Category: 1. Pakistan

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Wednesday adjourned the hearing till October 4, against PTI Leaders and workers in a case pertaining to the protest of November 26.

ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sapra heard the case and also issued the arrest warrants against the absent accused. Opposition Leader Omar Ayub submitted requests for exemption from attendance, which were approved.
 
The court, on the occasion, ordered to provide the copies of the case challan to PTI leader Azam Khan Swati.

The court noted that the prosecution has also submitted challans of those accused whose bail could not be decided yet. It asked the prosecution to present arguments at the next hearing on whether challans of those accused whose bail has not been decided can be presented.

The court adjourned the hearing of Kohsar and Noon police station cases till August 4.

Hearing of Aabpara and Tarnol police station cases adjourned till August 11.

Meanwhile, the court also heard two cases of Azadi March against the workers and the PTI founder. The hearing of case number 242 of Khanna police station adjourned without any action till September 5.

The process of declaring the three accused in case number 243 of Khanna police station was also initiated, and the case is adjourned until August 2.

Hearing of case number 1033 of Kohsar police station adjourned until tomorrow. Arrest warrants issued for the absent accused.

The challan of case number 551 of Kohsar police station was also submitted to the court.

The court issued summons notices to Ali Bukhari, Shoaib Shaheen, and other accused.

The hearing of the case was adjourned until September 6.

Sardar Muhammad Masroof Khan, Aamna Ali, and Murtaza Tori appeared in the court on behalf of the PTI workers.

PTI leaders and workers were booked under terrorism and other sections at Noon, Kohsar, Aabpara, and Cases are registered in other areas.

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s keen interest in deepening collaboration with the World Economic Forum, particularly in the areas of economic development, gender inclusion, vocational training, and digitization.

He said it while talking to Managing Director and Board Member of the World Economic Forum Saadia Zahidi, who called on him in Islamabad.

The Managing Director of the World Economic Forum also expressed interest in these areas.

During the discussion, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong and longstanding partnership with the Forum. He appreciated the World Economic Forum’s continued engagement with Pakistan, especially through its annual meetings held in Davos, Switzerland.

Shehbaz Sharif briefed Saadia Zahidi on Pakistan’s significant economic recovery in recent years and highlighted the government’s commitment to sustainable growth.

Saadia Zahidi thanked the Prime Minister for the warm hospitality during her visit. She commended the country’s positive economic trajectory and lauded the reform initiatives undertaken by the current government under his leadership.

After the meeting, both sides reiterated their shared commitment to further strengthening the partnership between Pakistan and the World Economic Forum in pursuit of sustainable development. 

KARACHI: The Sindh government has announced prizes for the best-decorated vehicles, shops, and buildings in connection with Independence Day — August 14 — celebrations across the province.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, addressing a press conference in Karachi, encouraged widespread public participation in concerts being organised in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur, stating that Karachi would be at the forefront of Independence Day festivities.

Planned activities include a poetry evening, a rickshaw rally, the formation of a human flag, and public competitions.

The CM said efforts were underway to arrange vintage car and heavy bike rallies, as well as fairs for women and painting contests. 

The Culture Department has been instructed to hold singing competitions. CM Shah also mentioned that the Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Mela from August 9-11 would reflect the spirit of Independence Day.

He directed the IGP and DIG Traffic to finalise traffic plans, urging citizens to cooperate during rallies, even if inconvenienced, “for the sake of Pakistan.”

The chief minister said formal invitations would be sent to all political parties to participate in the events, and school schedules would remain unaffected. The Education Department is also organising separate programmes.

Moreover, he added that August 5 would be marked with a special event in protest against the abrogation of Kashmir’s special status, while a separate major event would also be held for persons with disabilities.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced that this year’s Independence Day celebrations will take place over 14 days, from August 1 to 14, under the theme Marka-e-Haq.”

Speaking at a press conference in Karachi with Senior Ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon and Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, he said the extended celebrations demonstrate a unified effort by the federal and provincial governments to commemorate the national achievements of May.

He said the decision was made in coordination with the federal government to reinforce the importance of national independence.

August 14 would not be limited to a single day this year.

The Chief Minister noted that Pakistan’s armed forces gave a decisive response to the neighbouring country, and the events throughout August will recognize that.

He added, “Those who don’t participate in these celebrations will be noticed by the people.”

“We have never accepted defeat. We will not cancel any programs out of fear of terrorism,” Shah said.

He assured that the police, rangers, and Pakistan Army are fully prepared to maintain public safety during the celebrations.

He also called on the media to support the campaign by highlighting individuals, homes, vehicles, shops, and public buildings decorated for Independence Day.

Shah mentioned that Sindh has always led from the front and will continue to do so.

Commenting on potential cabinet changes, he added, “When I decide to make changes, I will and everyone will know.”

In support, Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori met with a delegation of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), led by Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, to discuss preparations for Independence Day.

Tessori emphasized the importance of business community participation in the “Marka-e-Haq” campaign and said it is a collective responsibility to celebrate the occasion in a dignified manner.

The FPCCI delegation assured full support and active involvement in the planned events.

Heavy monsoon rains have caused deadly flash floods across northern Pakistan, claiming the lives of four women after a vehicle carrying ten people was swept away by a rain-swollen stream in Jhari Kass, Hasan Abdal tehsil of Rawalpindi. Rescue teams recovered the bodies, while one child remains missing. Five passengers were rescued safely, and a search operation is ongoing.

The victims, from Wah Cantt, were returning from a wedding ceremony when their vehicle was caught in the powerful current. Emergency services, including divers, remain on-site to continue the search.

Torrential rains overnight inundated several cities, including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Mardan, Swat, and Muzaffarabad. Low-lying areas were submerged, prompting authorities to declare a rain emergency. Rawalpindi’s WASA has issued a high alert to manage the urban flooding, as key areas like Saidpur, Shamsabad, and Katarian received up to 90mm of rain. Flash floods and landslide risks have also been reported in parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.