Pakistan Viral Series

  An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and 94 other party members. The case stems from the May 9 riots, during which PTI supporters were accused of orchestrating attacks on military and public properties, including damaging government buildings, vehicles, and creating unrest. This development follows the court’s rejection of bail pleas for multiple PTI leaders who failed to appear despite previous directives. The Islamabad Police have been tasked with ensuring compliance with the warrants. The cases against the accused include charges of vandalism, unlawful assembly, and threatening law enforcement officers during incidents of civil unrest earlier this year    . These legal proceedings mark a significant escalation in the ongoing political and legal challenges faced by the PTI leadership, which has seen mounting scrutiny from authorities in recent mo...

  Pakistan has agreed to adopt a hybrid model for hosting the 2024 Asia Cup, marking a significant compromise to ensure the tournament proceeds amid geopolitical tensions. This decision comes after months of deliberations with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and key stakeholders, including India, which expressed concerns about traveling to Pakistan for the event. Under the hybrid arrangement, Pakistan will retain hosting rights, but matches involving India and certain other games will be held at neutral venues. This model allows all participating nations to compete while addressing security concerns raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The hybrid solution is being hailed as a diplomatic win for cricket and Pakistan. It not only preserves the country’s right to host a major event but also strengthens regional cooperation in the sport. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials emphasized the importance of this compromise, aiming to focus on the tournament’s succes...

  The UAE Consul General in Karachi, Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al-Remeithi, has put to rest rumors about alleged visa restrictions for Pakistanis. Addressing circulating misinformation, he clarified that no discriminatory measures are in place, and Pakistani nationals, regardless of their city of residence or origin, are welcome to apply for UAE visas across all categories. Dr. Remeithi emphasized the longstanding ties between Pakistan and the UAE, highlighting over 50 years of strong cultural, religious, and trade relations between the two nations. He assured that the UAE provides “100% facilities” to Pakistani applicants, including workers, medical travelers, and businesspeople visiting cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah    . The envoy also announced the launch of a special awareness program at the UAE Consulate in Karachi to assist Pakistani travelers. He advised applicants to avoid carrying prohibited items and to carefully prepare their luggage to ensure smooth tra...

On November 24, 2024, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) held protests across major cities, despite stringent security measures and government-imposed restrictions. The demonstrations were part of a nationwide call by PTI to demand the restoration of democracy, revocation of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, and the release of political prisoners. Authorities implemented Section 144 in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Punjab, banning public gatherings to prevent law and order disruptions. Over 6,000 police officers and paramilitary personnel were deployed in the capital, with key areas sealed off using approximately 1,200 containers. Mobile internet services were also suspended in specific areas citing security concerns    . PTI supporters clashed with law enforcement in several locations, leading to arrests and the use of tear gas. The protests come at a politically charged time, as PTI’s chairman, Imran Khan, remains incarcerated on charges ranging from corruption to terrorism. Despi...

  Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, secured bail today in multiple cases, marking a significant development in his ongoing legal battles. The Islamabad High Court granted him bail in the £190 million corruption case, often referred to as the Al-Qadir Trust case, while the Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court approved bail in four other cases, including those related to protests and alleged violations of anti-terror laws     . These cases are part of a broader series of allegations against Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), since his ouster from office in April 2022. While Khan has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, claiming the charges are politically motivated, his legal troubles have added to the instability in Pakistan’s political landscape    . Khan’s release remains uncertain as he faces legal proceedings in several other cases. His supporters view today’s bail decisions as a step towards justice, while critics argue that his legal chall...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to intensify its crackdown on tax evaders in Pakistan. During a meeting, he expressed dissatisfaction with the delayed implementation of systems to improve tax compliance, including digital strategies and an automated track-and-trace system. He emphasized the need to target industries such as tobacco, sugar, cement, and fertilizers, which have shown resistance to compliance. The FBR revealed that 4.5 million taxable individuals remain outside the tax net, while over 300,000 recently filed tax returns under new enforcement measures. As part of the crackdown, steps include freezing bank accounts, banning property and vehicle purchases for defaulters, and deploying modern technology like drones and scanners to monitor smuggling and tax fraud. Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the economic damage caused by mafia-like networks facilitating evasion and announced plans to reward taxpayers who comply fully. The government...