pakistans major general
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Pakistan’s Major General Qazi appointed as new U…

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Pakistan Army Major General Jawwad Ahmed Qazi as the new Force Commander of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO).

Major General Qazi, who has been awarded with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military), brings more than 35 years of military leadership, operational command and international peacekeeping experience to his new assignment. His appointment reflects Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations.

During his military career, Major General Qazi has held several senior command, staff and instructional positions in Pakistan and abroad. His previous appointments include serving as General Officer Commanding of an Infantry Division, Force Commander Northern Areas and Director General at the Ministry of Defence.

He has also gained direct experience in UN peacekeeping, having served with the United Nations Transitional Administration in Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium (UNTAES) in Croatia earlier in his career.

Pakistan has welcomed the appointment, describing it as another significant contribution to international peace and stability. The country continues to support UN peacekeeping efforts by providing trained contingents and experienced military leaders for missions around the world.

Major General Qazi’s appointment further highlights Pakistan’s extensive experience and continued commitment to global peacekeeping and international security.

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    Maryam Aurangzeb rejects PPP’s rigging claim…

      Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) leader and Senior Minister of Punjab, Maryam Aurangzeb, strongly rejected allegations of election rigging made by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), questioning the credibility of such claims by pointing to the PPP’s own government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Speaking to the media in Rawalpindi, Maryam Aurangzeb said that the PPP’s accusations of electoral fraud were baseless and contradictory. Referring to PPP leader Nayyar Bukhari’s remarks, she said it was unreasonable to claim widespread rigging on the basis of only two ballot papers when the election involved thousands of votes. According to her, isolated incidents cannot be used to undermine the credibility of an entire electoral process. She further argued that since the Pakistan Peoples Party is in power in Azad Kashmir, its allegations of election manipulation effectively amount to accusing its own administration of wrongdoing. “If you insist that rigging took place in Azad Kashmir, then you are accusing your own government of conducting fraudulent elections,” she remarked. Aurangzeb added that the people of both Punjab and Azad Kashmir had exercised their democratic right and chosen not to vote for the PPP, and that the party should accept the public verdict instead of making unfounded allegations. Maryam Aurangzeb also criticized the timing of the PPP’s accusations, noting that claims of rigging were being made as soon as polling began. She argued that elections are won through the support of voters, not through repeated allegations. “You do not win elections by making accusations; you win them by earning the trust and votes of the people,” she said. Addressing another issue, Aurangzeb questioned attempts to politicize a recent death, stating that the deceased had not died from gunfire. She asked whether political opponents now intended to use even such incidents for political gain, criticizing what she described as the exploitation of sensitive matters for electoral purposes. Turning her attention to governance, Aurangzeb said the Pakistan Peoples Party should focus on improving its performance in Sindh, where it has governed for years. She argued that better governance would provide meaningful relief to the people of the province. Drawing an analogy, she said that if a student fails to prepare for an examination, they cannot simply lock the examination hall. In the same way, she suggested that political parties cannot blame the electoral process when they fail to secure public support. Aurangzeb maintained that the Pakistan Muslim League (N) had earned the confidence of the electorate through its performance and public service. She expressed surprise that the PPP was repeatedly raising issues related to gunfire and election rigging, saying such rhetoric reflected an unwillingness to accept the democratic outcome. She also referred to a speech delivered by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari the previous day, questioning the tone and substance of his remarks. According to Aurangzeb, the PPP should respect the will of the voters rather than challenging the legitimacy of the election without sufficient evidence. Concluding her remarks, Maryam Aurangzeb emphasized that Pakistan’s electoral system provides legal mechanisms for addressing disputes. She said that if the PPP genuinely believes irregularities occurred, it should present its evidence before the Election Commission or the relevant election tribunals. Instead of complaining publicly, she urged the party to pursue the appropriate legal channels. She concluded by saying that the PPP’s own voters had rejected its narrative and that the party should contest elections through democratic means while respecting the mandate given by the people.

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    Court issues arrest warrants for KP CM

    An Islamabad court has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi after he repeatedly failed to appear in a case related to alleged misleading statements and defamatory remarks against state institutions. The court observed that the chief minister neither appeared personally nor sent legal counsel despite being summoned on multiple occasions. After noting his continued absence, the judge ordered law enforcement authorities to ensure his appearance at the next hearing. The court also warned that if Afridi fails to appear again on the next hearing, scheduled for September 3, legal proceedings could be initiated to declare him a proclaimed offender under the relevant provisions of law. The case was registered by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). Investigators allege that the chief minister used electronic media to make misleading statements and defamatory remarks targeting state institutions. In another significant legal development, former senator and senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ejaz Ahmed Chaudhry has approached the Supreme Court after the Lahore High Court refused to suspend the sentence handed down to him by an anti-terrorism court. Chaudhry is currently serving his sentence at Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail. He was convicted over his alleged involvement in meetings held before the violent incidents that followed the events of May 9, 2023. In his petition, Chaudhry argued that the conviction was based on weak and disputed evidence. He maintained that he was not originally nominated in the FIR and that his name was added later through supplementary statements. The petition also stated that no weapons, electronic devices, or other incriminating evidence were recovered from him. The petition further argued that police witnesses failed to present independent evidence linking him to the alleged conspiracy. It asked the Supreme Court to suspend his sentence and grant him bail until his appeal is decided. Meanwhile, Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, alleged that her brother was being denied his basic rights in prison. Speaking to journalists outside Adiala Jail, she claimed he was facing mistreatment and said public support would be crucial for securing his release. Aleema said supporters from across the country were expected to participate in the PTI’s planned protest movement. She added that she was not concerned about possible legal action against herself and would continue campaigning for her brother’s release. Another sister of the former prime minister, Noreen Niazi, also criticised the judicial system and expressed hope that Imran Khan would soon be released.

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    Mohsin Naqvi reviews Anti-Riot force readiness in …

    Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the Federal Constabulary Training Centre in Shabqadar and reviewed special training exercises conducted by the Anti-Riot Wing. During the visit, Naqvi observed various practical drills designed to test the personnel’s operational skills, discipline and preparedness. He praised the officers and personnel for their professional training and ability to respond to challenging law-and-order situations. Naqvi said the Anti-Riot Wing had received modern training and was fully equipped to help maintain peace and public order. He stressed that the government would not allow anyone to undermine the country’s stability. The interior minister acknowledged that peaceful protest remains a constitutional right, but said citizens must follow the procedures prescribed by law. He added that the state would continue to fulfil its responsibility to maintain public order, while authorities would deal with anyone who violates the law according to legal provisions. Naqvi highlighted the Federal Constabulary’s growing importance amid the current law-and-order situation, saying its personnel must remain prepared to respond to a wide range of challenges. He directed the trainees to make the most of their training and enter the field with strong professional skills and complete operational readiness. The minister also ordered the provision of gas masks to all personnel and said the government was arranging modern protective equipment that meets international standards. During his visit to the FC headquarters, Naqvi announced plans to improve sports facilities for the personnel, including the construction of an international-standard swimming pool. He also inspected the barracks and met with FC personnel to hear about their concerns. Naqvi directed officials to reconstruct all washrooms at the facility. The minister also asked personnel about electricity supply, recalling that they had complained about load-shedding during his previous visit. The personnel told him that the situation had improved and they now receive uninterrupted electricity. Naqvi further directed officials to take immediate steps to facilitate the cancer treatment of the mother of an FC personnel member.

  • Special event held in Manchester to mark Kashmir Exploitation Day

    Manchester – A special event was organized by the Consulate General of Pakistan in Manchester to mark Kashmir Exploitation Day. Member of Parliament Afzal Khan and prominent Kashmiri leader Raja Najabat Hussain addressed the gathering, while Consul General Imtiaz Feroz Gondal read out a special message from the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The event was also attended by Nina Khan Mashriqi, Chairperson of JKSDMI Cheshire, UK, an international award-winning businesswoman and social activist, who works under the leadership of Kashmiri leader Raja Najabat Hussain. She participated in the event as a special guest and expressed strong solidarity with the people of Kashmir. A large number of community leaders and prominent personalities also attended the event, including Haroon Afzal Khattana, former Lord Mayor of Manchester Yasmin Dar, Chaudhry Tahir Siddiq, Mahmood Khan, PML-N leader Nabeel Butt, Rasib Khan, Father Falak Sher, Tajammul Gurmany, and Dr. Younis Parvez. Addressing the gathering, the speakers urged the international community to take notice of the human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and play an effective role in finding a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute. The speakers said that the people of Pakistan and Kashmir share historic, religious and cultural bonds. They emphasized that overseas Pakistani and Kashmiri communities would continue their efforts to highlight the Kashmir issue at international forums and raise their voice for the rights of the Kashmiri people. Expressing concern over Indian actions in occupied Kashmir, the speakers stressed that the political and fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people must be respected. Nina Khan Mashriqi said that the Indian measures imposed on August 5, 2019, should be reversed and that the people of Kashmir must be given their fundamental right to self-determination. She reaffirmed her commitment to continuing diplomatic and political efforts to highlight the Kashmir issue at international forums and to make the voice of the Kashmiri people heard around the world. The event concluded with special prayers for the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people, the security and prosperity of Pakistan, and peace in the region.

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    Supreme Court reserves verdict on diyat amount

    The Supreme Court of Pakistan has reserved its decision on an important legal question concerning the determination of diyat, or blood money, in murder cases. A bench of the apex court reserved the verdict while hearing an appeal filed by convict Nadeem Khan. The case focuses on the amount of diyat payable and the point in time that should be used to determine its value. During the hearing, the convict’s lawyer argued that his client had already completed his prison sentence for the murder conviction and was now serving additional imprisonment because he had not paid the required diyat. Prosecutor Arshad Hussain told the court that the case was the first of its kind and that a High Court judgment already exists regarding the determination of the amount. He informed the court that the current diyat amount stands at around Rs197 million (Rs19.7 million). Justice Hashim Kakar asked whether the diyat should be calculated according to its value at the time of the offence, the accused’s arrest, or the time of conviction and sentencing. Justice Salahuddin remarked that making the financial consequences of murder more serious might discourage people from committing such offences. He also noted that Saudi Arabia continues to use 100 camels as the traditional basis for diyat. Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim observed that delays in deciding cases reflect shortcomings in the justice system and said an accused should not suffer because of institutional delays. In response, Prosecutor Arshad Hussain argued that certain legal matters, such as determining a person’s age, are assessed from the time of arrest, suggesting that a similar principle could apply in determining the relevant period for diyat. The Supreme Court directed all prosecutors concerned to submit their written arguments on the matter. After receiving the submissions, the court will issue its decision on how and when the amount of diyat should be determined.

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    FBI questions Argentina FA president over $300m probe

    The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has begun investigating Argentine Football Association (AFA) President Claudio Tapia as part of a wider inquiry into the alleged laundering of more than $300 million in sponsorship funds linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to international media reports, the investigation gained attention after Argentina’s national football team completed its World Cup campaign and was preparing to return to Buenos Aires from the United States on a charter flight. Reports said US authorities stopped Claudio Tapia before departure and questioned him for approximately 30 minutes. During the questioning, investigators reportedly took possession of his mobile phone as part of the ongoing inquiry into financial transactions connected to the case. Following the incident, some media outlets reported that Tapia had been arrested. However, the Argentine Football Association strongly rejected those claims. The association said neither Tapia nor AFA Treasurer Pablo Toviggino had been arrested or summoned by any US court. The football body did confirm that a third individual had received a subpoena to appear before a US grand jury. According to the association, investigators may seek information from that individual regarding certain officials and financial matters linked to the organisation. US investigators are reportedly reviewing commercial and sponsorship agreements valued at more than $300 million. The inquiry is focused on determining whether any funds connected to those agreements were transferred through the US banking system in a way that could indicate money laundering or other financial crimes. Investigators are also examining banking records showing that millions of dollars moved through several US financial institutions. Reports suggest that some of the funds remained in certain accounts for only a short period before being transferred to other destinations, prompting further scrutiny of the transactions. Authorities are analysing financial documents, payment records, and banking activities to determine whether the movement of funds complied with US financial regulations or involved attempts to conceal the origin or destination of the money. The investigation forms part of a broader examination of financial activities connected to Argentine football. It follows law enforcement operations conducted in Argentina last year as part of separate investigations into suspected money laundering involving football-related finances.

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