KP SENATE POLLS: PTI SECURES SIX, OPPOSITION WINS FIVE SEATS In partnership with
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Tuesday, 22 July, 2025 | 26 Muharram, 1447
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PTI’S MURAD SAEED, FAISAL JAVED, NOORUL HAQ QADRI, MIRZA AFRIDI, AZAM SWATI AND RUBINA NAZ WIN WITH CLEAR MAJORITY
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 14 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
OPPOSITION’S NIAZ AHMED, ATTAUL HAQ DARWAISH, TALHA MAHMOOD, RUBINA KHALID, DILAWAR KHAN SECURE VICTORY
HAFIZ ABDUL KARIM OF PML-N TRIUMPHS IN PUNJAB ASSEMBLY ELECTION
PTI hails KP Senate polls victory as ‘triumph of loyalty, ideology’ ISLAMABAD
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PESHAWAR
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AKISTAN Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secured six of the 11 Senate seats from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) as polling concluded on Monday, following a seat-sharing arrangement between the government and opposition. According to unofficial results, PTI won six seats while the opposition alliance, made up of PPP, PML-N, and JUI-F, secured five seats in the longawaited Senate polls. Voting was held in the KP Assembly’s Jirga Hall, where all 145 members cast their votes. Polling started at 11am and continued until 5:30 pm. PTI candidates Murad Saeed, Faisal Javed, Allama Noorul Haq Qadri and
Mirza Afridi won general seats securing 26, 22, 21, and 21 votes, respectively. From the opposition side, PML-N’s Niaz Ahmed, JUI-F’s Attaul Haq Darwaish, and PPP’s Talha Mahmood also secured seats with 19, 18, and 17 votes. In the women’s category, PTI’s Rubina Naz was elected with 89 votes, followed by PPP’s Rubina Khalid with 52 votes. For technocrat seats, PTI’s Azam Swati won with 89 votes, while JUI-F’s Dilawar Khan secured 54 votes. The voting followed a pre-decided power-sharing deal between the ruling party and opposition, under which PTI was allotted six seats and the opposition five. This arrangement helped avoid political confrontation and reduced the chances of horse-trading, which had been a concern in the past. Despite internal friction and some PTI
IHC serves show-cause notice to PM, federal cabinet in Dr Aafia case ISLAMABAD
Staff report
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) congratulated all members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly for their unwavering ideological commitment and the newly elected party senators, stating that this victory represents not just the winning of a few Senate seats, but a triumph of loyalty, sacrifice and principled politics. In a statement issued by PTI Central Media Department here on Monday, PTI Spokesperson said that the party achieved a remarkable victory by successfully electing all six of its nominated candidates in the polling for 11 Senate seats from the provincial assembly. He said that the winning candidates included four candidates on general seats, one on the technocrat seat, candidates refusing to withdraw, the party’s leadership managed to rally support for its main nominees. The opposition, meanwhile, fielded its candidates through a joint strategy and achieved its target. Speaking after the voting, Opposition Leader Dr. Ibad thanked the allied parties for their support and said the process showed mutual respect for each other’s
and one on the women’s reserved seat. “This historic success is clear evidence of the unwavering loyalty, dedication, and ideological commitment of PTI’s elected members to their party, their leadership, and their vision,” he added. PTI spokesperson stated that the party leadership showed their commitment to continue the journey for truth, justice and public representation under the fearless leadership of Imran Khan — triumphing through every test and trial. It was said that prior to the election, various quarters engaged in negative propaganda and peddled conspiracy narratives, suggesting that PTI MPAs might defect, sell their conscience, or refuse to vote for the party’s nominees. “Today’s results have completely debunked such baseless rumors,” he added.
mandate. JUI-F’s Maulana Attaul Haq promised to use his Senate role to advocate for peace and jobs in the province. A total of 25 candidates had contested for the 11 seats — seven general, two technocrat, and two reserved for women — with several candidates withdrawing ahead of the vote.
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PM underlines joint efforts to revolutionize healthcare system ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD Mian abrar
Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi on Monday said that those involved in illegal immigration should be dealt with an iron hand. Chairing a high-level meeting during his visit to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) headquarters in Islamabad, he said that there should be a ruthless crackdown against such people and a policy of zero tolerance should be adopted against them. “It is the FIA’s responsibility to tighten the noose around such individuals who bring a bad name to the country.” He said that the FIA would have to come up to the expectations not only of the government, but also of the people so that it could be granted more incentives. The interior minister directed the Agency to set up special counters at airports so that the process of immigration could be fast-tracked to facilitate the passengers. Naqvi also directed that there should be immediate recruitment in the FIA against vacant seats. He, on the occasion, also sought from the concerned officials a masterplan for the restoration of the headquarters’ building. “The FIA Academy should be shifted to a newly allotted plot,” he directed. He also sought a comprehensive plan for the reorganization of the Agency on modern lines. The minister also ordered the restoration of Karachi’s zonal office at the earliest. He also approved the procurement of new technology and weapons for the Agency. The FIA DG Raja Rifaat Mukhtar briefed him about the reforms being introduced in the department. Later, he went to the memorials of the FIA martyrs and laid floral wreaths there.
Salman Akram Raja announces nationwide PTI protest for August 5 ISLAMABAD
Staff report
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The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a showcause notice to the federal cabinet for contempt of court in the case pertaining to the release and repatriation of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. The hearing, presided over by Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan, was held on a petition filed by Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui, sister of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, who is currently imprisoned in the United States. Justice Ijaz Ishaq expressed strong displeasure over the federal government’s failure to submit a report explaining its refusal to assist in Dr. Aafia’s case before a U.S. court, despite being directed to do so in June. “If the federal government’s report is not presented, I will summon the entire cabinet. Why shouldn’t contempt proceedings be initiated against all cabinet members, including the Prime Minister?” the judge remarked. The court granted the government time to submit the report, warning of serious legal consequences for further delays. The hearing was attended by Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui’s lawyer, Imran Shafiq, and Additional Attorney General Rashid Hafeez, representing the federal government. The judge emphasized that he was determined to provide justice, even on a holiday, and would not allow administrative powers to obstruct judicial authority. “In the past, the judges’ roster has been used to influence decisions in specific cases. I will not let justice be defeated,” Justice Ijaz declared. He vowed to use his judicial powers to uphold the dignity of the high court. Earlier, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted time to the federal government for the submission of a report to explain that why it is refusing to cooperate in the US court on Dr. Aafia’s case. The court expressed serious displeasure over the government’s continued failure to submit a report explaining its stance.
Naqvi orders ‘ruthless’ crackdown on those involved in illegal immigration
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday stressed upon bringing about revolution in the healthcare sector with coordinated efforts and determination by all the stakeholders. Addressing a ceremony after launching ceremony of digital system for licensing, registration of medical devices, the prime minister expressed the hope that under the new digital system, the applications for registration of medical services and equipment would be decided within 20 days in a transparent and merit-based system. Regretting the inordinate delays in the registration process of medical services in the past, he referred to Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) as “Drag, not DRAP, as it was dragging the process not for months but for years. The reasons were known to all.” The prime minister, citing issues in the health sector, recollected that during his tenure as Punjab chief minister, he had sent samples of certain cardiovascular drugs aboard for testing after reports indicated a number of deaths in the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, adding later, the reports from London, etc. indicated that these drugs were meant to treat malaria and not heart patients which were
not handled properly by DRAP. The prime minister said that he had brought Major Gen. (retd) Azhar Mahmood Kayani to Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, who by virtue of his hard work and dedication, transformed the facility as remarkable. The prime minister underscored that the country needed such health facilities. He also recollected that during his tenure as chief minister, his government allocated a huge budget for provision of free of cost medicines at the governmentrun hospitals during 2014-15. The 60 percent samples of those drugs proved to be below standards, he said, adding later, under his strict directive, provision of quality medicines free of cost was ensured. Besides, his provin-
cial government also set up laboratories across the province to facilitate the poor and deprived people. He also appreciated the Minister for National Health Services Mustafa Kamal for his hard efforts to introduce reforms in the health sector. The minister also took notice of closure of hospitals and now they would be revived, he added. The prime minister emphasized that if they decided to bring about revolution in the health sector, it might be a difficult task but not impossible. “There may be mountains like hurdles, but if we decide with determination to negotiate them and move ahead, then nothing can hamper the way towards progress and prosperity. The hard work does not go in vain,” he further stressed.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has called for a nationwide protest on August 5, urging the public to rally behind what he described as a “historic movement.” Framing the party’s struggle as a fight for national sovereignty rather than mere political survival, Raja appealed for mass participation to defend democratic rights. Addressing a press conference in Lahore on Monday alongside senior PTI leaders, he condemned what he called unconstitutional actions targeting PTI lawmakers, describing a broader crackdown on dissent. He criticised the Punjab Assembly’s decision to send references against 26 PTI members to the Election Commission of Pakistan, calling the move unlawful and politically motivated. “Our members will continue to raise their voices against this unconstitutional step,” he said. Raja accused the government of systematically sidelining over 100 elected PTI members through the manipulation of Form-47 during the electoral process. “This is not just political engineering—it is an assault on the people’s mandate,” he asserted. He further alleged that the May 9 protests were deliberately misrepresented, claiming that what began as a peaceful demonstration was later portrayed as a violent conspiracy. He called for the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the events and demanded the release of CCTV footage to substantiate the allegations made against PTI supporters. “In jail, Imran Khan continues to praise our assembly members for standing firm,” Raja noted, adding that the PTI founder has been denied both legal and family access and is being subjected to harsh conditions, including long hours without ventilation. He warned that Pakistan’s political and judicial systems were at a critical juncture, describing July 21 as potentially “a dark day in political and judicial history.”
14 suspects arrested after shocking ‘honour killing’ of couple in Balochistan QUETTA
Staff report
At least 14 suspects have been arrested following the release of a disturbing video showing a woman and a man being shot and killed in what is believed to be an “honour killing” in Balochistan. The couple, who were not identified, were murdered after marrying against their families’ wishes, and the killing was reportedly ordered by a local tribal council. The video, which quickly went viral on social media, led to an investigation by provincial authorities. In a statement on Monday, Balochistan’s Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti confirmed that the identities and location of those involved had been identified, and a case was registered against them. The chilling footage shows the woman and man in a desert, surrounded by pickup trucks. The woman, holding a copy of the
Koran, tells the man, “Come walk seven steps with me, after that you can shoot me.” The man follows her, and she does not cry or plead for mercy. In the regional Brahavi language, she tells him, “You are allowed only to shoot me. Nothing more than that.” The man then shoots her from close range after she turns her back. She remains standing after two shots, collapsing after the third. The video shows a series of gunshots before the man is also shot. The footage ends with both bodies being fired upon. The authenticity of the video could not be independently verified by Reuters. Human rights organizations have condemned the killing, with the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan reporting at least 405 “honour killings” in 2024. Most victims are women, with killings often carried out by relatives under the guise of defending family honor. Political leaders have strongly condemned the crime. PPP Chairman Bilawal
Bhutto Zardari called the suspects “beasts” and emphasized that they should not be given any concessions. He expressed faith that those responsible for the murder would face justice soon. “This murder should be a test case for the Balochistan government, as it is gender terrorism,” he added. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also condemned the killing, urging the people of Balochistan to stand up against the unjust system. He reminded them that the perpetrators of such oppression are often their own kin, not outsiders. PPP Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman called the incident an “unforgivable crime,” stressing that denying the right to marry is a violation of fundamental human rights. She called for an end to the cycle of violence in the name of “honour” and for closing the chapter of oppression under tribal councils. “Killing in the name of tribal decisions is a despicable act,” she stated.
BHC chief justice takes notice of couple’s killing in Balochistan QUETTA
Staff report
Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Rozi Khan on Monday took notice of the killing of a couple in Degari, who were shot dead in an apparent case of honour killing. The chief justice summoned the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and the Inspector General of Police on July 22 to explain the matter. The inhumane killing was captured in a viral video circulating on social media. The footage, which depicts a group of men escorting a man and a woman into a desert
area in Balochistan before fatally shooting them, has sparked widespread outrage, with activists and political leaders condemning it as an ‘honour’ killing. Meanwhile, a judicial magistrate in Quetta has ordered the exhumation of the bodies. The exhumation is being carried out in the presence of the magistrate, in compliance with court orders. An FIR has been registered at the Hanna Urak Police Station. At least 20 suspects have been arrested so far in the case. The incident—where a man and woman were shot dead in the name of honour—surfaced through a video that went viral a few days ago.