Former Yellow Shirt Sondhi Rallies Supporters Outside Israeli Embassy In Bangkok

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that, in his personal opinion, Karachi and Gwadar should be directly administered as part of the federation, stressing that his remarks are intended to serve the national interest rather than any political or personal agenda. Speaking in a television interview, Asif clarified that the proposal reflects his own views and has not been discussed or approved by his party. He acknowledged that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) may agree with some of his opinions while differing on others. “I am expressing my personal opinion. I have not sought my party’s approval for these remarks,” he said. “Some of my views may be supported by the party, while others may not.” The defence minister stressed that he has no personal interest in either Karachi or Gwadar and that his comments were made solely from the perspective of what he believes is best for the country. Asif also spoke about the importance of local government systems in modern democracies. He said effective local governments play a key role in governance, public service delivery and political development. He noted that local government institutions were revived during the 1980s and argued that many leaders currently serving at the provincial and federal levels began their political careers through the local government system. According to Asif, strengthening local governance remains essential for improving democratic institutions and ensuring better administration across the country. Commenting on the country’s administrative structure, the defence minister said provinces should not be created on the basis of provincial or ethnic identities. He suggested that national unity and effective governance should remain the guiding principles in discussions on administrative reforms.

Security sources said that armed members of the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) abducted a courier company’s mini-truck along with two people from the Khad Koocha area on July 24. According to the sources, the kidnappers demanded Rs25 million in ransom from the courier company on July 26 and threatened to kill the hostages if the money was not paid. Security sources said the proscribed BLA is involved not only in terrorism but also in criminal activities, including bank robberies, vehicle theft, extortion and kidnapping for ransom. They said such incidents indicate the involvement of criminal networks in activities that can also serve as a source of financing for terrorism. The sources said ordinary Baloch citizens, local traders and peace in Balochistan suffer the most from such activities. They added that such actions are also aimed at creating fear and insecurity among residents and disrupting the peaceful environment in the region.

Eight members of the Pakistan Bar Council have criticised the federal government over what they described as a deliberate failure to comply with the Supreme Court’s order regarding the medical treatment of PTI founder Imran Khan. In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the lawyers said the Supreme Court’s August 18 directive was clear and binding. They alleged that the executive had disregarded the order by not transferring Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital as directed. The statement was signed by PBC members including PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, Abid Shahid Zuberi, Muhammad Maqsood Buttar, Shafqat Mehmood Chauhan, Munir Ahmed Kakar, Abdul Sattar Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed and Qazi Muhammad Arshad. The members argued that the executive does not have the authority to ignore a binding judicial order. They said such conduct could undermine the authority of the judiciary, weaken the rule of law and damage the constitutional system of checks and balances. They also expressed concern that ignoring a court order could put fundamental rights at risk. According to the statement, judicial orders provide an important constitutional safeguard against arbitrary actions by state institutions. The lawyers further pointed out that the Supreme Court had already addressed the consequences of non-compliance in its August 18 order. They maintained that the government was aware of its obligations under the ruling. The PBC members also rejected the argument that filing a review petition could suspend the Supreme Court’s directive. They said a review petition does not automatically stop the implementation of an existing court order. They called for those responsible for the alleged violation to be identified and for appropriate legal proceedings to be initiated against them. The statement also raised questions about the impact of recent constitutional amendments on the judiciary and the rule of law. The lawyers argued that no constitutional amendment, political consideration or executive decision could provide legal protection for ignoring a binding Supreme Court order. They further questioned whether the constitutional rights to life, health, dignity and medical treatment were being applied equally to political leaders. The controversy follows the Supreme Court’s August 18 interim order directing authorities to transfer Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital within two days. The court had ordered his examination and treatment by a multidisciplinary medical board. The bench, headed by Justice Shahid Waheed and comprising Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, was hearing petitions seeking hospitalisation, access to personal doctors and family members, and access to Imran’s medical records. The court had also directed that Dr Uzma Khan and Dr Faisal Sultan, Imran’s personal physician, be present during the medical examination. The government subsequently challenged the hospital-transfer order through a review petition. However, the Supreme Court returned the petition after raising objections over the preparation of the documents and the accompanying paper book. Security arrangements were later made around Shifa International Hospital, creating expectations that Imran would be shifted there. However, authorities subsequently took him to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences for a medical examination before returning him to prison. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the decision was linked to security concerns allegedly created by PTI workers near the hospital. The Pims administration later said specialists from Shifa International Hospital had participated in Imran’s eye assessment, while other examinations were conducted by Pims specialists. The medical issue has been under discussion since Imran was diagnosed with right central retinal vein occlusion, an eye condition, earlier this year.