PM ORDERS WEEKLY REVIEW OF LEGAL ACTION AGAINST NOVEMBER 24 RIOTERS In partnership with
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Wednesday, 4 December, 2024 I 01 Jumada Al-Akhirah 1446
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INSTRUCTS AUTHORITIES TO TAKE STRINGENT LEGAL ACTION AGAINST NOVEMBER 24 PROTESTERS ISLAMABAD
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CONDEMNS PROTEST IN CAPITAL THAT OCCURRED DURING OFFICIAL VISIT OF BELARUSIAN PRESIDENT
Govt proposes 5-year jail, Rs one million fine for ‘spreading fake news’
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RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday instructed authorities to take stringent legal action against the individuals responsible for the violence during the November 24 sit-in protest in Islamabad, which resulted in the martyrdom and injury of law enforcement personnel, as well as significant damage to public property. The prime minister made these remarks during a meeting of the task force assigned to investigate the events surrounding the violent clashes in the capital. The task force was established to identify and hold accountable those behind the unrest during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally that took place earlier in the week. The violence erupted when more than 10,000 PTI supporters defied a ban on public gatherings, locking down the city and engaging in violent confrontations with security forces. Riot police responded by using tear gas as protesters neared the heavily fortified D-Chowk. Though PTI leaders called off the planned sit-in, the clashes exacerbated political and security tensions in Islamabad. During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the need for regular weekly reports on the legal proceedings against the rioters. He also condemned the attack on Islamabad, particularly as it occurred during the official visit of the Belaru-
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sian president, calling it an embarrassment to the country. Looking ahead, the prime minister outlined plans to establish a specialized anti-riot force to address evolving security challenges in the country. He also revealed plans to enhance the Islamabad Safe City project, bringing it up to international standards, and to establish a new forensic lab, ensuring that adequate resources are allocated for these initiatives. The prime minister was briefed that ev-
PM Shehbaz calls for global cooperation to tackle water crisis
idence gathered from the crime scene, including weapons, cartridges, and shells, will be sent for forensic analysis. Authorities are also working to identify the rioters, who will soon face legal action in court. The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Advisor to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, and other senior government officials.
Imran Khan yet to play his ‘last card’: Aleema Khan
RIYADH
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the urgent need for international cooperation and collaboration to address the growing water-related challenges, speaking at the “One Water Summit” in Riyadh on Tuesday. In his address, PM Shehbaz underscored the importance of ensuring the sustainable management of water resources worldwide. “We need international cooperation and collaboration to ensure availability and sustainable management of water for all,” he said. He urged the global community to engage in knowledge sharing and exchange of expertise to tackle this pressing issue. “Adequate funding for climate-resilient infrastructure and overcoming the financing gap remains critical for climate-resilient countries,” he added. The premier also stressed the importance of establishing frameworks for transparency, data-sharing, and regional cooperation to avoid conflicts and promote shared water resources. He highlighted that without these frameworks, efforts to address the water crisis would face serious challenges. PM Shehbaz further called for investing in skill development, research, and strengthening institutions to effectively address water-related challenges both at the national and global levels. “Last but not least, we require strong political will and global leadership to overcome the water crisis,” he concluded, reinforcing the need for coordinated global action to ensure water security in the face of climate change. The summit, which gathers leaders, experts, and organisations from around the world, aims to find collective solutions to global water issues, such as scarcity, pollution, and mismanagement.
The federal government has proposed a five-year imprisonment or a fine of Rs1 million for individuals found guilty of deliberately spreading fake news, as part of initial amendments to the cybercrime law, Geo News reported on Tuesday. The draft introduces significant changes to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (PECA), including the establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) with extensive powers to block or remove online content deemed harmful to public safety or state interests. According to the draft, spreading false information, inciting fear, or disrupting peace through online platforms could lead to severe penalties. “Individuals found guilty of such offences may face both imprisonment and fines,” reads the draft while also referring to those spreading fear and creating unrest. The authority will be empowered to block or remove online material targeting law enforcement agencies, state institu-
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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has claimed that he still possesses a “last card” which he intends to use at an appropriate time. The revelation came after a family visit to the imprisoned leader, as shared by his sister, Aleema Khan, on Tuesday. Following the meeting, Aleema Khan disclosed that Imran Khan, who had been isolated fol-
lowing his arrest on November 24, was deeply shocked to learn about the events that occurred during his detention. According to Aleema Khan, Khan was unaware of the developments until he met with lawyers and journalists on Monday at Adiala Jail. She further explained that Khan had been held incommunicado for approximately 40-50 hours after his arrest, with his access to newspapers and Pakistan Television (PTV) blocked during this period.
Upon being informed about the events that unfolded during his detention, she said Khan repeatedly asked, “What are you saying?” expressing his disbelief over the situation. Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, Aleema stated that she failed to stop the situation and acknowledged that it was former First Lady Bushra Bibi who took the lead. She also stressed that other leaders should have stepped forward to prevent the violence. According to Aleema Khan, PTI’s founder, Imran Khan, is in shock over the D-Chowk incident and has called for the first FIR to be registered against Mohsin Naqvi and Shahbaz Sharif. During her interaction with the media, Aleema Khan also addressed rumors regarding Imran Khan’s health, confirming that he is in good health. Aleema Khan also revealed that during the shooting at DChowk, many lives were lost. She said that PTI leaders had attempted to communicate with authorities, asking them to clear the protesters by calling for the removal of containers, but they never anticipated that snipers would be used against the crowd.
PTI trying to hoodwink people through fake narrative, lies: Tarar ISLAMABAD
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.Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar said on Tuesday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was trying to hoodwink the people through fake narrative and lies. Ad powered by advergic.com Lambasting Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf, in a media talk, he said that the
party was creating a false narrative of firing on the protesters. He once again challenged the PTI to present a single piece of evidence showing a law enforcement agencies personnel firing bullets directly on the protesters. “There is not a single video in which law enforcement agencies person can be seen directly firing upon protesters. They have all kinds of videos but there is no video evidence (of direct firing) as
this never took place”, he maintained. The minister said that a video of a man running away in which he was saying that he hit by a gunshot, went viral. He said the same person in another video was claiming that he had got an injury on his hand. However when in the video, he opened the bandage on his hand no bullet mark was visible on his hand. Tarar stated that the PTI was defaming the state through their concocted stories based on
lies. The PTI is spreading lies about bodies and different leaders were giving different figures of fatalities ranging from a dozen to 4000. A senior leader of the PTI Lateef Khosa claimed that over 150 bodies were lying at his residence. He said even the PTI Chairman, Barrister Gohar remarked that there were only 12 bodies and all other claims were bogus. He said there was no dead, if the PTI had any dead bodies they should present in front of the media.
Pakistan, Iran strengthen ties with ECO Clean Energy charter MASHHAD
PESHAWAR
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, has approved a multifaceted plan to restore peace and stability in Kurram district, which has witnessed severe sectarian violence in recent weeks. The cabinet’s decision includes the establishment of 65 security checkpoints at critical locations, the deployment of Frontier Constabulary (FC) platoons, and a ban on individuals involved in spreading hate speech.
During a cabinet meeting held in Peshawar, key government officials, including the Chief Secretary and relevant administrative heads, were briefed on the deteriorating situation in Kurram, where violence has resulted in 133 fatalities and left 177 others injured. To address this escalating crisis, the provincial government is taking significant steps to restore order. One of the most notable measures is the formation of a jirga composed of local elders, who will work to de-escalate tensions and foster peace in the area. The jirga will remain active in Kurram until stability is fully achieved.
The government is calling on these community leaders to help identify and isolate those responsible for inciting sectarian violence. The cabinet has decided to label individuals promoting hate as terrorists under Schedule IV of the Anti-Terrorism Act, which will subject them to stricter legal penalties. Furthermore, the government has authorized the demolition of bunkers used by armed groups and the confiscation of heavy weapons in civilian hands to reduce the threat of violence. To bolster security, 65 checkpoints will be established, particularly along the Kur-
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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar is all set to sign the ‘Charter for ECO Clean Energy Center’ during his visit to Iran, as reported on Tuesday. This key agreement aims to strengthen regional cooperation in clean energy and promote sustainable energy solutions among Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member countries. The signing of the charter is a pivotal step in advancing clean energy initiatives within the region. It is expected to foster collaboration among member states on the development and implementation of green energy projects, contributing to the collective goal of reducing carbon emissions and addressing environmental challenges. Dar’s visit to Mashhad is also centered around the 28th meeting of the ECO Council of Ministers, where he will emphasize Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO Charter. During the ministerial meeting, Dar will advocate for greater regional connectivity, including the development of road and rail networks and the liberalization of visa and border procedures. In addition to the signing of the clean energy charter, Dar is expected to hold bilateral talks with participating ministers and dignitaries to discuss various regional issues and enhance bilateral relations with Iran.
KP govt rolls out action plan to tackle sectarian violence in Kurram with FC deployment, checkpoints Staff RepoRt
tions, or individuals. It will also have jurisdiction over content promoting religious or ethnic hatred, terrorism, and violence against the state. The law further specifies that content involving threats, false accusations, or pornography will also be subject to removal. Decisions by the authority can be challenged in a tribunal, ensuring a system of checks and balances. The authority will consist of a chairman and six members, including three exofficio members, tasked with upholding digital rights and maintaining cybersecurity across the country. The proposed tweaks to the cybercrime laws come as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration has time again decried misuse of social media platforms for spreading fake news and propaganda that poses a threat to the country’s national interests. Apart from the restricted X services, the country has been witnessing sporadic internet disruptions resulting in difficulties for the users to share media and access various social media and communications platforms.
ram Highway, with the objective of controlling movement and ensuring the safety of civilians. Additionally, a formal request has been sent to the federal government to deploy FC platoons to further strengthen security measures. The cabinet also approved a relief package for the victims of the violence in Kurram, which includes financial aid for the families of those killed or injured, as well as compensation for damage to properties. A survey is currently underway to assess the damage, with Rs 380 million allocated for immediate relief efforts.
Further funds will be provided if necessary to support the" the province. The total financial assistance allocated for the security personnel’s families amounts to Rs 187 million. The cabinet also approved the creation of 10 new judges for the Peshawar High Court to handle the increasing caseload and authorized additional funds for prison security upgrades across KP. Moreover, the cabinet approved a three-year extension of the agreement with the Pakistan Air Force for helicopter operations and the closure of transit points to prevent the repatriation of illegal foreigners. The KP government’s swift action highlights its commitment to restoring peace in Kurram and addressing the needs of its citizens while strengthening the region’s security infrastructure.