, and I know many across Bradford have rightful concerns on this issue, but sadly some are trying to use these sentiments for their own political and individual gains. They are campaigning against me and it’s the same lot who campaigned against me previously on the basis of Baradari and misogyny, but people from their own Baradari and the people of Bradford have previously rejected them and will again too,” she said.
Shah said that her banners were removed, defaced with paint and slashed with knives. She said: “The businesses who support me get threatening phone calls that their windows and properties will be damaged and boycotted. It’s not about Palestine for everyone, some people are sadly using a genuine sentiment for their own political gains. For them, it’s a targeted campaign against me. I am the only woman in this seat and I am the target. It’s so poisonous that I cannot take out my 12 years old son with me on the campaign. There is a protection officer with me all the time.”
Naz Shah noted that the perpetrators are those who downplay the seriousness of violence against women, have a history of playing Baradari card.
She had faced similar attacks in the area when George Galloway ran against her in 2017 — an election she won with a majority of over 25,000 votes.
She says nothing has changed ever since. “My banners were not vandalised then, I didn’t have a death threat on me then. The situation is worse now. This is hooliganism. There were some filters on then, but not anymore. The intimidation I am facing as a woman has affected me, my family and my supporters.”
Shah said several members were recently suspended by the Labour after the evidence established their involvement in the hooligan behaviour against me.
Shah said she has always stood by her constituents, voted against the war on Gaza, voted for ceasefire, raised the issue of human rights violations in India Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), resigned from the shadow cabinet position in protest at Israel’s war on Gaza and always stood on the side of righteous causes but “I am being targeted through fake news campaign to intimidate me but I will not give up. I will not surrender.”
She said: “The irony is that such tactics and abuse are expected from the far-right, but it is unexpected from individuals who experience marginalisation and alienation, particularly in mainstream politics. Yet again, this campaign has demonstrated that internalised misogyny and hate continue to hinder the experiences of women, especially those from minority backgrounds, in politics. This election is not just a fight for a parliamentary seat; it is a stand against the misogyny and prejudice that seek to silence our strong voices in parliament, seek to give rise to vitriolic politics and through an emotional response completely sideline the issue of Palestine from the top table.”
Sajawal shared a video with Geo News that showed two masked men trying to set alight his banner on a house of one of his key supporters. The video shows two men wearing gloves and masks, first throwing something on the front of the banner and then setting off a firework, which failed to cause fire but every attempt was made to cause the damage.
He said: “My supporters have come under attacks from those who fear me and believe that I have the will and the support to break their stranglehold on local politics. I will not be intimidated by anyone. We are a group of ten independent councillors. All of us have won as Independents, and we are now the joint third largest in Bradford Council. We will not go away.”
Hussain shared a video which shows a man taking away his campaign banner from the garden of one of his supporters. “In total 40 banners have been removed from the area by my opponents. I have car registration number of the person who did this. I have not reported this to the police but my opponent wanted to get me arrested over a £30 banner removal but the police didn’t take action.
Hussain said his father was a Labour councilor till a few weeks ago but he resigned from his position. He denied that he had support of a local Labour leader who wanted Shah to lose votes locally.
Muhammad Islam said the Bararadariism was a reality in the area but he said the new generation was fed up with it. “The old guard failed us. People want change in this area.”
He said his own garden poles and banners have been removed by his opponents. “We have reported the incidents against my campaign to the Election body for investigation.”
Hussain didn’t respond to repeated requests for interviews but a local community leader affiliated with his campaign said he has faced similar issues in his area.
Anger against Labour is a reality in the area but what’s also clear that several local residents, who are likely to vote Labour on July 4, have chosen not to put up Labour banners and window posters at their homes to express their feelings. Several residents told Geo News they felt intimidated by the culture of hooliganism and intimidating tactics on the display.
Shah has said on the record that she contemplated committing suicide twice in 2017 when her opponents ran a hate campaign against her in the general election for the battle for Bradford West.
She was referring to the June 2017 speech made by community leader Pateh Khan in his remarks at the Khidmat Centre in Bradford West.
He had said about Shah: “Even when we adopt/buy a dog, we carefully look for its pedigree, lineage and character. What are you looking into her? What is Naz Shah promoting? What does her dress, her lifestyle, her character demonstrate? What will be the impact of her on our next generations? First of all, we are all Muslims, all praise be to God.”
Seven years on, prejudice, misogyny and hate are more prevalent and evident now than before. This time, without any filters, checks and balance.
Inside Out 2 just achieved a historical milestone!
The much-anticipated sequel to the 2015 film, has now become the fastest animated film to reach the one billion mark at the global box office.
It achieved the rather impressive feat within three weeks in contrast to Frozen 2, which was the previous record holder, that reached the milestone after 25 days.
When compared to in the world outside of animated movies, Inside Out 2, is overall the 11th movie to have reached this benchmark. The last film to touch the 1 billion mark was the Margot Robbie starrer, Barbie, released in 2023.
Inside Out 2 generated huge revenue in the box office, as per Variety, where it garnered 469.3 million dollars in North America and 545.5 million in other countries, totaling up for a whopping 1.015 billion dollars across the world.
On Sunday, Disney’s executive vice president of theatrical distribution, Tony Chambers reacted to the news.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have reached this phenomenal milestone in record time, and it once again proves that global audiences will come out for a great movie,” he said according to a press release.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s core committee has closed door on those leaders who parted ways with the party in difficult times while signalling disciplinary actions against those members who hinted at forming a “forward bloc”.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, after chairing the party’s core committee session on Monday, rejected the existence of any “forward bloc”. “There are no groups within the party, however, some disciplinary issues always exist in political parties.”
Gohar said that he suggested Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan to take back his resignation as the party’s secretary general. He added that all core committee members asked Ayub to withdraw his decision to step down from the party’s top post.
The PTI chairman said that they would request incarcerated party founder Imran Khan to accept the core committee’s recommendations.
Another PTI senior leader refuted reports of grouping within the former ruling party. He, however, admitted that “three or four” people were creating problems. In the core committee meeting today, discussions were held regarding “disciplinary actions” against some leaders.
He announced that the Imran-founded party would now take action without compromising the party discipline.
The core committee “unanimously” approved three resolutions regarding Ayub’s resignation, PTI deserters and disciplinary actions against those who violated party policies.
A resolution stated that Ayub’s services as the party’s secretary general in testing time could not be forgotten which are now vital in the current circumstances. The core committee prayed to the PTI founder not to accept his resignation.
In its second resolution, the former ruling party renewed its pledge to enforce party discipline and strict actions would be taken against the violators. The violators would face disciplinary actions, including suspension of basic membership.
It also stated that the party would act within a week against those individuals who have been issued notices over the violation of the party discipline.
Regarding the deserters who signalled to rejoin the party ranks, the PTI core committee “strongly condemns” those politicians who parted ways during the difficult time, the third resolution read, adding that such politicians have no moral rights or powers to comment on the party affairs.
Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry directed a tirade about the failure of PTI’s top leaders a day ago, blaming them for becoming a hurdle in jailed Khan and other leaders’ release from jail due to a lack of political strategy.
The Imran Khan-founded party dissociated itself from the defectors and stated that such politicians “won’t be acceptable, again”.
The decision-making body said that the party founder would decide on the fate of those people who regretted quitting the party.
In a relevant development today, PTI founder Imran Khan blocked the return of those politicos who had deserted the party until he is released from prison, sources told Geo News.
After the violent protests of May 9, 2023, a plethora of PTI leaders had announced quitting the party as a crackdown was launched against them for their incendiary speeches and attacking state installations.
A few months later and ahead of the February 8 elections, reports had emerged that some deserters desired to join the party’s ranks once more, but the PTI leadership categorically denied taking anyone back.
On order of the former prime minister, a seven-member committee has been formed that will decide the fate of the PTI leaders’ return to the party-fold, the sources added.
