by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | courts, judiciaries, news, politics, politics and law
On Monday (today), a larger bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) will reconvene hearings for over 20 cases linked to meetings involving Imran Khan. This expanded panel, led by Acting Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar along with Justices Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Azam Khan, will continue their proceedings. At the previous session, Adiala Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum testified before the court asserting that Khan had received unscheduled visits exceeding the guidelines set forth in the jail manual.
In response, the IHC bench instructed the jail authorities to submit a comprehensive report and asked them to explain the protocols observed during these visits. Concerning this issue, the Acting Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) established a broader panel to examine matters associated with interactions between officials and PTI leader Imran Khan at Adiala Jail.
Previously, a divisional bench presided over by Judge Dogar ruled that all cases pertaining to encounters with Imran Khan should be combined into one case file and addressed collectively before a larger tribunal. This directive was delivered when the bench considered a plea submitted by Adiala Jail’s acting warden, Abdul Ghafoor Anjum, requesting the amalgamation of various lawsuits concerning Imran Khan’s visitations.
The prison official filed the application via legal representative Naveed Malik, asserting that standard operating procedures for such meetings had been finalized within internal appeals; however, numerous separate panels continued to handle analogous requests.
He argued that the superintendent, who oversees thousands of inmates, must appear before the IHC five days each week, emphasizing that consolidating cases was crucial for improving efficiency. The petitioner pointed out numerous outstanding petitions concerning Khan’s visiting privileges, along with contradictory rulings from various courts regarding this matter.
He argued, “To maintain judicial coherence, it is crucial for all interconnected cases to be combined before either a unified or an expanded panel. This ensures consistent rulings and facilitates the proper implementation of legal instructions.” Anjum stated further, “Denying this plea will lead to irreversible damage to the petitioner and undermine the smooth management of correctional facilities.”
Superintendent Anjum clarified that Khan was provided accommodations according to established protocols outlined in March 2024. These included scheduled meetings with attorneys, relatives, and acquaintances twice weekly. Additionally, he mentioned that Khan could occasionally communicate via WhatsApp calls with his children based on compassionate considerations. Furthermore, Khan enjoyed access to all benefits afforded by the Pakistan Prison Rules of 1978.
He additionally mentioned that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were revised in November 2024, stipulating that the petitioner—the superintendent—must obtain the list of visitors directly from Khan. This requirement was adhered to by the relevant authorities as well.
The petition asserted, “As per Article 5 of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, every executive and judicial authority holds an unbreakable obligation to adhere to the Constitution and statutory laws.”
The presence of numerous comparable appeals concerning Respondent No. 1’s visiting privileges before various divisions of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and the delivery of inconsistent rulings have posed significant challenges and ambiguity for the prison authorities,” argued the petitioner. Consequently, he requested that these connected cases be assigned to one unified division or an enlarged panel within this court to guarantee consistent judgment and efficient enforcement of legal directives in the pursuit of fairness.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | armed forces, military, national security, politics, politics and government
President Pakistan Ex-servicemen Society, Senator Lt Gen (Retd) Abdul Qayyum has said that some political elements were plunging the public into confusion by spreading rumours about possible military operations in the country.
He told the journalists in Islamabad that some politicians are seeking inexpensive publicity and advancing their political ambitions by disseminating false information regarding military activities within the nation, thus confusing the populace. The senator further stated that internal military actions are required solely when there are regions of defiance and ‘No-Go’ zones inside our boundaries. Currently, no such territories exist where our armed forces cannot operate. Consequently, as the general pointed out, only intelligence-led missions are underway, aimed at eliminating terrorist strongholds and dormant cell structures.
In the same vein, he pointed out that no nation can ignore unlawful migrants, as some might collaborate with terrorists and assist them. Consequently, the administration has set March 31st as the deadline for deportations.
Our opponents have consistently attempted to undermine our nation’s army, which is crucial for safeguarding our country. Upon examining our past, it becomes evident that our security personnel have made immense sacrifices to counteract the malevolent plans of those who wish us harm,” General Abdul Qayyum added. He continued by stating, “It is imperative that we come together and confront these antagonistic entities, neutralizing their harmful objectives. We should advocate for robust measures against individuals threatening the state and work towards ensuring Pakistan is protected from every possible danger.
‘In today’s world, it is crucial for us to come together and safeguard the integrity of our nation. We should show no compassion towards those who aid and facilitate terrorists.’
He stated that loving the homeland ought to be both our shared enthusiasm and responsibility. He emphasized that when the nation’s integrity is threatened, all Pakistanis should come forth to combat any adversary. The ‘Pakistan Ex Servicemen Society’ wholeheartedly backs the bravery of our armed forces and urges nationwide collaboration with law enforcement and security agencies. They also advocate for swift legal measures against captured terrorists, aiming to rid our country of terrorism once and for all.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | foreign relations of pakistan, government, government of pakistan, politics, politics and government
On Sunday, President Asif Ali Zardari honored 67 individuals—including both national figures and international contributors—with Pakistan’s prestigious civilian awards for their exceptional contributions across multiple sectors such as healthcare, education, literature, journalism, diplomacy, economic development, and more. This honorific event took place at Aiwan-e-Sadr where distinguished guests like cabinet members, parliamentary leaders, representatives from civic organizations, foreign envoys, journalists, along with many others gathered.
The posthumously awarded Nishan-i-Pakistan went to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the late Prime Minister and founding leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). His daughter, Sanam Bhutto, accepted this accolade on his behalf. Among those receiving honors under varying classifications were:
1. Posthumous recipient Air Marshal (retired) Raja Shahid Hamid—Nishan-i-Imtiaz.
2. Late Sultan Ali Akbar Allana—Nishan-i-Khidmat.
3. Posthumous honoree SP Muhammad Ejaz Khan—Hilal-i-Shujaat.
4. Posthumous awardees DSP Allama Iqbal, DSP Sardar Hussain, Constable Irshad Ali, and Constable Jahanzeb—all recognized with the Hilal-i-Shujaat.
5. Posthumous laureate Additional Sub Inspector General Adnan Afridi—Shaheed Hilal-i-Shujaat.
6. Recipient SI Taimoor Shahzad also earned a posthumous Shaheed Hilal-i-Shujaat distinction.
7. Similarly, deceased LHC Mohammed Farooq, Sepoy Muhammed Asif, and Allah Rakho received posthumous Shaheed Hilal-i-Shujaats respectively.
8. Living recipients include Dr. Tauqir Hussain Shah, Captain Retd. Khurram Agha, Ali Haider Gillani, Khawaja Anwer Mujeeb, Hussein Dawood, Prof. Dr. Sherry Ariff, Dr. Zarib Sethna, Javed Jabbar, Ms. Sadia Rashid, Amir Hafeez Ibrahim, Jimmy Engineer, Omar Farouk, Dr. Naveed Sherwani, among several others bestowed with either Hilal-i-Imtiyaz or Sitara-i-Imtiyaz distinctions.
9. Some notable mentions within these groups are:
– Capt. Retd. Hamza Anjam and Malik Sabzar Ali—who garnered Sitara-i-Shujaat posthumously.
– Mr. Muhammad Sameer Rahman, Ahmad Ishak Janjgair, Dr. Ghufran Muhammad Alai, Irfan Naiz Mammon, Sardaar Muhammad Attaf Ahktab Wattu, Dr. Hamid Attiq Sawr, and Ali Saleem Habib (honored posthumously)—all presented with Sitara-i-Imtiyaz.
Further recognitions extended through Presidential Prizes for Outstanding Achievement Awards going to Naveed Ahmed Fareedi, Mrs. Anita Barono, and Barkat Shaw, alongside Honors including Hayder Kurbonov, Dr. Christian Brunschild, Augusto Da Polentsa, Professor Valesya Picentinii, Syed Shakiel Sah, Assaad Jawwas, Amine Mohamed Lakhaoni, Reyhan Matheeb Chaola, Syed Jawwaad Husayn Jaafari, Professor Drus Osmaun Karim, Madame Doctor Sarah Kurashi, Iskaramullah, Mohamma Yusuf Khan, Sir War Munir Rawoh, Hasan Ayob, Mister Syud Abdul Mehd Kazemi, Mer Nasir Kan Marji, and Doctor Sin Min Liu all merited Tamgha-i-Pakistan or Tamgha-i-Imitiyz decorations based on their respective merits.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | news, politics, politics and government, politics and law, protests
Istanbul witnessed protests for the fifth straight day as crowds rallied against the detention of the city’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoğlu. He was arrested on Wednesday on allegations of corruption and terrorism, but he denies all accusations and has urged people across Turkey to participate in widespread demonstrations.
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Even though the government had prohibited demonstrations, substantial groups of people assembled close to City Hall, confronting a robust law enforcement contingent. Tensions escalated into altercations when police utilized pepper spray against both demonstrators and members of the press.
Imamoğlu, an important opposition leader and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s primary opponent, was detained along with more than 100 others. His followers argue that these accusations are politically driven, following the ruling party’s losses in recent electoral contests.
Authorities have closed off roads and increased security protocols; however, the demonstrations persist, making these the biggest protests in Turkey in over ten years. The Interior Ministry reports that over a thousand individuals have been detained during the past five days.
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | government, news, politics, politics and government, politics and law
Islamabad [
Pakistan
On March 24 (ANI): The
Islamabad High Court
(
IHC
) has reinstated biweekly meetings for
Pakistan
‘s former Prime Minister
Imran Khan
in
Adiala Jail
According to The Express Tribune, the court has instructed visitors not to make political statements after these meetings.
The High Court directive handed down on Monday permits
Pakistan
Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder
Imran Khan
To meet with his family and legal team on Tuesdays, whereas he can see his friends on Thursdays. Nonetheless, attendance is limited to those who have been approved.
Imran Khan
‘s coordinator, lawyer
Salman Akram Raja
will have the opportunity to meet Khan.
At the hearing, the court expressed worries about visitors utilizing jail visits to convey political messages. The Acting Chief Justice of
Islamabad High Court
Sarfaraz Dogar
mentioned that guests ought to “arrive and depart” and stressed that interacting with journalists was not required.
The court instructed visitors to sign a document guaranteeing that they wouldn’t make any public comments after the meetings. Authorities at the jail justified earlier actions by referring to security concerns and mentioned that they combined Khan’s visitations into a single day from two days to mitigate these risks. However, the court dismissed this reasoning, emphasizing that visits should occur every other week.
Imran Khan
were authorized in an earlier decision.
Meanwhile,
Imran Khan
His legal representatives asserted that planned meetings were being unjustly refused.
PTI founder
The attorney for ‘s lawyer, Zaheer Abbas, mentioned that the planned meeting on March 20 didn’t occur, even though they requested it multiple times, according to The Express Tribune.
Justice Dogar directed
Imran Khan
Lawyers for ‘s attorneys may request separate proceedings at the trial court if they wish to obtain permission for his children to visit him. This ruling from the court emerges amidst ongoing legal struggles.
Imran Khan
Who has been imprisoned since August 2023 following conviction in corruption cases. After transitioning from an under-trial detainee to a convicted inmate, Khan’s rights within the prison have been altered.
The jail administration mentioned that visits ought to be limited for security purposes. Nevertheless, the court underlined that discussions of a political nature should not take place before or after these visitations.
Imran Khan
.
Imran Khan
The attorneys informed the court that visitors would adhere to the new limitations imposed by the judge.
Following the court’s ruling,
Imran Khan
His legal advisors and backers will have the opportunity to meet with him two times each week. Nevertheless, breaching the media blackout could lead to additional legal proceedings, according to The Express Tribune.
The directive released by the authorities
Islamabad High Court
is seen as minor respite from the
PTI founder
Moreover, limitations placed on making political declarations indicate judicial efforts to prevent jail gatherings from turning into venues for political communication. (ANI)
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | international relations, military, news, politics, politics and law
Two U.S. conservative periodicals have urged the Trump administration to remove its forces from the Kogălniceanu Base in Romania, arguing that the choice was “undemocratic.”
block Călin Georgescu’s candidacy
And the significant expense associated with the base.
The
first article
Published in The American Conservative, the article entitled “It’s Time to Sever Ties with Romania” is penned by Anthony J. Constantini. In this piece, the author criticizes Romania’s Constitutional Court.
canceling the 2024 presidential elections
and prohibiting Calin Georgescu from participating again. He states this
condemnations issued by U.S. Vice President JD Vance
serve as a positive initial move, yet “the Trump administration should take additional steps by utilizing this chance to clearly state its intention to withdraw troops and support from Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base.”
Days later,
another article
In an opinion piece published on the conservative platform The National Interest, it was suggested that “reassessing” America’s ties with Romania could serve as a foundational move towards overhauling NATO. Like in the previous article, the writer mentions how far-right pro-Russian contender Calin Georgescu was disqualified from contesting the presidency. Additionally, the author contends that the decisions of the Romanian Constitutional Court were made under the endorsement of the Biden administration.
“Pulling out troops from Romania might unsettle NATO, indeed, yet it would showcase America’s determination and spur Europeans into taking concrete steps toward strategic independence rather than merely discussing it. Such a move could also serve as leverage to motivate Russia to stop combat operations in Ukraine, considering their longstanding concern over NATO forces advancing further east,” writes author Michael Hall.
The two articles could potentially signal a significant change in the relationship between the United States and Romania. During an interview,
HotNews
According to security expert Iulia Joja, the possibility of troop withdrawal from the base by the US remains plausible.
“In just a couple of days, two articles emerged suggesting this might be part of a coordinated effort. Upon closer examination, they share common threads, focusing specifically on the Kogălniceanu base. We could have potentially discussed another location like the one in Deveselu instead,” said Iulia Joja, who teaches at both Georgetown and George Washington Universities.
Furthermore, in each instance, an immediate connection exists between the creator or distributor of the publication and Russia. Dmitri Simes, who previously served as the CEO of the Center for the National Interest, hails from Moscow and reportedly sustains connections to Russia, as reported by U.S. media outlets. The writer behind the piece in The American Conservative, Anthony J. Constantini, pursued his education in Vienna and earned a Master’s degree in arms control and strategic studies from Saint Petersburg State University.
Russia has frequently objected to the presence of the Kogălniceanu base. The decision to withdraw might align with the Trump administration’s approach of extreme accommodation towards Putin.
Joja states that for Russia, having a military base – which happens to be one of NATO’s biggest installations – where troops from Western countries such as America, France, Britain, or Germany could be deployed poses a significant issue.
“The expert emphasized that we should not view these as mere coincidences, particularly considering the connections between certain authors, publishers, and Russian affiliations. Additionally, it is noteworthy how closely aligned the statements made by the Trump administration about the eastern flank, European security, and Ukraine align with Russia’s strategic objectives,” she added. “Given this alignment, Russian intelligence services would logically advocate for policies aimed at hindering NATO expansions, such as the development of the Kogălniceanu military base, using whatever means necessary—even fabricated information,” the analyst concluded.
Shutting down the base would directly contradict this.
earlier statement
According to reports from US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, in February he informed Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu that the military bases in Romania would not only remain but also undergo expansion.
By February 2025, approximately 5,000 foreign troops were stationed in Romania, with just 1,500 being Americans distributed across three main locations: Kogălniceanu, Deveselu, and Câmpia Turzii. Among these sites, Kogălniceanu accommodates the most personnel at roughly 1,000 soldiers. In contrast, Poland hosts around 10,000 U.S. military members within its borders.
radu@romania-insider.com
(Photo credit: Inquam Photos/George Calin)
