Connect with us

Politics

PTI’s Asad Qaiser rearrested in May 9 riots case

Published

on

  • Charsadda police took Qaiser into custody from inside Swabi Jail.
  • “Neither we are afraid, nor will we backtrack,” says PTI leader.  
  • All the parties should be given a level playing field, Qaiser says. 

PESHAWAR: After being granted bail in a corruption case, the police on Thursday re-arrested Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former National Assembly (NA) Speaker Asad Qaiser from inside Swabi Jail in a case pertaining to the riots on May 9, Geo News reported.

Charsadda police took Qaiser — a staunch supporter of PTI Chairman Imran Khan — into custody from inside Swabi Jail and shifted him to an unidentified location.

The May 9 riots were triggered almost across the country after the deposed prime minister’s arrest in the £190 million settlement case. Hundreds of PTI workers and senior leaders were put behind bars for their involvement in violence and attacks on military installations.

During the protests, the miscreants targeted the civil and military installations including — Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military termed May 9 “Black Day” and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act.

In a video message — recorded during his re-arrest — the incarcerated PTI leader urged his party workers to continue their struggle for victory in the upcoming elections.

“Neither we are afraid, nor will we backtrack.”

Claiming that if all political parties were provided a level playing field, the PTI leader said that his party would win the upcoming elections with a huge majority.

Without naming, the PTI leader accused: “They have already declared a person prime minister.”

It is pertinent to mention here that PTI and PPP have been accusing the caretaker government of giving PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif “special treatment” ahead of the upcoming elections.

Earlier, an anti-corruption court in Abbottabad granted bail to the PTI leader in a graft case relating to the procurement of medical equipment for Gajju Khan Medical College Swabi. Approving his bail plea, the judge had ordered him to submit surety bonds worth Rs80,000.

On November 3, the former NA speaker was arrested from his residence in Islamabad’s Bani Gala area.

Qaiser was taken into custody by police and Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) personnel for alleged corrupt practices related to the purchase of medical equipment.

According to a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) registered against the PTI leader available with Geo News, the PTI stalwart and four officials of the health department face allegations of misusing funds and medical equipment in the medical college.

The FIR registered on the complaint of former ACE investigation officer Hidayat Shah stated that the five suspects caused Rs16.456 million loss to the treasury by “stealing” the equipment and purchasing substandard furniture for the institution.

Latest News

Reaction to the PTI protest call by Fazlur Rehman

Published

on

By

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, speaking on a private television station, said that the PTI is always coming to the streets, which really lessens the impact of a protest.

He also suggested to the PTI leadership that rather than carrying on with the agitation, it should finally put a hard hand down, which would be the final nail in the coffin.

He continued, citing the JUI protests as an example, saying, “We had a strong grip over our protesters and workers, so neither road was closed nor any property damage occurred during protests.”

The PTI has the right to protest, but Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the party’s agitation strategy as insufficient, stating that it is currently being “exposed which maynot be a good sign’.

Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, promised not to go back home unless the PTI founder was freed. During their demonstration, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, encouraged the party officials to come up with strategies to avoid being arrested.

According to an alleged audio recording, she stated that November 24 will be a loyalty test for PTI members.

Additionally, the government of Islamabad has enforced section 144 for a period of two months, which prohibits processions, rallies, demonstrations, and meetings of five or more individuals in the city.

As per the notification, the prohibition forbade meetings in any public space inside the boundaries of Islamabad, including the Red Zone, which encompasses important government buildings, diplomatic missions, and other sensitive sites.

Continue Reading

Latest News

PTI representatives conjecture in the media over Imran’s approval of bail: FIA investigator

Published

on

By

The hearing on the PTI founder’s bail application in the Toshakhana-2 case has resumed at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), with Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb serving as the presider.

The hearing was attended by the defense attorney, Barrister Salman Safdar, and FIA prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi.

Judge Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb told the FIA prosecutor to “leave the media alone and exempt yourself from them” in order to avoid commenting on the media. The statement followed the prosecutor’s assertion that the bail would be granted, which had previously been reported by media sources.

In addition, the court questioned whether the receipts in question were issued in the name of Bushra Bibi or the PTI founder itself. Bushra Bibi’s name was on the receipts listed in the challan, according to Barrister Salman Safdar.

Defense arguments
The defense expressed displeasure about the case’s 3.5-year registration wait. The prosecution has swore in Sohaib Abbasi and made Inamullah Shah a crucial witness without requiring them to take an oath.

Barrister Salman Safdar highlighted that multiple agencies, including NAB, FIA, Police, and the Election Commission, have initiated actions related to the Toshakhana case, suggesting procedural redundancy.

Regarding a phony Toshakhana receipt, he contended, the Kohsar Police Station has also filed a case.

Position of the prosecution
The FIA prosecutor, Umair Majeed Malik, maintained that the valuation of the jewelry set mentioned in the case would be explained in the prosecution’s evidence.Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb remarked, “If the media does not spread sensationalism, how will they conduct their business?” He dismissed rumors about his health, stating that he was present and hearing the case despite such reports.

Status of Co-Accused
The court was informed that Bushra Bibi, a co-accused in the case, is currently on interim bail and awaiting a decision by Judge Afzal Majuka. Barrister Salman Safdar expressed hope that Judge Majuka would soon announce his verdict.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Naqvi visits Fazl to express gratitude for contributions to the 26th amendment.

Published

on

By

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi convened with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman to deliberate on issues of shared concern and the current political landscape in the nation.

In today’s meeting in Islamabad, Mr. Naqvi asked about Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s health and sent his best wishes for the JUI chief’s well-being and future pursuits.

Naqvi extended his appreciation to Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his crucial contribution to the enactment of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he characterised as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s legislative history.

Following the meeting, Naqvi commended Mr. Fazlur Rehman’s commitment to the nation, asserting, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman has consistently prioritised Pakistan’s interests, and his contributions to the country are indispensable.”

The experienced politician reaffirmed his dedication to Pakistan and its populace, stating, “Our priority has consistently been Pakistan and the well-being of its citizens.”

Senator Kamran Murtaza attended the meeting.

Continue Reading

Trending