
NA Speaker hails NAB for Rs5.311trn recovery
The speaker appreciating this while talking to Chairman NAB Lt Gen (retired) Nazir Ahmed Butt, who called on him at the Parliament House in Islamabad on Thursday.
The National Assembly speaker said the unprecedented direct and indirect recoveries amounting to 5.311 trillion during October to December 2023 by the NAB is reflective of the bureau's transformation into an apolitical, fair, efficient, and trustworthy entity.
He also expressed satisfaction over the austerity measures and the complete revamping of the NAB through AI-based digitalisation.
Sadiq appreciated the measures taken by the NAB for the facilitation of complaints, complete automation and up-gradation of the NAB.
He also lauded the establishment of Special Accountability Facilitation Desks in all the provinces for transforming NAB as a business-friendly entity. The speaker lauded the positive role of the NAB in the economic stability of the country.
On the occasion, the NAB chairman expressed his resolve to transform the bureau into a model entity.
He also presented the NAB's Annual Report 2023-2024 to the National Assembly speaker.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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Express Tribune
18 hours ago
- Express Tribune
PTI heavyweights jailed for 'attacks on state institutions'
Listen to article A special anti-terrorism court in Faisalabad on Thursday sentenced top PTI leaders, including Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan, Opposition Leader in the Senate Shibli Faraz, Hamid Raza and Zartaj Gul, to 10 years in jail on charges related to riots that targeted state institutions in 2023. Fifty-eight of the 185 defendants, who included parliamentarians and senior officials, were sentenced to 10 years in prison and the rest were given sentences ranging from one to three years, the court said. The mass sentencing comes just days before the PTI's planned nationwide protest on August 5, deepening political tensions and sparking sharp criticism from the opposition party. Several PTI leaders, including members of the National Assembly and Punjab Assembly, were handed prison terms of up to 10 years. The court convicted 108 individuals accused of participating in violent protests that erupted following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan. The demonstrations led to attacks on state installations, including the Lahore corps commander's residence, and government buildings across Pakistan. Notable among the sentences was a three-year jail term for PTI Punjab Assembly member Junaid Afzal Sahi. However, some party members, including Khayal Ahmad Kastro, Zain Qureshi and former minister Fawad Chaudhry were acquitted. According to the court order, "The prosecution has successfully proved its case without any shadow of doubt" against 17 of the accused, including the opposition leaders and Zartaj. They were sentenced to: 10 years rigorous imprisonment, Rs1 million fine under Section 109 (punishment of abetment if the act abetted committed in consequence and where no express provision is made for its punishment) read with Section 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC); 10 years of rigorous imprisonment, Rs 1m fine under Section 120B (punishment of criminal conspiracy) read with Section 34 PPC. "The sentences of imprisonment awarded to [the] aforementioned convicts for both the offences shall run concurrently and [the] benefit of section 382B (period of detention to be considered while awarding sentence of imprisonment) CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) is also extended to the convicts, if they have undergone some tenure of detention in this case previously," the order read. Moreover, 90 accused - designated the "actual perpetrators" of the riots in the court order — were sentenced on various charges read with Section 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object) PPC. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan denounced the verdicts as "politically motivated," vowing to challenge them in higher courts. "These convictions are not about justice but about silencing dissent," he said, reaffirming the party's commitment to peaceful political engagement. In a statement released on social media, the PTI called the judgments "fabricated" and a "blatant violation of constitutional rights," accusing the judiciary of acting under political pressure and denying defendants due process. The party claimed the timing of the sentences was intended to disrupt its protest campaign, which Imran Khan had announced from Adiala Jail. "This marks an unprecedented moment in Pakistan's judicial history — opposition leaders from both houses of Parliament have been imprisoned merely for their political affiliation," the party asserted. The court's rulings are the latest in a broader crackdown on PTI. In May, an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad sentenced MNA Abdul Latif and others to 27 years in prison over related violence. Last year, military courts sentenced 85 civilians to prison terms ranging from two to 10 years for attacks on military facilities during the May 9 unrest. Meanwhile, PTI's Ahmad Khan Bhachar was removed from his post as Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly following his conviction. Both Bhachar and fellow PTI leader Ahmad Chatha, who were sentenced to 10 years, received disqualification notices from the Election Commission of Pakistan. Chatha was elected from NA-66 (Wazirabad), while Bhachar represented PP-87 (Mianwali). In another related development, an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad issued arrest warrants on Thursday for former President Arif Alvi, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and 48 other PTI leaders in connection with a separate protest case linked to incidents on November 26, 2022. The warrants stem from an FIR registered at the Karachi Company police station and were issued after the accused failed to appear in court. Those facing arrest include several prominent figures, such as Asad Qaiser, Faisal Javed, Murad Saeed, Azam Swati, and Aleema Khan. The court ordered their immediate arrest and production before the judge. The widening legal crackdown on PTI has intensified concerns over the narrowing space for political opposition in Pakistan. As the party's leadership faces mounting legal and institutional challenges, questions persist about the fairness and inclusivity of the country's political landscape.


Business Recorder
19 hours ago
- Business Recorder
PTI says will challenge convictions
ISLAMABAD: In a forceful condemnation of sweeping convictions, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced on Thursday it will challenge the verdicts in higher courts – but left open the possibility of a dramatic political exit, saying the decision to quit the assemblies rests with the party's imprisoned founding chairman, Imran Khan. Speaking at a press conference alongside senior leaders Asad Qaiser, Junaid Akbar Khan, and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan called the ATC verdicts 'a darkest chapter in country's democratic history.' He continued that a final decision on whether to quit the assemblies would be made in consultation with Imran Khan, who remains behind bars. Describing the situation as 'systematic political persecution,' Gohar accused the state of targeting PTI to drive it out of democratic contention. He said six PTI members of the National Assembly, three provincial legislators, one senator, and both opposition leaders in the National Assembly and Senate have been convicted on terrorism charges. The party, he insisted, had chosen legal avenues over street protests. 'We exercised restraint. But while we pursued justice, what we received were midnight trials and deaf ears,' he said. 'Our patience has been met only with marginalisation.' Gohar also criticised the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), calling it 'expired and weaponised.' He accused the body of disqualifying PTI lawmakers while operating beyond its constitutional term. 'If we are being pushed out of the democratic process, Pakistanis deserve to know: who is pulling the strings?' he asked. Despite the turmoil, PTI's leadership struck a tone of defiance – and warning. 'We still believe in the courts,' said Gohar. 'But the courts must now prove that belief is not in vain. The future of democracy depends on it.' Regarding whether PTI will remain in the legislature, Gohar said the answer lies with one man: Imran Khan. 'Whether we stay in the assemblies or return to the streets, the decision will come soon,' he said. 'But the country should prepare.' The announcement came hours after an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Faisalabad sentenced several senior PTI leaders – including opposition leaders in both the National Assembly and Senate – to 10 years in prison for their alleged roles in violent protests on 9 May 2023 following Imran Khan's arrest. Among those sentenced were Omar Ayub Khan, opposition leader in the National Assembly, and Senate opposition leader Shibli Faraz. Zartaj Gul and senior PTI figures including Asad Qaiser, Junaid Akbar Khan, and Sahibzada Hamid Raza also received decade-long sentences for allegedly attacking state property, including a police station in Faisalabad. Meanwhile, in a statement, the PTI called the special ATC's ruling a 'travesty of justice' and accused the judiciary of being reduced to a 'rubber stamp' for state repression. The convictions, which also include sitting lawmakers, were condemned as part of a broader crackdown designed to thwart a major protest planned for August 5. PTI warned that the courts risk becoming tools of political persecution, further eroding Pakistan's international standing. The party reiterated that it would not be intimidated, vowing to fight the 'systematic oppression' through legal, political, and public avenues. 'This is not defeat,' the statement read, 'but the beginning of a national resistance for justice and democracy.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Business Recorder
19 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Sadiq condemns Israeli aggression
ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has strongly condemned the recent Israeli aggression against Iran during a meeting with Dr Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament) of the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to a handout released by National Assembly Secretariat on Thursday, the meeting took place on the sidelines of the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, held in Geneva from 29–31 July 2025. During the meeting, Speaker Sadiq highlighted the historic and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Iran. He stated, 'As neighbours and friends, the two countries are linked through shared aspirations of peace, stability, and prosperity.' He reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration and mutual respect between the governments and peoples of both nations. Speaker Sadiq reiterated Pakistan's firm condemnation of unprovoked Israeli aggression against Iran, affirming Pakistan's unwavering support for Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He lauded Iran's measured response to the aggression and appreciated its efforts to prevent the conflict from escalating further. He emphasised that Pakistan earnestly desires to see peace prevail across the Middle East and West Asia. He stressed Pakistan's consistent advocacy for the peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue. 'Pakistan remains a strong proponent of resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue, engagement, and multilateral cooperation,' he noted. Both speakers acknowledged the constructive role played by the parliaments of Pakistan and Iran in strengthening bilateral relations. They especially highlighted the significance of the Pakistan-Iran Parliamentary Friendship Groups in fostering deeper parliamentary and people-to-people ties. The leaders agreed to continue efforts to enhance collaboration on regional peace and development through parliamentary diplomacy. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025