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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 141 I 8 Pages I Lahore Edition
Naqvi claims D-Chowk g Army deployed under Article g PTI’s Akram alleges 6 cleared from protesters, 245 of Constitution in response people died due to ruling out any talks to escalating situation shooting by ‘fascist govt’ KP CM terms ‘workers release precursor to negotiations, while Barrister Gohar says no hope of talks as govt didn’t make any contact yet
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ISLAMABAD
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Four Rangers officials martyred after ‘miscreants rammed vehicle into them
SALEEM JADOON
FTER daylong clashes, Pakistan Rangers, flanked by police and FC personnel, Tuesday night claimed to have regaining control of Islamabad’s D-Chowk after beginning arrests and pushing back PTI protesters to China Chowk and the adjacent green belt. Former first lady Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur were also present there in their vehicles and some protesters also moved to the residential sectors near DChowk, G-6, Aabpara and G-7 parks. Some protesters took refuge under trees on the right side of Blue Area from intense shelling and baton charge. According to officials, Rangers troops succeeded in expelling the supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from D-Chowk on Tuesday evening. Earlier on Tuesday, PTI protesters reached D-Chowk in the federal capital despite heavy tear-gas shelling by the police and the Rangers and barricades. Sharing their account, some PTI workers informed Pakistan Today that PTI supporters retreated from the site in the face of heavy teargas shelling and action by the authorities. The protesters had managed to reach the site for the party’s protest to demand PTI founder Imran Khan’s release,
among other things, amid reports of intense tear gas shelling by security forces to curtail the large crowds. The PTI convoys have been plying roads countrywide since Sunday. The workers said that there were blackouts in many areas of Islamabad, including D-Chowk, Jinnah Avenue, G6, G8 and G9. The PTI also shared footage of alleged firing by law enforcement agencies at party protesters, claiming that intense shelling was under way. Scores of people have also been in-
SC bench dissolved as Justice Mandokhel steps down from Houbara bustard case ISLAMABAD
NEWS DESK
jured, including journalists who were reportedly attacked by demonstrators, as dozens of PTI supporters allegedly beat a videographer covering the protest. He sustained head injuries and was treated in a hospital. Meanwhile, the Islamabad administration extended the shutdown of all educational institutes for another day on Wednesday. Protest at Sangjani, instead of DChowk, was a govt suggestion: KP spokesperson Barrister Saif seeks orders on protest
relocation, PTI founder instructs to stay at D-Chowk The federal government made another attempt on Tuesday to end the ongoing PTI protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad by initiating contact with party founder Imran Khan. Barrister Saif, the Information Advisor to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, reached out to Khan to discuss the possibility of relocating the protest, however, the PTI leader instructed his supporters to remain at D-Chowk. Saif reportedly informed Khan that the government had initially suggested a protest at Sangjani, but Bushra Bibi had rejected the idea. Saif conveyed that the PTI leadership had instead opted to continue the protest at D-Chowk. In response, Khan reportedly told Barrister Saif, “Since we are already at D-Chowk, let’s stay here. I will tell you later what needs to be done next.” Following the conversation with Saif, Khan issued a statement on social media platform X, urging his supporters to remain at D-Chowk. According to sources, Barrister Saif and Khan discussed the ongoing protest and potential next steps. The advisor briefed Khan on the details of the protest, while Khan issued new instructions and strategy to continue the demonstration at D-Chowk.
Gandapur vows protest will continue until Imran Khan directs otherwise
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
ISLAMABAD
NEWS DESK
The Supreme Court of Pakistan dissolved its constitutional bench on Tuesday after Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel recused himself from hearing a case concerning the hunting of the endangered Houbara bustard. Justice Mandokhael cited his involvement in a related case during his tenure at the Balochistan High Court as the reason for stepping down. During the proceedings, Additional Attorney General (AAG) Amir Rehman argued that hunting the Houbara bustard is akin to the regulated trophy hunting of the Markhor, also known as the ibex. He explained that trophy hunting permits are issued under controlled conditions to specific individuals, drawing a parallel between the two practices. However, Justice Mandokhail disagreed with the comparison, emphasizing that the two forms of hunting are fundamentally different. “There is a difference between the hunting of Houbara bustards and the trophy hunting of ibex,” he stated. Justice Musarrat Hilali added another layer to the discussion by pointing out that the Houbara bustard is a migratory bird, making its classification and treatment distinct from the Markhor. The Sindh Wildlife Department recently announced an end to its four-month ban on hunting, initiating the hunting season for specific species. The Houbara bustard hunting season officially began on November 3, 2024, and will run until February 28, 2025. Strict regulations have been imposed, limiting hunting to Saturdays and Sundays within designated zones and requiring the use of approved shotguns. Hunters are required to comply with all regulatory measures to ensure the sustainability of species within their natural habitats, as per the wildlife department’s guidelines.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers would remain at Islamabad’s DChowk until directed otherwise by party chairman Imran Khan. Addressing the protesters at DChowk, Gandapur criticized the government for its “fascist tactics” but reaffirmed PTI’s resolve to stage a peaceful protest. “This is our nation, and we are here to reclaim it. No external force can dictate terms to us,” he asserted, stirring the crowd with passionate slogans. The protests at D-Chowk continue despite heavy police shelling, as security forces and the military maintain a presence in the area to control the situation. PTI convoys, particularly from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have reached the capital, further heightening tensions. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi claimed that a “hidden hand” is contributing to the ongoing unrest, stating that this covert influence overrides PTI leadership’s decisions. “The leadership may prefer negotiations and peaceful resolutions, but this unseen force has its own agenda,” Naqvi remarked during a
media briefing at D-Chowk. He added that trained groups, primarily from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have joined the protest, with authorities verifying their backgrounds. Naqvi emphasized the government’s commitment to avoiding escalation, stating, “Responding to violence with violence is easy, but we’ve instructed law enforcement to act with restraint while safeguarding public safety.” In a related development, an FIR has been registered against PTI leadership, including Imran Khan and Ali Amin Gandapur, in connection with the death of a police constable near the Hakka Interchange. The case, lodged at the Taxila police station, accuses the leaders of incit-
ing violence that led to an assault on law enforcement personnel. The FIR cites violations of Section 144 and provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act. It alleges that the suspects, armed with tear gas guns, rubber bullets, and firearms, conspired to attack police officials. Evidence also suggests the use of government-supplied resources in unauthorized operations, further complicating the case. Meanwhile, talks between PTI representatives and government officials continue. Party leaders have reportedly consulted Imran Khan, who is currently in Adiala Jail, to chart the next steps. However, no clear resolution has been reached yet, leaving the situation at an impasse.
Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi booked under terrorism charges as PTI’s march continues LAHORE
MARIAM ZERMINA
The ongoing protests led by the Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) have intensified as multiple cases were filed against the party’s key figures, including founder Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Monday. The cases, registered under anti-terrorism laws, highlight the growing tension between PTI supporters and the federal government. In one of the first reports lodged at Taxila Police Station, allegations include orchestrating violent protests, obstructing government operations, and damaging property. The first information report (FIR) implicates several high-profile PTI leaders, including former President Dr. Arif Alvi, opposition leader Umar Ayub, Aleema Khan, Azam Swati, and over 300 local activists. Among the charges are violations of Section 144, destruction of private and public assets, and incitement to violence. Another case filed in Faisalabad accuses Imran Khan and 45 others of damaging government vehicles, assaulting police officers, and torching a motorcycle during protests. According to police reports, Khan allegedly directed these activities from Adiala Jail, where he is currently detained. The police stated that Khan instructed PTI leaders to lead the “march on Islamabad,” further escalating the situation. As the protest entered its second day, convoys from KP and Punjab moved toward Islamabad, converging at key entry points despite heavy security blockades. In Haripur and Taxila, protesters faced tear gas shelling from law enforcement, leading to clashes. Protesters reportedly responded by pelting stones and setting green belts on fire. A vehicle near Ghazi Bridge was also torched, and a police officer sustained injuries in one incident. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Gandapur and Bushra Bibi addressed supporters at various stops, urging them to stay steadfast in their demands. “We must continue until justice is served,” said Bushra Bibi, calling for unity among the party’s supporters. The convoys, facing road closures and barricades, took alternative routes to enter Punjab. Leadership from the Hazara Division, including Umar Ayub, merged their groups with Gandapur’s convoy to create a larger procession heading toward the federal capital. Reports of skirmishes also emerged from Isakhel Interchange in Dera Ismail Khan. The PTI leadership has issued four key demands: the immediate release of all political prisoners, including Imran Khan; the reversal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment; the restoration of democracy and constitutional rights; and fresh general elections to address what they claim is a “stolen mandate.” In response, the government has tightened security in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, deploying heavy contingents of law enforcement personnel and blocking major routes with shipping containers. The measures have led to traffic and internet disruptions, causing significant inconvenience to the public. The government has defended its actions as necessary to maintain law and order in the face of escalating protests. Critics have raised concerns over the use of antiterrorism laws to suppress political dissent. The inclusion of prominent figures such as Bushra Bibi and Aleema Khan in these cases has sparked debate over the government’s approach to handling political opposition. Legal experts argue that the use of such stringent charges may lead to further polarization and unrest. Meanwhile, the PTI continues to rally its supporters, with leaders emphasizing their commitment to achieving their demands. “This is not just about one person; it’s about the future of Pakistan,” said Gandapur during his address to the protestors. As the protests grow in intensity, the government and PTI leadership remain at an impasse.
Pakistan, Belarus agree on early implementation of bilateral accords across multiple sectors ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan and Belarus on Tuesday agreed to expedite the realisation of bilateral agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as trade, agriculture, food, defense, and technology, with the goal of monetising their longstanding political and diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko made this announcement during a joint press briefing after their bilateral talks and delegation-level meetings. Both leaders agreed to solidify the understanding reached between them and convert it into actionable agreements by February of next year. Earlier, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of significant
agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) covering a range of areas, including environmental protection, disaster management, halal trade, auditing institutions, financial intelligence sharing, vocational education, and science & technology. One of the key outcomes of the discussions was the signing of the “Roadmap for Comprehensive Cooperation between Pakistan and Belarus for 2025-2027,” which outlines a strategic framework for enhancing economic ties through high-level meetings, inter-governmental commissions, and focused collaborative initiatives. Speaking to the media, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the deepening relationship between Pakistan and Belarus. He described their “productive” discussions, highlighting cooperation across several sectors, including commerce, tourism, defense,
and food security. The Prime Minister lauded President Lukashenko’s commitment to transforming the bilateral understandings into tangible agreements and actions. Prime Minister Sharif further mentioned that both sides would meet later in the day to finalize the roadmap for cooperation in agriculture, joint ventures, mining, IT, and the potential for heavy machinery manufacturing. This will be followed by a subsequent meeting in Minsk to finalize agreements for signature in February next year by both leaders, converting these into concrete actions. During the talks, the situation in Gaza was also discussed, with Prime Minister Sharif expressing his concern over the loss of 45,000 lives and the failure to implement a ceasefire despite UN resolutions and a ruling by the International Court of Justice. He
thanked President Lukashenko for Belarus’ support on the Kashmir issue, stating that
global peace would remain elusive until such issues are resolved.