Bushra Bibi, wife of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been granted interim bail in a £190 million graft case. The case alleges that the couple received financial assistance for setting up an educational institution. Bibi will remain in prison due to a separate conviction related to her marriage to Khan, which was ruled unlawful.
Despite failing to reach the Super Eight stage of the recently concluded T20 World Cup, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Ireland have secured automatic qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The qualification was based on their high rankings in the ICC T20I Team Rankings.
Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State, condemned terrorism and expressed hope for improved relations between India and Pakistan. He emphasized the US’s deepening ties with India, particularly in economic and security cooperation, while acknowledging the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
Pakistan has initiated the second phase of its controversial plan to deport undocumented Afghan refugees, facing criticism from the international community, including the United Nations. The plan, citing security concerns and economic strain, aims to expel over 800,000 Afghans, adding to the 541,000 already deported in November 2022. The UN and refugee organizations argue that the deportations are exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and urge Pakistan to consider the profiles of individuals before expelling them.
Twenty detainees, some accused of terrorism, escaped from a prison in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after holding a sentry hostage. One escapee was killed in the ensuing crossfire, while 19 others remain at large. The incident highlights the challenges of prison security and overcrowding in the region.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has accused the Taliban regime in Afghanistan of failing to take action against militants involved in cross-border attacks, raising concerns about escalating tensions between the two countries. Asif’s remarks, which came amidst Pakistan’s Operation Azm-e-Istehkam targeting terrorist hideouts across the border, have been met with criticism from opposition parties in Pakistan who fear further escalation of conflict and damage to regional peace.
The Lahore High Court has ordered the Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to prevent intelligence agencies and the military from contacting judges. This follows complaints from judges about alleged pressure and interference from these powerful institutions. The order comes as a significant step towards ensuring judicial independence in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that the country may target sanctuaries of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan as part of its newly launched military operation. This comes after lukewarm support from the Afghan Taliban to stop the use of their territory by the TTP for attacks against Pakistan. Asif ruled out dialogue with the TTP, citing a lack of common ground and blaming former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government for the Taliban’s presence in Pakistan.
Kishmala Talat, a 21-year-old from Pakistan, is making history as the first woman from her country to qualify for Olympic shooting. With her sights set on the Paris Games, she aims to break stereotypes and defy modesty codes that often discourage women from participating in sports. Despite facing an uphill battle, Talat is determined to make Pakistan proud and showcase her talent on the world stage.
The US House of Representatives has passed a resolution calling for an independent investigation into alleged interference in Pakistan’s 2024 elections. The resolution, which was overwhelmingly supported by US lawmakers, expresses concern over reports of intimidation, violence, and restrictions on internet access during the elections. The Pakistani government has criticized the resolution, claiming it stems from a misunderstanding of the country’s political situation and does not reflect the positive state of bilateral ties.
