The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East is shifting beneath our feet. While the world watches the friction of the U.S.-Iran conflict, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is quietly-and brilliantly rewriting its economic destiny. It’s no longer just about being a bridge between East and West; the U AE is fundamentally deciding that its future lies in the East. Navigating Beyond the Shadow of Regional Conflict In my view, the UAE’s recent distancing from traditional blocs like OPEC and the GCC isn't just a policy change; it’s a masterclass in strategic autonomy. For decades, the Gulf states have been viewed through the lens of Western dependency. However, the recent waves of drone and missile threats have proven that the UAE can no longer afford to be a bystander in a -dangerous neighborhood. By pivoting to Asia, the Emirates is seeking strategic depth that the West simply cannot provide in the current climate. Why the UAE’s Exit from OPEC Was a Bold Power Move The decision to leav...
Huge cache of foreign currency, around 2kg gold recovered from Rizvi’s home
• FIA says outfit’s financiers will be placed on stop list
• Punjab police register over 20 FIRs against TLP leadership, say Rizvi escaped during crackdown
• Mufti Muneeb, HRCP call for probe into ‘excessive force’ against protesters
LAHORE: The authorities have launched a money-laundering investigation against Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan chief Saad Rizvi after “huge sums” of foreign currency were allegedly recovered from his residence in Lahore during a raid by the law enforcement agencies.
The Punjab police said the raid was conducted by the provincial police, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), adding that all items, including the gold ornaments, were confiscated. The raid at the residence of the TLP chief came after the crackdown on the outfit’s march on Sunday night. Police said Mr Rizvi had escaped during the crackdown in Muridke.
A senior police official said the law enforcers were shocked to find such a large amount of foreign currency, gold, and silver at the residence, as the TLP chief did not run any business before the formation of the radical outfit.
light of these findings, the authorities expanded the scope of their investigation to acquire details of bank accounts operated by the TLP chief, his son, and other family members to assess the total movable and immovable assets he had obtained under the TLP banner.
The total currency allegedly recovered from the residence amounted to Rs110 million, including 50,000 Indian rupees.
In a separate statement, the FIA said it has initiated legal and financial actions against a religious group involved in anti-state protests and violent activities, adding that the accounts and assets of several important officials and workers of the religious group were being examined based on evidence.
According to the statement, “The FIA has frozen several bank accounts that were allegedly being used to fund violent protests.” Similarly, key individuals involved in funding the TLP were being placed on the stop list.
TLP headquarters ‘no-go’ area
According to a police official, who shared initial findings with Dawn, the TLP purchased dozens of properties in the vicinity of its headquarters — the hub of its activities — on Multan Road, making it a ‘no-go area’ for the LEAs and the general public. He said that the TLP chief had created a team of his loyal extremists and accommodated them by purchasing various houses at throwaway prices.
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