corruption cases transferred
| | |

Corruption cases transferred back to NAB courts in…

KARACHI: Corruption cases that had been shifted from accountability courts to anti-corruption courts have now been transferred back to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) courts.

The development came after a request from a NAB prosecutor, following a Sindh High Court ruling that declared the earlier transfer of the cases to anti-corruption courts invalid.

The accountability court has initiated proceedings to revive 15 references that were previously transferred.

The Sindh High Court had directed that the cases pending before accountability courts be returned to NAB courts after setting aside the order through which they were moved to anti-corruption courts.

NAB subsequently filed an application seeking restoration of the cases in compliance with the high court’s decision.

The accountability court issued notices to the accused persons nominated in 15 separate references and summoned them for proceedings.

Several officials and other individuals have been named in cases involving alleged corruption and illegal allocation of land.

Balochistan provincial minister Ali Hassan Brohi is among those nominated in the cases. The court also issued notices to former Sindh chief secretary and former Land Utilisation member Siddiq Memon.

Former Malir deputy commissioner Qazi Jan Muhammad and former district officer revenue Ijaz Hussain were also summoned.

Notices were further issued to former additional secretary of Land Utilisation Abdul Qadir Memon and former section officer Ghulam Mustafa.

Treasury officer Muhammad Musa Kazmi and assistant treasury officer Abdul Latif Khoso were also summoned by the court.

The court additionally issued notices to Mirpur Sakro tapedar Nisar Ahmed Wagan and Ali Asghar Mendhro.

Former Mukhtiarkar Iqbal Awan and Muhammad Hanif were also among those summoned in connection with the cases.

The accountability court has also called several revenue officials and builders, including Javed Iqbal and Waseem Ahmed Sheikh, to appear before it.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Atif Aslam says he rediscovered himself through new album

    Pakistani music icon Atif Aslam has opened up about the personal journey behind his upcoming studio album Subah Aye Na, revealing that years of touring and commercial commitments left him disconnected from his artistic identity. Ahead of the album’s release, the singer shared that he had to “go back to zero” to rediscover himself as an artist. Speaking in recent interviews with Virgin Radio Dubai and Khaleej Times, Aslam reflected on the creative process behind Subah Aye Na, his first studio album in 18 years. The singer described the project as one of the most personal milestones of his career. “I forgot who I was, so I went back to zero and told myself that people had made me a star, by the grace of God, but now is the time to become an artist,” Aslam said. The singer explained that after spending more than two decades performing around the world, he realised he had been creating music mainly for audiences, concerts and record labels rather than for himself. “I have been doing it for the people, for my listeners, for music companies,” he said. “I thought of doing something for myself. And I found myself through this album.” Reflecting on the past 25 years of his career, Aslam admitted that his busy schedule had gradually distanced him from the creative passion that first inspired him to pursue music. “I had somehow lost touch with myself while staying busy with projects, concerts and other things, though that too is a blessing I acknowledge. But it was about time to look within and do what my heart had been yearning for,” he shared. Unlike his previous work, Aslam said he refused to rush the album’s production and instead allowed the music to develop naturally. “I did not want to be driven by timelines. I wanted it to come straight from the soul,” he explained. The award-winning singer also confessed that he had planned to release another album years ago but never completed it. “I was working on the album, but I couldn’t compile it earlier. I guess you could say, as candidly as it gets, that I was lazy,” he admitted with a smile. “But you eventually have to decide when you will perform and when you will make your own music. You have to do both.” Looking ahead, Aslam revealed that he hopes to maintain a more consistent release schedule and aims to put out a new album every year. During the interviews, the Aadat singer also shared that cricket—not music—was his first dream. He revealed that he wanted to become a fast bowler and was even selected for an under-19 cricket team before his parents encouraged him to focus on academics. “I wanted to be a fast bowler. I got selected for the under-19 cricket team, but my parents wanted me to study,” he recalled. Aslam said he only realised his vocal potential after his father’s transfer to another city. “When I hit that high note, I got scared. That’s when I realised something could come of it,” he said. Explaining the difference between his albums and film songs, Aslam noted that his studio records are deeply personal because he composes them himself. “I have composed all of my albums myself, but film songs are created with music producers and directors. My albums reflect what I have been through, the people I have met, what has inspired me and how it has shaped me,” he said. The singer also expressed gratitude to his Indian fans, recalling how his music first reached audiences across the border. “I remember when my first album came out, people would burn CDs and take them to India. Now we’re back to those days again,” he said, while thanking listeners who continue to support his music despite ongoing restrictions. Subah Aye Na, featuring eight tracks, is scheduled for release on July 31, marking Aslam’s long-awaited return to the studio album format after nearly two decades.

  • |

    Rani Mukerji honoured in Melbourne after three decades in film

    Rani Mukerji continues adding accolades to her three-decade-long career. On Friday, August 14, the 48-year-old actress received a Special Citation for Excellence in Acting at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. The honour recognised Mukerji’s broader contribution to Indian cinema, particularly her role in bringing Hindi-language stories to international audiences. Organisers specifically highlighted her work in socially significant films, alongside her humanitarian efforts. Reflecting on the milestone, Mukerji admitted she never imagined her work would resonate so strongly in a country as far from home as Australia. She said stepping into Bollywood as a young girl came with no expectation of this kind of global reach. She expressed gratitude that her films and characters had carried her across oceans over the years. According to her, being embraced so warmly by Australian audiences remains one of the most meaningful parts of her career. Mukerji described entertaining audiences worldwide as the greatest gift her profession has given her. She said Australia has consistently welcomed both her and Indian cinema with genuine warmth over the years. She added that storytelling has a unique way of connecting cultures without needing any kind of translation. According to her, emotions like love, laughter and hope speak a language that transcends borders entirely. Mukerji also reflected on how deeply her roles have shaped her as both an actor and a person. She explained that a performance only truly matters once it reaches someone else’s heart. She said knowing her work has travelled so far and stayed relevant for three decades feels genuinely humbling. According to her, every character she’s played has quietly influenced who she’s become over the years. She described playing women who laughed loudly, loved deeply and never stopped believing in themselves as one of the most rewarding parts of her journey. Mukerji said these roles didn’t just shape her craft, but helped her grow as a person too. Looking ahead, Mukerji is reportedly set to reunite with Shah Rukh Khan in his upcoming action-thriller “King,” releasing worldwide on December 24, 2026. She’s expected to play the mother of Suhana Khan’s character, joining an ensemble that includes Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan.

  • |

    Moroccan businessman’s death reignites Italy migration debate

    BOLOGNA: The death of a Moroccan businessman during a police restraint in the Italian city of Bologna has reignited Europe’s heated debate over migration, policing and the treatment of immigrants, with the case exposing the deeply personal human stories often overshadowed by political rhetoric. The incident comes as European governments face mounting pressure over migration policies. Just days after thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced plans to suspend a free-movement agreement with Spain, reinforcing her government’s tough stance on immigration. Amid the political storm, the death of Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan-born entrepreneur who had spent most of his life in Italy, has become a symbol of the broader tensions surrounding migration and law enforcement. Videos recorded by local residents on July 19 showed police officers restraining Fakir face down on the ground for several minutes after responding to reports of a distressed man behaving erratically in a residential area. The footage, which quickly spread across social media, sparked widespread public outrage and renewed scrutiny of police conduct. Authorities said officers were responding to emergency calls about a man shouting, kicking garage doors and striking a vehicle. An autopsy and official investigations into the officers’ actions remain ongoing, while four Red Cross volunteers who were present are also under review. The tragedy triggered thousands of peaceful protesters to gather in Bologna, demanding accountability and justice for Fakir’s family. However, demonstrations later turned violent when a small group clashed with police, leaving dozens of officers injured and further intensifying political divisions. Friends, relatives and lawyers describe Fakir as far more than the image portrayed in political debates. Having arrived in Italy from Morocco at the age of six, he built a successful life, eventually owning a small metalworking company after years of hard work. Behind that success, however, he had been battling severe anxiety. According to his lawyer, Fakir feared deportation after complications involving his residency permit, despite living in Italy for nearly four decades. He had also been struggling financially as his business declined, forcing him to lay off several employees. Family members said he concealed his emotional pain, insisting everything was fine even as he sought psychiatric assistance weeks before his death. Sociologists argue that Fakir’s story highlights the dangers of reducing migration to political slogans while ignoring the human lives behind the headlines. As Italy awaits the outcome of official investigations, his family says they continue to trust the country’s justice system and hope the full truth surrounding his final moments will emerge.

  • | |

    Pakistan unveils star-studded civil awards

    The Government of Pakistan has announced its annual list of civil awards as part of the country’s Independence Day celebrations, honouring 372 individuals for their contributions across various fields. The recipients will be formally presented with their awards on Pakistan Day, March 23, next year. According to the announced list, 54 awards have been allocated for services to the arts, while 29 recognise contributions to literature and nine have been awarded in the field of sports. Several prominent names from Pakistan’s entertainment and cultural landscape have been included among this year’s recipients. Actors Sania Saeed, Maria Wasti and Mahmood Aslam, musicians Shiraz Uppal and Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan, better known as Xulfi, and television host Shafat Ali are among the notable awardees. In the arts category, Sultana Siddiqi has been selected for the Hilal-i-Imtiaz for her services to production, while Nisho Begum, Iftikhar Ahmed Thakur, Fasih Uddin Soharwardy, Shakir Hussain, Taranam Naz and several other prominent figures have been named for Sitara-i-Imtiaz and other civil awards. Mahmood Aslam, Sarfraz Hussain Ansari, M Ehtesham Warsi, Ghazala Kaifi, Shazma Haleem, Maria Wasti and Sania Saeed are among those receiving the President’s Award for Pride of Performance for their contributions to acting and direction. The list also recognises artists and musicians from different parts of the country. Classical musicians, singers, painters, sculptors, choreographers, qawwali performers and traditional craftsmen have been honoured for preserving and promoting Pakistan’s cultural heritage. Among the recipients are Xulfi, awarded for music; Aftab Zafar for painting and illustration; Nadeem Salamat for qawwali; Tayyeba Aziz for painting and sculpting; and several artists recognised for traditional crafts including embroidery, block printing, stone carving and regional handicrafts. The literature category features a wide range of writers, poets, playwrights and researchers. Asad Muhammad Khan has been selected for the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for his contributions to playwriting and poetry. Ejaz Rahim and Muhammad Khurshid Ul Hasan Rizvi are among those receiving the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, while writers including Shakeel Adilzada, Waheed Uz Zaman Tariq, Maqsood Hussain Jafri, Hashim Nadeem and other literary figures have been named for the Sitara-i-Imtiaz. The President’s Award for Pride of Performance in literature has also been awarded to several writers and poets, including Dr Shahida Shaheen, Ali Muhammad Farshi, Aslam Javed, Rehman Faris and other contributors to Urdu and regional literature. The government has also recognised contributions to sports. Atta Mohammad Kakar and Dr Waseem A Tai have been selected for the Sitara-i-Imtiaz for their services to boxing coaching and yoga, respectively. The President’s Award for Pride of Performance in sports includes wrest­ler Bashir Bhola, shooter Kishmala Talat, squash player Noor Zaman, ramp-jump performer Sultan Muhammad Golden, boxer Muhammad Waseem and cricketer Sadiq Muhammad. Athlete Faiqa Riaz has been named for the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz. The annual civil awards recognise individuals who have made notable contributions to Pakistan in areas including culture, literature, sports and the arts. The awards ceremony will be held on March 23, when the recipients will officially receive their respective honours.

  • | |

    Search ends as all 34 miners recovered after Quett…

    QUETTA: The search and rescue operation at the site of the deadly coal mine explosion near Quetta concluded on Saturday after rescuers recovered the bodies of the last two trapped miners. With the latest recovery, the death toll from the tragedy has reached 34. The explosion took place on Thursday at a privately operated coal mine in the Sorange coalfield, located around 30 kilometres northeast of Quetta. Officials said a buildup of methane gas triggered a powerful explosion, causing a fire inside the mine and leading to its collapse. The blast also affected another nearby mine. Balochistan Chief Inspector of Mines Muhammad Atif confirmed that all 34 miners trapped underground had now been recovered. He said rescue teams worked continuously under difficult conditions to retrieve the remaining two bodies after recovering 32 victims on Friday. Following the completion of the rescue mission, authorities sealed both mines and launched a formal investigation into the incident. A team of mining experts has been formed to determine the exact cause of the explosion and examine whether all required safety measures had been followed. Officials said all the deceased miners belonged to Shangla district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Their bodies have been transported to their hometowns, where funeral prayers and burials will be held. Authorities said 23 of the victims were residents of Pirabad, a village that has repeatedly suffered losses in coal mining accidents. Local representatives said most of the miners were young men between the ages of 17 and 25. Community leaders said many of the victims belonged to the same families and were close relatives. Some of the deceased had already lost their fathers in previous mining accidents, reflecting the continued dangers faced by families dependent on coal mining for their livelihood. According to officials, 24 miners were working nearly 4,000 feet underground in the mine where the methane gas explosion occurred. The remaining workers were trapped in another nearby mine that was also affected by the blast. The tragedy has once again highlighted concerns over working conditions and safety standards in Pakistan’s coal mining sector. Labour organisations have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement of mining regulations, improved ventilation systems and better emergency preparedness to reduce the risk of fatal accidents. Coal mining remains one of the country’s most dangerous occupations. Workers face constant threats from gas explosions, mine collapses, toxic fumes, suffocation and long-term respiratory diseases caused by prolonged exposure to coal dust.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *