Restrictions imposed for desert rally

Deputy Commissioner Dr Farhan Farooq has imposed Section 144 at the site of the 20th International Cholistan Desert Rally from February 11 to 16. According to a notification, the entry of unauthorised individuals, motorcyclists, unrelated vehicles, and the general public is prohibited on the rally track. Additionally, the display of firearms and firing will be banned around the rally route. Loaded vehicles will also be restricted.

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Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Yasmin Rashid indicted in May 9 riots case

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Monday indicted 21 individuals, including senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Dr Yasmin Rashid, in connection with the May 9, 2023, riots. The charges relate to the violent protests that occurred after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan, including the alleged torching of a container at Kalma Chowk. The indictment was announced by Lahore ATC Judge Arshad Javed during a hearing at Kot Lakhpat Jail, where Qureshi denied the charges. The court adjourned the hearing until February 17 and summoned prosecution witnesses. The May 9 riots erupted nationwide following Khan’s arrest in connection with the £190 million settlement case. PTI workers and leaders were arrested for their involvement in the protests, which targeted both civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military condemned the events as a "Black Day" and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act. As a result of the unrest, many PTI members were arrested and tried in military courts. In December, a military court convicted 25 individuals, including Imran Khan’s nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, and later sentenced 60 more. In January, 19 convicts had their sentences pardoned following successful mercy appeals, although PTI expressed dissatisfaction over the limited number of pardons. The military trials had initially been halted following a Supreme Court ruling but were resumed following the court's instructions to finalize pending cases and announce judgments for those involved in the violent incidents. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has strongly opposed the trial of civilians in military courts, citing constitutional concerns.

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PTI hails public support on 'black day'

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram has lauded the nation's 'overwhelming response' to the call by incarcerated party supremo Imran Khan to observe the first anniversary of the February 8 "electoral fraud" as a black day. In a statement on Sunday, Waqas commended the public for standing firm against what he termed the government's "oppressive tactics", demonstrating unwavering support for their leader through a record-breaking public gathering in Swabi. Denouncing the government's crackdown, Waqas condemned the arbitrary detention of PTI leaders and workers, as well as the violent suppression of peaceful protests. He said that the demonstrations were a rightful response to the "mega poll robbery committed on February 8, 2024, in broad daylight". He demanded the immediate release of all imprisoned PTI leaders and workers, asserting that an "awakened nation cannot be intimidated or silenced through brutal and inhumane tactics". Waqas lambasted the two dynastic political parties -- PPP and PML-N -- saying that they had repeatedly been given opportunities by the nation but had only prioritised their own interests, enriching themselves at the people's expense. He recalled that Imran Khan had long predicted that the Sharif and Zardari families were never in conflict for the country's welfare but rather for their own political gains. "Imran Khan had foreseen how these political dynasties would eventually unite against PTI in a desperate attempt to salvage their dwindling political fortunes," he noted. He accused the PPP and PML-N of forming a "marriage of convenience" due to their interwoven interests, adding that their so-called disagreements were nothing but a distraction. Regarding the PPP's repeated threats to leave the government, Waqas dismissed them as a ploy, stating that the government was using NAB to reopen corruption cases against PPP leaders to maintain control. He also ridiculed the "bittersweet relations" between the two parties, labelling their public disputes as mere eyewash. "Both parties are solely focused on safeguarding their own interests, with no genuine concern for Pakistan's welfare or the well-being of its people," he said. He further alleged that their ultimate goal was to dismantle PTI by keeping Imran Khan, party leaders, and workers in arbitrary detention, suppressing dissent, and undermining the democratic process. Waqas condemned the non-elected government for subjecting Imran Khan to "inhumane treatment, including solitary confinement and stripping him of all constitutionally and legally guaranteed privileges as a former prime minister".

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PM to leave for UAE on two-day official visit tomorrow

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will embark on a two-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday to participate in the World Governments Summit in Dubai, according to officials. The visit comes at the invitation of UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the Ruler of Dubai. The summit will gather Heads of State, global policymakers, and business leaders to discuss governance, innovation, and international cooperation. This will be Shehbaz Sharif’s second visit to the UAE since assuming office in March 2024. Shehbaz Sharif will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with senior cabinet members. The delegation aims to strengthen Pakistan’s diplomatic and economic ties with the UAE and other global partners. During the visit, PM will deliver a keynote address at the summit, where he will outline Pakistan’s vision for inclusive economic growth, digital transformation, and governance reforms. He will also hold bilateral meetings with UAE leaders, engage with other Heads of State, and meet with CEOs of major multinational companies to explore economic and investment opportunities. The visit underscores Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the UAE, fostering economic collaboration, and seeking new areas of cooperation for mutual prosperity.

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SCBA president meets CJs Yahya, Farooq

Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Rauf Atta on Saturday met with the chief justice of Pakistan, Yahya Afridi, and appreciated his role as the chairman of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP). Atta also called on the chief justice of the Islamabad High Court, Aamer Farooq, and endorsed the transfer of three judges from provincial high courts of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan to the capital's high court. According to a statement issued by the SCBA, both the meetings encapsulated discussions on a range of issues concerning the overall performance of the judiciary. "The President hailed the Chief Justice of Pakistan for the steps taken for the efficient functioning of the Court, which have effectively resulted in the reduction of longstanding pendency. "Besides this, the President welcomed the visits of the Chief Justice of Pakistan to every nook and corner of the country to meet with representatives of numerous Bar Associations in order to address the genuine grievances of the legal fraternity at grass-root level." The statement quoted Atta as saying that such steps are essential and aimed at the vibrant and efficient functioning of the entire judicial structure. The SCBA president also appreciated the role of the chief justice of Pakistan as the chairman of the JCP. He said the recent appointments made by the JCP are the need of the hour and that the entire legal fraternity in general, and the SCBA in particular, approves the same. In his subsequent meeting with the IHC chief justice, the SCBA official praised the recent appointments and transfers of additional judges at the IHC, particularly those from Baluchistan. "This reflects the principles of federalism and enhances diversity within the judiciary. [Hopefully] these new judges will contribute to the timely and efficient administration of justice and alleviate the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens." During both the meetings, the SCBA president highlighted the importance of mutual respect between the bar and the bench and assured esteem respect and reverence for the bench on behalf of the legal community.

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PML-N responds to speculations over Sindh Governor's replacement

The ruling party, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) [PML-N], has stated that there is no interference in the matters of allied parties and that Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori will remain in office. According to Express News, sources within PML-N revealed that Governor Kamran Tessori will continue his work as the Governor of Sindh while emphasizing that the organizational matters of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan are the responsibility of their leadership, with no involvement from the federal government. Sources within the federal government also clarified that PML-N's federal administration does not interfere in the organizational setup or matters of its allies, and it is due to this policy that the relationship between PML-N and its allies remains exemplary. They further stated that the circulating rumors about the replacement of the Sindh Governor are incorrect. There is no proposal under consideration in the federal government regarding the removal of Governor Tessori or appointing a new governor. The sources added that Governor Kamran Tessori, being a representative of the federation, will continue to hold his office. The appointment of the current Sindh Governor was made in consultation with MQM Pakistan leadership, which is an ally of PML-N. Furthermore, they confirmed that the working relationship between PML-N and MQM Pakistan will remain intact, and all future decisions, including those at the government level, will be made through mutual consultation between the two parties.

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Army officer adopts infant girl rescued after being buried alive

An army officer has adopted an infant girl who was buried alive in the country's northwest, according to state media reports on Saturday. The baby, who was saved by emergency responders, was later taken to a local hospital for treatment. The incident occurred in Nowshera, where the infant was buried alive, a tragic case that drew widespread attention across social media and Pashto news channels. The child was rescued by the Rescue 1122 team, a Pakistani emergency response service, who intervened just in time. Major Waqas, an army officer attending a course in Risalpur, learned of the baby's plight and visited the hospital to check on her condition. After completing the necessary legal procedures, Major Waqas adopted the infant through the civil court. The report from Radio Pakistan did not provide details about the identity of those responsible for burying the child, how the authorities were alerted, or the circumstances surrounding the girl's rescue. Cases of abandoned newborns, particularly girls, are not rare in Pakistan, where social stigma, gender discrimination, and fear of backlash often drive people to take desperate measures. To combat this, the Edhi Foundation, one of Pakistan’s largest humanitarian organisations, has set up cradles outside its offices in various cities, encouraging parents to leave unwanted babies there rather than abandon or harm them. The case has sparked significant public discussion, with many praising Major Waqas for his decision to adopt the child, highlighting both the tragedy of the situation and the officer's compassion.

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