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IHC GRANTS BAIL TO IMRAN KHAN IN £190M CORRUPTION CASE Thursday, 16 May, 2024 I 7 Zil-Qadah, 1445
Court asks PTI founder to submit surety bond of Rs1million
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PTI founder to remain behind bars despite securing bail
thority linked to a financial settlement during the PTI’s tenure, which reportedly incurred a £190 million loss to the national exchequer. The reference said the “accused […] were given multiple opportunities to justify and provide information, but they deliberately, with malafide intention, refused to provide the information on one or the other pretext. “Furthermore, it is established through their responses that they have nothing in their defence to rebut the above-mentioned allegations. Thus, they all have committed an offence” under the
National Accountability Ordinance (NAO). It added that the investigation proceedings and findings so far “established that accused persons in connivance with each other have committed the offence of corruption and corrupt practices” as defined under the NAO. The reference said Imran played a “pivotal role” in the illicit transfer of funds which were meant for the state which ultimately benefited Riaz.Akbar, a former special assistant to the premier and Asset Recovery Unit chief, played a “crucial role” in the “illegal design of the funds” which were meant for the state, the reference said. Malik, the reference said, had “actively aided, abetted and assisted and acted in conspiracy” with the other respondents for the diversion of funds earmarked for the state. Bushra Bibi and Shahzadi also played a “significant” and “crucial” role in the “illegal activities”, the latter also a “front woman” for Imran and his wife, it said. The reference said that it was “just and proper” to proceed against the eight suspects as there was “sufficient incriminating evidence” available to justify the reference. It pleaded that the eight suspects be tried and punished in accordance with the law by the court or any other to which the reference was entrusted.
support without reservation on issues concerning China’s core interests. Wang said that China also firmly supports Pakistan in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and in playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs. “It is believed that under the leadership of the new government, Pakistan will enter a new stage of political unity, social stability, controllable security and sustainable development,” he said. China and Pakistan will support each other, share weal and woe, and work hand in hand to push China-Pakistan all-
weather strategic cooperative partnership to a new level, Wang added. The Chinese foreign minister said that his country is willing to work with Pakistan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, pool efforts to promote the construction of an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and work together to build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. In addition, China will not waver in its determination to deepen cooperation with Pakistan, and hopes that Pakistan will continue to do its utmost to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan and eliminate the worries of Chinese enterprises and personnel, he added. The Pakistan-China friendship is the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, Dar said, adding that Pakistan abides by the one-China principle, firmly supports China without hesitation on all issues concerning China’s core interests, and looks forward to further deepening bilateral practical cooperation in various fields. He further said that Pakistan will do its utmost to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in Pakistan. He also thanked China for its consistent support on the Kashmir issue, saying it is crucial for resolving the dispute to bring peace in the region. The two countries also agreed to continue their cooperation on issues related to regional security and stability.
ISLAMABAD
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HE Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted on Wednesday bail to PTI founder Imran Khan in the £190 million case. The court asked the PTI founder to submit a surety bond of Rs1 million in order to secure bail. However, the order will not result in the ex-premier’s release from Adiala jail since his sentences in the Iddat and cypher cases are yet to be suspended. A day earlier, a two-member bench comprising IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri reserved the decision on Imran’s bail plea following the completion of arguments presented by both sides. Amjad Parvez, the special prosecutor of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), contended that the funds should have been remitted to the government of Pakistan. “The Supreme Court clearly stated in its verdict that the funds were mistakenly deposited into the Supreme Court’s account. This act of secrecy constitutes a significant deception,” Parvez asserted. Concluding his arguments, Parvez urged the court to expedite the trial proceedings rather than considering bail at this stage. Responding to the prosecution’s claims, Imran Khan’s lawyer, Sardar Latif Khosa, challenged the allegations,
particularly those made by former aide Shahzad Akbar. Khosa questioned why Imran Khan was being held accountable for matters beyond his control. Khosa highlighted that a witness of NAB acknowledged the absence of Imran Khan’s signature and affirmed that no funds were directed to the PTI founder’s account or that of his wife, Bushra Bibi. “Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi did not derive any personal benefit from these transactions,” Khosa emphasised. The case revolves around allegations of corruption and abuse of au-
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China, Pakistan to deepen ties and combat terrorism together ISLAMABAD
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Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, in Beijing on Wednesday. Noting China and Pakistan are allweather strategic cooperative partners and iron-clad brothers, Ding said China is willing to work with Pakistan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, maintain high-level strategic communication, jointly build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor with high quality, coordinate development and security, deepen people-to-people ties, accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, and bring more benefits to the two peoples. Dar said Pakistan attaches great importance to developing relations with China, firmly supports China’s core interests and major concerns, and is willing to comprehensively strengthen practical cooperation with China, promote the upgrading of bilateral cooperation and deepen the Pakistan-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. Meanwhile, China said on Wednesday that it firmly supports Pakistan in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and in playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs. The remarks were expressed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi
while co-chairing the fifth round of the Foreign Minister-Level China-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Beijing on Wednesday. The two sides pledged to enhance pragmatic cooperation in various fields. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. Over the years, he said that Pakistan has firmly adhered to the one-China principle and offered China valuable
Govt slashes petrol price by Rs15.39, diesel by Rs7.88 per litre
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Updated prices are set at Rs273.1 per litre for petrol and Rs274.08 for HSD ISLAMABAD
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The good news for the inflation-hit masses is that the government has approved a massive cut in the prices of petroleum products by upto Rs 15.39 per litre for the second half of May 2024. As per details, Oil and gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) on Wednesday forwarded a summary regarding oil prices for the second half of the ongoing month of May 2024. And, the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, late Wednesday night, approved huge relief in the per litre price of petroleum products. According to new oil prices, the price of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) has been reduced by Rs7.88 per litre to Rs 274.08 and the price of petrol has also been slashed by Rs 15.39/litre, taking the new rate to Rs273.10 per litre. These updated prices will take effect from May 16, 2024.
Pakistan conducts successful training launch of Fatah-II guided rocket system CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
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The Pakistan Army conducted on Wednesday a successful training launch of the Fatah-II guided rocket system, said a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The system has a range of 400 kilometres and boasts state-of-the-art navigation capabilities, unique trajectory and manoeuvrable features. “Fatah-II is capable of engaging targets with high precision and defeating any missile defence system.,” said the military’s media wing. The system will be integrated into the army’s artillery divisions “for standoff, precision engagement of deep targets”. The launch, witnessed by high-ranking military officials including the Chief of the General Staff of the Pakistan Army, senior officers from all three branches of the armed forces, and a team of scientists and engineers, marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s defence capabilities. “President, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of Army Staff and all Services Chiefs congratulated participating troops and scientists on this excellent achievement,” added ISPR. Earlier, the Army conducted a successful flight test of the Fatah-II missile system. The test was witnessed by senior officers from the tri-services, scientists and engineers, said the ISPR. The test of the ballistic missile system was aimed at “re-validating various designs, technical parameters, and performance evaluations of different sub-systems,” a press release stated.
PTI leadership demands probe into ‘Dubai Property Leaks’ ISLAMABAD
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan Wednesday demanded a probe regarding the Pakistanis named in the ‘Dubai Unlocked’ investigation. Speaking with journalists at the Parliament today, the politician said it will be established whether the properties in Dubai are declared or not. The senior politician’s statement came after an explosive exposé was made public on Tuesday, listing details of properties owned by the global elite in Dubai, which includes political figures, globally sanctioned individuals, alleged money launderers and criminals. Several Pakistani politicians, former military servicemen, bureaucrats, businessmen, among others, have also been named in the investigations. The combined value of Pakistanis on the list is estimated at around $11 billion.
Govt to announce special incentives for farmers in upcoming budget: Bilawal ISLAMABAD
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Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday demanded the federal government to announce special incentives for farmers in the upcoming budget and provide direct relief to small farmers by subsidizing the agriculture sector. Speaking here in National Assembly, Bilawal Bhutto emphasized the provision of subsidies to small farmers and landlords through the implementation of a “Kisan Card” system. He highlighted that Pakistan’s annual import of agricultural goods exceeds Rs. 10 billion and stressed the importance of facilitating small farmers to minimize this dependency. He demanded the government to engage all stakeholders, including farmers’ organizations, and proposed the declaration of a 10-year emergency along with the implementation of consistent agricultural policies. He emphasized that such meas-
ures would significantly contribute to the country’s development. He underscored the necessity for the government to restore the confidence of wheat-growing farmers by announcing support measures. This, he emphasized, is essential to ensure there is no shortage of wheat in the coming year. Bilawal Bhutto urged the government to take decisive action to resolve the wheat import controversy and hold accountable those responsible during interim set-up in the wheat import scandal. He stressed that the Prime Minister should identify the bureaucrats and former ministers involved in the scandal and take prompt action against them without any further delay. He emphasized that all major parties have consistently recognized agriculture as the backbone of the country in their manifestos. Bilawal Bhutto pointed out that the funds involved in the scandal were derived from the tax contributions of the people of Pakistan, and those responsible for misusing
them should be held accountable. He highlighted that as a result of this scandal, wheat procurement by provinces and the government has decreased, adversely affecting farmers’ ability to obtain fair rates for their produce. This loss to farmers and economy were a result of decisions made by incapable and inefficient individuals, and they must be held accountable. Bilawal Bhutto emphasized that it is not the fault of the farmers, and the government should step in to assist them. He stressed the importance of recognizing Pakistan as an agricultural country and urged a renewed focus on agriculture as a means to earn and thrive. PPP Chairperson shared his views on the Presidential address to both Houses of Parliament on April 18, 2024. He congratulated the assembly on this occasion, noting that it marked the 7th address by a civilian President. He commended the President for focusing on national issues in the speech, avoiding personal or political matters. Bilawal emphasized that as the repre-
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sentative of the federation, the President prioritized public concerns, emphasizing unity, reconciliation, and collective progress. He remarked that President Mr. Asif Ali Zardari recognizes that the solution to Pakistan’s problems lies in dialogue among political forces. During the address, he highlighted that both the federal government and the opposition should work together to address public issues collectively. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari advised the opposition to provide input in the upcoming budget, particularly during Pakistan’s current financial crisis. He emphasized that despite drawing salaries, it is the responsibility of the opposition to actively participate as members of the House and contribute to the functioning of parliament. He noted that the President delivered a brief speech covering both national and international policy issues, while the Opposition Leader’s opening speech was lengthy. He suggested that it would have been more
constructive if the Opposition Leader had used the opportunity to recommend alternatives to government policies and offer counter policies for consideration. During his address to Parliament, he remarked that the President effectively articulated Pakistan’s policy on Kashmir and Palestine, providing a clear narrative. He criticized the opposition’s behavior, expressing dismay over their protests during the speech, which he believed sent the wrong message to the public and those witnessing the session. The PPP Chairperson also highlighted the progress made in the health and education sectors in Sindh, urging other provinces, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to emulate these efforts. He emphasized that Sindh boasts quality health facilities in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Gambat (Khairpur), where a policy of free treatment is extended to all Pakistanis. He extended an invitation to the KP government to visit these hospitals in Sindh and observe how quality healthcare can be provided to the underprivileged. Regarding education, Sindh addressed structural issues and advocated for the introduction of publicprivate partnerships rather than the privatization of educational institutions.
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