Connect with us

Latest News

Audio leaks case: FIA, PTA, and PEMRA pleas seeking Justice Sattar’s recusal dismissed

Published

on

The Islamabad High Court fined each of the three government departments Rs. 500,000 on Monday after dismissing their arguments against a bench trial over audio leaks.

The court may also hold the heads of the aforementioned departments—the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)—culpable for contempt.

In the audio leak case, four government agencies—the PEMRA, PTA, FIA, and Intelligence Bureau—filed separate petitions with the IHC, pleading for Justice Babar Sattar’s recusal and asking for the case to be heard by the same bench that has previously decided a case of a similar nature.

The petitioners contended that in order to prevent a different ruling, Justice Babar Sattar should recuse himself from the case that was decided in 2021. The petitions of Bushra Bibi, the wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan, and Najamul Saqib, the son of former chief justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar, should also be brought before the same bench.

During the current hearing, Justice Sattar also issued a summons to IB Joint Director General Tariq Mehmood, directing him to come before the court for the case’s subsequent hearing.

Following the issue’s discovery in 2023, the judge has been considering the aforementioned petitions.

The government agencies contended in the petitions in the case before Justice Sattar that Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani had already resolved an analogous issue in 2021. Thus, in order to prevent a conflicting ruling and for the sake of justice, they asked the judge to recuse herself from the case.

The departments are requesting that Justice Sattar recuse himself after six IHC judges—among them, himself—complained in writing to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) about intelligence agencies interfering with the court’s decision.

On March 25, the judges called for the calling of a judicial convention to address the issue of purported meddling by intelligence agents in the judicial activities or “intimidation” of judges in a way that jeopardised the judiciary’s independence.

Latest News

UN Resolution 122: Ambassador Talks About Kashmir-Palestine Connections, Cites Rizwan Saeed

Published

on

By

Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, the ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, said that the problems of Palestine and Kashmir are comparable and had to be handled jointly. Speaking at a Pakistani Embassy Black Day event for Kashmir, he underlined the importance of increasing public awareness of the region, particularly in light of the impending U.S. elections.

Rizwan Saeed cited Resolution 122 of the UN Security Council, which forbids taking unilateral action over the Kashmir problem.

He asked human rights organizations and the world community to draw attention to the predicament of Kashmiris and called for unity among the community.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar all gave speeches at the ceremony. A film presentation about the fight for Kashmir’s independence was also shown.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Security Forces Kill at Least One, Arrest Another Khwarij in Zhob District IBO

Published

on

By

One Khwarij was killed by security forces in an intelligence-based operation in the Sambaza, Zhob District, general area, while another was captured with injuries.

Security forces carried out the operation in response to Khwarij’s reported presence.

A fierce firefight broke out between Khwarij and the own troops throughout the operation, which led to one Kharji being sent to hell and another being captured with injuries.

Additionally, weapons and ammo were found among them.

A sanitization effort is underway to eradicate any other Kharji who could be in the vicinity.

Pakistan’s security forces, in tandem with the country, are resolute in their efforts to prevent any attempts to undermine the peace, stability, and advancement of Balochistan.

Continue Reading

Latest News

US-Pakistan Discusses Democracy and Human Rights When Pakistani Ambassador Calls Congress

Published

on

By

Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, the ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, spoke with Congressmen Jim Mcgovern and Susan Wild over the phone recently.

The conversation centered on human rights and democratic values, as well as strengthening Pakistan-U.S. bilateral ties.

Throughout the call, the officials concurred that continuing contact is crucial to enhancing and growing Pakistan-U.S. ties.

Continue Reading

Trending