Arrest warrants issued for ARY's Salman, Luqman

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Tuesday issued arrest warrants for ARY chief executive Salman Iqbal and anchor Mubashir Lucman for presenting anti-judiciary programs.

IHC Justice Shaukat Siddiqui was hearing the Islamabad District Bar petition against ARY’s program maligning the judiciary.

During the hearing, Secretary Information, Dr. Nazeer and Acting Chairman, PEMRA, Pervaiz Rathore appeared before the court, while PEMRA submitted CDs and transcriptions of Mubashir Lucman’s anti-judiciary programs which were broadcast on ARY.

Later, the court issued warrants of arrest for Salman Iqbal and Mubashir Lucman, as both the accused failed to appear before the court, despite summons.

Further hearing of the case has been adjourned until first week of August.

SC orders arrest of main accused within a week

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday, while issuing an order to the Ministry of Interior to arrest the main accused allegedly involved in the anti-judiciary campaign within a week, expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Interior’s report about the action taken in this regard. The apex court also summoned a report within a week about the arrest of the accused.
Justice Nasirul Mulk remarked, “We don’t want a blank report. Tell us what the outcome of this report is. How many accused have been arrested so far and what guidance has been given by them to the law enforcement agencies. Security personnel are present everywhere and they have not spotted anyone placing the banners.”

Justice Jawwad S Khawaja reply is not satisfactory. It means judiciary is insecure. Are there no CCTV cameras there? Are the entries not made on barricades? Is the state so much helpless that every one enters Red Zone and returns after doing whatever he wants?”

A three-member SC bench presided over by Justice Nasirul Mulk took up anti-judiciary campaign case for hearing Wednesday.Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Ahmad Saeed presented the interior ministry and IB report in the court. He made it clear that the government had made safe city project with reference to security which was annulled by the SC.

He said that IB report was secret.Justice Jawwad S Khawaja inquired what the secret was therein.The DAG told the court that IB report was based on the progress made in the case.The court remarked, “What progress is there that it has not been ascertained so far how many accused were there and what action was taken against those involved in placing banners.”

The DAG said that efforts were underway to locate prime accused. Two accused had been arrested and information was being taken from them. Give us one week and we will take action against the culprits and give report.”Justice Jawwad S Khawaja remarked, “It means we are not fully covered.The hearing of the case was adjourned till July, 2.

Order to arrest Qadri’s activists not issued: Pervaiz

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervaiz Rashid said on Sunday that the government had not directed the law enforcement agencies to arrest activists of Dr Tahirul Qadri’s Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT) and that no one would be allowed to take the law into their hands.
He said that Tahirul Qadri wanted chaos in the country, media reported. In a statement, he said by doing so Tahirul Qadri wanted to disunite the nation and intended to extend unrest in the country. Pervaiz Rashid said Qadri could not survive under democratic rule so he wanted to weaken democracy.

The minister said that Qadri was part and parcel of the regime which had conducted the most rigged elections and referendum of 2002. Talking about the IDPs issue, he said that the government would utilise all available resources to address the sufferings of the affected people of North Waziristan.

The information minister said that all the departments concerned were in direct contact to look after the affected people. He said that Minister for States and Frontier Regions Abdul Qadir Baloch, governor and chief secretary were regularly holding meetings for the purpose.

Pervaiz Rashid said the federal and the provincial governments were in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Fata Disaster Management Authority to facilitate the displaced people. He said the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would not leave the affected people of North Waziristan alone.

The information minister said Imran Khan had failed to express solidarity with the affected people of Thar and Awaran. He said the prime minister had visited Thar and Awaran to mitigate the sufferings of the affected people.Pervaiz Rashid said Imran Khan did not demand the resignation from the provincial government when five hundred terrorists fled Dera Ismail Khan jail.

SC annoyed over failure to arrest culprits

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday expressed annoyance over the failure of apprehending the culprits involved in displaying anti-judiciary banners in the red zone and sought updated report by Wednesday on the issue.

A two-member bench of the apex court comprising Justice Jawwad S Khawaja and Justice Ejaz Afzal heard a civil miscellaneous application filed by Taufiq Asif, former President High Court Bar Association, Rawalpindi regarding display of posters and banners in Islamabad against the judiciary.

Deputy Attorney General Khawaja Ahmed Hussain while appearing before the court submitted that they had failed to trace out Muhammad Rasheed, the man who ordered to display the banners.

He informed the court that two painters who had made those banners had been arrested and they told the investigation that one, Muhammad Rasheed, had ordered to prepare those banners.

Deputy attorney general sought adjournment saying that attorney general was in Lahore.Justice Ijaz Afzal however, inquired as to whether only two persons were responsible for the act. Deputy attorney general replied that they were investigating the matter but remained unsuccessful in nabbing the responsible persons.

At this, Justice Ijaz Afzal said if he (DAG) was unaware of the culprits, he should contact the interior secretary and inspector general of police.

Justice Jawwad S Khawaja observed that they had no concern about the contemptuous matter inscribed on the banners but concerned only as to how security breach took place in a city like Islamabad, the most protected place.

He said that CCTV cameras had been installed on every poll of the city, questioning as to whether any recording was found in this regard. He further said that there were many checkpoints in the federal capital, adding that his car was also being stopped like other vehicles, asking about the destination than why the displaying of banners was not stopped by the authorities concerned.

Justice Jawwad S Khawaja said that on last hearing Attorney General Salman Aslam Butt in compliance with the court order of May 26, 2014, submitted the reports of interior secretary and DG Intelligence Bureau (IB), stating that three persons namely Shafique Butt, Muhammad Nazar and Muhammad Waqar was being interrogated by the police after registering an FIR No234/14.

The attorney general however, sought time to investigate the matter after apprehending more accused of displaying anti-judiciary banners and posters in Islamabad and pledged that investigation would be completed as early as possible.

Karachi forces in an operation arrest Uzbeks, Tajiks in dozens

KARACHI: Police and sensitive organisations launched an operation in different parts of the city and arrested over two dozen foreigners of Uzbek and Tajik descent, Geo News reported Sunday morning.

Sources said that following the attack on the Karachi airport, police and sensitive organisations went on a crackdown in different parts of the city and hauled up over two dozen foreigners who had no valid documents for their stay in the country.

All the arrested foreigners have been shifted to an unknown location for further investigation.

Karachi forces in an operation arrest Uzbeks, Tajiks in dozens

KARACHI: Police and sensitive organisations launched an operation in different parts of the city and arrested over two dozen foreigners of Uzbek and Tajik descent, Geo News reported Sunday morning.

Sources said that following the attack on the Karachi airport, police and sensitive organisations went on a crackdown in different parts of the city and hauled up over two dozen foreigners who had no valid documents for their stay in the country.

All the arrested foreigners have been shifted to an unknown location for further investigation.

Farzana murder case: Police arrest two more accused

LAHORE: Two more accused in the murder case of Farzana were arrested by the police here on Saturday.

Six people were nominated along with 22 unknown suspects in the murder case. The ill-fated girl was stoned to death by her family members on May 27 outside the Lahore High Court.

On May 30, Chief Justice of Pakistan had taken suo motu notice of the brutal murder, seeking report from the Inspector General Police.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had also directed Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to bring the culprits to book.

Altaf’s arrest a legal matter: Nawaz

 

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said that the arrest of Altaf Hussain was a legal matter and the government was extending its “legal and moral assistance” in this regard.
The premier chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the situation arising after the arrest of MQM chief Altaf Hussain in London and the overall law and order situation in the country.The prime minister told the meeting that Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad had assured him that law and order would be maintained in Karachi.

The meeting also reviewed the state of the economy with particular reference to the new federal budget. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar briefed those present on different aspects of the budgetary proposals.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar briefed the meeting on the government’s strategy to maintain law and order in Karachi. He said that the federal government would extend cooperation to the Sindh government to maintain peace in the city.

Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid, Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Raja Zafarul Haq, Interior Minster Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sardar Mehtab Abbasi attended the meeting.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said MQM chief Altaf Hussain was a Pakistani citizen and the government would provide all possible legal assistance to him.According to an official spokesman, the prime minister and interior minister had a telephonic conversations with Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad and enquired after Altaf Hussain. He also prayed for the early recovery of the MQM chief and asked the governor to keep him informed about developments in Altaf Hussain’s case.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar said the federal government would remain in touch with the Sindh governor regarding the case.Moreover, the Pakistani High Commission in London has asked for access to the MQM chief. According to the Foreign Office, the Pakistan High Commission contacted the British authorities in view of the directives of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Nawaz chairs meeting to discuss situation arising after Alatf’s arrest

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday chaired a high level meeting to discuss situation arising after the arrest of MQM chief Altaf Hussain in London.

Sources said that speaking at the meeting the prime minister said that the arrest of Mr Hussain was a legal affair and the government was extending its “legal and moral assistance” in this regard.

He told the meeting that Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad had assured him that law and order would be maintained in Karachi.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan briefed the meeting about the government strategy to maintain law and order in Karachi.

He said that the federal government would extend cooperation to the Sindh government to maintain peace in the city.

Non-bailable arrest warrants for Gilani, Fahim issued again

KARACHI: The Federal Anti-Corruption Court (FACC) on Monday issued non-bailable arrest warrants of five accused including former PM Yusuf Raza Gilani and former commerce minister Makhdomm Amin Fahim in seven cases concerning the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) scam.

The court headed by Muhammad Azeem has now issued non-bailable warrants of arrest in seven cases filed by FIA against Yusuf Raza Gilani, Amin Fahim and former secretary to the prime minister’s house, Zubair. In these cases, the FIA submitted seven charge sheets and showing the three accused as absconders.

Consequently, the court issued non-bailable warrants of arrest against the three accused involved in the TDAP scam. Earlier, on May 29 an anti corruption court had issued non-bailable arrest warrants against Gilani and Fahim.

In these cases, the two PPP leaders were accused of misappropriation of huge funds and the apex court of the country had also taken notice of alleged plundering of national exchequer under one pretext or the other by the accused.

A bench headed by the then Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry had heard the corruption cases relating to different departments and had directed the FIA to investigate, report and lodge cases.

The cases that were lodged after investigation were now being heard by the FACC that had earlier given Amin Fahim an exemption from appearance in the court and at times it had directed the defence counsel to ensure the appearance of his client at the next hearing.

In some of the cases, the trial court had declared to frame charges against the accused, but due to non-appearance of some of the accused, including Amin Fahim, it could not happen. The court now has issued non-bailable arrest warrants against the two accused along with other absconding accused.

The investigators have been made bound to ensure arrest of the accused and their production before the court on June 17 when the court would sit again to hear these seven cases.The FACC has ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to produce all the accused before the court by June 17.

Earlier the FIA had declared Yusuf Raza Gilani and Makhdomm Amin Fahim as fugitives in cases linked to TDAP scam and the court ultimately had to pass the above orders as part of legal proceedings.

The FIA mentioned in its charge sheet that former TDAP chairman Tariq Iqbalpuri, former director general Javed Anwar, Abdul Karim Daud and former project manager Mirchumal Khatri had already been arrested and recorded their statement while Gilani and Amin Fahim’s names were included in the light of the statements recorded by the detained accused. In these cases the warrants against the two PPP leaders have been issued by two courts (in Karachi and in Islamabad). Seven other accused have also been declared as absconding and non-bailable warrants of arrest were issued against these accused as well.The court had previously issued notices (three times) to Yusuf Raza Gilani and Makhdoon Amin Fahim, directing them to appear before it.

Court issues non-bailable arrest warrants for Gilani, Fahim

KARACHI: Federal Anti-Corruption Court has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and former minister for commerce Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Geo News reported on Monday.

The court issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Gilani and Fahim after Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) declared both Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leaders fugitive in seven Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) cases.

The cases are related to the approval and disbursement of fraudulent trade subsidies by Gilani, Fahim and officials of the TDAP.

Three days back, the anti-corruption court had also issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Gilani and Amin Faheem.

The warrants against the two were issued in a case relating to financial irregularities in the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).

The case in this regard had been registered by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) when Amin Fahim was Commerce Minister.

Gilani and Fahim had been accused of involvement in Rs7 billion financial scam in TDAP. Muhammad Firdous, the key accused, turned approver against the former prime minister and former federal minister.

The court had previously issued three notices to Gilani and Fahim, requiring them to appear before it. The notices were ignored after which bailable arrest warrants were issued against both the leaders. On Thursday, however, the court issued non-bailable arrest warrants and adjourned the hearing till June 17.

Pindi Bhattian police book PTI 28 activists, arrest 10 for misbehaving MPA Farzana

c son and nephew of newly elected PTI MPA Nighat Intasar for misbehaving with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPA Farzana Butt, Geo News reported.

PTI activists during the Hafizabad PP-107 by-poll on May 29 had mobbed the car of PML-N MPAs Farzana Butt and Salma Shaheen, dragged them out of the car, pushed, shoved, shouted and abused them at the Government High School no.2 Pindi Bhattian polling station. Some of the activists also tried to snatch Farzana Butt’s purse.

The Pindi Bhattian police taking action against this rowdy behaviour of PTI workers registered a case against 13 nominated including Nighat Intasar Bahtti’s son Aoun Jahangir, nephew Azm Jahangir and 15 unidentified PTI workers, while 10 accused have thus far been arrested.

Non-bailable arrest warrants for Gilani, Faheem issued

KARACHI: An anti-corruption court in Karachi on Thursday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani and senior Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Makhdoom Amin Faheem.

The warrants against the two were issued in a case relating to financial irregularities in the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). Subsequently, the court adjourned the hearing till June 17.

The case in this regard had been registered by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) when Amin Faheem was Commerce Minister.Gilani and Fahim had been accused of involvement in Rs7 billion financial scam in TDAP. Muhammad Firdous, the key accused, turned approver against the former prime minister and former federal minister.

The court had previously issued three notices to Gilani and Faheem, requiring them to appear before it. The notices were ignored after which bailable arrest warrants were issued against both the leaders. On Thursday, however, the court issued non-bailable arrest warrants and adjourned the hearing till June 17.

Meanwhile, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that he would appear in the Accountability Court, Islamabad on June 4 and also ATC court in Karachi in TDAP case adding he had been facing fabricated cases in the past and would face these now as well.

In a statement issued here Gilani said that he was only one who had received the notices to appear in the court adding that he was determined to defend himself as he had done in the past.

He said if the competent appointing authority was to be held responsible, no one could be spared if the intentions were motivated by vendetta.He advised the Ministry of Interior and the present government to bring out all the cases against him and his sons in order to avoid the implications of double jeopardy.

He lamented that no case in this country was completed without implicating him whether it was case of Ogra, NICL, NRO, TDAP or Haj scam. The beneficiaries of the NRO had been exonerated but he was still facing the music. “These are classic examples of miscarriage of justice,” he said.

He said that his sons had been implicated in false cases while his other son was kidnapped and they knew the amount of torture his family was going through.He asked the government to avoid crossing the limits of victimisation and unleash it to the extent they could also bear it tomorrow. They had no stomach to tolerate even the fraction of what was going on against him, he observed.

Non-bailable arrest warrants for Gilani, Fahim issued

KARACHI: Federal Anti-Corruption Court on Thursday issued arrest non-bailable warrants for former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and former minister for commerce Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Geo News reported.

The Federal Anti-Corruption Court no. 01 Judge, Muhammad Azeem issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Gilani and Fahim over irregularities in Trade Development Authority (TDA)

Former staff officer of Amin Fahim, Farhan Junejo, Imran Qadir and ex-deputy secretary PM House Zubair Ahmed are fugitive in the case.

The case 27/2013 was registered by FIA Crime Circle against the accused.

Hafiz Saeed for steps to arrest sectarianism

PESHAWAR: Amir Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Hafiz Saeed Sunday stressed adoption of effective measures to put a leash on sectarianism.

During his visit to Markaz-e-Islami here, Hafiz Saeed claimed that India through its presence in Afghanistan was engaged in hatching conspiracies against Pakistan.

He said foreign forces were hell bent on furthering their terror-drenched agenda in Pakistan and stressed that Pakistan will have to take the bull of this enemy by the horns.

Saeed said restoration of peace was possible only through negotiations and that the peace process must not be allowed to hit snags.

Bugti murder: ATC to issue arrest warrant, if Musharraf fails to apppear on April 21

QUETTA: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) here on Monday again ordered that former president Pervez Musharraf be presented before the bench hearing the Nawab Akbar Bugti murder case, Geo News reported.

The court has ordered that if Pervez Musharraf does not appear on the next hearing to be held on April 21, a warrant for his arrest would be issued, terminating his bail.

ATC Judge Tariq Anwar Kasi was hearing the Akbar Bugti murder case here.

During proceedings former federal interior minister, Aftab Sherpao and former provincial home minister, Shoaib Nausherwani were present in the court, however, the main accused in the case, Pervez Musharraf did not.

The bench has also ordered Pervez Musharraf’s guarantors to appear in court on the next hearing. It may be noted that the court has issued production orders five times. Additionally on the previous hearing the bench had ordered issuing arrest warrants for Musharraf’s guarantors as well

Police arrest ‘bomber’

PESHAWAR: Police arrested a suspected suicide bomber during a search operation in Kohat district late on Friday night. Police were searching vehicles at a check point where during the search, police arrested a suspected suicide bomber.