Aima Baig breaks silence on domestic violence rumours

Pakistan security forces have foiled a suicide attack on a checkpost in South Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing four terrorists, including the suicide bomber, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, terrorists attempted to attack a security forces checkpost by driving an explosives-filled vehicle toward the installation. However, the attack was stopped due to the quick and effective response of security personnel. The ISPR said that the explosives-laden vehicle was engaged and destroyed before it could reach the checkpost, killing the suicide bomber inside. The failed attack caused no damage to the security installation and no casualties were reported among security forces. Following the initial attack attempt, troops engaged other militants who tried to enter the area. According to the statement, three terrorists were forced into a nearby compound and were later killed during a targeted clearance operation carried out by security forces. The military said a sanitisation operation was also launched in the surrounding area to search for any remaining militants and ensure the security of the region. The ISPR reiterated that counter-terrorism operations under the “Azm-i-Istehkam” initiative will continue with full commitment to eliminate terrorism and prevent attacks against the country. The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces and law enforcement agencies to tackle militant threats. The incident comes a day after a terrorist attack on a joint police checkpost in Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa resulted in the deaths of 15 people, including security personnel. Officials said the attack highlighted the continuing security challenges faced by the province. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has witnessed an increase in militant activities over the past year, with security forces conducting frequent operations against armed groups operating in the region. Security officials have stated that intelligence-based operations and targeted actions will continue to counter militant networks and protect civilians and security personnel. The latest operation in South Waziristan reflects the ongoing security efforts aimed at preventing attacks and maintaining stability in areas affected by terrorism.

  Senior Sindh Minister and Provincial Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Tuesday launched a sharp criticism of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), accusing the ruling party of coming to power through a “fake mandate” and challenging it to contest fresh elections in Punjab to prove its public support. Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Sharjeel Memon alleged that the PML-N government lacked genuine electoral legitimacy and was holding office on the basis of what he described as “Form 47.” He claimed that the party did not secure the mandate of the people in the 2024 general elections and questioned its popularity, particularly in Punjab. Addressing recent political developments, Memon alleged that serious electoral irregularities had taken place during the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections. He claimed that the polls were marred by extensive rigging and criticized the conduct of the electoral process. Referring to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s recent remarks, he said her statements reflected what he described as “theft followed by defiance,” accusing the ruling party of attempting to justify its actions instead of addressing concerns raised by the opposition. The senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader said the PML-N government was surviving on what he termed a “charity mandate” rather than genuine public support. He reiterated his claim that the party’s government was a product of “Form 47,” a reference frequently used by opposition parties in connection with allegations regarding the 2024 general election results. Memon argued that the people of Sindh had clearly expressed their confidence in the Pakistan Peoples Party during the 2024 elections by voting in its favor. He contrasted the PPP’s electoral performance with that of the PML-N, claiming that the ruling party had suffered a significant political setback despite ultimately forming the federal government.   Continuing his criticism, the Sindh minister challenged the PML-N leadership to dissolve the Punjab government and seek a fresh public mandate. He claimed that if elections were held again in the province, the ruling party would fail to secure the support it claims to enjoy. According to Memon, public opinion in Punjab does not reflect the electoral outcome that brought the PML-N to power. He further alleged that the leadership of the PML-N had repeatedly left the country after reaching political agreements, contrasting that with the Pakistan Peoples Party’s political history. Memon maintained that PPP leaders had remained in Pakistan during difficult political periods and continued to face challenges rather than leaving the country. The provincial minister also accused federal ministers belonging to the PML-N of attempting to influence the electoral process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He claimed that several federal ministers remained present in Mirpur Division until the morning of polling day and sought to influence the local administration. According to Memon, the actions of the federal ministers amounted to a violation of the Election Commission’s code of conduct. He alleged that government officials were pressured during the election process, raising concerns about the fairness and transparency of the polls. The remarks come amid continuing political tensions between the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz over electoral legitimacy, governance, and recent elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Opposition parties have repeatedly raised concerns regarding the conduct of elections, while the ruling coalition has rejected allegations of irregularities and maintained that the electoral process was conducted in accordance with the law. Sharjeel Memon concluded by reiterating his challenge to the PML-N leadership, insisting that a fresh election in Punjab would provide the true test of the party’s public support and determine whether it genuinely enjoys the confidence of the electorate.

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has rejected a review petition filed by Zahir Jaffer challenging his death sentence in the Noor Mukadam murder case, ruling that the severity of the crime did not justify any reduction in punishment. In its detailed 12-page judgment, authored by Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, the apex court said Jaffer had sought to have his death sentence commuted to life imprisonment on the basis of alleged mental illness. However, the court found that he had failed to provide evidence sufficient to support his claim or warrant reconsideration of the earlier verdict. The judgment stressed that the material on record established the exceptionally serious nature of the offence. It held that the circumstances of the crime provided no basis for reducing the sentence imposed on the convict. The court also clarified that its powers in a review petition are narrowly defined and that such proceedings cannot be used as a substitute for an appeal against an earlier judgment. The Supreme Court further observed that violence against women and the creation of an atmosphere of fear and insecurity are incompatible with both Islamic principles and established legal norms. It emphasised that Islam guarantees women dignity, protection and respect. Moreover, The Supreme Court has issued its detailed written judgment dismissing the review petition filed by convicted murderer Zahir Jaffer against his death sentence in the Noor Mukadam murder case. The 12-page judgment was authored by Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim. According to the written judgment, Zahir Jaffer had requested the court to reconsider his death sentence and convert it into life imprisonment on the grounds that he was suffering from a mental illness. However, the Supreme Court observed that the convict had failed to present any evidence that could justify reconsideration of the court’s earlier decision. The judgment stated that the available record clearly established that Zahir Jaffer had committed an extremely serious crime. The court noted that the nature and circumstances of the offence did not warrant any reduction in the punishment awarded to him. The Supreme Court further explained that its jurisdiction in a review petition is extremely limited. A review application cannot be treated as an appeal, nor can the petitioner use the review process simply to seek a fresh examination of the entire case. The written judgment also highlighted the protection and respect afforded to women under Islam. The court observed that subjecting women to violence, abuse and insecurity is contrary to both Islamic principles and the laws of the state. The Supreme Court’s decision means that the death sentence awarded to Zahir Jaffer remains intact. The trial court had previously sentenced him to death for the rape and murder of Noor Mukadam. The Islamabad High Court subsequently upheld the death sentence, and the Supreme Court also maintained the punishment before rejecting his review petition.