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Ex-PM Khan hires acclaimed British barrister for cases against Pakistan ‘rights abuses’

Ex-PM Khan hires acclaimed British barrister for cases against Pakistan ‘rights abuses’
Security personnel stand guard at the Attock prison post where Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan remains imprisoned despite receiving bail in Attock on August 29, 2023. (AFP/File)
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Updated 02 September 2023
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Ex-PM Khan hires acclaimed British barrister for cases against Pakistan ‘rights abuses’

Ex-PM Khan hires acclaimed British barrister for cases against Pakistan ‘rights abuses’
  • Geoffrey Ronald Robertson is a barrister, academic, author and broadcaster and founder of Doughty Street Chambers
  • Among his clients are heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, Dow Jones and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange
Updated 02 September 2023
Arab News Pakistan
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ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party said on Friday its leader former Prime Minister Imran Khan had hired the internationally renowned barrister Geoffrey Ronald Robertson to represent the politician in international courts in cases related to “unlawful detention and human rights abuses.”

The PTI party has faced a countrywide crackdown since Khan’s first brief arrest on May 9 for suspected graft sparked widespread protests that saw mobs ransacking state installations, including military assets. Khan was subsequently released on bail but convicted in a graft case last month and jailed for three years in a fresh setback to the 70-year-old former cricket hero's political career. He faces a long legal battle before he can make a political comeback ahead of a national election expected early next year.

“PTI Chairman, Former Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI has appointed the eminent Human Rights Barrister Geoffrey Robertson KC of @DoughtyStreet Chambers to advise and represent him in international courts in relation to unlawful detention and human rights abuses,” the PTI said.

Dozens of top and mid-tier leaders in the PTI have been arrested alongside hundreds of Khan supporters since the violent protests of May 9. Many have quit the party after being released while other leaders have gone on the run to avoid arrest.

Khan himself faces a slew of cases, including one for leaking state secrets, which carries the death sentence. Prior to his arrest, he had accused the military of trying to dismantle his party and end his political career. The army denies involvement.

Robertson, a barrister since 1973, has successfully represented The Guardian, Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal, among other media outfits. His clients include heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, Dow Jones and Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks.

He has appeared in cases before the European Court of Human Rights and in other courts around the world and has been on several human rights missions on behalf of Amnesty International, including in Mozambique, Venda, Czechoslovakia, Malawi, Vietnam and South Africa.

In 2015, Robertson represented Armenia with barrister Amal Clooney at the European Court of Human Rights and since 2016 has been representing Lula da Silva, the current president of Brazil.

Topics: Ex-PM Imran Khan arrested Ex-PM Imran Khan

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Death toll rises to 12 in attack on Pakistani police

Death toll rises to 12 in attack on Pakistani police
Updated 51 sec ago
AFP
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Death toll rises to 12 in attack on Pakistani police

Death toll rises to 12 in attack on Pakistani police
  • Bandits based in Punjab’s riverine areas attacked police vans with rockets
  • Police say the main culprit behind the attack killed in overnight operation
Updated 51 sec ago
AFP

LAHORE: The death toll in a rocket launcher attack on policemen whose vehicle broke down in central Pakistan rose to twelve on Friday, police said.

Organized criminal gangs have been active in the riverine border areas of southern Sindh and central Punjab provinces for decades, often making money through kidnap-for-ransom assaults.

“At least twelve policemen were martyred, and eight others injured in the attack,” police spokesperson Saif Ali Wains told AFP.

Two police vehicles carrying around 22 policemen were traveling through Rahim Yar Khan district in Punjab province on Thursday evening when one of the vans broke down in low-level flooding.

Wains said the gang then used rocket launchers to target the stranded officers.

A police statement on Friday said that the main culprit behind the bloody attack was killed in an overnight operation.

“The operation will continue until the perpetrators are eliminated,” the statement said.

The military launched a full-scale operation against criminal gangs in Sindh in the early 1990s but they resurfaced after successive governments failed to maintain law and order in the province.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered “immediate and effective action” against the attackers, his office said in a statement on Thursday.

Topics: Pakistan police Pakistan police Arab News Pakistan

Pakistan warns of ‘strong’ spell of monsoon rains from Aug. 26 to 30

Pakistan warns of ‘strong’ spell of monsoon rains from Aug. 26 to 30
Updated 5 min 55 sec ago
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Pakistan warns of ‘strong’ spell of monsoon rains from Aug. 26 to 30

Pakistan warns of ‘strong’ spell of monsoon rains from Aug. 26 to 30
  • Heavy monsoon rains have triggered flash floods in several parts of the South Asian country since late June
  • Pakistan has reported 232 deaths in rain-related incidents since July 1, with Punjab reporting 91 of them
Updated 5 min 55 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday warned of a “strong” spell of monsoon rains from August 26 till August 30, which would likely impact Balochistan, Sindh and southern parts of the Punjab province.

Heavy monsoon rains have triggered flash floods in several parts of Pakistan since late June, particularly in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and eastern Punjab provinces.

The South Asian nation has reported 232 deaths in rain-related incidents since July 1, with Punjab reporting the highest 91 deaths, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

In an interview with state-run PTV News channel, Pakistan’s Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfraz said the fresh monsoon spell would potentially disrupt public life in parts of the country.

“The expected monsoon spell is likely to bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds, which may lead to flash flooding, landslides and power outages,” he said.

“By staying informed and taking proactive measures, citizens can minimize the risks associated with this weather event.”

The chief meteorologist highlighted the significance of preparedness and contingency plans by local authorities. “By working together, we can reduce the risks and ensure a safer, more resilient community,” he added.

To a question, Sarfraz replied the intensity of this monsoon season could gradually reduce after September 10-12, marking the end of the rainy season.

“This transition will bring a welcome relief to the people, as the suffocating humidity and rainfall will give way to a more pleasant weather pattern,” he said. “As the monsoon withdraws, the region can expect a decrease in temperature and humidity.”

Pakistan is recognized as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change effects. This year, the South Asian country recorded its “wettest April since 1961,” with 59.3 millimeters of rainfall while some areas of the country faced a severe heat wave in May and June.

In 2022, unusually heavy rains triggered flash floods in many parts of Pakistan, killing over 1,700 people, inflicting losses of around $30 billion, and affecting at least 30 million people. Scientists have attributed Pakistan’s erratic weather patterns to climate change effects and called on countries around the world to take urgent steps to tackle the crisis.

Topics: Pakistan monsoon rain Arab News Pakistan

Polio paralyzes child in Pakistan’s 16th case of 2024

Polio paralyzes child in Pakistan’s 16th case of 2024
Updated 52 min 13 sec ago
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Polio paralyzes child in Pakistan’s 16th case of 2024

Polio paralyzes child in Pakistan’s 16th case of 2024
  • This is the third case of polio virus reported in Sindh this year
  • 12 cases have been reported in Balochistan and one in Punjab
Updated 52 min 13 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A 29-month-old child has been paralyzed by poliovirus in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province, health authorities said on Friday, bringing the total number of cases detected in the South Asian nation this year to 16.

The regional reference lab at the National Institute of Health (NIH) confirmed the virus in the child belonging to Sindh’s Hyderabad district, according to the country’s polio eradication program.

Out of the 16 cases reported this year, 12 are from Balochistan, three from Sindh and one from the eastern Punjab province, with 62 districts affected in total.

“Yet again the poliovirus has found a vulnerable child and paralyzed her for life,” Ayesha Raza Farooq, the prime minister’s focal person on polio eradication said on Friday. “This is a clear reminder that until we eradicate this virus from our country, no child anywhere is safe from its devastating effects.”

She said the WPV1 virus was consistently being reported in the district’s sewage samples for the last four months, putting the lives of children at risk.

“We are operating on an emergency footing in all provinces given the intensity of the outbreak and extent of virus spread,” she said, adding that authorities were launching an extensive polio vaccination campaign from September 9.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Anwar-ul-Haq, coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Center for Polio Eradication, said a thorough investigation was being conducted to identify the origins of the virus and immunization of children.

“Poliovirus has been circulating in adjacent districts of Karachi and Hyderabad for several months,” he said. “Every child’s wellbeing is important to us, and we will be launching a vaccination campaign in all affected districts from September 9 to boost children’s immunity.”

Polio has been eliminated in developed nations but persists in parts of India, Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Many Pakistanis, particularly those residing in the conservative tribal areas, consider polio vaccination a Western campaign aimed at sterilizing the country’s population. In 2012, the local Taliban had ordered a ban on immunization against polio in some tribal districts.

Nearly a dozen policemen have been killed this year while on security duty during vaccination campaigns which are frequently targeted by militants.
 

Topics: Pakistan poliovirus Arab News Pakistan Polio

PM says working on five-year plan to resolve Pakistan’s economic woes

PM says working on five-year plan to resolve Pakistan’s economic woes
Updated 23 August 2024
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PM says working on five-year plan to resolve Pakistan’s economic woes

PM says working on five-year plan to resolve Pakistan’s economic woes
  • Pakistan, which has been facing an economic crisis for years, last month reached an agreement with the IMF for a new $7 billion loan
  • The South Asian country is making desperate attempts to boost foreign investment and trade after narrowly averting a default last year
Updated 23 August 2024
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met a delegation of Harvard students and shared that his government would soon unveil a home-grown economic plan for the next five years to steer the country out of an economic crisis, Sharif’s office said.
Pakistan, which has been facing low foreign exchange reserves, currency devaluation and high inflation, last month reached a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a new $7 billion loan. The country is making desperate attempts to boost foreign investment and trade after narrowly averting a default last year.
Sharif told the Harvard delegation, which comprised 44 students from nine countries, his government was focused on improving governance through institutional reforms and overcoming financial woes, including internal and external debts, through economic stability in the South Asian country of more than 241 million.
“Work has begun to reduce the size of the government and cut expenses. Work on downsizing and right-sizing of federal ministries and institutions is also going on,” Sharif was quoted as saying by his office. “We are pursuing such policies through which the control of elite on resources is reduced and the welfare of the middle and poor classes can be achieved.”
He said the government was facilitating the business community and working on an export-led growth policy to reduce the trade deficit.
“Pakistan is rich in natural resources. Thar coal [reserves] are a valuable source of energy, which are being utilized to meet Pakistan’s electricity needs,” Sharif said. “A comprehensive plan is being made to develop the industry of precious and rare stones in Pakistan on modern lines.”
He noted the country’s information technology-related exports crossed $3.2 billion due to the government efforts, highlighting that around 200,000 Pakistani students would be trained every year in IT and telecom sectors under Pakistan’s agreement with Chinese company Huawei.
The prime minister said young overseas Pakistanis could play their role in the country’s development through advisory councils functioning in various ministries, according to the statement. The student delegation thanked the prime minister for the interactive session.
The Harvard students earlier met with Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir to discuss militancy and Pakistan’s efforts to counter it, according to the Pakistani military’s media wing The discussions revolved around regional peace and stability, with the army chief warning against the “perils of misinformation and fake news” in today’s digital age.

Topics: Harvard students Shehbaz Sharif Arab News Pakistan

Pakistan PM calls for enhanced airport services amid push to boost tourism

Pakistan PM calls for enhanced airport services amid push to boost tourism
Updated 23 August 2024
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Pakistan PM calls for enhanced airport services amid push to boost tourism

Pakistan PM calls for enhanced airport services amid push to boost tourism
  • Pakistan is home to several tourist destinations across its length and breadth as well as five of the world’s 14 tallest mountain peaks
  • Islamabad recently increased the number of countries exempt from visa fees to 126, announced on-arrival visas for the Gulf residents
Updated 23 August 2024
KASHIF IMRAN

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday asked to improve services at airports across Pakistan to facilitate passengers, tourists, and overseas Pakistanis, Sharif’s office said, amid the country’s efforts to boost tourism.
The prime minister gave the directives while presiding over a meeting with regard to the introduction of reforms in the country’s aviation sector, according to a statement issued by Sharif’s office.
In order to promote tourism, Sharif directed authorities to ensure the provision of best facilities for passengers at the Skardu International airport, days after the South Asian country relaxed its visa policy.
“The prime minister ordered to operate more counters in order to save passengers of international flights from waiting for long,” Sharif’s office said. “He further instructed to devise a comprehensive framework related to the extension of Skardu International and Gilgit airports.”
The two airports are located in Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region, which is home to scenic valleys and five of the world’s 14 mountains above 8,000 meters, including K2. More than 8,900 foreigners visited the remote Gilgit-Baltistan region in 2023, according to official figures from the government, where the summer climbing season runs from early June to late August.
The South Asian country has other major tourist attractions in several other cities and towns across its length and breadth.
During the meeting, officials briefed Sharif that the airport management authority and the civil aviation authority had been separated to ensure “efficient performance” of duties of operator and regulator under the aviation act.
The number of counters had been increased at the Lahore airport and an existing waiting room had also been expanded for the convenience of passengers, according to officials. Work on feasibility report for the expansion of Skardu airport was due to start soon.
The prime minister expressed his satisfaction over the measures and said additional facilities would also be available to passengers.
Pakistan this month increased the number of countries exempt from visa fees to 126, while it announced on-arrival visas from businessmen from the Gulf nations, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said on August 13 that people visiting from any of the 126 countries will merely have to fill out a one-page form consisting of 30 questions within a ten-minute process. Visa would be issued directly on the phone through which the form was filled and would be valid for three months apart from also being renewable, he added.
The new visa policy also included religious tourism due to which Sikh pilgrims could easily visit the South Asian country for their religious festivals, according to the minister.

Topics: Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif Gilgit Airport Gilgit Baltistan

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