Sonakshi Sinha praises Gen Z after minister’s resignation

Police have arrested three transgender persons after registering a case over an alleged attack on the Boat Basin police station in Karachi. The case was lodged by the state following an incident that took place a few days ago. According to police officials, a large group of transgender persons allegedly entered the police station in an agitated state and created unrest inside the premises. They are accused of pelting stones, damaging government property and disrupting official work. Police said the protesters allegedly smashed the windows of vehicles parked at the police station. They also damaged the glass panels of a police mobile and vandalized equipment linked to the Safe City surveillance system. Authorities said the doors of the Safe City monitoring room were also broken during the incident. Officials stated that police personnel tried to calm the protesters and asked them to remain peaceful. However, they claimed that the group continued its protest and refused to leave the premises. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the protesters also allegedly assaulted members of the public who were present at the police station despite repeated warnings from police officers. Eight transgender persons have been nominated in the case, while investigations are continuing to identify and arrest the remaining suspects. Police said the protest erupted after officials detained several beggars under the Beggary Act on the instructions of the assistant commissioner. During the operation, one transgender person reportedly suffered a nosebleed while being taken into custody. According to police, the injury occurred during the detention process. They alleged that the protesters later presented the incident as a case of police torture, which triggered the protest outside and inside the police station. Authorities said an investigation is underway to determine the exact sequence of events. Police are also reviewing available evidence, including surveillance footage, to identify everyone involved in the alleged vandalism and attacks on government property.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has stressed the need to implement the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in accordance with its spirit and text. Dar said dialogue and diplomacy are the only practical ways to resolve outstanding issues. He said Pakistan has always supported peace, negotiations, cooperation and mutual respect among nations. The foreign minister said developments during the past year had once again highlighted the urgent need to settle longstanding disputes peacefully. He said unresolved disputes remain a major challenge to regional peace and stability. Dar particularly highlighted the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He described the issue as one of the key causes of instability in the region. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued moral, political and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people. He said Pakistan would continue supporting the Kashmiri people in their struggle for their rights. He also stressed the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful dialogue and diplomatic engagement. Dar paid tribute to the people serving Pakistan and confronting threats from its enemies. He said these threats exist both inside and outside the country. He added that the nation stands united with those working to protect the country. The foreign minister expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made by security personnel and other individuals serving the national interest. He said their services and sacrifices would always be remembered. Dar also called for stronger national institutions. He urged the people to maintain national unity and work together for the country’s progress. He stressed the need to fully utilise the abilities and potential of Pakistan’s people. He said collective efforts were essential to building a strong and prosperous future.

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.