PTI-and-PMLN

Government Invites PTI to Resume Dialogue, Says Talks Can Be Held at Parliament House

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The federal government has once again invited the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to resume negotiations in an effort to address political issues through dialogue.

According to details, PTI leader Aamir Dogar met National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, government representatives extended a fresh invitation to the PTI for negotiations, saying that talks could be held at the location proposed by the party within the Parliament House.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that dialogue remains the only solution to political issues. He added that the ball is now in PTI’s court regarding the negotiations.

Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry further said that the Prime Minister’s invitation to the Leader of the Opposition for talks has not yet received a response. He expressed hope that the PTI would take the government’s invitation for dialogue seriously.

Also Read: Ahsan Iqbal Wins Defamation Case Against PTI Leader Murad Saeed

Hafiz Naeem

Jamaat-e-Islami to Hold Nationwide Protest on Aug. 7 Against Petroleum Levy: Hafiz Naeemur Rehman

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LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced a nationwide protest against the petroleum levy on Friday, Aug. 7, saying it will be a decisive show of public strength against what he described as an unjust financial burden on the people.

According to a statement issued from the party’s headquarters at Mansoora, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said millions of citizens were expected to participate in the protest. He said demonstrators would stage sit-ins on major highways and block roads connecting districts in an effort to compel the government to provide relief to the public.

He said preparations for the protest movement had entered the final stage, with Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and workers across the country actively engaging different segments of society through public outreach, corner meetings and awareness campaigns to ensure the success of what he described as a historic protest.

Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said the protest was not being held for any political interest but to defend the rights of every Pakistani struggling under inflation, unemployment and what he called the unbearable burden of taxes.

He also announced that he would address a women’s protest against the petroleum levy on Aug. 6 at Wahdat Road in Lahore, organized by Jamaat-e-Islami’s women’s wing. He said women would also raise their voices against what he termed anti-public economic policies.

The JI chief made a special appeal to young people to come out on their motorcycles on Aug. 7, bring them onto the roads and peacefully block highways to make the protest successful. He emphasized that the protest would remain entirely peaceful and that only ambulances and emergency service vehicles would be allowed to pass.

Also Read: Six Arrested in PTI Leader Abdullah Tahir Murder Case, Hunt for Main Suspects Continues

Hafiz Naeemur Rehman warned the government against creating obstacles to what he described as the public’s constitutional and democratic right to protest. He said that if the authorities attempted to suppress the public’s voice, the government would bear full responsibility for the consequences.

He demanded the immediate abolition of the petroleum levy, a review of expensive agreements with independent power producers (IPPs), an end to electricity load-shedding, and immediate and effective measures to control inflation.

Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said Jamaat-e-Islami’s peaceful public movement would continue until what he described as oppressive economic policies imposed on the people were withdrawn.

KP CM Sohail Afridi

Sohail Afridi Announces Islamabad March on Sept. 27 if Imran Khan Demands Are Not Met

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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Wednesday announced a march to Islamabad on September 27 and presented a series of demands to the government regarding former prime minister Imran Khan.

Addressing a large public gathering in Peshawar marking the completion of three years since Imran Khan’s arrest, the chief minister demanded that justice be provided to the former prime minister and that he be released.

Afridi also called for all cases against Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to be heard strictly on merit and in accordance with justice.

He further demanded that restrictions on meetings with Imran Khan be lifted, allowing party leaders, family members and doctors to meet him.

The chief minister warned that if these demands were not accepted, supporters would march towards Islamabad on September 27, adding that “no one will be able to stop” the march.

During his speech, Afridi said that Imran Khan’s return would bring peace to the country, improve the economy and put Pakistan on the path to progress and prosperity.

He also urged party workers that if they wanted to see Imran Khan return, supporters living abroad should arrive in Pakistan by September 20, saying that “something is going to happen” on September 27.

Also Read: PTI Announces August 5 Rally and Nationwide Protests to Demand Imran Khan’s Release

Mohsin Naqvi

PM Should Order Third-Party Evaluation of All Ministries and Make Results Public: Mohsin Naqvi

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Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that he will advise the prime minister to conduct a performance review of all federal cabinet ministers.

Speaking to a representative of a private television channel, the interior minister made it clear that the current system was not going anywhere and would complete its constitutional term of five years.

Responding to criticism directed at him, Naqvi said he was thankful to those who claimed that he had completed a 30-year journey within three years.

The interior minister further said that the prime minister should order a third-party evaluation of the performance of all federal ministries and place the results before the public.

Also Read: Pakistan’s Efforts for US-Iran Ceasefire Agreement Continue as Mohsin Naqvi Arrives in Tehran

MQM

Police Register FIR Over Clash Between Two MQM Groups Near Party Headquarters

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KARACHI: Police have registered a first information report (FIR) on behalf of the state over a clash between two groups near the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) headquarters in Karachi’s Bahadurabad area.

According to police, the FIR has been lodged under charges including attempted murder, terrorism, aerial firing, rioting and other relevant provisions of the law. The case was registered on the complaint of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Mirza Anwar Baig.

According to the FIR, the incident took place at around 8pm near Bahadurabad Club in the Small Market area, where two groups clashed.

The report stated that Amir sustained gunshot injuries in the firing, while Asad and Kashir were injured during the fight and rioting.

Police sources said that Azhar, also known as Lamba, and Zeeshan Habib were accompanied by 20 to 25 individuals. The two groups allegedly exchanged aerial fire and engaged in a violent altercation, causing panic among residents of the area.

Police said that no political group has been named in the FIR, while the cause of the clash has also not been mentioned in the case.

Also Read: Mustafa Kamal Claims Khalid Maqbool Undermined Waseem Akhtar’s Governor Nomination

imran khan

Adiala Jail Report Rejects Claims of Solitary Confinement of Imran Khan

by with No Comment Crime & Court

ISLAMABAD: Adiala Jail authorities have denied that former prime minister Imran Khan is being held in solitary confinement, according to a report submitted to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) after he completed three years in Adiala Jail.

The report was filed by the Superintendent of Adiala Jail ahead of a hearing on a petition regarding alleged solitary confinement. Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro is scheduled to hear the case on Thursday.

In the report, the jail superintendent rejected allegations that Imran Khan was being kept in solitary confinement or subjected to discriminatory or unequal treatment.

The report stated that the practice of solitary confinement in prisons has largely been abolished and is no longer in use. It added that no prisoner, including Imran Khan, is being held in solitary confinement at Adiala Jail.

According to the report, Imran Khan has been convicted and is serving his sentence in accordance with the law. It said he is being treated in line with the legal provisions applicable to other prisoners and that no discriminatory or unequal treatment is being extended to him. However, as a better-class prisoner, he has been provided with certain additional facilities permitted under prison rules.

The report further stated that, due to his status as a former prime minister and political party leader, special security arrangements have been made for him. Ordinary inmates are not allowed access to his residential area. It added that the facilities available to him also demonstrate that he is not being kept in solitary confinement, as he is able to move freely throughout a seven-cell compound during the day.

According to the report, Imran Khan remains inside his cell only during specified hours at night. Jail officers and staff remain in regular contact with him regarding his needs, while the Deputy Superintendent of Jail meets him as part of routine duties and also holds special meetings with him.

Also Read: PTI Announces August 5 Rally and Nationwide Protests to Demand Imran Khan’s Release

The report said the jail doctor examines Imran Khan three times daily, inspects his food, and checks his blood pressure, heartbeat, oxygen saturation and other vital signs. Additional medical examinations are also carried out whenever required.

It further stated that one full-time convicted prisoner has been assigned to prepare Imran Khan’s preferred meals three times a day. He is provided access to natural light, fresh air and exercise from sunrise until sunset, while his privacy is ensured in accordance with the jail manual.

The report said Imran Khan is free to move around and engage in activities of his choice until evening lock-up. His place of detention is secure and remains under constant monitoring, with an adequate number of staff deployed. Jail authorities also regularly review the security arrangements around his place of detention.

Under prison rules, Imran Khan is allowed to meet his wife, Bushra Bibi, every Tuesday. He is also regularly provided with newspapers and books of his choice.

The report further referred to an inspection conducted on February 10 by Salman Safdar in his capacity as a friend of the court. According to the report, Safdar inspected Imran Khan’s accommodation and detention conditions and subsequently submitted his findings to the Supreme Court, concluding that his custody and living conditions were appropriate and satisfactory, with no indication whatsoever of solitary confinement.

Rejecting the allegations made by petitioner Aleema Khan, the Superintendent of Adiala Jail described the claims as speculative and baseless and requested the Islamabad High Court to declare the petition without merit and dismiss it.

2920afd1-84ce-4d65-ad98-833da97f375e

Amnesty International Urges Pakistan to Restore Imran Khan’s Rights Ahead of Detention Anniversary

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ISLAMABAD: Amnesty International has called on the Pakistani authorities to restore former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s access to his family, legal counsel and adequate medical care, ahead of the third anniversary of his detention.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Isabelle Lassee, Amnesty International’s Acting Regional Director for South Asia, alleged that Pakistani authorities have denied Khan the right to a fair trial, subjected him to prolonged solitary confinement and restricted his access to medical treatment and family visits.

According to Amnesty International, Khan has not been allowed to meet his family for more than eight months, while his eyesight has reportedly deteriorated significantly. The organization also said that both Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi Khan, have been denied regular access to legal counsel since December 2025.

“Amnesty International urges the Pakistani authorities to unconditionally restore Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Khan’s right to see their family and lawyers. Both must be given access to adequate medical care and their solitary confinement, which is unlawful, should end immediately,” Lassee said.

The rights organization also urged the authorities to ensure that planned gatherings by Khan’s family, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and supporters to mark the anniversary of his detention can take place peacefully. It called on the government to facilitate the right to peaceful assembly and avoid what it described as unlawful and arbitrary crackdowns on protesters.

Background

Imran Khan, 72, was elected Prime Minister of Pakistan in 2018 and was removed from office in April 2022 through a parliamentary vote of no confidence. He was first arrested on May 9, 2023, triggering nationwide protests, and was taken into custody again on Aug. 5, 2023. He has remained detained since then.

Amnesty International said PTI has faced severe restrictions on its political activities since Khan’s removal from office and was barred from participating in the 2024 general election. The organization also said many PTI leaders and supporters arrested following the May 9, 2023, and Nov. 26, 2024, protests remain in detention on anti-terrorism charges, while 85 individuals have been convicted by military courts.

The organization reiterated its 2024 assessment that Khan’s imprisonment was unlawful and politically motivated. It noted that although Khan was acquitted in January 2025 in cases related to official secrets and his marriage to Bushra Bibi Khan, he is currently serving a 14-year prison sentence in a corruption case. Bushra Bibi Khan is serving a seven-year sentence in the same case. Both were also sentenced in December 2025 to an additional 17 years’ imprisonment in a case involving state gifts.

Amnesty International further noted that the UN Special Rapporteur on torture expressed concerns in December 2025 that the detention conditions of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Khan fell below international standards. It also referred to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which concluded in 2024 that Khan’s detention was arbitrary and violated international human rights law.
The Pakistani authorities have previously maintained that legal proceedings against Imran Khan are conducted in accordance with the country’s laws and judicial process.

PTV

ECC Approves Quarterly Rs3.25 Billion Grant for PTV

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Islamabad: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has approved a Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) for Pakistan Television Corporation (PTVC), under which the state broadcaster will receive Rs3.25 billion every quarter. The committee also approved Rs27.62 billion in sovereign guarantees for the construction of the Sialkot (Sambrial)-Kharian Motorway (M-12) project.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the ECC meeting approved several key decisions related to financial support for the public sector.

The committee considered a summary submitted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting regarding the release of a Technical Supplementary Grant for PTVC during the 2026-27 fiscal year.

After detailed deliberations, the ECC approved the release of Rs3.25 billion on a quarterly basis to help PTVC meet its operational and essential expenditures.

The committee also directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to present the matter before the ECC again within two months, along with a comprehensive plan for PTVC’s financial self-sustainability.

Also Read: Pakistan Issues New 2026 Guidelines for Registration and Accreditation of Foreign Media

The ECC also reviewed a summary submitted by the Ministry of Communications and approved the issuance of Rs27.62 billion in sovereign guarantees for the construction of the Sialkot (Sambrial)-Kharian Motorway (M-12) under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model.

The committee further approved the rollover of the previously issued Operational Viability Gap Funding (VGF) amounting to Rs6.944 billion for the project.

During the meeting, it was stated that the sovereign guarantees would facilitate the concessionaire in achieving the financial close of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project in accordance with the approved revised financial structure.

Strait of Hormuz

Cargo Ship Hit by Unknown Projectile Near Strait of Hormuz, Crew Abandons Vessel

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Muscat: A cargo ship was struck by an unknown projectile near the Omani coast close to the Strait of Hormuz, forcing the crew to abandon the vessel. One crew member has been reported missing following the incident.

According to foreign media reports, the targeted commercial vessel was the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Manoan Pioneer, which was transiting through the Strait of Hormuz at the time of the attack.

Maritime security sources said the projectile caused severe damage to the ship, prompting crew members to jump overboard to save their lives.

According to the British maritime risk management group Vanguard, the unidentified projectile struck the vessel’s engine room, triggering a fire in the crew accommodation area.

The crew initially attempted to extinguish the fire but were forced to evacuate after failing to bring the blaze under control. The ship’s third engineer remains missing, and search efforts are ongoing.

Following the incident, maritime security organizations operating in the region issued warnings to nearby vessels to remain vigilant. Rescue and search-and-rescue teams have also been dispatched to assist the affected ship.

The incident comes amid a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman in recent weeks, raising concerns among global shipping companies and energy markets.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime route through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies are transported. As a result, any attack in the area has immediate implications for global trade and international oil prices.

Also Read: US Interference in Strait of Hormuz Puts Entire Region at Risk: Iranian Military

FOSPAH

Employer Fined Rs500,000 for Terminating Employee During Maternity Leave

by with No Comment Crime & Court

Islamabad: The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPA) has declared the dismissal of a woman employee during her maternity leave as an act of harassment, imposing a fine of Rs500,000 on the employer and ordering the employee’s reinstatement.

The decision was issued after FOSPA heard a complaint filed by the woman employee. The ruling directs the private organization to pay a Rs500,000 penalty and restore the employee to her position after terminating her employment during maternity leave.

According to the decision, the employee had been granted six months of paid maternity leave from November 13, 2025, to May 13, 2026. However, during her leave, the management instructed her to return to work before the approved leave period had ended.

FOSPA stated that the complainant explained she was unable to resume duty early due to recovery from a C-section, the young age of her newborn child, and the lack of suitable childcare arrangements. Despite being on approved maternity leave, her official email account was deactivated without any disciplinary proceedings, warning, or show-cause notice.

The ruling further stated that the decision to terminate her employment was made while she was legally on approved maternity leave, and that she was pressured to resign before the expiry of her leave period.

FOSPA held that discrimination on the basis of maternity constitutes gender-based discrimination. As compensation for the harm caused to the complainant, the ombudsperson directed the employer to pay Rs500,000.

In addition, the organization has been directed to reinstate the employee and submit a compliance report, along with documentary evidence, to the Registrar within 15 days.

Also Read: Ombudsperson Upholds Demotion of Woman Officer in University Harassment Case