Latest news with #Khan
Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan says India violating human rights obligations through Islamophobic actions
Listen to article Pakistan on Saturday expressed deep concern over the growing number of Islamophobic incidents across India and warned that the deliberate incitement of religious hatred for political or ideological purposes violates India's international human rights obligations. In a statement responding to media queries, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said Pakistan strongly condemned the targeting of Muslims through hate speech, discriminatory policies, and acts of violence, reportedly carried out with the complicity or silence of Indian authorities. 'Pakistan calls upon the Indian government to uphold the rights and safety of all its citizens, regardless of faith,' the spokesperson said, warning that the deliberate incitement of religious hatred for political or ideological purposes was in violation of India's international human rights obligations. Khan added that such actions, at a time when restraint and reconciliation are most needed, further undermine prospects for communal harmony and regional stability. Read more: Indian Muslim's home demolished over 'Pakistan Zindabad' chant during cricket match The statement comes amid heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following New Delhi's accusations—leveled without evidence—linking Islamabad to the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The Pakistani government has strongly rejected the allegations. Human rights organisations, including the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), have recorded at least 21 incidents of anti-Muslim violence across India in the days following the attack. These include physical assaults on Kashmiri Muslims, hate speeches at public rallies, and reported calls for the expulsion of Muslim students from hostels. The situation has been further inflamed by the rise of incendiary music aligned with Hindutva ideology. Songs disseminated widely through platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp have been accused of inciting hatred against Muslims. One such song, Pehle Dharam Pocha ('They Asked About Religion First'), surfaced shortly after the Pahalgam incident, accusing Indian Muslims of conspiring against Hindus. It has garnered over 140,000 views in less than a week. Other tracks such as Ab Ek Nahi Huye Toh Kat Jaaoge ('If You Don't Unite Now You Will Be Slaughtered') and Jaago Hindu Jaago ('Wake Up, Hindus') have called on Hindus to identify 'traitors within the country'—a phrase widely seen as a veiled reference to Muslims. In parallel with the online hate campaign, authorities in Gujarat reportedly demolished around 2,000 huts, which officials claimed were illegally occupied by undocumented migrants from Bangladesh. Activists, however, argue that the demolitions are part of a broader pattern of systemic discrimination aimed at portraying Indian Muslims as 'outsiders' and pushing them further to the margins of society. Also read: Pakistan condemns Modi's Gujarat speech as 'reckless provocation' The demolitions have displaced thousands, worsening the precarious living conditions of affected families and contributing to a growing sense of insecurity within the community. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government—widely seen as closely aligned with right-wing Hindu nationalist groups—has come under increasing criticism for its failure to curb hate speech and protect minority communities. Critics argue that the state's silence, and in some cases active participation, in anti-Muslim actions has emboldened extremist elements.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Retired army colonel duped of Rs 41 lakh in digital gold scam; two arrested with alleged Chinese links
NEW DELHI: Two men running a cyber fraud network with alleged links to Chinese nationals have been arrested for cheating a retired Army colonel of Rs 41.45 lakh through a fake digital gold trading scheme, Delhi Police said on Saturday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The accused, Indra Kumar Sahani (36) and Rahim Khan (24), were operating out of Ahmedabad and used a sophisticated setup involving mule bank accounts, SIM cards, and cryptocurrency transfers to move the scammed money overseas. Fake platform, big returns, and a Rs 31 lakh 'tax' The case came to light when the victim, a retired colonel from Vasant Kunj, approached police after realizing he had been conned. He was contacted on social media and lured into investing in a fake online trading platform that promised high returns on digital gold traded in dollars. After an initial investment, his fake account showed rapid profits. Encouraged, he kept depositing money, eventually transferring Rs 41.45 lakh, believing his earnings had grown to Rs 1 crore. But when he tried to withdraw, the platform demanded another Rs 31.5 lakh as 'taxes' before releasing the funds. That's when he suspected fraud. Network traced to Ahmedabad Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Surendra Choudhary said Khan was in contact with Chinese handlers through a messaging app and coordinated with account holders from across India. These individuals were brought to hotel rooms in Ahmedabad, where Khan ran the fraud operation. He would install specific apps on mobile devices linked to SIMs registered with the mule accounts. These apps gave foreign scammers remote access to carry out fund transfers, police said. The fraud proceeds were converted into USDT (a cryptocurrency) and moved abroad, helping evade Indian enforcement agencies. Two arrests, phones seized Police traced the digital trail to Ahmedabad and conducted a raid at a hotel, arresting Sahani. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Three smartphones with incriminating material were recovered. Based on his interrogation, Khan was arrested and two more phones were seized. Police said Sahani initially opened a personal bank account but eventually opened nine current accounts and sold access to them to the racket in exchange for commission. The arrests, police said, have helped expose a wider cyber fraud network with transnational links. An investigation is on to identify more victims and collaborators.
The Citizen
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Rising scam alert: Fake FICA notices and extortion tactics target bank customers
There has been a significant rise in extortion, email, and text scams (phishing) targeting banking customers in recent months. Standard Bank's Head of Fraud Risk Management, Adv. Athaly Khan, warns against the growing sophistication of these schemes, with fraudsters continually adapting their tactics to deceive individuals into sharing sensitive information. In some cases, victims are even coerced into transferring money into the fraudsters' accounts. Standard Bank offered these general tips to avoid falling victim to fraudsters: Verify authenticity: Always verify the authenticity of any app or communication claiming to be from a financial institution. Always verify the authenticity of any app or communication claiming to be from a financial institution. Do not share confidential information: Never share credentials such as PINs, passwords and one-time passwords (OTPs) with any third-party. Never share credentials such as PINs, passwords and one-time passwords (OTPs) with any third-party. Report suspicious activity: If you encounter any suspicious activity or believe you have been targeted by a scam, report it immediately to your financial institution and the relevant authorities. If you encounter any suspicious activity or believe you have been targeted by a scam, report it immediately to your financial institution and the relevant authorities. Use strong passwords: Ensure that you use strong and unique passwords for your online or digital banking platforms. Ensure that you use strong and unique passwords for your online or digital banking platforms. Enable two-factor authentication: Where possible, enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of security. Here are common tactics used by scammers in recent months and ways to protect yourself: Fake non-compliance notifications Fraudsters are exploiting the bank's need for compliance with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA). They are purporting to be the bank, sending customer's emails and SMSs, claiming that their accounts are not FICA compliant. 'Their emails and SMSs include malicious links, urging customers to click on or risk their account being blocked or closed,' Khan explained. 'Upon clicking on the link, customers may be routed to a fake login site or prompted to capture sensitive information such as their card number, expiry date, customer verification value (CVV), or One-Time-Pin (OTP). In some instances, the link may cause disruption on the customer's device, giving the fraudsters remote access and total control.' Extortion Scams Extortion scams often involve threats to harm individuals, expose sensitive personal information about them or tarnish their reputations unless a ransom is paid. 'We're increasingly seeing fraudsters impersonate respected bodies such as the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), SARS or the SAPS,' Khan explained. 'They claim to be investigating customers for serious offences, anything from fraud to money-laundering. In some schemes, victims are given a fake account number and instructed to transfer all their funds for the duration of the investigation. In others, the criminals allege they possess compromising material such as private photographs, financial records or other personal details, and demand payment in exchange for keeping it confidential.' Khan further said that these fraudsters go to extreme lengths to convince the targeted individual that they are from legitimate authorities. This includes telephone calls, emails, documents and they sometimes suggest physical meetings. 'The internet has become a prime hunting ground for fraudsters. Customers need to be wary of information they share on social media platforms as cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their orchestration,' Khan added. What to do if you are targeted: Stay calm, do not panic. Fraudsters often use fear to manipulate victims. Take time to verify the legitimacy of the claims. Never send money or click on a link in response to unsolicited messages. Legitimate organisations, including banks, will never ask for payments or sensitive information this way. If you believe your bank account may be compromised, contact your bank's fraud department right away. They can help you secure your account and investigate the issue. Regularly review your bank and credit card statements and report any suspicious activity. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
News18
15 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Tyranny Unmasked: General Asim Munir's Assault On Imran Khan & Pakistan's Democracy
Last Updated: Imran Khan's suffering is not just his own—it is a mirror held up to Pakistan's soul In the sweltering confines of Adiala Jail, former prime minister Imran Khan endures a torment that is not just physical but a calculated assault on Pakistan's democratic soul. General Asim Munir, the unelected arbiter of the nation's fate, has unleashed a mercenary cartel that thrives on fear, manipulation, and the systematic dismantling of dissent. Through unprecedented tactics—demanding a polygraph test, enforcing a cruel ban on family contact, and wielding Bushra Bibi as both bait and potential puppet—Munir's regime reveals a chilling playbook designed to crush Khan and the hopes of millions who see him as Pakistan's last bastion of resistance. But at what cost to the nation's future? A Polygraph to Silence Truth Why would a former prime minister, a figure of global stature, be subjected to a polygraph test, a measure unprecedented in Pakistan's legal and military history? The demand, tied to the May 9, 2023, riots, is not about justice but about humiliation. Khan's refusal to comply exposes the test for what it is: a theatrical ploy to paint him as a criminal, orchestrated by a military desperate to justify his incarceration. What does this say about a regime that resorts to such extra-legal measures to silence a political rival? Is this the rule of law or the rule of a junta cloaked in constitutional garb? A Family Torn Apart Khan's isolation in Adiala Jail is not just a punishment but a psychological weapon. A complete ban on meetings with his sisters and phone calls with his sons—despite court orders—strips him of basic human dignity. For six months, he was allowed only three calls with his children, confined to a dark cell for weeks without sunlight or electricity. Why must a man who led a nation be cut off from those who sustain his spirit? Is Munir's goal to break Khan's resolve, or to ensure his voice cannot rally the masses? This deliberate cruelty, echoes what Israeli generals are being accused of perpetrating in Gaza against innocent Palestinians. In the Muslim world, two tyrants come to mind, Yazeed and Pharoah. Bushra Bibi's role in this saga is as troubling as it is enigmatic. Her impassioned call to protesters at D-Chowk on November 26, 2024, promised unwavering resolve: 'I will never leave you." Yet, as the Islamabad Massacre unfolded, leaving unarmed citizens bloodied under Munir's brutal crackdown, she was nowhere to be found. Eyewitnesses place her in a bulletproof SUV, far from the frontline, before she vanished with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. Why did she abandon the very people she vowed to lead? Her 10-day silence after the tragedy, coupled with unverified claims of abduction and gunfire, only deepens the mystery. Is she a victim of military coercion, a reluctant leader thrust into a role she cannot fulfill, or something more calculated—a potential successor should Khan be eliminated? Her sister Maryam Watoo's tweets, pleading for sympathy while Khan languishes in a C-class cell, ring hollow to loyalists who question her motives. What explains Bushra's failure to contact Khan since her bail on October 24, 2024? Is she a pawn in Munir's game, or a player whose actions betray the cause? A Nation at the Crossroads General Asim Munir's tactics—polygraphs, isolation, and manipulation—reveal a regime not of strength but of desperation. By targeting Khan, a leader whose popularity dwarfs that of his jailers, Munir risks alienating a nation already simmering with resentment. The Islamabad Massacre, where peaceful protesters faced live ammunition, is a stain on Pakistan's conscience, a testament to a military that rules not by consent but by force. How long can a nation endure such tyranny before it mobilises from a peaceful into a bloody revolution? What will it take for the international community to hold Munir's cartel accountable for its human rights abuses? Imran Khan's suffering is not just his own—it is a mirror held up to Pakistan's soul. Will we allow a mercenary cartel to dictate our future, or will we demand a return to the democratic ideals for which this nation was founded? The answers lie not in the shadows of Adiala Jail, but in the courage of those who dare to speak truth to power. Salman Ahmad is a UN Goodwill Ambassador and author of the book Rock and Roll Jihad. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. First Published: May 31, 2025, 11:11 IST
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Ex-Yale student released from immigration jail; U.S. judges limit ICE arrest authority in CT courts
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents released Afghan refugee Saifullah Khan on bond Friday evening, nearly a month after they immobilized him with Taser fire and detained him as he and his wife left an immigration hearing in Hartford's federal building. In a related development, Connecticut's U.S. District Court judges issued an order less than a month after Khan's arrest limiting the authority of federal immigration agents to make arrests and detain people in buildings that house the state's three federal courts. Khan, who was born in a Pakistani refugee camp after his family was forced by the Taliban to flee Afghanistan, came to the United States to study at Yale University. He has applied for asylum and the application had been pending for nine years when he was detained on May 9. Witnesses said plain clothes ICE agents confronted Khan without identifying themselves as he left an immigration hearing. When he tried to return to the courtroom to seek assistance from the judge, he was hit seven times with Tasers and required medical attention. Immigration Judge Theodore Doolittle tried to intervene in the arrest, but was not allowed to do so by immigration agents, the witnesses said. The arrest took place on the sixth floor of a secure Ribicoff Federal Building on Main Street. Khan was held at immigration detention centers in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania since his arrest — including the three days since Tuesday when an immigration judge in Massachusetts issued an order releasing him on a $7,500 bond. During a brief conversation after his release in Pennsylvania Friday night, as he was driven to a meeting with family members, Khan said he has not been given an explanation as to what led to his arrest, why he was not immediately allowed to post a court-ordered bond and why he ultimately was released. Immigration authorities did not respond to questions about the case. 'While I was hospitalized, they told me: 'We were in hot pursuit. We were going to get you. You shouldn't have run,'' Khan said. 'I was at court,' he said. 'I am law abiding. I was presenting myself to the judge. Even if it is a final order for removal, I am very grateful for the time I have been in the United States. I have been here for 14 years. I am very lucky to have spent so much time here and been given the opportunity to assimilate. And I would like to have that opportunity and privilege in the future as well. I would love to be an American citizen. I would love to be able to call myself an American.' Khan's arrest followed his decision to sue in an effort to compel a decision on his asylum application after years of what his lawyers characterized as government inaction. The suit names senior Trump administration figures, including Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Within weeks of naming Noem and the others, Khan received a notice that ICE had begun proceedings to deport him and he was ordered to appear at the hearing, after which he was detained. He has no criminal record, but was accused by a Yale classmate of sexually assaulting her after a date in 2015. He was acquitted of all charges after a trial in criminal court. When Yale expelled him in spite of the acquittal, he sued the school for defamation and related rights violations. The suit is pending. The order Thursday by the federal judges concerning arrests in federal court buildings prevents immigration agents from making arrests and detaining people in areas of the buildings occupied by the federal courts and restricts authority to do so to the U.S. Marshal Service. In Hartford's Ribicoff Federal Building, which is larger than federal court buildings in New Haven and Bridgeport and houses federal agencies other than the courts on upper floors, Department of Homeland Security agents can continue to make arrests on non-judicial floors, according to the order. The order appears to be limited to judicial areas of the Ribicoff building because of questions about whether the security authority of the federal judiciary extends to areas of federal buildings that house operations of executive branch agencies, such as Homeland Security and its subsidiary agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration courts are not part of the federal judiciary, but are operated by executive branch appointees for the purpose of adjudicating immigration questions. Increasingly aggressive efforts by federal immigration authorities to arrest non citizens — including decisions to target courts for enforcement efforts — has led to concerns about safety and other issues among some court administrators. The federal judiciary said its order limiting arrest authority in Connecticut's U.S. District Court is based on a commitment to ensure 'the orderly conduct of court proceedings and the safety of litigants, witnesses, attorneys, the public, and court personnel.' Similar questions are being analyzed by officials working in the state judiciary, which has a far greater case volume than the federal courts. Among other things, there have been discussions in both court systems about whether immigration agents should be allowed to enter courtrooms while proceedings are underway in order to detain suspected non-citizens. Among other things, prosecutors warn that such detentions could lead eventually to dismissal of charges against criminal defendants who have been the subject of protracted criminal investigation and prosecution. The federal court order makes certain exceptions, including for circumstances in which suspects turn themselves in for arrest and agents transport people arrested elsewhere to court.
