PML-N leadership, along with Maryam Nawaz have come forward with a secretly recorded video of Accountability Judge Arshad Malik, who had in December 2018 sentenced Nawaz Sharif to seven years in jail. Video played at the press conference shows Malik confessing that that there was no proof of corruption against Nawaz and he was “blackmailed” into giving the judgement.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to transfer more than 2,500 of its officials between grade 14 and grade 22, in an attempt to break their nexus with businesses and improve efficiency. In order to achieve its target of collecting a massive Rs5.550 trillion in fiscal year 2019-20, people with tainted reputation are also being sidelined.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has been extended an invite by Russia President Vladimir Putin to attend an economic conference in Vladivostok. The Eastern Economic Forum is scheduled to be held from September 4 to September 6 in Russia’s far eastern city. The EEF serves as a platform for the discussion of key issues in world economy and regional integration.
Fayyazul Hassan Chohan, who was removed as Punjab’s information minister in March will take oath as minister Friday evening at Governor House, Punjab. Chohan was removed after he made derogatory remarks against Hindus and will now replace Sibtain Khan as the minister of forestry, fisheries and wildlife. Khan is currently facing an investigation by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari has revealed that Pakistan, unfortunately, was number one in child pornography- a menace which has affected all strata of society. Speaking at the launch of Child Protection Campaign in Islamabad, Mazari emphasised the need to launch school level campaigns to create awareness among children as cases of child abuse are rising at an alarming rate.
Security scanners at the Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore and Karachi’s Jinnah International Terminal have been out of order for past one year, putting lives of many at risk. However, the Airport Security Force (ASF) carries out a manual search of the vehicles instead. Reportedly, the scanners have not been fixed due to unavailability of required machinery in Pakistan.
A hashtag calling for arrest of journalists who mainly criticise ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), Prime Minister of Pakistan and Pakistan Army, became top Twitter trend in Pakistan. The hashtag #ArrestAntiPakjournalists had been used or forwarded more than 28,000 times after dropping to second place in few hours. Some users even accompanied photographs of prominent journalists with the hashtag.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal has revealed that Prime Minister Imran Khan will be going to Washington on invitation of President Trump and the two will be meeting on 22nd of July. During the premier’s visit, the focus will be on further improving the ties between the two countries. The two leaders will also talk about “important regional matters”.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Azam Swati is the richest senator in the country with assets worth over Rs1.85 billion, according to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). PTI’s Swati is followed by Senator Taj Afridi with assets worth Rs1.30 billion, while Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz’s (PML-N) Pervaiz Rasheed’s has the lowest valued assets at Rs2.3 million.
Two people returning from Umrah, were killed after unidentified personnel opened fire at them at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore. The suspect has been taken into custody by airport security personnel. One of the victims, 28-year-old Zain Rafiq, had police case filed against him for being involved in killing of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) activist Babar Butt.