Mohsin Naqvi made more efforts than anyone to secure Imran Khan's release, Gandapur claims

Former Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Monday claimed that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had made more efforts than anyone to secure the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. Imran, 73, has been jailed since August 2023 after convictions he and the PTI call politically motivated. Since his 2022 ouster in a no-confidence vote, he has faced multiple cases, including over state gifts and an unlawful marriage. Some convictions have been suspended or overturned, with appeals pending. He denies wrongdoing. Naqvi has been a frequent subject of criticism from Imran and his party amid their tribulations and challenges. However, during an interview on Nadeem Malik Live on a private broadcaster, Gandapur said: "No one else made the same level of effort. I have said this before, within the party, and now I am saying it on air: Mohsin Naqvi made vigorous efforts to resolve the issue. He made more efforts than anyone else to ensure Imran Khan’s release." Gandapur said that Naqvi had spoken up for Imran even in front of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, which "no one else dared to do". "Naqvi is the only person I have seen who can even get the Field Marshal to engage in a conversation. But I haven’t seen anyone else do that," the former chief minister assed. He further stated that that the PTI was angry with Naqvi for how he had treated the party, "including me, Imran was angry with him, but now I acknowledge Naqvi’s role in attempting to resolve the matter". Gandapur also mentioned that he no longer had any contact with the interior minister and that he did not hold any official position to discuss the matter. Last year, in October, Gandapur resigned as chief minister of K-P following directives from PTI founder. Despite stepping down, Gandapur remained a strong advocate for dialogue regarding Imran’s release. He frequently stressed that any negotiations should only involve those who held genuine decision-making authority, making it clear that Imran would not engage in talks with individuals lacking the necessary mandate. Gandapur was noted to have a more cordial relationship with Naqvi than most others in the PTI.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/5qJI0Lx

Gilani backs parliamentary democracy

Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani met Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) President Dr Tulia Ackson in New York and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to parliamentary democracy, multilateralism, and global cooperation through active engagement with the IPU. He conveyed greetings and appreciated the IPU's role as the global forum of parliaments, a statement received here said on Sunday. Gilani said Pakistan considers IPU an important platform for dialogue, rule of law, inclusive governance, and parliamentary cooperation while highlighting the country's participation in IPU assemblies and committees.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/zrQsgOK

JI stages sit-ins at 10 sites in Karachi against arrest of workers

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) observed a nationwide day of protest on Sunday, on the appeal of its Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman against police violence and the arrest of workers at a protest outside the Sindh Assembly on Saturday. In Karachi, protest sit-ins were staged at 10 major arteries of the city. Sit-ins were staged at Shahrah-e-Pakistan, Super Highway, National Highway, Shahrah-e-Orangi, Shahrah-e-Korangi Crossing, Hub River Road (Sher Shah), Dawood Chowrangi, Lea Market, Shahrah-e-Sher Shah Suri Road, and Johar Mor on Rashid Minhas Road. Addressing protesters at Lasbela Chowk, JI Karachi Ameer Monem Zafar said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is an anti-Karachi party and has become the establishment’s “A-plus team.” Zafar said that the PPP has usurped the rights of Karachi’s citizens and taken control of the city’s institutions and resources. He criticised the government for patronising riverine bandits while registering terrorism cases against those protesting for Karachi’s rights. Read More: Several arrested, injured as Karachi police clash with JI protesters near Sindh Assembly He added that the PPP’s 18-year rule has deprived Karachi’s residents of the right to live, but vowed that resistance and struggle would continue. Meanwhile, a special judicial magistrate (South) handed over 30 JI workers to police on one-day physical remand in a case registered under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). The workers face charges of arson, damaging public and private property, and rioting. JI Karachi Vice Amir and Karachi Metropolitan Corportation (KMC) Opposition Leader Advocate Saifuddin, along with other lawyers and party leaders, appeared before the court during the hearing. Prosecution told the court that the accused were booked for torching property and creating unrest, with terrorism clauses included in the FIR. The magistrate remanded them to police custody for further investigation. JI denounces terrorism charges Advocate Saifuddin strongly criticised the Sindh government for slapping terrorism charges on JI’s peaceful workers, who were arrested during a protest outside the Sindh Assembly. Speaking to media at City Courts, he said the workers were exercising their constitutional right against corruption and Karachi’s worsening civic problems when police launched a brutal crackdown. “It is shameful that terrorism clauses were added to the FIR, while the real terrorism is being carried out by the provincial government itself,” he remarked. According to JI, police used excessive force, including baton charge and heavy shelling, leaving four workers seriously injured. Shelling was also reported at two mosques, one of which caught fire. A firefighter was badly hurt when targeted while trying to extinguish the blaze. Saifuddin demanded immediate release of all detained workers, withdrawal of false cases. Over 300 booked A case had been registered at Aram Bagh police station on Sunday against a JI sit-in held outside the Sindh Assembly on Saturday, naming 34 individuals and 325 unidentified participants. The FIR includes charges of rioting, attempted murder, assault on police, damage to government property, road blockage, obstruction of official duty, violation of Section 144, and provisions of anti-terrorism laws. According to the complaint, senior party leaders — including Sufian Dilawar, Usman Sharif, Faizan and Jawad Shoaib — were overseeing the protest and allegedly inciting the crowd through speeches. Around 300 to 325 participants were present, some reportedly armed with sticks and batons. Police stated that the crowd turned violent and attacked officers, injuring Inspector Raja Masood, Preedy SHO Ayub Mirani, Shah Faisal Khan SHO and Constable Zohaib. Despite warnings and anti-riot measures, protesters allegedly remained aggressive, prompting police to use tear gas to disperse them. Some 30 suspects were arrested while others fled. Police said they recovered five spent 30-bore pistol shells, five 9mm shells, 15 wooden sticks, 35 stones and 79 tear gas shell casings from the scene. A police mobile was also damaged during the unrest.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/MjaOPFT

Aitzaz demands medical bail for Imran

Senior lawyer and former federal minister Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan on Saturday blasted the state of governance and the treatment meted out to incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, alleging deliberate isolation, judicial silence and dangerous political consequences. Addressing a news conference at the Lahore Press Club, Ahsan said the situation unfolding in the country was evident to everyone and termed the reported deterioration of Imran Khan's eyesight deeply troubling. He claimed that the former prime minister had lost 85 per cent vision in one eye and alleged that he had been kept in solitary confinement for the past 60 days to conceal the issue. He said a former prime minister had effectively been cut off from the world and was unable to meet his lawyers or family members. "Where have the judges gone? Where are the courts?" Ahsan asked, adding that it appeared another movement for the restoration of the judiciary might become necessary. Ahsan said he had known Imran for 60 years as a friend and neighbour. He alleged that both the judiciary and parliament were complicit in the present situation and warned that injustice would carry consequences. "It should be remembered that on the Day of Judgment, there will be an eye for an eye." Ahsan said the chief justice should have sought a report the very next day regarding the former premier's health. He maintained that Imran Khan should be granted bail on medical grounds, noting that in other cases, people had left the country on the basis of fabricated medical reports. He demanded that the causes behind the reported loss of eyesight be made public. Calling for political intervention, Ahsan urged President Asif Ali Zardari to play a role in resolving the crisis. He said Zardari was a politician capable of bringing all sides together and said leadership was required to prevent further deterioration of the situation. He said that despite being deprived of his name and party symbol, the PTI founder had secured the highest number of votes. "They took away the PTI's election symbol, yet it received the most votes," he said. Regarding the foreign policy, Ahsan alleged that troops were being sent to Palestine at Trump's behest and claimed such deployments would serve to suppress resistance against Israeli occupation.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/TADjMuv

CDF Munir meets US secretary of state, German leaders on sidelines of Munich Conference

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Staff (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, German leaders, and a number of dignitaries from other countries on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference, the military’s media wing said on Sunday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), CDF Munir visited Germany from February 12 to 14 . During the visit, “he met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and discussed matters of mutual interest, including global and regional security dynamics and counterterrorism cooperation,” it said. He also held talks with German officials, including Alexander Dobrindt, Federal Minister of the Interior; Günter Sautter, Foreign and Security Policy Adviser to the German Chancellor; and General Carsten Breuer, Chief of Defence of the Federal Armed Forces. Read More: CDF Munir discusses regional security dynamics “The meetings focused on contemporary security issues, bilateral defence cooperation and the need for promoting global peace and security through bilateral and multilateral dialogue,” ISPR said. The statement further added that, on the sidelines of the conference, Munir met Admiral Renato Rodrigues de Aguiar Freire, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Brazilian Armed Forces, to discuss bilateral military cooperation. He also held discussions with General Rodolph Haykal, Commander of the Armed Forces of Lebanon, covering regional security developments and measures to enhance defence collaboration. Munich Security Conference The 62nd Munich Security Conference is running from February 13 to 15, 2026 at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof and Rosewood Munich, with MSC Chairman Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger leading discussions among hundreds of global decision-makers and opinion leaders on pressing security challenges. Nearly 50 heads of state and government are attending, including most European leaders and a significant delegation from the German federal government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Read This: Europe calls for US reset at security talks Taking place amid rising global instability, questions over longstanding alliances, and the erosion of the rules-based international order, the conference is addressing critical issues such as European security and defence, the future of the transatlantic relationship, multilateralism, regional conflicts, competing visions of the global order, and the security implications of technological advances.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/tZlV1mU

UNSC condemns 'heinous and cowardly' Islamabad imambargah suicide attack in 'strongest terms'

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has strongly condemned the suicide bombing terrorist attack at an Islamabad imambargah in the strongest terms. At least 36 people were killed and around 169 injured when a suicide bomber struck Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra last Friday. The blast, followed by more explosions and gunfire, occurred as worshippers had gathered for Friday prayers. The incident was followed by scores of condemnation from global leaders and officials.  A press statement issued a day ago by UNSC President James Kariuki said: "The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly suicide bombing terrorist attack at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, on February 6, 2026.  This reprehensible act of terrorism resulted in the grievous loss of at least 32 Pakistani nationals and 92 injured. ISIL (Daesh) has claimed responsibility for this terrorist attack." The UNSC members expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and the people of Pakistan, along with wishing a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured. They reaffirmed that 'terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes "one of the most serious threats to international peace and security''. "The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice," read the UNSC release. They urged all states, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant UNSC resolutions, to cooperate actively with the government of Pakistan in this regard, it added. The UNSC reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. The also reaffirmed the need for all states to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/eUlNRwY

Qureshi blames Punjab govt for denial of medical care, raises concerns over prisoners’ rights

Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday criticised the Punjab government and jail authorities over what he termed the denial of medical facilities and prisoners’ basic rights after reports surfaced regarding former prime minister's Imran Khan's eye condition. The Supreme Court has been informed that only 15% of Imran's vision remains in his right eye. The information was conveyed to the apex court by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) counsel Advocate Salman Safdar in a report commissioned by the SC, who quoted the former premier as saying that he had been left with only 15pc vision in his right eye following medical complications. The court, upon receiving the report, ordered that Imran be granted access to his personal physicians in Adiala jail and allowed telephone contact with his sons. Informally speaking with the media during his appearance at an anti-terrorism court in Lahore, Qureshi stressed that prisoners were entitled to certain rights, including access to medical treatment, which he said was the responsibility of the jail administration. Qureshi expressed sorrow over Imran's loss of sight, saying that he was deeply saddened and could do nothing beyond offering prayers. Holding the Punjab govt responsible, he said that if any inmate were to lose eyesight in Adiala jail, the prison administration and the provincial government would be accountable. Read: TTAP to hold sit-in outside Parliament until meeting with Imran allowed after vision loss revelation He alleged that former Punjab minister Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed could not be taken to the hospital for a scheduled check-up due to the unavailability of police security and jail guards. Similarly, he claimed that the treatment of senior PTI leader Yasmin Rashid was also delayed owing to security issues. Qureshi further stated that his own treatment was underway at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI), adding that timely medical attention could help him avoid another surgery. However, he alleged that he was not being transported to the hospital in Lahore for check-ups due to a lack of police security. On a separate note, he criticised recent changes in the solar energy policy, claiming that citizens had invested their savings in solar systems but were now facing uncertainty. He remarked that even the prime minister appeared powerless over the new policy. Read more: SC orders access to personal physicians, phone calls for Imran Khan in Adiala Jail Qureshi was referring to the power regulatory authority abolishing the exchange of electricity units in solar net metering on Monday and replacing it with a net billing framework under the Prosumer Regulations 2026. Under the new rules, utilities will be required to purchase excess electricity from prosumers, households, businesses and industries generating up to one megawatt at the national average energy purchase price, while selling electricity back to them at the applicable consumer tariff, effectively ending one-to-one net metering. Responding to remarks by PML-N leaders about Aleema Khan, he said it was inappropriate to accuse her of shedding “crocodile tears”, adding that such insensitivity was regrettable and could happen to anyone. Qureshi emphasised that he wished to see peace in the country and opposed instability and unrest. Referring to the security situation in Balochistan, he said he agreed with the government’s stance that India was involved in acts of terrorism there.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/6e7f2pW