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Imran sent on 14-day judicial remand

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Imran sent on 14-day judicial remand

Faisal Sheikh

Rawalpindi: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) of Rawalpindi sent former prime minister Imran Khan to jail on judicial remand for 14 days on Thursday. He is being investigated in connection with 12 cases related to the violent protests that erupted across the country on May 9th, 2023, following his own arrest.

The hearing was being conducted in Adiala Jail by ATC Judge Malik Ejaz Asif. Imran Khan’s lawyers as well as seven investigation officers of the case also appeared for the hearing.

During the hearing, the plea for further physical remand of Imran Khan for further investigation into the 12 cases of May 9 violence against him was rejected. The PTI founder was produced before the Anti-Terrorism Court in Adiala Jail on completion of his two-day physical remand.

Khan was sent to jail on judicial remand in 12 cases of May 9 violence.

During the hearing, the investigating officers of the 12 cases presented their report about the investigation conducted against the PTI founder during his remand and sought further physical remand for further investigation.

The request was rejected by ATC Court Rawalpindi Judge Malik Ijaz Asif. It should be noted that the investigating officers of the 12 cases investigated the PTI founder in jail on court instructions.

Meanwhile, the first round of interrogation with Imran Khan in Adiala Jail was completed on Wednesday in the 12 cases of vandalism, arson, and mayhem on May 9, 2023, in different police stations. The former PM answered several questions from the police JIT members.

The investigating officers carried written questionnaires and asked various questions from Imran Khan during the investigation.

Upheaval in top judiciary as Justice Ijazul resigns

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Ahsan would have become the chief justice, the highest judicial office in the country that comes with supreme power — after CJP Isa’s term concluded in October this year



Khayyam Abbasi

Islamabad: In a shocking development, Supreme Court Justice Ijazul Ahsan on Thursday resigned from his position, a day after Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi did the same.

Justice Ahsan was slated to be the next chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) after CJP Qazi Faez Isa.

According to the resignation addressed to the president, Justice Ahsan said: “I no longer wish to continue as a judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.”

He said he resigned as per Article 206(1) of the Constitution with immediate effect. The letter did not mention a reason for the resignation.

President Dr Arif Alvi earlier today accepted Justice Naqvi’s resignation after the judge, who is facing complaints of mis­conduct, tendered his re­signation as a judge of the Supreme Court a day ago.

Naqvi was facing a Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) inquiry over allegations of misconduct, a show-cause notice for which was issued in October last year. On Tuesday, the apex court had rejected his request to stay the proceedings.

Justice Ahsan — part of the five-member SJC — had refused to join other members of the council on Nov 22, 2023, in the issuance of a fresh show-cause notice to Justice Naqvi.

In his letter to the SJC members on Tuesday, Justice Ahsan regretted the hasty proceedings and that debate and discussion were non-existent and were not permitted during the ongoing council proceedings.

“Thus Nov 22, 2023 proceedings when the second show-cause notice was issued against Justice Naqvi were completely devoid of any discussion or deliberation whatsoever,” he had said.

This manner of proceedings has cast an unwelcome doubt over the whole process, therefore he disagreed with the process followed and the manner in which the proceedings were being conducted, Justice Ahsan explained.

Referring to the allegations in the complaint against the judge, the letter regretted these were utterly without merit or substance, both in law and even on a prima facie appraisal of the facts.

The letter regretted that a reasoned and deliberative approach ought to have been adopted which would have prevented the council from falling into the error that was committed with the issuance of the show-cause notice.

Justice Ahsan was part of the five-member bench that delivered the verdict in the high-profile Panamagate case in 2017, which led to the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif, the then-prime minister.

He was also appointed as the monitoring judge to supervise and monitor the implementation of the Panamagate case verdict.

Justice Ahsan assumed the position of chief justice of the Lahore High Court on November 6, 2015. A year later, on June 28, 2016, he was elevated to the position of judge in the Supreme Court.

On April 10, 2023, lawyer Sardar Salman Ahmad Dogar had moved a reference before the SJC against Justice Ahsan and others.

The complaint had alleged judicial misconduct on the part of former CJP Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ahsan and other SC judges The complainant based his reference on an alleged violation of the Code of Conduct for judges of the superior judiciary issued by the SJC on Sept 2, 2009.

On April 14, a complaint was filed in the SJC against eight SC judges hearing petitions challenging a proposed law to curtail the powers of the CJP.

The reference, filed by lawyer Mian Dawood, had sought the removal of former CJP Bandial, Justice Ahsan and others over alleged misconduct and deviation from the judges’ code of conduct.

Last month, a former senior official of the defen­­ce ministry filed a complaint in the SJC aga­inst Justices Ahsan and Munib Akhtar over an alleged breach of the code of conduct.

Commenting on the resignation during a Lahore press conference, PML-N Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb raised questions about why Justices Ahsan and Naqvi chose to step down.

“Do they believe that resigning from the highest court will absolve them of injustices done by them?”

Aurangzeb alleged that the two judges had “done injustice” to the people of the country.

“A monitoring judge of JIT, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, seems to believe that resigning can erase the injustices inflicted on the country over six years,” she remarked.

She emphasised that resigning alone would not conclude the matter; accountability must follow.

Aurangzeb pointed out that if an elected prime minister could undergo scrutiny, it was only fair for any individual, including a Supreme Court judge, to face accountability.

“Turning the Supreme Court into a mockery and disparaging a former premier [who is] now gaining elevated stature is unacceptable,” she added.

She further said that those “involved in conspiracies are now facing the consequences”.

“It is a warning for everyone that the reality of decisions they make today will be revealed in the future. Misusing authority will inevitably manifest in the fate of individuals like Justice Ahsan and Justice Naqvi,” she said.

strong quake rattles Afghanistan, PAKISTAN

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Energy Seminar

          Kabul, dna):A powerful earthquake hit northeastern Afghanistan on Thursday, shaking buildings in the capital Kabul.

                  The epicentre of the 6.4-magnitude earthquake was in Jurm district in the Afghan province of Badakhshan in the mountainous Hindu Kush region, according to the US Geological Survey.

                  There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

                  It struck at a depth of around 200 kilometres (125 miles) just before 2:00 pm (0930 GMT) and was felt in the capital Kabul, about 300 kilometres from Jurm.

                  Afghanistan is frequently hit by earthquakes, especially in the Hindu Kush mountain range, near the junction of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates.

                  In October last year, around 1,000 people were killed when a series of quakes with magnitudes measuring between 4.2 and 6.3 jolted western Afghanistan.

South Africa accuses Israel at World Court of genocidal acts in Gaza

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Energy Seminar

South Africa accuses Israel at World Court of genocidal acts in Gaza

By: Web Desk

At top UN court, South Africa on Thursday accused Israel of subjecting Palestinians to genocidal acts at the opening of hearings at the top UN court on a case brought against the devastating Israeli military campaign in Gaza.

In the case brought to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court, South Africa demands an emergency suspension of Israel’s military campaign in the Palestinian enclave.

“South Africa contends that Israel has transgressed Article Two of the (Genocide) convention, committing acts that fall within the definition of genocide. The actions show a systematic pattern of conduct from which genocide can be inferred,” Adila Hassim, advocate of South Africa’s high court, told the ICJ.

South Africa points to Israel’s sustained bombing campaign which has killed over 23,000 people in the small, densely populated Gaza Strip, according to Gaza health authorities.

World must take note of genocide in Gaza: envoys

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World must take

note of genocide

in Gaza: envoys

High Commissioner Mthuthuzeli Madikiza says South African decision to engage the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was rooted solely in humanitarian principles, free from any political or regional motives. Palestine ambassador thanks SA for unflinching support

Ansar Mahmood Bhatti

ISLAMABAD: In a resolute demonstration of unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the High Commissioner of South Africa, Mthuthuzeli Madikiza, announced the South African government’s decision to bring the Gaza genocide case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was based on his country’s strong resolve and commitment to upholding and protection of human rights. This move underscored the nation’s commitment to seeking justice and addressing the acute humanitarian crises inflicted upon Gaza by Israeli aggression.

High Commissioner Madikiza articulated these sentiments during a warm reception extended to a delegation from the Palestine embassy, headed by Ambassador Ahmad Rabaei and comprising diplomats, members of the Palestine committee and the students representatives. The visit aimed to express sincere gratitude for South Africa’s steadfast and bold support in the face of the ongoing challenges in Palestine.

The High Commissioner emphasized that resorting to suppression, the killing of innocent people, and causing destruction on trivial pretexts is fundamentally unjustifiable. He firmly stated that the South African decision to engage the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was rooted solely in humanitarian principles, free from any political or regional motives. He underscored that the plight of those who suffer, akin to the challenges faced by the concerned parties, serves as a poignant reminder of humanity’s shared history.

He noted a burgeoning wave of support for the people of Palestine and warmly acknowledged Pakistan’s endorsement of South Africa’s decision in favor of involving the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Ambassador of Palestine said, this collaborative effort between South Africa and Palestine exemplifies a shared commitment to upholding international law and advocating for the rights and well-being of the Palestinian people. As discussions progress at the ICJ, it is anticipated that this legal recourse will contribute to fostering a just resolution and bringing global attention to the pressing issues affecting Gaza.

He expressed gratitude on behalf of the people and government of Palestine, emphasizing the profound debt owed to the unwavering support received from the people and government of South Africa. This steadfast commitment has significantly fortified our stance on the issue, contributing to our increased strength and resilience. Ambassador Rabaei commended the articulate speech delivered by the South African high commissioner and extended heartfelt thanks for the warm welcome received at their mission.

The Palestinian ambassador expressed heartfelt gratitude to Pakistan for its unwavering support of the South African decision. He emphasized that this support not only acknowledges the shared values between Palestine and Pakistan but also serves as a significant morale boost for the Palestinian people.

PM Kakar to attend World Economic Forum in Switzerland on Jan 15-19

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PM Kakar to attend World Economic Forum in Switzerland on Jan 15-19

ISLAMABAD, Jan 11 (APP):Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar will visit Davos, Switzerland, on January 15-19, to participate in the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), the Foreign Office said Thursday.

The WEF is an annual gathering of government and corporate leaders for discussions on contemporary trends and challenges, developments shaping the world, and charting collective policy responses. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Rebuilding Trust.”

Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch at a weekly press briefing said the prime minister would attend three key thematic events including preventing an era of global conflict, restoring faith in the global system, and preventing economic fracture.

She said the prime minister would also deliver a keynote address on the theme “Trade Tech’s Trillion Dollar Promise” and hold meetings with government and business leaders on the sidelines.

The FO spokesperson said Pakistan rejected the US State Department’s classification of Pakistan as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).

“There are serious questions about the credibility and transparency of the process of making such classifications,” she said.

Baloch said, “We also believe that such unilateral, arbitrary, and subjective designations and reports are counterproductive and undermine the objective of advancing religious freedoms.”

The spokesperson said Pakistan supported the application filed by South Africa before the International Court of Justice concerning Israel’s violations of its obligations under the 1951 Genocide Convention about the Palestinian people in Gaza.

“We consider this legal action timely and an important step towards holding Israel to account for its well-documented atrocities unleashed against Palestinian people since 7 October 2023,” she said.

She said Pakistan shared the concerns raised in the application by South Africa.

“Israel’s ongoing military aggression and actions against the Palestinian people constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity and amount to genocidal acts,” she said.

The spokesperson said, “We reiterate our call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire; an end to Israel’s unabated massacre of the Palestinian people; an uplifting of an inhumane siege; and expeditious delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.”

She said Pakistan firmly believed that the only just solution to the Palestinian question is the creation of an independent, viable, sovereign, and contiguous Palestinian State along the pre-June 1967 borders with Al-Quds-Al-Sharif as its capital.

Mumtaz Baloch said the fifth of January was observed as the Right to Self-Determination Day for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

On this day in 1949, she said, the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) adopted a resolution guaranteeing a free and fair plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir, to enable the Kashmiri people to realize their right to self-determination.

“The right to self-determination is a fundamental tenet of international law. Every year, the UN General Assembly adopts a resolution that reaffirms the legal right of people to decide their destiny,” she said.

The spokesperson expressed unequivocal support for the realization of the right to self-determination for people under foreign occupation.

“For over seventy years, India has denied the Kashmiri people their inalienable right to self-determination,” she said.

She urged India to respect the rights and freedoms of the people in IIOJK so that the Kashmiri people can exercise their right to self-determination as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The spokesperson said Pakistan would continue to extend political, diplomatic, and moral support to Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions.

Ecuador ‘in state of war’ on third day of cartel terror campaign

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Bangladesh Elections

Quito, Jan 11:With city streets largely deserted apart from a massive military deployment, Ecuador found itself in a "state of war" Wednesday as drug cartels waged a brutal campaign of kidnappings and attacks in response to a government crackdown.
              Hundreds of soldiers patrolled the capital Quito, where residents were gripped by fear over a surge of violence that has also prompted alarm abroad.
              The small South American country has been plunged into crisis after years of growing control by transnational cartels that use its ports to ship cocaine to the United States and Europe.
              The latest outburst of violence was sparked by the discovery Sunday of the prison escape of one of the country's most powerful narco bosses, Jose Adolfo Macias, known by the alias "Fito." 
              On Monday, President Daniel Noboa imposed a state of emergency and nighttime curfew, but the gangs hit back with a declaration of "war" -- threatening to execute civilians and security forces.
              They have also instigated numerous prison riots, set off explosions in public places and waged attacks in which at least 14 people have been killed.
              More than 100 prison guards and administrative staff have been taken hostage, the SNAI prisons authority said.
              In the port city of Guayaquil, attackers wearing balaclavas stormed a state-owned TV station Tuesday, briefly taking several journalists and staff members hostage and firing shots in dramatic scenes broadcast live before police arrived.
              Local media reported some of the attackers were as young as 16.
              This attack in particular gave rise to panic in the general population, many of whom left work and closed shops to run to the safety of home.
              "Today we are not safe, anything can happen," said Luis Chiligano, a 53-year-old security guard in Quito who explained he was opting to hide rather than confront "the criminals, who are better armed."  
              "There is fear, you need to be careful, looking here and there, if you take this bus, what will happen," a 68-year-old woman told AFP elsewhere in the capital -- speaking on condition of anonymity and describing herself as terrified.
              Noboa said Wednesday the country was now in a "state of war," as he vowed not to yield to the gangs.

Brunei’s polo-playing prince marries commoner

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Bandar Seri Begawan, :Brunei's polo-playing Prince Abdul Mateen, one of Asia's most eligible bachelors, married his commoner fiancee on Thursday as part of a lavish 10-day celebration in the oil-rich sultanate.
              An Islamic marriage ceremony for the 32-year-old prince and Yang Mulia Anisha Rosnah, 29, was held inside a gold-domed mosque in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan.
              Mateen is the 10th child of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah -- the world's longest reigning monarch and once the richest man on the planet -- and is well down the succession pecking order.
              His bride -- the granddaughter of one of his father's key advisers -- reportedly has a fashion brand and co-owns a tourism business.
              Mateen, wearing a traditional white outfit decorated with diamond-shaped motifs and a matching headpiece, was driven to the mosque in a luxury saloon.
              He sat on an elevated yellow cushion in front of an imam who presided over the male-only ceremony attended by the sultan and other relatives and guests. 
              Afterwards, Mateen approached his father and kissed his hand. 
              Celebrations for the royal wedding reach their climax on Sunday with a glittering ceremony in the 1,788-room palace and an elaborate procession.
              The guest list is expected to include international royalty and political leaders. 
              "It's like a fairytale," university student Syahida Wafa Mohamed Shah, 22, told AFP on Wednesday, near the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, where the marriage was solemnised.
              Many Bruneians plan to line the streets on Sunday to watch the royal newlyweds take part in a procession.
              "It's like something from a movie," said Nazatul Izzati Saifulrizal, 19.

              The pomp and pageantry of the royal extravaganza highlight the tiny country's extreme wealth, which is almost entirely derived from its enormous oil reserves. 
              A sliver of land on the northern edge of Borneo island in Southeast Asia, Brunei was influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism before its rulers converted to Islam in the 14th century.
              It fell under British rule in the 19th century and gained independence in 1984.
              An absolute monarchy with strict Islamic laws and a population of only around 450,000 people, Brunei is one of the world's richest countries.
              Its annual GDP per capita is nearly $36,000, according to the International Monetary Fund. However, analysts have warned that Brunei faces serious challenges to diversify its economy away from oil as crude prices remain volatile and its reserves dwindle.
              While the sultan has long lost the title of the world's richest man to tech billionaires, his wealth remains the stuff of legend.
              He is reported to have a vast collection of luxury vehicles and his riverside official residence is one of the world's largest palaces.

              While Mateen is unlikely to ever ascend the throne, his matinee idol looks and huge following on social media have made him one of the highest-profile members of the royal family.
              A helicopter pilot in his country's air force, he has often been compared in the media with Britain's Prince Harry and was previously dubbed the "hot royal".
              Mateen graduated as an officer cadet in Britain's Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and represented his country in polo at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
              In recent years, he has played a growing role in international diplomacy.
              The prince accompanied his father to the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla in May last year, and Queen Elizabeth's funeral in 2022.

DRAP recalls syrup after detection of ‘poisonous impurities’

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DRAP recalls syrup after detection of ‘poisonous impurities’

ISLAMABAD: Following the detection of “poisonous impurities,” the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) recalled a cough syrup and imported raw material used in it, The News reported on Thursday.

The “poisonous impurities” were detected in the cough syrup during testing at the Central Drug Testing Lab (CDL) Karachi, the publication quoted officials as saying.

The raw material, Propylene Glycol was imported by a local firm from Thailand and supplied to different pharmaceutical companies throughout the country for manufacturing of cough syrups, which are high in demand these days due to the outbreak of influenza and other respiratory illnesses in the country, DRAP officials added.

“Today we have ordered recall of Delorvin Syrup, and Propylene Glycol, a raw material used in the manufacturing of cough syrup. During testing, poisonous amount of two lethal impurities i.e. Ethylene Glycol (EG) and Diethylene Glycol (EG) were detected in the cough syrup and the raw material used in it”, a senior DRAP official told The News.

In addition to recalling the cough syrup and raw material used in the manufacturing of the syrup, DRAP officials launched a countrywide investigation to identify the importer who provided the raw material to different pharmaceutical companies and ascertain the companies which used the “substandard” raw material.

Propylene Glycol is used as an excipient or non-active pharmaceutical ingredient in manufacturing of syrups, especially cough syrups, experts said, adding that some companies try to use industrial-grade Propylene Glycol, which was not safe for human consumption as it carried “poisonous levels” of Ethylene Glycol and Diethylene Glycol.

Hundreds of children have so far died in many countries after some Indian companies exported cough syrups containing poisonous impurities, including EG and DEG, while a few weeks back, some cough syrups manufactured by a Lahore-based pharmaceutical company were also detected by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Maldives and some other countries of the world.

DRAP official claimed that a pharmaceutical firm itself approached the drug regulatory authority to get the cough syrup tested for poisonous impurities and when the prepared batch of the cough syrup and raw material was tested at the CDL Karachi, it was found to be substandard, containing poisonous impurities.

To a query, DRAP’s senior official said every pharmaceutical company was supposed to test all the active as well as non-active raw materials for impurities for the safety of patients adding that DRAP was also starting “risk-based sampling and testing” of raw materials being imported in the country. Asked why criminal proceedings were not being launched against the manufacturers and importers, the DRAP official said some of the companies would be prosecuted as they were found involved in criminal activities.

“Here in this fresh case, we suspect that some middle man imported raw material from an authentic source in Thailand but later added industrial grade material in it to increase its quantity and provided it to the manufacturers. We are not only recalling the raw material imported by this middle man but are also going to lodge a criminal case if any wrongdoing was proved after investigations,” the official added.

MQM-P names contestants from Karachi for NA seats

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Energy Seminar

KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Thursday released a list of the party candidates contesting elections on National Assembly seats from Karachi, according to which MQM-P’s 16 candidates would contest elections from 18 NA seats in the megalopolis, Geo News reported.

As per the list, in order from the lower number of NA seats to the higher number, MQM-P will field Aasia Ishaque from NA-232, Javed Hanif from NA-233, Muhammad Abubakar from NA-234, Iqbal Mahsud from NA-235 and Hassan Sabir from NA-236 constituency of Karachi.

While, Abdul Rauf Siddiqui will contest elections on NA-237 seat, Sadiq Iftikhar on NA-238, Arshad Vohra on NA-240 and Dr Farooq Sattar from district South’s NA-241.

MQM-P Senior Deputy Convener Mustafa Kamal will contend for the hot seat of NA-242 situated in Keamari district. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has been luring the party to withdraw its candidate in favour of former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Humayun Usman will be the candidate for NA-243 seat, Farooq Sattar for NA-244, Hafizuddin for NA-245, Aminul Haque for NA-246 and Mustafa Kamal for NA-247.

MQM-P Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui will be the party candidate on NA-248 seat in district Central, while Ahmed Saleem Siddiqui will contest on NA-249 and Farhan Chishti on NA-250.

The party did not issue any NA ticket to a candidate for the NA seat in Lyari. 

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