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Imran, Bushra move SC for suspension of £190m case sentences

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Imran, Bushra move SC for suspension of £190m case sentences

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi on Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking suspension of their sentences in the £190 million case, arguing that the Islamabad High Court wrongly rejected their pleas without properly examining the evidence and despite their medical conditions.

The appeals, filed through senior lawyer Salman Safdar, seek suspension of the sentences on both medical and legal grounds and request their release on bail pending a final decision and challenge the dismissal of their applications by the Islamabad High Court (IHC). The petition argues that the decision was contrary to the requirements of justice and that, although the IHC found the applications maintainable, they failed to examine the merits of the case properly.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) disposed of pleas regarding sentence suspension in early May, observing that since the principal appeals had already been fixed for hearing, there was no justification to separately take up the suspension pleas.

In his petition, Imran submits that he developed an eye condition during imprisonment and had to be transferred outside the jail for medical treatment. He argues that continued incarceration despite serious health issues is unjust and says prolonged solitary confinement has caused him exceptional mental distress.

The appeal further alleges that the sentence suspension application was deliberately delayed and notes that Imran was granted bail during the trial after the allegations against him were found to be without basis. It argues that courts are legally empowered to examine the merits of a case when deciding sentence suspension applications and that dismissing the plea without a preliminary assessment of the evidence was erroneous.

The petition also accuses the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) of repeatedly seeking adjournments, delaying proceedings and causing a denial of timely justice. It further alleges that Imran’s arrest was unlawful and politically motivated, adding that a higher court had previously ordered his release over the manner of his arrest.

Imran’s appeal argues that following amendments to the NAB law, final appeals fall within the jurisdiction of the Constitutional Bench, but sentence suspension appeals remain within the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction. It requests the apex court to set aside the High Court’s order, suspend the sentence and order the release of both appellants.

Citing the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Khawaja Salman Rafique versus NAB case, the petition argues that the apex court has previously observed that accountability laws had been used for political engineering. It also states that Imran has been taken from jail to hospital four times for treatment and contends that prisoners suffering from deteriorating eyesight and requiring specialist medical supervision are entitled to bail.

The petition also relies on the Lahore High Court’s ruling in Muhammad Akmal versus The State on medical bail, arguing that Khan cannot receive adequate treatment while in prison.

Read: TTAP says police stopped delegation from travelling to AJK to join sit-in

In her separate appeal, Bushra Bibi states that she underwent eye surgery at Al-Shifa Hospital and that during a meeting with her daughter on April 17, she informed her that she had undergone the procedure and was wearing an eye patch and dark glasses during recovery.

Her petition argues that she has neither been convicted in a terrorism case nor sentenced to life imprisonment, and that her bail application has remained pending before the Islamabad High Court for more than a year due to repeated adjournments sought by NAB rather than any delay on her part.

The appeal alleges that NAB has followed a pattern of prolonging proceedings and, relying on the Khawaja Salman Rafique versus NAB judgment, argues that the legal process has been used as an instrument of coercion rather than justice.

Bushra Bibi further submits that she is entitled to bail in view of her serious medical condition and as a woman. The petition contends that the trial court’s judgment failed to identify any criminal role played by her in the Al-Qadir Trust case, noting that no official witness testified against her and no funds connected to the case were ever transferred into her bank account.

The appeal also states that during proceedings on July 2, 2024, NAB’s prosecutor informed the court that Bushra Bibi’s arrest was not required.

Islamabad High Court

Separately on Monday, the IHC removed the registrar’s office’s objections to petitions filed on behalf of Imran and Bushra Bibi against their alleged solitary confinement and directed that the cases be assigned regular numbers.

Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro heard the petitions filed by Imran’s sister Aleema Khan on behalf of him and by Mubashra Khawar Maneka on behalf of Bushra Bibi. Barrister Salman Safdar and PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja appeared before the court.

Aleema had filed a writ petition in the IHC seeking a declaration that the prolonged solitary confinement and incommunicado detention of her brother at Adiala Jail is illegal, unconstitutional, and without lawful authority.

During the hearing, Safdar argued that “The registrar’s office has raised the objection that the petitioners are not the aggrieved parties,” adding that “Aleema is the PTI founder’s sister and Mubashra is Bushra Bibi’s daughter.”

Safdar said the issue of alleged solitary confinement had previously been raised before the chief justice during appeals. “The chief justice told us to approach the relevant forum,” he said.

Referring to previous case law, Safdar cited the Begum Shamim Afridi case and said she had challenged the solitary confinement of her imprisoned husband.

Justice Soomro asked counsel to identify the relevant paragraph in the judgment confirming that the petitioner had been the prisoner’s wife. Safdar then read the relevant portion of the ruling before the court.

The lawyer said he had not been allowed to meet Bushra Bibi since December, while he had met Imran only twice under orders issued by the chief justice of Pakistan and the chief justice of the IHC.

“They do not have a television and are not being provided with newspapers. Solitary confinement is the harshest form of punishment,” Safdar argued.

“There is no mention of solitary confinement anywhere in the judgment against us,” he added, contending that “even extraordinary prisoners can only be kept in solitary confinement for 14 days.”

Read More: Kasim urges UNHRC intervention to end Imran’s persecution, detention immediately

Safdar further alleged that “both husband and wife are being subjected to inhumane treatment” and claimed they had been kept in solitary confinement for the past seven months without being allowed to meet anyone.

He also referred to a previous petition involving Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying, “If no family member can approach the court, then who can?”

During the proceedings, Justice Soomro asked for a copy of the order in which the chief justice had allegedly directed the petitioners to approach the relevant forum. “We do not have a copy of the order. We face difficulties even in obtaining certified copies,” Safdar replied.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor, Rafi Maqsood, disputed the claims, telling the court that after meeting Imran, Safdar had never informed the bench that his client was being held in solitary confinement. “He only told the court that he had been instructed to argue the suspension of sentence applications and not the appeals,” the prosecutor said.

Safdar responded that a miscellaneous application raising the issue had already been filed in the pending appeals. The prosecutor argued that the miscellaneous application had already been dismissed, while Safdar maintained that it had not.

The NAB prosecutor further contended that the matter could now be taken to the Supreme Court and could not be pursued through a constitutional petition under Article 199.

The petition, filed under Article 199 of the Constitution through a legal team led by Safdar and Advocate Salman Akram Raja, names the superintendent and deputy superintendent of Adiala Jail, the Punjab inspector general of prisons, the NAB chairman, the FIA director general, the medical superintendent of PIMS, and the state as respondents.

The petition contended that no court awarded the 74-year-old former premier solitary confinement in either the Al-Qadir Trust Case or the Toshakhana-II case, yet jail authorities have allegedly kept him in isolation for nearly 22 hours a day over the last six months without any lawful sanction.

Safdar requested the court to summon copies of the miscellaneous application and any related order from the earlier proceedings, maintaining that no order had been passed by the chief justice’s bench on the solitary confinement issue.

After hearing the arguments, the court removed the registrar’s office’s objections, directed that the petitions be assigned regular numbers, and held that the question of maintainability would be decided on the judicial side.

At Safdar’s request, the court adjourned further hearing until Tuesday.

Imran and Bushra Bibi remain incarcerated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. They were sentenced on December 20, 2025, to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana-II case, which pertains to allegations that the couple unlawfully retained a Bulgari jewellery set gifted by the Saudi crown prince during an official visit to Saudi Arabia.

In January last year, an Islamabad accountability court sentenced Imran to 14 years and Bushra Bibi to seven years in prison in the reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). The IHC is currently hearing appeals seeking suspension of these sentences.

IWT cannot be revoked unilaterally, remains in force

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IWT cannot be revoked unilaterally, remains in force

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar asserted on Monday that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan could not be unilaterally revoked or altered, stressing that the people of Pakistan had a right to Indus waterways under the “legally enforceable treaty” that remained in force.

He said this while addressing a press conference alongside Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik in Islamabad.

Tarar’s statement comes at a time when water and the IWT remains a contentious issue between India and Pakistan, following New Delhi’s unilateral abeyance of the accord last year — a move that followed a brief military conflict between the two sides in May 2025.

More recently, Indian Water Minister CR Patil said his country was working to ensure “not a single drop of water” would flow into Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan has maintained that any attempt to change the flow of cross-border waterways would be considered an “act of war”.

At the outset of the press briefing, Tarar said the world had endorsed that water security was important for Pakistan and the country had a right to it.

“Legally, Pakistan’s stance has garnered support internationally, as the IWT cannot be unilaterally revoked, abolished or amended,” he added.

The minister said the treaty had laid out a framework with clarity, which was “in the field and [remains] implemented”.

Tarar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir had stated multiple times that “water is our lifeline, as well as our red line”.

“Our people have a right to water through a legally enforceable treaty that was accepted by both countries, that remains implemented today, and regarding which India has been disgraced on various forums. Their stance was not accepted at any forum,” he added.

He said a seminar would be held in Islamabad on Tuesday, during which awareness would be raised about Pakistan’s rights under the treaty. “Water and legal experts from around the world will be attending the seminar,” he said.

The minister reiterated that experts had accepted Pakistan’s rights under the IWT internationally. “So this is a victory for Pakistan in the narrative domain that the entire world is accepting its narrative and stance on the Indus Waters Treaty,” he said.

Speaking after him, Malik said the IWT had been raised at various international forums during the last month or two. “Pakistan’s stance was also endorsed at the international court of arbitration,” he added.

Highlighting the consequences of irregular water flows, he acknowledged that it was partly due to climate change. However, he added, there was another factor as well.

“There is a tap being controlled by the prime minister of a neighbouring country. He says he will not let even a drop of water flow into Pakistan,” Malik added.

He said that this matter would be debated at the seminar tomorrow, noting that 40-50 per cent of Pakistan’s population relied on agriculture for their livelihood. Moreover, 20-25pcn of the country’s economy depended on agriculture, he said.

However, he continued, “someone else [is trying to] control the entirety of the country’s food security, 50pc of employment in the country and 25pc of the economy”.

He added that Pakistan had already declared that anyone trying to deprive it of its water would face severe consequences. “And we have shown this as well,” he said.

“But, there is also the question of justice. We will protect ourselves, […] but what about other countries and the poor elsewhere? Does every upper riparian now have the right to stop the flow of water to the lower riparian?” he questioned.

He noted that elsewhere in the world, water continued to flow even in the absence of a treaty, governed only by a convention. “But we even have a treaty. […] How can the water be stopped here then? This is the case that we will present tomorrow,” he said.

“The treaty exists,” he asserted, adding that Tuesday’s conference was primarily about justice and rights. “It will be decided what justice is internationally. […] It will be decided whether the children in lower riparians across the world have a right to water.”

Responding to a question, he highlighted the significance of all political parties coming together, adding that “we will reach a consensus” on dams’ construction.

“We should at least agree that we need to regulate the water [flow] and we need dams. God willing, there will be no dispute with any political party regarding this,” he said.

FO summons Afghan envoy over Karachi Rangers camp attack

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FO summons Afghan envoy over Karachi Rangers camp attack

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Monday that the Afghan chargé d’affaires was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mofa) and issued a strong demarche over the terrorist attack on a Rangers facility in Karachi.

On Saturday night, terrorists attacked the local headquarters of the Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) in Karachi’s Gulistan-i-Jauhar area, during which three security personnel were martyred and four were injured, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

ISPR said the attack was carried out by terrorists “belonging to Indian proxy Jamaatul Ahrar” (JuA), adding that three terrorists were killed in retaliatory action while one was arrested, whom it identified as an Afghan national.

Andrabi confirmed Islamabad’s summoning of the envoy in a statement on Monday, in response to media queries regarding Pakistan’s demarche to the Afghan Taliban regime.

He added that a “similar demarche” was conveyed by Pakistan’s Ambassador Ubaidur Rehman Nizamani to the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“These demarches were issued in light of the fact that Afghan nationals, including one apprehended alive, participated in this attack, proving yet again that Afghan soil and Afghan nationals continue to be used to orchestrate terrorist attacks inside Pakistan,” the FO spokesperson highlighted.

Separately, Pakistan also carried out an intelligence-based ground operation along the Pakistan-Afghan border in Bajaur overnight, followed by “calibrated strikes” against the hideouts and safe havens of terrorists belonging to JuA and Fitna al Khawarij, killing 29 terrorists, according to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.

Fitna al Khawarij is the term used by the state to designate members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Tarar said khawarji Commander Khan Farosh aka Zabal and three other terrorists were killed in the Bajaur operation, while 25 terrorists were killed during “precision strikes” on three targets in Afghanistan’s Paktia, Paktika and Kunar.

Following Saturday’s Karachi attack, security sources said the arrested terrorist had identified himself as Usman Ali and revealed that he had come to Pakistan from Jalalabad in Afghanistan around a week ago.

According to the sources, he admitted that he belonged to JuA, whose commander in Afghanistan he identified as Ahrar Moulvi. Moreover, the sources noted, the held terrorist said he and his companions were trained in Afghanistan.

According to information available on the United Nations Security Council’s website, the JuA is based in Nangarhar, Afghanistan. JuA was formed by Abdul Wali aka Omar Khalid Khorasani in 2014 after his split from TTP, but both groups joined hands in 2024. Although no formal separation occurred after a dispute between the two surfaced in the media in January 2025, no significant positions were allocated to the JuA when the TTP announced its appointments for 2025 in February.

There has been a resurgence in terrorism in Pakistan since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021.

Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Taliban administration in Kabul to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil that are used for attacks in Pakistan. Officials say those appeals have gone unheeded.

On the night of February 26, following unprovoked firing by the Afghan Taliban from across the border, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against terrorist hideouts.

The FO had last issued a demarche to the Afghan chargé d’affaires in May after a suicide attack on the Fateh Khel police post in Bannu claimed the lives of 15 police personnel.

Govt hands PIA control to Arif Habib-led consortium

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Govt hands PIA control to Arif Habib-led consortium

ISLAMABAD: The Privatisation Commission on Monday announced the formal transfer of management control of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) to the Arif Habib Corporation-led consortium, culminating the privatisation process that began last year.

“The government achieves first financial closing of PIACL privatisation transaction with management control transferred to the investor consortium following satisfaction of all conditions precedent under the Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement (SPSA),” said the Privatisation Commission after a meeting of the restructured PIACL board.

The new board appointed Lt Gen (retd) Anwar Ali Haider, managing director of Fauji Foundation, as the first chairman of the privatised entity.

In its press release, the commission commended the “support and guidance” of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and other relevant cabinet committees and officials.

“Since execution of the SPSA on January 29, 2026, the Privatisation Commission and other GoP stakeholders including Ministry of Defence completed a challenging Condition Precedents under the SPSA, the PC said. “

“These included domestic and overseas regulatory approvals, lessors and commercial consents, aviation policy reforms, corporate approvals, restructuring of taxation relating to legacy liabilities, aircraft financing arrangements, governance changes, tax-related matters, airport infrastructure arrangements, and the provision of transaction security by the investor consortium,” the statement said.

There were a total of 40 Conditions Precedents in regulatory, commercial and contractual consents, taxation matters, shareholders restructuring, rental rearrangements and governance matters.

On the regulatory side, the transaction required approvals, notices and confirmations from multiple regulatory authorities. These included aviation-related approvals from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, merger control filings with the Competition Commission of Pakistan, and change-of-control-related processes involving the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.

Given PIACL’s international operations, coordination was also required with foreign aviation authorities and aviation safety bodies. In this regard, international merger control clearances in relevant foreign jurisdictions, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, were obtained.

These approvals were necessary to ensure that PIACL could continue operating under the required regulatory permissions following first closing.

On the commercial side, a key part of the process was the satisfaction of contractual consent requirements. PIACL was required to obtain 22 contractual consents under the SPSA from a wide range of counterparties, including aircraft lessors, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and technical service providers, aviation fuel suppliers, airline partners, payment service providers and other operational counterparties.

These consents were necessary to ensure that important commercial and operational arrangements remained in place after the change in shareholding and that the transaction did not trigger termination rights, defaults or disruption to PIACL’s operations, as well as to release encumbrances over company-owned aircraft, engines and leases.

The process also involved approval of the transaction by PIAHCL and PIACL shareholders, amendments to PIACL’s Articles of Association to incorporate the Shareholders’ Agreement framework and its subsequent approval by the SECP, increase in authorised share capital, and completion of all corporate actions necessary for issuance of new shares.

It also included legal cover for extension of the “Essential Services” notification to ensure industrial peace and continuity of airline operations, while providing employee protection provisions and retention commitments.

The Pakistan Aviation Authority’s (PAA) infrastructure rental arrangements have also been extended under existing agreements relating to PAA-owned properties for three years. These properties are located in different cities of Pakistan. In addition, implementation of mechanisms agreed in the SPSA for payment of PAA legacy liabilities and bridge financing obligations has also been completed.

In terms of taxation issues, protection has been provided through a mechanism for structured repayment of outstanding liabilities, protection of PIACL from coercive recovery actions relating to legacy tax matters, and incorporation of HS Codes, as agreed in the SPSA, into the Sales Tax Act.

Moreover, policy reforms included amendments to the National Aviation Policy addressing airfare regulation, wet leasing, negative equity provisions and aircraft retirement age, as well as preservation of key fiscal and operational incentives for an extended period after completion.

The commission added that the conditions precedent were completed within an exceptionally compressed timeframe while maintaining uninterrupted airline operations, preserving critical commercial relationships and aviation certifications, protecting employees’ interests and ensuring continuity of services for passengers throughout the transition.

The bidding process, held on December 23, 2025, led to total investment commitments by the consortium of Rs180 billion, out of which Rs55bn will be paid to the government for the sale of PIA and Rs125bn will be injected into PIACL to support the long-term transformation of the airline and revive the national carrier.

Accordingly, following the successful achievement of the conditions precedent under the first closing, the consortium on Monday completed payment of Rs10bn to the government as sale proceeds and injected Rs80bn into PIACL as fresh equity to strengthen the airline’s financial position, support fleet expansion and modernisation, expand its route network, and enhance operational performance and customer service, the PC said.

The second financial closing is scheduled to take place within twelve months of the first closing, in accordance with the terms of the SPSA, whereby the consortium has committed to invest a further Rs45bn into PIACL. The consortium has also expressed its intent to purchase the remaining 25pc of PIACL shares under a call option in the SPSA for an additional payment of Rs45 billion to the government, it added.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali said: “This transaction demonstrates Pakistan’s ability to execute complex strategic transactions through a transparent, fair, competitive and professionally managed process. It reinforces the government’s commitment to economic reform, fiscal responsibility and greater private-sector participation, while strengthening confidence among domestic and international investors.”

A spokesperson for PIA Equity Ltd, an SPV of the winning consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation, said it had consolidated 100pc private ownership of the airline, executing a comprehensive transaction valued at approximately Rs180 billion. “The strategic alliance represents an unprecedented alignment of industrial, financial and institutional strength,” he said.

The latest shareholding pattern puts Arif Habib’s Fatima Fertiliser as the lead owner with a 34.1pc stake, followed by Fauji Fertiliser with 33.9pc, while Lake City, City Schools and AKD Group each hold 16pc. The consortium now has full control over the national flag carrier.

The new board chairman, Lt Gen Anwar Ali Haider, said on the occasion that while the corporate structure has evolved, the airline’s fundamental responsibility to the people of Pakistan remains paramount. “As the new ownership officially takes over today, we deeply understand that the trust of a nation isn’t simply transferred on a document. Trust is earned — mile by mile, smile by smile, year by year. We know this. And we accept the challenge wholeheartedly,” he said.

“As the airline enters this promising chapter under the new banner, the underlying promise to our passengers stays resolute. PIA will continue to honour its deep-rooted heritage while building a premium, modern aviation experience. The journey ahead is a collective commitment to excellence, proving once again why we are, and always will be, Great People to Fly With,” he concluded.

Pemra suspends Geo News broadcast for 15 days

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Pemra suspends Geo News broadcast for 15 days

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Saturday suspended with “immediate effect” Geo News’ licence for 15 days over airing a special transmission that the body said was “liable to hurt the religious sentiments of viewers”.

In an order addressed to the chief executive officer of Independent Media Corporation (IMC) on June 28, Pemra said the licence issued to IMC for “Geo News was suspended for a period of 15 days with immediate effect from the issuance.”

Issued under Section 30 of the Pemra Ordinance 2002, the order citing the authority’s monitoring wing said that the broadcast of Geo News’ special transmission “constitutes a serious regulatory concern” due to religious, cultural and social sensitivities.

Pemra noted in its order that the aired content was inconsistent with the obligations of a licensee under sections 20(b), (c), (d) and (f) of the Pemra Ordinance.

Section 20(b) mandates a licensee to ensure the preservation of “national, cultural, social and religious values and the principles of public policy as enshrined in the Constitution”, while Section 20(c) orders ensuring that “all programmes and advertisements do not contain or encourage” religious discrimination or sectarianism, among other themes.

Pemra noted that the matter was “also inconsistent” with its June 15 directive regarding ‘Observance of Sanctity of the Holy Month of Muharramul Haram’.

As per the order, the Geo News transmission will remain suspended on satellite and all distribution networks and platforms for the said period, with all distribution service licensees and operators directed to ensure immediate compliance with the Pemra order.

Additionally, Pemra referred the matter to its Council of Complaints for “examination, hearing and furnishing of appropriate recommendations, including consideration of further regulatory action, if so warranted under law”.

The regulatory body also directed Geo News to conduct an internal inquiry into the editorial, monitoring and compliance lapses leading to the broadcasting of the content, and to submit its recommendations to the Council, along with details of corrective and preventative measures during a hearing.

Geo apologises for ‘mistake’

Geo News in a statement acknowledged its mistake in airing the transmission broadcast on Muharram 10:

“This content depicted certain rituals adopted by a limited number of people in Iraq and some other Middle Eastern countries. The content merely reflected these local rituals, and its purpose was not to represent, endorse, or promote any broader religious point of view.

This content was neither produced by Geo News nor was its broadcast carried out with any intention or purpose.

We wish to clarify that Geo News remains firmly committed to its policy of respecting the widely accepted beliefs and sensitivities of the Muslim Ummah. The inclusion of such content does not reflect our editorial position or the ideology of the organisation.

The relevant content was removed immediately, and the organisation promptly took action against the individuals involved.

Clarifications and an apology had been broadcast before the public response to the statement.

We express regret for any distress caused and reaffirm our commitment to upholding the highest standards of religious respect.”

EU foreign policy chief raises ceasefire concerns in call with Dar

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EU foreign policy chief raises ceasefire concerns in call with Dar

ISLAMABAD: European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Sunday expressed “serious concerns” over recent ceasefire violations during a telephone conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the Foreign Office said.

The ceasefire has come under increasing strain in recent days, with both Iran and the United States accusing each other of violating the interim agreement signed less than two weeks ago to end their four-month conflict.

Iran launched missiles and drones at US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain on Sunday, while the United States said it had carried out fresh strikes on Iran. Separately, Israel said it had targeted Iran-backed Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, adding to concerns over the stability of the truce.

According to the FO, Kallas stressed that “channels of communication must remain open” as the two leaders reviewed the rapidly evolving regional situation. The FO added that Kallas also appreciated “Pakistan’s sincere efforts culminating in the signing of the Islamabad MoU”.

Dar briefed the EU foreign policy chief on Pakistan’s continuing diplomatic engagement aimed at promoting regional peace. He apprised Kallas of “Pakistan’s continued diplomatic efforts towards a comprehensive framework for peace and stability in the Middle East.”

Dar also emphasised, “the necessity for all parties to abide by the ceasefire agreement.” The Foreign Office said both sides agreed to “maintain close contact” as the regional situation continues to evolve.

Bahrain Foreign Minister

Also on Sunday, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said that he will visit Pakistan in the near future to personally thank the country’s leadership for its role in facilitating the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)” and the ceasefire, the Foreign Office (FO) said.

In a separate phone call, Al Zayani conveyed the message during a telephone conversation with FM Ishaq Dar.

The Bahraini foreign minister congratulated Dar on the signing of the Islamabad MoU and praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating the understanding.

He “appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in facilitating the understanding” and expressed hope that the agreement “would contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region,” the Foreign Office said.

Al Zayani also said he would visit Pakistan “in the near future in order to personally thank the prime minister, DPM/FM and CDF for their great efforts to achieve the ceasefire”.

The two foreign ministers also discussed the evolving regional situation following the signing of the Islamabad MoU. Dar thanked his Bahraini counterpart “for his kind sentiments” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to diplomacy.

He reiterated Pakistan’s resolve “to promote dialogue and diplomacy for achieving peace and stability in the region and beyond,” according to the Foreign Office.

The call comes a week after the first round of four-party talks involving Iran and the US, with mediation by Qatar and Pakistan, concluded in Switzerland, marking the first formal follow-up engagement since the signing of the agreement earlier this week.

On June 18, PM Shehbaz signed the ‘Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’ as a mediator, formalising the major diplomatic breakthrough between the US and Iran. Israel, left out of the peace talks, has distanced itself from the US-Iran accord and kept up fighting against Hezbollah in Lebanon, also raising questions about whether ​the agreement would hold.

The US and Israel launched the war on Iran ⁠on February 28, assassinating Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and military leaders on the first day. It quickly spiralled into a regional conflict that has killed more than 7,000 people, mostly in Iran and Lebanon; driven up energy prices; renewed inflationary pressures and sparked concerns about a ​major food supply crisis in developing countries.

Eight terrorists, including suicide bomber, killed in two separate Balochistan IBOs: ISPR

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Eight terrorists, including suicide bomber, killed in two separate Balochistan IBOs: ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Security forces killed eight terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan in two high-tempo intelligence-based operations in Balochistan’s Kharan and Mastung districts, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces received intelligence about the movement of a group of terrorists in Kharan on June 25. As a result of a “precise and skilful engagement”, three terrorists were killed, while several others were injured.

The federal government last year officially designated all terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as ‘Fitna al Hindustan’, accusing India of sponsoring a proxy war through these outfits.

The ISPR added that, in a separate operation the following day, security forces conducted a pre-emptive intelligence-based operation in Mastung against the possible presence of a suicide bomber.

“During the operation, own troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location, and after an intense exchange of fire, five terrorists, including a suicide bomber, were successfully neutralised,” the statement said.

According to the ISPR, weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and motorcycles used by the terrorists were also recovered during the operation.

The military’s media wing said sanitisation operations were underway to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored terrorists present in the area.

“The relentless counterterrorism campaign under the vision of ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’, as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, by Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue at full pace to eliminate the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,” the ISPR said.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces. In separate statements, the president and the prime minister said the successful operations reflected the professionalism, capability and unwavering resolve of Pakistan’s security forces.

They reaffirmed that the entire nation stood firmly alongside the armed forces in the fight against foreign-sponsored terrorism and vowed that the campaign would continue until the complete eradication of the menace.

Aleema challenges Imran’s ‘solitary confinement’ in IHC

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Aleema challenges Imran’s ‘solitary confinement’ in IHC

ISLAMABAD: Aleema Khan has challenged the alleged solitary confinement of her brother, PTI founder Imran Khan, before the Islamabad High Court (IHC), describing his detention conditions as unlawful and inhumane, it emerged on Saturday.

The petition, filed through Barrister Salman Safdar, names the Adiala jail superintendent, the inspector general of prisons, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) director general and the executive director of Pims as respondents.

According to the petition, during a lawyers’ meeting held on April 8, it emerged that Imran had been kept in solitary confinement for 22 hours a day, while his wife, Bushra Bibi, was allegedly confined in isolation for 24 hours a day.

The petition further contended that no member of Imran’s family or the PTI leadership had been allowed to meet him for the past six months. It also argued that no judicial order had authorised solitary confinement as part of his sentence, making the continued isolation unlawful.

Aleema claimed that her brother was being subjected to inhumane treatment and informed his legal counsel that his eyesight had deteriorated significantly, with approximately 85 per cent of his vision allegedly affected. The petition maintained that solitary confinement was among the harshest forms of punishment and cannot be imposed without legal authority.

The petitioner further requested the IHC to declare Imran’s alleged solitary confinement illegal and direct the authorities to end the practice.

Recently, a petition was filed in the IHC by Bushra’s daughter, Mubashra Khawar Maneka, against the alleged solitary confinement of her mother.

Imran — imprisoned since Aug 5, 2023, for concealing details of Toshakhana gifts — is serving a 14-year sentence at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail in the £190m case, also known as the Al-Qadir Trust case.

An accountability court in Islamabad had sentenced Imran and Bushra to 14 and seven years in prison, respectively, on Jan 17, 2025, in the case. Subsequently, both had challenged their convictions before the IHC.

The IHC has scheduled a hearing of the couple’s appeals against their convictions in the case on Monday.

The case alleges that the couple obtained billions of rupees and land worth hundreds of kanals from Bahria Town Ltd to legalise Rs50 billion identified and returned to the country by the United Kingdom during the PTI government.

Imran’s eye ailment — right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) — came to light in late January. Under a government-provided treatment, his first medical procedure was carried out on January 24, with the fifth one conducted on June 15.

A report prepared by a team of doctors who visited Imran on February 15 stated that, unaided, Imran’s right eye had 6/24 partial vision and 6/9 in the left. It said that with glasses, the ex-premier’s vision was 6/9 partial in the right and 6/6 in the left.

Over the past few months, the government and the opposition have been engaged in a blame game, with the latter accusing the former of a lack of transparency in not ensuring appropriate treatment for Imran, and not allowing his personal physicians access to him. The government denies these allegations.

The PTI and Imran’s family have demanded that the ex-premier be provided access to his personal physicians and a hospital of his choice. They have also raised concerns about a lack of prior knowledge of his hospital visits for treatment.

India increasingly using covert tactics, proxies against Pakistan: PM Shehbaz

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India increasingly using covert tactics, proxies against Pakistan: PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that India was increasingly resorting to “covert tactics and the use of proxies” in an attempt to undermine peace and stability in Pakistan.

“Pakistan is navigating conflicts and multi-faceted security challenges, marked by a dangerous combination of international and internal threats. Our eastern neighbour, having suffered a humiliating defeat in the conflict in May last year, has increasingly resorted to covert tactics and the use of proxies in an attempt to undermine the hard-earned peace and stability in our country,” the premier said while addressing the passing out parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi during a one-day visit to the metropolis.

“At the same time, our valiant armed forces continue to confront the menace of foreign-sponsored terrorism emanating from our western borders. The entire Pakistani nation stands shoulder-to-shoulder with its brave armed forces. The entire country remains steadfast in its iron resolve to defeat the nefarious designs of our enemies, while continuing to pursue peace, dialogue and diplomacy to address all outstanding disputes,” he said.

He also asserted that Pakistan remained resolute in its commitment to advocating the cause of the Kashmiris, the Gazans and the Palestinians.

In his remarks, PM Shehbaz also said that his address was taking place “in the backdrop of monumental global developments that are affecting our lives in ways unimaginable before”.

“Pakistan stands proud as a peacemaker in the comity of nations. Pakistan’s sincere mediation efforts with the support of brotherly and friendly countries led to the historic signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, which I also had the honour of signing as a mediator,” the premier added.

He paid special tribute to the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for “his untiring efforts … to bring all parties together to follow the path of peace and tranquillity”.

PM Shehbaz also referred to the recent visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan, saying it was “not only a manifestation of the strong brotherly ties between Pakistan and Iran but also an acknowledgment of Pakistan’s important role to promote peace in the region”.

In his address, the prime minister noted that the evolving regional situation has “highlighted more than anything else the importance of maritime security for the global economy and international supply chains”.

“Today, the right of free passage and freedom of navigation are no longer luxuries but [they] have become an absolute necessity for the entire world,” he added.

He assured that the government remained “fully committed to strengthening Pakistan Navy as a potent and effective force … that is not only capable of ensuring our national defence, but also acting as a stabilising force in the wider maritime region”.

Addressing the graduating cadets, the premier extended congratulations on the successful completion of their rigorous training and transition into commission service as officers of the Pakistan Navy. He said he was particularly delighted to see young officers from brotherly countries of Turkiye, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Iraq, Sri Lanka and Djibouti at the parade.

“I am confident that the knowledge training and professional experience acquired at this esteemed training institution will prove very valuable to them throughout their careers and they will contribute meaningfully to the operational effectiveness of the respective navies,” he said.

“I am confident that the officers commissioned today will leave these grounds equipped not only with knowledge and skills, but also with great confidence, resilience and fighting spirit required to meet future challenges and uphold the finest traditions of their respective navies,” he added.

He also said that they were joining the Pakistan Navy at a time of “profound transformation and unprecedented opportunities”.

“As the maritime domain evolves, the navy is embracing cutting-edge technologies, artificial intelligence and unmanned systems to meet emerging challenges,” he said, urging them to “remain steadfast in the values of commitment, courage, discipline, integrity and loyalty”.

“The rank you wear on your shoulders today carries immense responsibility. As you embark on this noble profession, always remember: calm waters do not test a sailor nor do fair winds define a captain. It is the rough seas and strong winds that test one’s mettle,” he said.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Shehbaz had arrived in Karachi on Saturday morning, where he was welcomed by Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Information Minister Ataullah Tarrar also accompanied PM Shehbaz on the visit.

Nation observes Muharram 9 under tight security

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Nation observes Muharram 9 under tight security

ISLAMABAD: The country is observing Muharram 9 amid tight security arrangements to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Husain (RA) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

The central procession in Islamabad for the day was taken out after Zuhr prayers from Markazi Isna Ashari Imambargah in G-6/2. The gathering will culminate at the same place later in the night after passing through its designated route.

The main procession in Karachi departed from Nishtar Park at around 1:30pm and will conclude at Imambargah Hussainia Iranian.

By 8pm, the procession reached Khaliq Dina Hall after performing Namaz-i-Zohrain at Imambargah Ali Raza in the late afternoon.

In Hyderabad, the main procession set off from Imambargah Chahardah Masoomeen in Latifabad in the afternoon. Organised by Anjuman Guldasta-i-Akbar, the gathering culminated at the same imambargah by Maghrib.

Similarly, in Lahore, the main procession emerged from Pando Street in Islampura in the morning and will conclude at Khaima-i-Sadaat Imambargah at around 10pm after passing through its traditional route.

State broadcaster PTV News reported that a total of 81 processions and 386 religious gatherings were being held in the Punjab capital.

In Peshawar, the central mourning procession was taken out from Imambargah Hussainia Hall at around 10am and concluded by 7pm.

The main procession in Quetta emerged from Alamdar Road and was to conclude at Mominabad Imambargah, state-run APP reported.

State minister reviews security arrangements

Security arrangements and traffic plans were made for the day for all across the country.

State broadcaster PTV News reported that Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry chaired a meeting today to review security arrangements for Muharram.

It reported that home secretaries and police officials from all provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir attended the meeting, where arrangements for Muharram were comprehensively reviewed and a briefing was given on security arrangements for mourning processions and religious gatherings.

Chaudhry said during the meeting that protecting the lives and properties of citizens was the government’s top priority.

According to PTV News, home secretaries and law enforcement agencies were directed to make security arrangements more effective.

Sindh

4 die due to ‘suffocation’ in Rohri

In Sukkur’s Rohri city, four people lost their lives due to suffocation and 14 were “lightly injured”, according to Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar.

Lanjar confirmed the casualties while speaking to the media after visiting the main “Nau Dhala” procession, a statement by his ministry said.

He ordered that “complete coordination” be maintained among the police, rescue and medical teams, and the district administration to deal with any emergency.

Accompanied by Sindh Assembly Speaker Awais Qadir Shah, the minister reviewed the security measures at the procession and affirmed that there was “100 per cent government writ in the katcha areas”.

While Lanjar asserted that there was “no such area where the government’s writ was not present”, he acknowledged there were some “criminals” present against whom an operation was underway.

The minister warned that no negligence will be tolerated and issued directives for effective searching and snap-checking. He said all resources should be utilised for maintaining law and order and ensuring the protection of mourners.

Earlier in the day, the minister had conducted an aerial review of the security arrangements made for Muharram 9.

Karachi

In Karachi, the traffic police had devised a plan for alternative routes for commuters as some roads were to remain closed for Muharram 9 and 10 processions.

According to a press release issued by the Karachi deputy inspector general’s (DIG) office, the city’s M.A. Jinnah Road was closed to traffic from Gurumandir to Tower. It further said that the road from Jamshed Road to Gurumandir and Bahadur Yar Jang Road was closed from 10:30am to 1:30pm on Muharram 9.

Traffic police, in a post on X, also shared alternative routes for commuters to reach their destinations.

Separately, Karachi police said in a statement that 20,181 police personnel, including 1,329 from traffic police, had been deployed across the city on Muharram 9.

Among them, 6,843 had been assigned security for the main procession, the statement said, adding that additional police force, reserve force personnel and snipers had also been deployed along the route of the central procession.

Islamabad

Authorities in Islamabad also issued a traffic diversion plan, PTV News reported, adding that it would remain in place till the central procession’s conclusion. The state broadcaster shared the plan in a post on X.

The state minister for interior, along with Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IG) Syed Nasir Rizvi and other officials, visited the main procession to review the security measures.

Chaudhry said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was “personally monitoring the security arrangements for Muharram processions across the country from the main control room”.

As the procession began, IG Rizvi told the media outside Markazi Isna Ashari Imambargah that the overall security situation in the country, particularly the capital, had improved significantly.

However, he added that security arrangements for Muharram had been underway for the past one and a half months.

Around 16,000 personnel have been assigned security duties, with police, Rangers and the army deployed.

Security arrangements were made in five layers, with containers placed to block routes, scanners installed at procession entrances and control rooms established. Contingents of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) were stationed as well in case of any emergency.

The route of the procession was cleared by a modern bomb disposal squad. Female police and volunteers were deployed to conduct checks of women attending processions.

Under the security plan for Islamabad, Muharram processions and gatherings were to be monitored digitally by drones, while geo-tagging of all imambargahs, majalis venues and procession routes had been completed.

Authorities had also launched a special mobile application, ‘Mehfooz Muharram’, using which citizens can report any suspicious activity, individuals or inadequate security arrangements. The app has live location sharing and image sharing features.

Meanwhile, a central control room was established at Safe City and a “four-tier security cordon” was to be implemented to ensure the protection of Muharram processions and gatherings.

Punjab

According to PTV News, more than 70,000 personnel were deployed for security across Punjab on Muharram 9.

It reported that Punjab IG Rao Abdul Kareem had instructed officials to ensure the implementation of Section 144, under which the provincial government had banned carrying dangerous items, pillion riding and raising of slogans that could incite public sentiments.

Moreover, the report said, snipers had been deployed on buildings along the processions’ routes while personnel in plain clothes were also providing security to the processions.

Under the security plan for Punjab, over 152,000 police personnel were deployed for security throughout Muharram, and the army and Rangers had also been requisitioned for the purpose.

Last week, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had issued directives for the implementation of a three-tier security plan for Muharram.

She also appealed to the organisers of religious gatherings to immediately download and activate QR-coded panic buttons installed at 4,700 imambargahs across the province.

The CM was informed during a meeting last week that 47,280 religious gatherings and processions would be held across Punjab during Muharram, including 37,868 majalis and 9,412 processions.

The Punjab Safe Cities Authority was to carry out live digital monitoring of Muharram processions, the officials informed the CM, adding that 5,623 CCTV cameras had been activated across the province, while 1,040 body cameras and modern drones would be deployed for field surveillance. She was further informed that over 1,000 advanced 4G event cameras had also been installed at highly sensitive locations.

KP

In Peshawar, police had chalked out a plan to deploy 12,000 personnel in the city for security during Muharram processions. It also shared a traffic plan and alternative routes for the day.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi visited Naeem Shah Chowk to review the security arrangements, which he praised. He called for the people to set aside their political affiliations and stand united for peace.

Kundi also visited a central control room established at the Supreme Command Post and a command room at the Police Lines.

Briefing the governor, Peshawar Deputy Commissioner Sanaullah said almost 90 per cent of the processions were being held in the Walled City.

A statement by police said that personnel from the city police, rapid response force, quick response force, ladies traffic police and bomb disposal units were to be deployed for security in Muharram.

It added that three-layered security would be provided to all mourning processions, while marksmen would be set up at high-rise buildings along the procession routes. In addition to this, 1,000 traffic personnel were also to be deployed to ensure the smooth flow of traffic across the city.

Similarly, bomb disposal units and sniffer dogs were to be deployed to sweep imambargahs, majalis and procession routes, the statement said, adding that personnel in plain clothes had also been deployed at sensitive locations and places of worship across the city.

Last week, KP IG Zulfiqar Hameed directed police officials to enhance daily coordination with district administrations and peace committees at the district level to prevent any unpleasant incident during Muharram.

Separately, a police statement said Muharram processions and religious gatherings on Ashura would be monitored through the Safe City camera network in Peshawar.

It further stated that 43,317 police personnel would be deployed across the province to perform security duties during Muharram, and Section 144 had been enforced in various districts of KP.

The statement said that out of 614 imambargahs across the province, 127 had been declared highly sensitive, 262 sensitive and 225 normal and that a total of 907 Muharram processions were expected to be taken out across the province, with 286 being highly sensitive, 190 sensitive and 431 normal.

On Wednesday, the Peshawar Transport Department also announced suspension of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on Muharram 9 and 10 as part of security measures.

Balochistan

Authorities implemented extraordinary security measures to ensure peace and safety as the province observed Muharram 9 with deep religious reverence, APP reported.

It said the central mourning procession in Quetta was to be taken out from Alamdar Road and would conclude at Mominabad Imambargah in the evening after following its traditional routes.

The entry points to the procession routes were sealed using canopies, barbed wire, and heavy trucks. An emergency was declared in hospitals, while mobile and internet services remain suspended in Quetta and other areas of the province, APP reported.

Security arrangements included the deployment of police, Frontier Corps (FC), Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF), Rapid Response Group (RRG), and Balochistan Constabulary personnel. The routes were thoroughly screened, with shops, markets, and buildings sealed in the presence of traders’ representatives.

In a statement carried by APP, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti assured that the provincial government had made comprehensive arrangements for maintaining law and order and for facilitating mourners during Muharram, particularly on Ashura.

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