‘The Odyssey’ earns $264 million in global opening

  The Islamabad High Court on Thursday heard petitions challenging the alleged solitary confinement of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. During the proceedings, Advocate General (AG) Islamabad Naveed Hayat Malik informed the court that the two prisoners were not kept in solitary confinement, adding that they were being provided facilities even better than B-class prison standards. Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro presided over the hearing. The petitioners were represented by Barrister Salman Safdar, while the jail superintendent was also present in the courtroom and submitted a detailed report regarding the facilities provided to the high-profile inmates. Advocate General Malik clarified that the detainees were not isolated due to punitive measures but as a security protocol. He noted that the inability of petitioners’ families to meet them did not constitute solitary confinement. Meanwhile, Jail Superintendent Sajid Beg explained that solitary confinement legally means locking an inmate in a single cell for 24 hours—which, he emphasized, was not the case for Imran Khan. The PTI founder, he said, was housed in a compound consisting of seven interconnected cells, allowing free movement. Additionally, a convicted inmate was permanently assigned to accompany him, further disproving the solitary confinement claim. The superintendent also disclosed the amenities provided to Khan. He was given access to a television set, newspapers, and books. Both Urdu and English dailies are being delivered daily, and more than 500 books have been provided to him so far—with nine more recently added to his cell. However, Barrister Salman Safdar, representing the petitioners, painted a contrasting picture. He informed the court that on the Supreme Court’s directive, he had visited Imran Khan as a friend of the court and noticed his deteriorating eyesight. According to Safdar, Khan expressed satisfaction with his food, security, and bathroom facilities but pleaded: “Just save my eyesight.” Safdar further alleged that for seven months, he was not allowed to meet his client, and it was only after the intervention of the Chief Justice that a meeting was arranged in April, lasting barely 65 minutes. Out of that brief meeting, the PTI founder spent 60 minutes complaining about mental torture and restrictions on meetings. He claimed he was under 22-hour isolation while Bushra Bibi faced 24-hour confinement. Safdar also pointed out that the TV provided in the cell had no functioning channels. In a disturbing revelation, Safdar informed the court that Imran Khan’s 68-year-old sister, Aleema Khanum, visited Adiala Jail 38 times without being granted a single meeting. The PTI founder has also been deprived of telephonic conversations with his sons for the last eight months. Safdar argued that this psychological torture is far more severe than physical violence and urged the court to intervene. He requested that a panel of three lawyers be formed to visit the jail and independently assess the conditions. He also demanded that Imran Khan be allowed a weekly phone call with his sons and that the jail authorities submit an affidavit committing to this arrangement. Justice Soomro noted that he had previously visited jails in Sindh when he was a senior judge there, but Aleema Khanum interjected, urging the judge to personally visit Adiala Jail to ascertain the reality. After hearing all parties, the court directed them to submit written reports and relevant legal references, after which an appropriate order would be issued.

  At least three people were killed and four others sustained injuries in a shooting incident near Charsadda Adda in Peshawar, according to local police authorities. The tragic incident, which occurred following a heated domestic dispute, has shocked residents of the area and prompted an immediate police investigation. Police officials stated that the shooting took place after an argument between two groups of relatives escalated into a violent confrontation. What initially began as a disagreement over family matters quickly turned deadly when firearms were used. The exchange of gunfire resulted in the deaths of three individuals at the scene, while four others were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. The condition of the injured has not yet been officially disclosed. Law enforcement authorities responded swiftly after receiving reports of the incident. Police teams reached the crime scene, secured the area, and began collecting evidence. The bodies of the deceased were shifted to a hospital for legal formalities and post-mortem examinations, while investigators interviewed witnesses to determine the exact sequence of events. According to the police, a formal case has been registered at Faqirabad Police Station, and efforts are underway to identify and arrest those responsible for the shooting. Authorities have launched a search operation to locate the suspects, who reportedly fled the scene immediately after the incident. Police officials expressed confidence that those involved would soon be brought to justice. Preliminary investigations indicate that both groups involved in the incident are closely related. Police believe the violence stemmed from a long-standing domestic dispute that escalated beyond control. Although the exact nature of the disagreement has not been officially revealed, investigators are examining all aspects of the family conflict to establish the motive behind the shooting. Family disputes turning violent remain a serious concern in various parts of Pakistan, where disagreements over property, inheritance, financial issues, or personal matters can sometimes escalate into deadly confrontations. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly urged citizens to resolve conflicts through legal and peaceful means rather than resorting to violence. The incident has created an atmosphere of fear and sadness among local residents, many of whom expressed concern over the increasing use of firearms in personal disputes. Community members have called on authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and to strengthen measures aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future. Police officials emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages and that additional details will be made public as evidence is collected and witness statements are recorded. Authorities are also reviewing forensic evidence from the crime scene to support the investigation. The tragic shooting serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of unresolved family conflicts and the dangers associated with the misuse of weapons. As the investigation continues, the families of the victims await justice, while local authorities remain committed to apprehending the suspects and uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The police have assured the public that every effort is being made to complete the investigation promptly and transparently. Further updates are expected as the search for the accused continues and more information becomes available through the ongoing inquiry.