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Pakistan court jails Imran Khan aides for up to 10 years for May 2023 riots

Pakistan court jails Imran Khan aides for up to 10 years for May 2023 riots
The combination of file photos shows Imran Khan aides Omar Ayub Khan (ledt), Shibli Faraz (center), Zartaj Gul Wazir. (AFP)
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Updated 43 sec ago

Pakistan court jails Imran Khan aides for up to 10 years for May 2023 riots

Pakistan court jails Imran Khan aides for up to 10 years for May 2023 riots
  • Senior Khan aides Omar Ayub Khan, Shibli Faraz, Zartaj Gul Wazir handed 10-year prison sentences
  • Former information minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, Zain Qureshi among 34 acquitted by court
Updated 43 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Pakistan’s eastern city of Faisalabad sentenced senior aides of former prime minister Imran Khan for up to 10 years in prison on Monday for being involved in the attack on a federal minister’s house during the May 9, 2023, riots, Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party said in a statement.

Angry Khan supporters took to the streets on May 9, 2023, when the former prime minister was first briefly arrested by the country’s anti-corruption agency, NAB, in a land bribery case popularly called the Al-Qadir trust case. The government says supporters of Khan’s PTI had attacked important state buildings and damaged vehicles during the riots and ransacked military facilities. Khan and his aides deny instigating supporters to attack government and military installations. 

According to the PTI, the ATC sentenced 75 people out of a total of 109 accused, acquitting 34. Fifty-nine were issued 10-year prison sentences, including senior Khan aides Omar Ayub Khan, Shibli Faraz, Zartaj Gul Wazir, and others for attacking the residence of Minister for Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah in Faisalabad during the May 9 riots, the party said. 

“Under the guise of May 9, innumerable injustices have been inflicted upon ordinary citizens, families and leadership of PTI, harassed, lives shattered, and individuals subjected to unspeakable torment,” the PTI said in a message to the media. 

Other aides of the former prime minister slapped with 10-year imprisonment sentences include Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, nephew of former railways minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Rai Murtaza Iqbal, Kanwal Shauzab, Rai Hassan Nawaz, Ahmad Chattha, Ansar Iqbal, Bilal Ijaz, Ashraf Sohna, Mehr Javed, Shakeel Niazi and others.

Former information minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain and Zain Qureshi, son of senior Khan aide Shah Mahmood Qureshi, were among those acquitted of the charges. 

Earlier this month, a court in Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore sentenced over a dozen members of the PTI to as many as 10 years in prison for their involvement in the May 9, 2023, riots. These included Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, Mahmood-ur-Rashid and Umar Sarfaraz Cheema. PTI leaders Alia Hamza and Sanam Javed were also sentenced to five years in prison. 

Earlier, an ATC in Pakistan’s eastern Sargodha city sentenced Khan aides Ahmed Chattha, Bilal Ejaz and Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Ahmed Khan Bachar to 10 years in prison on July 22 for their involvement in the 2023 riots as well.

It was followed by the sentencing of 108 PTI members on July 31, including Omar Ayub Khan, Faraz, Hamid Raza and Wazir to 10 years in prison by an anti-terrorism court in Faisalabad on July 31.

Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has welcomed the court’s ruling, accusing PTI supporters of setting fire to government buildings, damaging military property and injuring law enforcement personnel during the May 9, 2023, unrest.

Khan, who remains popular despite being ousted from office after a parliamentary vote in April 2022, says the cases against him are politically motivated to keep him and his PTI away from power. The government denies these allegations and says Khan’s party carries out violent protests to derail the government’s efforts to ensure sustainable economic progress. 

Pakistan’s top court last week granted bail to Khan in eight cases linked to the 2023 riots. He has been in jail since August 2023 when a court sentenced him to three years in prison for illegally selling state gifts while he was the premier. The sentence barred the opposition leader from contesting in 2024 general elections. 

Topics: Shibli Faraz Omar Ayub Khan zartaj gul

Pakistan slams India’s bypassing of Indus Waters Treaty in flood warning

Pakistan slams India’s bypassing of Indus Waters Treaty in flood warning
Updated 26 sec ago

Pakistan slams India’s bypassing of Indus Waters Treaty in flood warning

Pakistan slams India’s bypassing of Indus Waters Treaty in flood warning
  • India sent flood warning on River Tawi via diplomatic note instead of Indus Waters Commission
  • Treaty was suspended by New Delhi in April after blaming Pakistan for attack in Indian-administered Kashmir 
Updated 26 sec ago
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday accused India of violating the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) by sending a flood warning through diplomatic channels instead of the treaty’s official mechanism, saying the move was a “serious violation of international law.”

The statement came a day after the Indian High Commission in Islamabad warned of high flood levels in the River Tawi in Indian-administered Kashmir, despite New Delhi announcing in April that it had suspended the decades-old treaty. 

“On 24 August 2025, India communicated flood warnings through diplomatic channels, rather than through the Indus Waters Commission as required under the Indus Waters Treaty,” the Foreign Office said, adding that India’s declaration to hold the treaty in abeyance could have “significant negative consequences for peace and stability in South Asia.”

The River Tawi, which joins Pakistan’s Chenab River, runs through the border districts of Gujrat and Sialkot. 

Following the Indian alert, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab issued a flood warning, directing district administrations to activate monitoring and early warning systems.

A letter from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on Sunday, seen by Arab News, stated: “River and site Name: Tawi, Jammu. Date/Time: 24th August 2025, 10.00 Hrs, flood data: high flood.”

India suspended the IWT in April after blaming Pakistan for an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. Pakistan denied involvement and demanded an international probe.

Under the treaty, signed in 1960, Pakistan has rights to the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — while India controls the eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — but can use the western rivers for limited purposes provided it does not significantly alter their flow.

Pakistan had reacted strongly to India’s suspension of the IWT, warning that any attempt to stop or divert its guaranteed share of waters would be considered “an act of war.”

The latest exchange comes as Pakistan reels from deadly monsoon rains, with nearly 800 people killed since June 26 due to heavy showers and subsequent flash floods and landslides.

Topics: Pakistan India Ties Indus Waters Treaty Monsoon 2025

’s Flyadeal launches flight operations to Pakistan’s Peshawar, Islamabad

’s Flyadeal launches flight operations to Pakistan’s Peshawar, Islamabad
Updated 12 min 12 sec ago

’s Flyadeal launches flight operations to Pakistan’s Peshawar, Islamabad

’s Flyadeal launches flight operations to Pakistan’s Peshawar, Islamabad
  • Flyadeal to operate two weekly flights from Riyadh to Peshawar every Monday and Wednesday, says civil aviation authority 
  • Says services to Peshawar and Islamabad will strengthen connectivity, facilitate passenger convenience and boost bilateral ties
Updated 12 min 12 sec ago
Ismail Dilawar

KARACHI: ’s low-cost airline Flyadeal has expanded its operations in Pakistan with inaugural flights to Peshawar and Islamabad cities recently, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) said in a statement on Monday. 

Jeddah-based Flyadeal, a sister company of Saudia Airlines, launched operations in Pakistan with an inaugural flight to the southern port city of Karachi on Feb. 1. On Sunday, the airline’s inaugural flight to Pakistan’s capital arrived at the Islamabad International Airport from Riyadh with 65 passengers on board, while the return flight left with 172 passengers. 

On Monday, the airline expanded its operations in the country further by operating its first flight to Peshawar. The flight arrived in the northwestern city’s Bacha Khan International Airport from Riyadh. 

“Flyadeal will now operate two weekly flights from Riyadh to Peshawar every Monday and Wednesday,” the PCAA said. 

Meanwhile, the airline will operate a weekly flight to Islamabad on Sundays, the statement added. 

“The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) welcomed Flyadeal’s entry into Pakistan’s aviation market, noting that the new services to Peshawar and Islamabad will strengthen connectivity, facilitate passenger convenience, and further boost ties between Pakistan and ,” the PCAA said. 

Flyadeal’s move to expand operations to Pakistan comes as seeks to boost its tourism sector under the Vision 2030 program, which aims to attract over 150 million domestic and international tourists annually to the Kingdom by the end of the decade.

Every year, thousands of Pakistanis travel to the Kingdom and back for tourism and religious reasons. is home to over 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates who live and work in the Kingdom.

Topics: Pakistan Saudi Ties Pakistan flyadeal

Pakistan dispatches 21st consignment of relief items for Gaza

Pakistan dispatches 21st consignment of relief items for Gaza
Updated 6 min 31 sec ago

Pakistan dispatches 21st consignment of relief items for Gaza

Pakistan dispatches 21st consignment of relief items for Gaza
  • Latest relief consignment comprises 100 tons of ration bags, cooked meals and fruit tin packs
  • Israel’s military operations in Gaza have killed over 62,000 Palestinians since October 7, 2023
Updated 6 min 31 sec ago

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government dispatched its 21st consignment of relief items from the eastern city of Lahore on Monday, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said in a statement, reaffirming solidarity with the people of Palestine amid Israel’s military operations. 

The 21st consignment, consisting of 100 tons of relief goods, was sent via a special flight from Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, the NDMA said. It added that the consignment comprises 100 tons of ration bags, cooked meals and fruit tin packs.

“So far, a total of 2,027 tons of aid has been sent through 21 consignments,” the NDMA said. 

Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain, officials and senior NDMA members attended the aid dispatch ceremony at the airport. The minister appreciated the efforts of the NDMA and other welfare organizations for ensuring the timely dispatch of the aid.

“He reaffirmed that Pakistan stands with the people of Palestine in this difficult time and will continue to make every possible effort to meet their needs,” the NDMA said. 

Pakistan’s 19th consignment of relief items for the people of Gaza arrived at Egypt’s EL Arish International Airport on Sunday. Pakistan has been repeatedly dispatching humanitarian relief items to Gaza, which has been reeling from food shortages and starvation, according to the global hunger monitor Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). 

Last Friday, the IPC warned that northern Gaza is suffering from famine, adding that it is projected to spread to central and southern areas of the territory by the end of September.

Pakistan does not recognize nor have diplomatic relations with Israel and calls for an independent Palestinian state based on “internationally agreed parameters” and the pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Since the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023, Pakistan has repeatedly raised the issue of Palestinian civilian deaths in Gaza at the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other multilateral platforms and demanded international powers and bodies stop Israeli military actions in Gaza. Israel’s military offensives have killed more than 62,000 Palestinians in Gaza, most of them civilians, since October 2023, as per figures from the health ministry in Gaza.

Islamabad also called on the international community to force Israel to allow uninterrupted access to humanitarian supplies for the people of Gaza. 

Topics: aid Gaza

Militants attack security camp in northwest Pakistan, killing 3 officers, wounding 17

Militants attack security camp in northwest Pakistan, killing 3 officers, wounding 17
Updated 25 August 2025
AP

Militants attack security camp in northwest Pakistan, killing 3 officers, wounding 17

Militants attack security camp in northwest Pakistan, killing 3 officers, wounding 17
  • Seventeen security personnel wounded in assault in northwestern Hangu district, police say 
  • Latest attack comes weeks after military launched operation in northwestern Bajaur district
Updated 25 August 2025
AP

PESHAWAR, Pakistan: Militants attacked a security forces camp in northwestern Pakistan on Monday, sparking an hours-long gunbattle that left at least three officers and one assailant dead, police said.

Seventeen security personnel were wounded in the assault in Hangu, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to local police official Nazar Mohammad. He said security forces quickly responded and launched a search operation in the nearby mountains to track down the attackers who fled.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the slain officers in a statement and directed authorities to provide the best possible medical treatment to the wounded.

No group immediately claimed responsibility, but the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, have claimed responsibility for similar attacks in the past.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in such attacks in recent months.

The latest attack in Hangu comes weeks after Pakistan’s military launched a “targeted operation” against TTP in another northwestern district, Bajaur displacing nearly 100,000 residents. So far, authorities have not released any details about the ongoing operation. Pakistan carried out an operation in Bajaur against TTP in 2009 as well.

Topics: Pakistan hangu

Pakistan deepens Bangladesh détente with high-level visits as leaders sign pacts, push trade

Pakistan deepens Bangladesh détente with high-level visits as leaders sign pacts, push trade
Updated 25 August 2025

Pakistan deepens Bangladesh détente with high-level visits as leaders sign pacts, push trade

Pakistan deepens Bangladesh détente with high-level visits as leaders sign pacts, push trade
  • Multiple agreements signed during deputy PM, commerce minister’s visits, including visa waivers, joint trade group
  • Analysts widely say 2024 political shift in Dhaka has opened up space for closer engagement with Islamabad
Updated 25 August 2025
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Senior Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Commerce Minister Jam Kamal, wrapped up high-level visits to Bangladesh last week as both nations seek to mend decades of strained ties. 

The trips saw multiple agreements signed, including a visa waiver for diplomats, the establishment of a joint working group on trade, and cooperation between foreign service academies, with discussions centered on boosting economic cooperation and investment.

“In all his engagements, the DPM/FM expressed Pakistan’s strong desire to forge a brotherly relationship with Bangladesh for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries,” Pakistan’s foreign office said in a statement on Monday, following the conclusion of Dar’s two-day visit from Aug. 23–24.

During his meetings with Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, Dar discussed bilateral relations, trade, people-to-people contacts, cultural exchanges, and cooperation in education, humanitarian issues, and sports. 

He also met opposition leaders, including Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairperson Khalida Zia and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rehman.

“The two sides emphasized the need for sustaining the existing momentum of positive developments in bilateral relations,” Pakistan’s foreign ministry said on Sunday. “In that connection, they agreed to focus on regular institutional dialogue, early finalization of pending agreements and MoUs, and enhanced cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, education, capacity building, and connectivity.”

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal, who spent four days in Dhaka, met with business leaders across sectors during visits to Bangladesh’s Chambers of Commerce and Industries. His trip concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish the Joint Working Group on Trade.

The visits mark an effort by Islamabad and Dhaka to reset ties after decades of bitterness rooted in Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence, which ended 24 years of the two countries existing as one. 

Analysts say the 2024 ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, under whose government Dhaka leaned more heavily toward Pakistan’s arch rival New Delhi, has helped create space for closer engagement between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Topics: Pakistan Bangladesh Ties Pakistan Bangladesh trade ties

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