ISLAMABAD, Aug 04 (APP): A lower court on Friday summoned Chairman PTI Imran Khan along with his lawyers for arguments in a case pertaining the maintainability of the toshakhana case following the orders of Islamabad High Court (IHC).
Additional District and Session Judge Hamayun Dilawar heard the criminal case against former prime minister Imran Khan.
During the course of proceeding, counsel for ECP Amjad Pervaiz argued that all documents were filed by the accused himself after signing it, that’s why there was no question regarding its acceptance. The said that the gifts received from toshakhana and challan submitted to national assembly were the part of the record.
The lawyer said that the former prime minister and his wife had received a total of 58 gifts, adding that the value of 14 gifts was evaluated more than Rs30,000. As per the accused they had purchased four gifts against Rs21.6 million, he said, adding that cufflinks, watches, ring and iPhone were included in the gifts. He said that the gifts were received after payment of 20% price in 2018-19. It had been told that the gifts of jewelry were received by the wife of former prime minister, he said.
The lawyer said that the former prime minister had mentioned no any jewelry in form-B submitted to the ECP, adding that the accused had admitted the facts it in his statement under section-342. The former prime minister had received five gifts in 2020-21 including Rolex watch, cufflinks, ring, suit, necklace, bracelet and others, he said. The lawyer said that he couldn’t admit that the former prime minister was not owning any vehicle. What would happened if Imran Khan disclosed jewelry owned by him before public, he asked.
The lawyer said that the former prime minister had declared the value of his three house worth only five lac in last four years. The PTI chairman had stated that he was no owning any jewelry, he said and concluded his argument.
PTI’s lawyer Asim Baig appeared before the court and adopted the stance that the SC had declared that the trial court couldn’t issue final judgment until their appeal was pending in high court and prayed the court to adjourn the case till the decision of IHC. The judge asked the lawyer to present order if any regarding the stay into the proceeding. The court said that the attitude of the defence lawyers was unprofessional.
Later, the lawyer told the court that the high court had remanded back the case pertaining the admissibility of the criminal case and instructed it to re-hear it. However, the court had not issued any stay against the proceeding.
ECP’s counsel also told the judge that the petition pertaining transfer of the case had been rejected by the high court and FIA had been directed to probe into the fake social media posts associated with the name of judge.
The court said that the ECP’s lawyer had already given arguments regarding the maintainability of the case and asked Imran Khan’s counsel to give arguments tomorrow.
Court seeks arguments from Imran Khan’s counsel regarding maintainability of criminal case
Iranian Foreign Minister unveils plaque to rename Old Clifton road as Shahra-e-Imam Khomeini
KARACHI, Aug 04 (APP): Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Hossein Amir Abdullahian on Friday unveiled a plaque for renaming the Old Clifton road as Shahra-e-Imam Khomeini here.
Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, officials of the Iranian Consulate and other dignitaries were also present while the Old Clifton road was decorated with the flags of Iran and Pakistan on the occasion of the inauguration.
Speaking on the occasion, the Mayor Karachi expressed gratitude to the Iranian FM for participating in the opening ceremony Pakistan has historical and cultural relations with the neighboring country Iran, which have increased with the passage of time.
In order to further strengthen this relationship the historic road of Old Clifton in Karachi has been renamed as Shahra-e-Imam Khomeini, he added.
Barrister Murtaza Wahab pointed out that the Clifton Garden located on Old Clifton has been attributed to Hazrat Salman Farsi.
He said that the visit of the Iranian FM to Pakistan is important during which a five-year trade agreement has been implemented between the two countries. Iranian FM Dr. Hussain Amir Abdullahian has visited Pakistan on the invitation of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, he added.
The Mayor Karachi said that under the Sindh Local Government Act 2013 Under, the KMC is authorized to name public places and roads within its boundaries after internationally renowned personalities.
‘Condemnation Day’ observed across country against terrorism, extremism
ISLAMABAD, Aug 04 (APP): In a united front against terrorism and extremism, prominent religious scholars and leaders delivered impassioned sermons during Friday prayers, denouncing recent acts of violence and urging the government to take decisive action.
The speeches were made in response to a series of alarming incidents, including an attack on Ali Masjid in Khyber and an assault on the Workers’ Convention of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) in Bajaur.
Representatives from various religious and educational organizations, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Pakistan Ulema Council, Wifaq ul Madaris Al-Arabia Pakistan, United Jamiat Ahle Hadith, Shia Ulema Council, United Ulema Council, Pakistan Sharia Council, International Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Movement, Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan, and other political and religious groups, joined forces to condemn these acts of terrorism and violence.
Prominent figures such as Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani, Maulana Anwar-ul-Haq, Hafiz Mohammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, Dr. Qibla Ayaz, Pir Naqeeb-ur-Rehman, Sahibzada Hassan Haseeb ur Rehman, Maulana Muhammad Hanif Jalandhari, Allama Arif Hussain Wahidi, Maulana Hamid ul Haq Haqqani, Maulana Syed Ziaullah Shah Bukhari, Maulana Muhammad Islam Qadri, Maulana Muhammad Yousuf Salfi, and Maulana Muhammad Ayub Safdar, among other scholars and leaders, emphasized that the perpetrators of violence and terrorism had no connection with Islam or Muslims.
They reiterated the unanimous stance of scholars and clerics from all schools of thought that suicide attacks and military operations within Pakistan were strictly prohibited (Haram), and the government must take rigorous action against those involved.
The people of Pakistan, along with religious scholars, leaders, political and religious organizations, government, armed forces, and security agencies, stand united in their determination to combat terrorism and extremism and ensure the safety and well-being of the nation.
Sindh Info Secy visits Karachi Press Club
KARACHI, Aug 04 (APP): Sindh Information Secretary Nadeem-ur-Rehman Memon Friday met President Karachi Press Club (KPC) Saeed Sarbazi and Secretary Shoaib Ahmed.
Director Press Information Hasan Asghar Naqvi was also present on the occasion.
On this occasion, the provincial Information Secretary said that the Sindh government had resolved the problems of journalists on priority basis.
He said that the government was trying its best to settle all the issues related to the plots of journalists colonies allotted to the KPC members.
The Sindh government has constituted a committee comprising the representatives of all relevant institutions and the president and secretary of KPC in this regard, he added.
The Information Secretary said that the purpose of his visit to KPC as the chairman of the committee was to consult with the President and Secretary of KPC before convening the first meeting of the committee.
The participants of the meeting have decided to call the meeting of the committee in the next week, he said.
The matter regarding steps for allotment of plots to the remaining KPC members, removal of encroachments from Journalist Colony Scheme 42 and early launching of development work in its various blocks as well as resolution of the issues regarding Journalist Colony New Malir Housing Society and Journalist Colony Teesar Town were discussed on the occasion.
President KPC Saeed Sarbazi and Secretary Shoaib Ahmed appreciated the steps taken by Sindh Information Secretary Nadeem-ur-Rehman Memon to solve the problems of journalists and said that Sindh government had taken exemplary steps for the welfare of journalists.
Ahsan Iqbal laid foundation stone of “Bayt-ul-Hikma” NUML
ISLAMABAD, Aug 4 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal visited National University of Modern Languages (NUML) and laid the foundation stone of “Bayt-ul-Hikma” (House of Knowledge).
Rector NUML Major General (R) Muhammad Jaffar, Director General NUML, Pro-Rectors, Deans, Directors, Faculty M embers, and a large number of students attended the ceremony, said a press release issued here.
Speaking on the occasion Federal Minister highlighted that the concept of Bayt-ul-Hikma is inspired by the 8th-century Abbasid era Darul Hikma.
He said that it is a part of a larger plan to get world-class knowledge accessible to the people of Pakistan through translation and dissemination of eminent works produced in the world.
He said that our universities need to promote research and innovation to create a culture of the knowledge economy.
Ahsan Iqbal said that being a leader in knowledge production is the only way forward. To this end, we need peace, stability, and continuation of policies.
He said that universities must create an eco-system whereby the knowledge-building and thinking abilities in students can be enhanced and it can be achieved by strengthening the institution of libraries and laboratories. It is worth to be mentioned that this project is worth of Rs. 485.498 million and the Minister announced Rs. 500 million to create an endowment fund also.
Earlier, Rector NUML Major General (r) Muhammad Jaffar in his address said that concept of Bayt-ul-Hikma was conceived by Honourable Minister Ahsan Iqbal and NUML will make all-out efforts to bring it to reality. He thanked the minister and presented him with a NUML memento.
AJK President and Saudi official inaugurate SFD funded UAJK campus
MUZAFFARABAD, Aug 04 (APP): In a momentous event, the King Abdullah Campus of the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) was inaugurated here on Friday.
The grand ceremony was graced by the presence of Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry and Dr. Saud Al-Shammari, Director General of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), who jointly unveiled the state-of-the-art campus. The project, constructed with the financial assistance of Saudi Arabia, is estimated to have cost over ten billion rupees.
The opening ceremony witnessed a distinguished gathering that included high-ranking officials from the Saudi Arabian government, representatives from the Saudi Fund for Development, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Head of Mission in Islamabad, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, officials from the Economic Affairs Division of the Government of Pakistan, members of the Azad Kashmir Cabinet, members of the legislative assembly, secretaries, and various government officials.
President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry delivered an address, expressing his profound gratitude to the government of Saudi Arabia for their significant contribution towards the construction of the King Abdullah Campus.
He highlighted that the campus, named after the revered former Saudi ruler King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, symbolizes the enduring friendship and Islamic brotherhood between Saudi Arabia and the people of Kashmir.
The President praised King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz’s remarkable contributions to the Muslim Ummah, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.
Dr Saud Al-Shammari, in his speech, emphasized that the Saudi Fund for Development not only financed the King Abdullah Campus but also continues to support several ongoing education and health projects across Pakistan.
He expressed his hope that this collaborative effort would further strengthen the bond of friendship and Islamic brotherhood between Saudi Arabia and Azad Kashmir, setting the stage for even stronger ties with each passing generation.
Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, acknowledged the generous financial assistance of over 900 million rupees provided by the Saudi Fund for Development.
He praised the joint efforts of Pakistani government officials and officers who worked closely with the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir throughout the project.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi, expressing his gratitude, thanked the high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia for their presence and significant contribution to the construction of the King Abdullah Campus.
He emphasized that the establishment of the campus not only addresses the issue of space and accommodation for over six thousand students but also opens new avenues for research and education in the region.
Dr Kaleem Abbasi also appreciated the continuous support of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan in providing necessary facilities to the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The financial aid for the construction of the King Abdullah Campus was approved by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, following the devastating earthquake of 2005, which completely destroyed the main campus of Azad Jammu and Kashmir University.
Spanning a vast area of 1017 acres, the magnificent campus includes over twenty educational buildings, separate hostels for male and female students, faculty hostels, a modern auditorium, a spacious library, state-of-the-art science and computer laboratories, a gymnasium, indoor games facilities, and ample parking space.
The Saudi Arabian government generously granted 180 million rupees in the first phase to establish cutting-edge science laboratories, driven by the initiative of Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi and former President of Azad Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan.
The King Abdullah Campus stands as a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, strengthening educational infrastructure and opportunities for the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
President Dr Arif Alvi welcomes the Iranian Minister for Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Syed Ezzatollah Zarghami, at Aiwan-e-Sadr
President Dr Arif Alvi meeting with the Iranian Minister for Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyed Ezzatollah Zarghami, who along with the members of his delegation called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr
China calls for proper, peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue under UNSC resolutions
BEIJING, Aug 4 (APP):: China on Friday reiterated its clear and consistent position on the Kashmir issue ahead of “Yaum-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir”, and called for proper and peaceful resolution of the longstanding issue under the United Nations (UN) Charter, UN Security Council’s resolutions and bilateral agreements.
“China’s position on the Kashmir issue is consistent and clear. This issue is a dispute left over from history between India and Pakistan, and should be resolved in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council’s resolutions and bilateral agreements in a properly and peaceful manner,” a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said ahead of the fourth anniversary of India’s unilateral and illegal act in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir.
On August 5, 2019, in violation of the UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir and the international law, the Indian government led by the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) struck down Articles 370 and 35-A of the Indian Constitution, thereby scrapping the law that granted Kashmir its special status.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson issued the statement on Kashmir at a time when the entire Pakistani nation will be observing Youm-e-Istehsal on August 5, to protest against Indian unilateral and illegal action aimed at changing the demography of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and obliterating the distinct identity of Kashmiri people.
FS briefs diplomatic missions on developments in IIOJK
ISLAMABAD, Aug 4 (APP):Ahead of ‘Youm-e-Istehsal’ on August 5 , Foreign Secretary Dr Asad Majeed Friday here briefed the Islamabad-based diplomatic missions on the latest developments in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
According to Foreign Office, he highlighted the legal, security and human rights dimensions of the situation in IIOJK.
