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.
The US State Department has confirmed the decision to declare the armed separatist group, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), as a global terrorist organisation, hoping the move will help minimise its existence. With this classification, it is a crime for anyone in the United States to assist the militants and any US assets they may have will now be frozen.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the FBR in a collaboration to curb smuggling of mobile phones have decided to reduce taxes on imported mobile phones to almost half. However, if international travelers fail to register their phones within a time frame of 60 days, they will have to pay an extra 10 percent fine with the tax.
While hearing a case pertaining to a sentence awarded to a former government employee found guilty of corruption, Chief Justice of Pakistan, Asif Saeed Khosa remarked that anyone convicted of corruption has to pay due fine, even if dead. He added that extra time spent in prison does not compensate for the looted money, which has to be returned.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has publicly released asset details of key politicians of the country. Prime Minister Imran Khan owns assets worth Rs108 million, which include residential properties, agricultural lands and other valuables. While the Bani Gala estate is declared a gift, three foreign currency accounts – one each for US dollars, Euro and Pound Sterling are also revealed.
After videos of tourists being harassed by locals in Murree went viral on social media, Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar deployed Dolphin Force in the area for security of tourists and citizens. The force, which has begun patrolling the area, has been ordered to take prompt action against criminals, and also aid the administration in controlling traffic problems.
Around 90,000 people have gained advantage from the Asset Declaration Scheme, sources from FBR have claimed. Total volume of tax revenue after the extended deadline for amnesty scheme could reach Rs. 70 billion, as another 1,00,000 people are expected to declare their assets. For the first time number of tax filers have passed the two million mark in the country.