‘Incredibles 3’ shifts spotlight to Violet, Dash, teases new villain

The Supreme Court has scheduled five petitions concerning access to jailed former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan for hearing on August 18. A three-member bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed will hear the petitions. Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim are also part of the bench. The cases were previously being heard by a bench headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar. The bench has now been reconstituted after Justice Mazhar became unavailable at the Supreme Court’s principal seat. The petitions seek permission for Imran Khan’s family members, personal doctors and legal team to meet him in prison. The applicants have also requested access to his medical records and proper arrangements for his medical treatment. The petitions gained renewed attention after PTI lawyers and lawmakers gathered outside the Supreme Court earlier this week, protesting over the continued delay in fixing the cases. A delegation led by PTI lawyer Salman Akram Raja subsequently met the apex court registrar. According to Insaf Lawyers Forum chief organiser Intezar Panjutha, the registrar assured the delegation that five petitions relating to restrictions on meetings with Imran would be listed for hearing. The cause list was expected to be issued ahead of the proceedings. One of the petitions was filed by Imran’s sister, Uzma Khan. She has sought his transfer to Shifa International Hospital, arguing that he requires proper treatment and continuous medical monitoring for an eye-related condition and other health complications. The Supreme Court had earlier directed that details of meetings held by Imran and his wife, Bushra Bibi, with family members, lawyers and party leaders in prison be submitted. The newly constituted bench has attracted attention because of the legal positions previously taken by its members in politically sensitive matters. Justice Afghan has been associated with dissenting opinions on several major constitutional and legal issues. He had opposed the constitutionality of trying civilians in military courts and had also dissented in a case involving the transfer of judges between high courts. He has previously granted post-arrest bail to PTI leaders facing cases related to the May 9 violence. Justice Ibrahim was part of a Supreme Court judgment that overturned an earlier order concerning Imran’s right to defend himself in a defamation case filed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court is separately hearing petitions concerning the alleged solitary confinement of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. The dispute over access to Imran has remained a major issue for the PTI, which maintains that his family, lawyers and doctors should be allowed regular meetings. The government has continued to face pressure over the prison arrangements surrounding the former prime minister.

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met a US Congressional delegation in Islamabad on Tuesday. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen relations between Pakistan and the United States. The delegation included US Representatives Ryan Zinke and Michael Baumgartner. Dar welcomed the lawmakers and said Pakistan-US relations were gaining positive momentum. The meeting focused on several areas of mutual interest. These included trade, investment, information technology and energy. Both sides discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in these sectors. They also explored ways to increase economic and commercial engagement between the two countries. Dar stressed the importance of regular parliamentary exchanges. He said continued contact between lawmakers could help build mutual trust and improve understanding between Pakistan and the US. The foreign minister also highlighted the importance of stronger institutional links. He said regular engagement could help both countries develop closer and more productive relations. The visiting US lawmakers praised the role of the Pakistani community in the United States. They acknowledged the diaspora’s contributions to the US economy and society. The Pakistani community was also described as an important bridge between the two countries. Its role can help promote stronger people-to-people and economic ties. Regional and international issues were also discussed during the meeting. The two sides exchanged views on developments affecting regional peace and security. The US delegation appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability. Pakistani officials said Islamabad remained committed to dialogue and peaceful solutions to regional challenges. The meeting comes as Pakistan seeks to expand its economic engagement with the United States. Islamabad has been encouraging greater investment and cooperation in emerging sectors. Trade and investment remain key areas of focus in the evolving relationship. Pakistan is particularly interested in attracting US investment in technology, energy and other high-growth sectors.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of pursuing a politics of violence. In a statement, Tarar said the Mall Road incident in Rawalpindi had brought several issues to light. He alleged that PTI supporters arrive at protests carrying weapons. He said a security official was fired upon in broad daylight on Mall Road in Rawalpindi. According to Tarar, the incident was another example of what he described as PTI’s politics of violence. The federal minister further alleged that the purpose of PTI protests was to disrupt law and order and create unrest in the country. Tarar said the party’s objective behind protests was to create anarchy and instability in Pakistan. He also claimed that PTI was unable to accept the country’s development and progress. His remarks came after the Mall Road shooting in Rawalpindi, where a man identified as Muhammad Hussain was killed after allegedly opening fire at security forces, according to police.