NACC Finds 44 Ex-Move Forward MPs Guilty Over Lese-Majeste Amendment Bid

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the recently signed trilateral agreement is aimed at promoting peace, development and prosperity in the region and has no aggressive objectives. Addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet, the prime minister said efforts to formalise the arrangement had been underway for several years. He said the framework was officially formalised last year to pave the way for a formal agreement. Shehbaz said the latest development was another step in the ongoing dialogue and cooperation, culminating in the signing of a trilateral agreement on Friday. He stressed that the agreement was entirely defensive in nature and was not directed towards aggression against any country. According to the prime minister, the pact is intended to strengthen peace, stability and progress in the region. He described the agreement as a significant development not only for the three participating countries but also for the wider Muslim world. Shehbaz congratulated Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their efforts towards finalising the agreement. He said the agreement was not the result of a recent initiative. Work on the arrangement had continued for several years before it was finally concluded on Friday. The prime minister expressed appreciation for the officials and leaders who contributed to the process and said the agreement represented an important step towards greater regional cooperation. He reiterated that the objective was to strengthen collective security while supporting peace, stability, development and prosperity across the region.

The Government of Pakistan has categorically rejected allegations by the sons of former Prime Minister Imran Khan that he has been kept under a seven-month communications blackout and denied access to his family, lawyers and doctors, terming the claims “unsubstantiated” and contrary to official prison records. In a detailed response, the government said documented records showed that Imran Khan had continued to receive visitors, legal access and medical care during his imprisonment, rejecting what it described as an attempt to create an international controversy without evidence. According to the government, since the beginning of his conviction, prison records show 198 meetings involving more than 900 visitors, including family members, legal representatives and political associates. It said Khan was also allowed a weekly meeting with his wife, with the latest meeting taking place on 4 August 2026, the same day his sons made allegations of a communications blackout during an appearance on CNN. The government said prison authorities maintain records of approved visits and communications, including WhatsApp and landline calls with family members in Pakistan and abroad. It added that Khan’s last call with his son was recorded on 21 March 2026. The statement said any temporary restrictions were imposed under Pakistan Prison Rules, court orders and security requirements applicable to high-profile prisoners, particularly due to political activities outside the prison. “There is no prohibition on access; it is regulated under the law,” the government said, adding that prison meetings cannot be used as unrestricted political communication channels. Rejecting claims regarding medical treatment, the government said Imran Khan had received regular medical examinations by specialist teams and medical boards from institutions including the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Shifa International Hospital, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital. The government said Khan underwent treatment for a retinal condition, including five intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, specialist examinations and retinal imaging. It added that his latest specialist assessment was carried out in July 2026, with further medication and follow-up care prescribed. According to the official statement, medical records describe Khan as “oriented and stable”, with no reported acute or unmanaged deterioration. The government said disclosure of medical reports remained subject to legal procedures, patient confidentiality and ongoing proceedings before the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Addressing the issue of Khan’s sons’ travel to Pakistan, the government said the matter involved separate processes relating to NICOP and visa requirements. It stated that overseas Pakistanis holding a valid NICOP are eligible for visa-free entry and rejected what it called an attempt to present an administrative matter as political victimisation. The statement also detailed the facilities provided to Imran Khan in prison, saying he was being kept in a separate compound with accommodation and amenities exceeding minimum requirements for prisoners in the same category. The government maintained that Imran Khan was being treated according to constitutional guarantees, prison laws and court directives, while insisting that no individual was entitled to a separate legal framework or exemption from security regulations.

KARACHI: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has summoned four Karachi residents for questioning over alleged defamatory content posted on social media against Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and his son. The inquiry was launched following a complaint submitted on behalf of Memon. The complaint relates to social media posts concerning the death of Karachi resident Mir Raza Ali. According to the notices issued by the agency, the respondents have been asked to appear at the NCCIA office in Karachi on August 13 at 11:30am. They have also been directed to bring their original identity cards and any documents or material they intend to use in their defence. The four individuals have also been asked to provide relevant digital devices and record their statements before the investigators. The agency warned that failure to appear could lead to further legal action. The development follows a complaint filed by Memon through his legal representatives. He had approached the cybercrime agency over what he described as false and malicious material being circulated online about him and his son. Memon has denied claims linking him to a guest house in Gulistan-i-Jauhar where Mir Raza Ali was allegedly subjected to violence. He also rejected allegations that his son travelled to London shortly after the incident and was later seen with security personnel. The senior minister said the allegations were not supported by facts or evidence. He alleged that the campaign was aimed at damaging his and his son’s reputation for political reasons. His legal counsel has requested that the agency identify those responsible and take action under applicable cybercrime laws. The complaint also seeks registration of a criminal case if sufficient evidence is found. The Mir Raza case has attracted significant public attention. Ali, who had studied at the Institute of Business Administration and owned a food business, was reported missing on July 28. His body was discovered the following day in bushes near Shahi Qila Ground in Gulistan-i-Jauhar. The investigation initially considered the possibility of suicide. However, Ali’s family consistently rejected that theory. They maintained that he had been kidnapped, assaulted and murdered. A second post-mortem examination later raised further questions about the circumstances of his death. The examination indicated that Ali had suffered a gunshot wound to the back, which challenged the earlier theory of suicide. The family’s lawyer, Jibran Nasir, called for changes to the investigation team. He also accused authorities of failing to properly pursue key aspects of the case. A new investigation team was assigned to the case on Sunday. Police also added a murder charge to the first information report.