Australian Held in Pattaya Murder Claims Self-Defence, Offers Apology

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday strongly condemned the deadly suicide bombing in Kabal, Swat, expressing grief over the loss of lives and reaffirming the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism. In separate statements, both leaders extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in the attack and prayed for the departed souls. They also asked Allah Almighty to grant patience and strength to the bereaved families during this difficult time. President Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the explosion. He directed the relevant authorities to ensure that all injured victims receive the best possible medical treatment without delay. The president said terrorists would never succeed in weakening Pakistan’s peace, national unity or the writ of the state. He praised the sacrifices of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and other law enforcement agencies, describing their bravery and commitment as a source of pride for the nation. He further called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident and directed authorities to identify those responsible for planning and carrying out the attack. He stressed that all perpetrators and their facilitators must be brought to justice. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the suicide bombing and expressed profound grief over the loss of precious lives. He conveyed his sympathies to the families of the victims and prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks. The prime minister also wished a speedy recovery for those injured and instructed the relevant departments to provide them with the highest standard of medical care. Reaffirming the government’s resolve against militancy, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s fight against terrorism would continue until the menace was completely eradicated. He said those seeking to destabilise the country through acts of violence would not be allowed to succeed.

The Supreme Court has ordered authorities to submit the complete medical record of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan and provide detailed information about his meetings with his sisters over the past three years. A three-member bench led by Justice Shahid Waheed heard petitions concerning Imran’s access to his family, personal doctors and medical records. During the hearing, the court was informed that Imran’s sisters had met him 48 times during the last three years. The judges sought the complete record of these meetings. The court also asked authorities to provide details of telephone calls between Imran and his children. Justice Shahid Waheed questioned why Islamabad High Court orders concerning meetings with Imran had not been implemented. The court summoned why  officials from Adiala Jail and directed them to explain the situation at the next hearing. The court was particularly concerned about Imran’s medical information. Justice Waheed directed the Islamabad advocate general to submit the complete medical record instead of a summary. The judge questioned why the full record could not be provided to the court. Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan also raised questions about a recommendation for Imran to undergo angiography. He asked whether the procedure could be carried out while Imran remained in jail. The Islamabad advocate general replied that the procedure could be performed at a hospital outside the prison. Justice Waheed expressed concern over the medical reports presented before the court. He observed that the reports indicated problems with Imran’s pulse and heart and suggested that some of his vital organs could be affected. The court also discussed the importance of family meetings for Imran’s health. Justice Waheed made it clear that meetings with Imran’s sisters should not be treated as a concession. “Meeting his sisters is not a favour; it is their fundamental right,” the judge observed. Imran’s sister, Uzma Khanum, was present during the proceedings. However, Justice Afghan stopped her from addressing the court directly and advised her to speak through her lawyer. Her counsel, Uzair Bhandari, assured the court that Imran’s sisters would not hold a media briefing outside Adiala Jail after meeting him. He also requested that Imran’s personal physician, Dr Asim Yusuf, and Uzma Khanum be allowed to meet the PTI founder. The court further sought comprehensive details about the legal cases against Imran. Authorities were asked to clarify the number of cases in which he is facing trial, the cases resulting in convictions and those in which his sentences have been suspended. The proceedings came after a medical board recommended greater interaction between Imran and his immediate family. The board said regular family contact could help manage his anxiety and blood pressure. According to the medical information presented to the court, Imran has experienced fluctuating blood pressure, palpitations, headaches, restlessness and anxiety. A cardiologist at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences examined him on August 1. His blood pressure was recorded at 140/100mmHg. The doctor recommended measures to reduce mental stress, including increased family interaction and access to reading material. A four-member medical board examined Imran again on August 10. His blood pressure was recorded at 140/80mmHg. The board recommended daily walking and relaxation. It also suggested more frequent interaction with his immediate family and spouse to help control his anxiety and blood pressure. The medical report stated that Imran had undergone at least 39 medical examinations since his imprisonment. Jail doctors were also reportedly checking him three times a day. The report said his ECG was normal. It also stated that his eyesight had improved significantly after treatment for an eye condition. The PTI has challenged the completeness and authenticity of the medical information. The party has demanded examinations by Imran’s personal doctors, Dr Asim Yusuf and Dr Faisal Sultan, as well as an independent medical board. The government, however, has rejected allegations that Imran is being denied proper medical care. Government officials maintain that he is receiving treatment from qualified specialists and that his medical care and meetings are being managed according to the law and court orders.

Saudi Arabia has introduced mandatory Nusuk food vouchers for Umrah pilgrims from Pakistan and three other countries, introducing a new requirement that is expected to increase the cost of Umrah travel packages. Under the new policy, every eligible Umrah pilgrim will be required to purchase a food voucher valued at around 20 Saudi riyals per day. The amount will be added directly to the total Umrah visa fee, making it a compulsory part of the application process rather than an optional service. The decision is likely to affect thousands of Pakistanis planning to perform Umrah in the coming months. Travel operators believe the additional cost will increase the overall price of Umrah packages, especially for families and groups traveling for several days. Following the announcement, travel agencies in Pakistan and the other affected countries have started reviewing their existing Umrah packages. Many are expected to revise their prices to reflect the additional charges introduced under the new regulations. Industry representatives said tour operators will also update package details to ensure pilgrims are fully informed about the revised costs before making their bookings. They added that the inclusion of the food voucher in the visa fee will require agencies to adjust their pricing structures accordingly. The food vouchers will be issued through Saudi Arabia’s Nusuk system, the Kingdom’s official digital platform for Umrah services. The initiative is aimed at improving the organization of services provided to pilgrims and ensuring access to designated meal facilities during their stay. Saudi Arabia has introduced several reforms in recent years to modernize Umrah and Hajj services through digital platforms and standardized procedures. The latest measure is part of those broader efforts to enhance the overall experience for pilgrims while improving the management of religious tourism.