senate erupts over
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Senate erupts over Imran Khan’s medical treatmen…

ByJustpaste.in

ISLAMABAD: The Senate witnessed a heated exchange between the opposition and government benches on Tuesday over the medical treatment of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.

The dispute centred on the implementation of an August 18 Supreme Court order concerning Imran Khan’s treatment. The court had directed authorities to shift him to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad and form a medical board that would include his sister and personal physician.

The government, however, took Imran Khan to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), citing security concerns. He was later returned to Adiala Jail after doctors declared him medically fit.

The opposition accused the government of failing to comply with the Supreme Court’s directions. The government rejected the allegation and maintained that the authorities had acted within the framework of the court order.

The issue came up after PTI parliamentary leader Barrister Ali Zafar sought permission to move a resolution regarding the Supreme Court’s directions. Presiding Officer Shahadat Awan did not allow the resolution, ruling that the matter was sub judice. Opposition senators were instead allowed to raise the issue through points of order.

Zafar argued that Parliament must uphold the Constitution and ensure compliance with decisions of the Supreme Court. He claimed that Imran Khan had neither been shifted to Shifa International Hospital nor examined by the medical board mentioned in the court’s order.

He also alleged that the required facilities for examining the PTI founder were not available at PIMS.

Zafar said political differences should not affect a person’s access to medical care. He urged the government to separate Imran Khan’s political status from his health and medical needs.

PTI Senator Azam Swati also criticised the government, accusing it of adopting different standards in dealing with political figures. He cited previous instances in which government institutions had facilitated political leaders.

The government defended its position through Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah. He said the state had complied with the Supreme Court’s directions while taking security considerations into account.

Sanaullah said the court had also allowed the administration to assess security arrangements. He maintained that Imran Khan was therefore taken to a government hospital where qualified doctors were available.

According to Sanaullah, a panel of doctors examined Imran Khan and found his condition satisfactory. He said the PTI founder was subsequently returned to jail.

The adviser said the matter was already before the Supreme Court and a report would be submitted on September 16. He argued that the court itself should determine whether its order had been properly implemented.

Opposition Leader in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas urged the government to demonstrate political maturity and implement the Supreme Court’s order in letter and spirit.

He also proposed forming a Senate committee to visit Imran Khan in jail and assess the situation.

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    MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly will elect the new prime minister on August 27, with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in a strong position to secure the top office. The election schedule was issued on Wednesday, setting out the timeline for nomination papers, scrutiny, withdrawal and polling. Under the schedule, candidates will submit their nomination papers between 9:30am and 10:30am. The scrutiny process will take place from 10:30am to 10:45am. The list of candidates will be displayed at 11am. Candidates will have 30 minutes, from 11am to 11:30am, to withdraw their nominations. The final list of candidates will be issued at noon. Polling for the office of prime minister will begin at 12:30pm in the Legislative Assembly. The newly elected prime minister is scheduled to take the oath between 4pm and 5pm on the same day. The PML-N has nominated party president Shah Ghulam Qadir for the position. Based on the current strength of the assembly, he is considered the leading candidate for the office. The recent AJK elections were conducted in three phases between July 27 and August 10. Polling was held in 38 of the 45 directly contested constituencies. The PML-N emerged as the largest parliamentary group by winning 25 seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured 12 seats. The PML-N’s position was further strengthened after the lone elected member of the Awami Dast-o-Bazu party joined the ruling alliance. The PML-N currently has the backing of 32 members, compared with 14 members supporting the PPP. The numbers give the PML-N a clear advantage ahead of the prime ministerial election. The political balance was also reflected in the recent elections for the assembly’s top offices. PML-N AJK Secretary General Chaudhry Tariq Farooq was elected speaker with 32 votes. Ahmed Raza Qadri also secured 32 votes to become deputy speaker. PPP nominee Qasim Majid received 13 votes in the speaker’s election, while PPP candidate Amir Abdul Ghaffar Lone secured 13 votes in the deputy speaker’s contest. One PPP vote was declared invalid. The new assembly formally began its parliamentary term on August 24, when 46 newly elected members took their oaths. Outgoing Speaker Latif Akbar administered the oath during the inaugural sitting.

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    Fire breaks out at warehouse near Karachi’s Sher…

    ByJustpaste.in

      KARACHI: A fire broke out at a warehouse near Shershah in Karachi West, prompting emergency response teams to rush to the scene and begin efforts to bring the blaze under control. According to Rescue 1122, its teams were immediately dispatched to the affected area after receiving information about the incident. Rescue personnel are currently engaged in firefighting operations and are working to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby buildings and commercial establishments. The fire reportedly erupted at a warehouse located in the vicinity of Shershah, an area known for its busy commercial and industrial activities. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, while officials have not immediately provided details regarding the extent of the damage or whether anyone was injured. Rescue 1122 officials said their teams were actively working at the site to control the flames. Firefighters are using emergency equipment to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the warehouse or surrounding properties. The incident has raised concerns because warehouse fires can spread rapidly, particularly when buildings contain combustible materials, packaging, chemicals or other flammable goods. Such fires can also generate thick smoke, making firefighting operations more difficult and creating risks for people living or working nearby. Emergency personnel have been focusing on bringing the situation under control while assessing the conditions inside and around the affected warehouse. Authorities may also inspect the premises after the fire is extinguished to determine how the incident started and whether safety regulations were being followed. The Shershah area is one of Karachi’s important commercial zones, with numerous warehouses, workshops, markets and businesses operating in and around the locality. A fire in such an area can potentially affect surrounding businesses and disrupt traffic and commercial activity. Residents and workers in the vicinity have been Fire breaks out at warehouse near Karachi’s Shershah area KARACHI: A fire broke out at a warehouse near Shershah in Karachi West, prompting emergency response teams to rush to the scene and begin efforts to bring the blaze under control. According to Rescue 1122, its teams were immediately dispatched to the affected area after receiving information about the incident. Rescue personnel are currently engaged in firefighting operations and are working to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby buildings and commercial establishments. The fire reportedly erupted at a warehouse located in the vicinity of Shershah, an area known for its busy commercial and industrial activities. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, while officials have not immediately provided details regarding the extent of the damage or whether anyone was injured. Rescue 1122 officials said their teams were actively working at the site to control the flames. Firefighters are using emergency equipment to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the warehouse or surrounding properties. The incident has raised concerns because warehouse fires can spread rapidly, particularly when buildings contain combustible materials, packaging, chemicals or other flammable goods. Such fires can also generate thick smoke, making firefighting operations more difficult and creating risks for people living or working nearby. Emergency personnel have been focusing on bringing the situation under control while assessing the conditions inside and around the affected warehouse. Authorities may also inspect the premises after the fire is extinguished to determine how the incident started and whether safety regulations were being followed. The Shershah area is one of Karachi’s important commercial zones, with numerous warehouses, workshops, markets and businesses operating in and around the locality. A fire in such an area can potentially affect surrounding businesses and disrupt traffic and commercial activity. Residents and workers in the vicinity have been advised to remain cautious and avoid approaching the affected location unnecessarily. Keeping roads and access routes clear is particularly important during emergency operations because firefighting vehicles and rescue teams need sufficient space to reach the site and carry out their work. At the time of the initial report, there were no confirmed details regarding casualties or the financial losses caused by the fire. Officials are expected to provide further information once firefighting operations are completed and the situation is assessed. The incident once again highlights the importance of fire safety measures at warehouses and commercial facilities. Proper storage of combustible materials, functional fire extinguishing systems, emergency exits and regular safety inspections can help reduce the risk of major fires and limit damage when accidents occur. Rescue 1122 teams remain engaged in firefighting efforts, while further details about the cause of the blaze, possible injuries and property damage are awaited. Authorities are expected to investigate the incident after the fire has been brought under control. The investigation will help determine whether the fire was caused by an electrical fault, an equipment malfunction, negligence or another factor. For now, emergency teams are concentrating on their immediate priority: extinguishing the fire, protecting nearby properties and ensuring the safety of people in the surrounding area. Further updates are expected as officials assess the situation and complete their operations. to remain cautious and avoid approaching the affected location unnecessarily. Keeping roads and access routes clear is particularly important during emergency operations because firefighting vehicles and rescue teams need sufficient space to reach the site and carry out their work. At the time of the initial report, there were no confirmed details regarding casualties or the financial losses caused by the fire. Officials are expected to provide further information once firefighting operations are completed and the situation is assessed. The incident once again highlights the importance of fire safety measures at warehouses and commercial facilities. 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    Travis Barker, Kourtney Kardashian break silence o…

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According to Barker, the answer was largely connected to the documentary’s interview format. He explained that the filmmakers would ask follow-up questions whenever he mentioned something personal. That conversational approach eventually led to the couple discussing their experience. Rather than deliberately planning to tell the story in detail, the subject came up naturally during the interviews. Barker suggested that the documentary provided a different environment from their family reality show, allowing the conversation to unfold in a more personal way. (People.com⁠) A difficult road to parenthood Barker and Kardashian became parents together when they welcomed Rocky in November 2023. Before his birth, however, the couple experienced pregnancy loss and later went through unsuccessful IVF attempts. The couple first revealed the pregnancy loss during the documentary’s premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June. Kardashian explained that they had become pregnant relatively early in their relationship and were devastated by the loss. (Us Weekly⁠) The experience was eventually followed by the arrival of Rocky, who became an important part of their blended family. A documentary about more than music Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear goes beyond Barker’s career as the drummer of Blink-182. Hulu describes the film as an exploration of his life, including his career, family, personal struggles and journey through trauma and recovery. (Hulu Press⁠) The documentary also highlights the role Kardashian has played in Barker’s life. He has previously credited his wife with helping him regain confidence after his traumatic 2008 plane crash and eventually return to flying. (E! Online⁠) By sharing a deeply personal chapter of their lives, Barker and Kardashian appear to be using the documentary to show an experience that many families quietly face. For Barker, opening up was ultimately about creating a connection with viewers and reminding them that difficult journeys can eventually lead to happier chapters. Travis Barker has explained why he and his wife, Kourtney Kardashian Barker, chose to open up about their difficult journey to parenthood in his new documentary, Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear. The Blink-182 drummer recently discussed the documentary during an appearance on The New York Times’ Popcast. He said the couple decided to share their experiences because they believed their story could help people who had gone through something similar. Barker described their journey as involving pregnancy loss, unsuccessful IVF attempts and eventually welcoming their son Rocky Thirteen naturally in November 2023. He said the experience was something many people could relate to, making it feel worthwhile to discuss publicly. 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Online⁠) By sharing a deeply personal chapter of their lives, Barker and Kardashian appear to be using the documentary to show an experience that many families quietly face. For Barker, opening up was ultimately about creating a connection with viewers and reminding them that difficult journeys can eventually lead to happier chapters.

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    FBR detects Rs10bn tax shortfall, issues notices t…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued notices to seven major oil marketing companies, including Pakistan State Oil (PSO), after detecting an alleged tax and levy shortfall of nearly Rs10 billion linked to imported petroleum products. According to official documents, the tax authority claims that the companies deposited less than the required amount in customs duty, petroleum levy and climate support levy based on the volume of petroleum products imported and unloaded at their storage facilities. The notices were issued after the FBR examined petroleum import and sales data, comparing the quantities of fuel handled by the companies with the taxes and levies paid into the national exchequer. The authority concluded that the payments made did not match the applicable liabilities. Reports indicate that the total amount identified by the FBR stands at Rs9.99 billion, prompting the revenue authority to seek explanations from the companies and direct them to clear the outstanding amounts. Among the companies named in the notices, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) faces the largest claim. According to the FBR, the state-owned oil giant is required to deposit approximately Rs8.19 billion in unpaid customs duty, petroleum levy and climate levy. The remaining amount is distributed among six other companies. Puma Energy and Pak-Arab Pipeline Company have jointly been asked to deposit around Rs135.3 million, while Hi-Tech Lubricants has been directed to pay Rs116.7 million. Similarly, B Energy Limited has been issued a notice for approximately Rs250 million, Taj Gasoline has been asked to deposit around Rs260.4 million, and Gas & Oil Pakistan Limited (GO) has been directed to pay approximately Rs222.2 million, according to the official figures. The FBR has warned all the companies that failure to respond to the notices within the prescribed time or to deposit the outstanding amounts could result in legal proceedings under the relevant tax laws. The development comes as Pakistan continues efforts to strengthen tax collection and improve revenue generation amid ongoing fiscal reforms. Authorities have intensified scrutiny of various sectors, including the petroleum industry, to ensure compliance with customs regulations and levy payments. The companies concerned have not publicly responded to the notices or the allegations at the time of filing this report. The FBR is expected to review their replies before deciding on any further legal or administrative action. The case is likely to attract significant attention given its financial scale and the role of the petroleum sector in Pakistan’s economy.

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    Punjab cybercrime crackdown, 28 suspects arrested

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    LAHORE: Authorities have arrested 28 suspects in Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan as part of a major crackdown on organised online fraud, exposing alleged schemes that relied on impersonation, fake investment opportunities and fabricated official identities to deceive citizens. The arrests were made during a province-wide operation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab, directed by Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim, officials said. Investigators also seized 24 mobile phones and a laptop, which are now being examined for evidence that could lead to other members of the alleged network. The investigation has revealed how fraudsters allegedly manipulated trust to convince victims to hand over large sums of money. Millions allegedly lost in Lahore scam In Lahore, 18 suspects were arrested in separate operations. Investigators said the suspects allegedly impersonated relatives, visa agents, government officials and personnel associated with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority. In one case, suspects allegedly posed as both a relative and a visa agent and persuaded a victim to transfer Rs25.86 million. The case has highlighted how scammers can combine apparently familiar identities with urgent requests to make their schemes appear legitimate. Rs54.66m trading fraud uncovered Three suspects were arrested in Faisalabad in connection with alleged online trading fraud and unauthorised access to a company email account. According to investigators, a victim was shown fabricated trading records, digital-wallet balances and purported profit statements to create the impression that substantial returns were being generated. After being persuaded to invest, the victim allegedly lost Rs54.66 million, investigators said. The case demonstrates the growing sophistication of investment scams, where criminals allegedly use manipulated digital information to make fraudulent platforms appear genuine. Multan arrests expose impersonation tactics In Multan, seven suspects were arrested for allegedly posing as relatives, bank employees and individuals claiming to be based in Britain. Officials said victims were approached with various demands, including payments supposedly required for prize money, customs clearance, taxes and visa renewals. Such tactics typically create a sense of urgency, leaving victims with little time to verify the identity of the caller or the authenticity of the demand. Digital evidence now under forensic examination NCCIA investigators are examining the seized devices through forensic analysis. Financial transactions, call records and digital communications are also being reviewed to establish the full extent of the alleged operation and identify other people who may be connected to it. The crackdown comes amid growing concern over online financial fraud in Pakistan. The NCCIA’s own statistics identify financial fraud as a major category of reported cybercrime. The latest arrests underscore a simple but increasingly important warning: an apparently familiar voice, official-looking message or promising investment opportunity may not be what it seems. Authorities are expected to continue the investigation as they trace the alleged network and follow the digital and financial trails left behind.

  • Junk food companies caught suing the laws meant to stop them

    ByJustpaste.in

    The World Health Organization says something troubling is happening behind the scenes of the global obesity fight. Many of the same companies profiting from junk food sales are also dragging governments to court. Their goal is to block laws designed to curb the crisis. A joint investigation by The Guardian and Lighthouse Reports dug into this pattern. Academics and media groups across four continents took part. Together, they uncovered 235 lawsuits filed against governments over ultra-processed food policies. The cases span 2010 to 2025. Countries hit hardest include Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, the US, and the UK. Labelling rules were the most challenged policies. Junk food taxes came next, followed by marketing restrictions. Food companies did not fare well in court. They lost about 75 percent of decided cases. But WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says the scoreboard misses the real damage. It is the time these lawsuits consume that hurts most. Combined, the litigation added up to nearly 600 years. Each case dragged on for two and a half years on average. The costs go beyond legal bills. Governments spend billions on healthcare and courtroom battles alike. Tedros calls the resulting hesitation a “regulatory chill.” Long, expensive lawsuits make officials think twice before trying similar reforms. Researchers managed to trace plaintiffs in many of these cases. Of those identified, 38 percent came from just eight companies. The list includes Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Mondelēz, Kellogg’s, Danone, Ferrero, Xignux, and Heartland Food Products Group. Some of these firms went a step further. They asked courts to keep their names hidden entirely. That secrecy tactic is not new. Researchers say it echoes moves once made by tobacco and alcohol companies. Both industries faced similar scrutiny in the past and used the same playbook. Tedros gave credit where it is due. He noted some companies have reformulated their products in good faith. Still, he insists that’s not enough while lawsuits keep piling up. There is also a wealth gap at play. Most legal battles are happening in richer nations. Poorer countries face the same obesity burden. But they have far fewer resources to defend new health policies if challenged in court. The scale of the crisis makes all this urgent. Nearly a billion people worldwide are currently living with obesity, per WHO estimates.

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