Latest news with #ATC
Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Politics
- 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
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
Airport chaos could continue for days
Holidaymakers have been warned that delays could continue for days after an air traffic issue downed flights over London airspace. Hundreds of flights were delayed after the air traffic control (ATC) system went down for about 20 minutes on Wednesday July 30. Now, the system is back up and running but the incident could cause a backlog of delays in the busy summer holiday period, it has been warned. Here is all we know about the incident: What happened? Thousands of passengers were left stranded on runways after planes at major UK airports had to be grounded following a technical glitch at air traffic control. No planes were able to take off for 20 minutes at airports across the country following an issue at a control centre in Hampshire at around 4pm on Wednesday, creating a backlog of delays during the busy summer period. Nats, the company that runs the system, said there had been a radar failure, which was resolved by quickly switching to a backup system. But furious airlines said more needs to be done to stop it happening again, as a similar incident in August 2023 saw a system failed again, leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers' flights delayed or cancelled. How long will delays last? Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said 'continued disruption is expected' and urged passengers to 'check with individual airports for advice' after thousands of passengers were left stranded across Europe. Aviation experts warned delays could be experienced for days. What have airlines said? They are not happy and want assurances it will not happen again. EasyJet's chief operating officer David Morgan said: "It's extremely disappointing to see an ATC failure once again causing disruption to our customers at this busy and important time of year for travel. "While our priority today is supporting our customers, we will want to understand from Nats what steps they are taking to ensure issues don't continue." Ryanair chief operating officer, Neal McMahon called for Nats' chief executive Martin Rolfe to resign in the wake of the fault. He said: 'It is clear that no lessons have been learnt since the August 2023 Nats system outage, and passengers continue to suffer as a result of Martin Rolfe's incompetence. "If Nats CEO Martin Rolfe fails to resign on the back of this latest Nats system outage that has disrupted thousands of passengers yet again, then UK transport minister Heidi Alexander must act without delay to remove Martin Rolfe and deliver urgent reform of Nats' shambolic ATC service, so that airlines and passengers are no longer forced to endure these preventable delays caused by persistent Nats failures." Am I entitled for compensation if my flight was delayed or cancelled? Passengers are unlikely to get any compensation from this incident, say experts. Consumer group Which? said the technical issue could be classified as an 'extraordinary circumstance' that was out of airlines' control. This means airlines do not have to pay out. Naomi Leach, of Which? Travel, did however say that travellers could have the right to food or a hotel stay, depending on the length of delay. She said: "If you are due to travel today or tomorrow, check the advice from your airport or tour operator, or airline apps and airport social media feeds, for the most up-to-date advice."
Time of India
14 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Raipur NCC group clinches third consecutive title at inter-group camp in Lakholi
RAIPUR: NCC Group Raipur has emerged as overall champion at the prestigious inter-group competition (IGC) camp held at the NCC training node in Lakholi, Arang, marking its third consecutive victory in the annual event. The ten-day camp, which concluded on July 31, brought together over 600 cadets from across Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, under the aegis of the NCC directorate (MP & CG). The IGC was conducted in conjunction with the annual training camp (ATC) of the Chhattisgarh battalion NCC, Korba, making it a comprehensive and high-intensity experience for participating cadets. The participating NCC groups included Raipur, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Indore, and Sagar, who competed in a series of rigorous and technical events. These included obstacle training, tent pitching, map reading, judging distance and field signals, all designed to assess physical endurance, mental agility, and leadership qualities. A central focus of the camp was the selection of cadets to represent the MP & CG directorate at the upcoming Thal Sainik Camp (TSC) to be held in New Delhi in early September 2025, where around 2,000 top cadets from across India will converge for one of NCC's most prestigious competitions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 25 Brilliant Plant Hacks That Will Change the Way You Grow Things Learn More Undo The cadets undergoing the annual training camp participated in drill sessions, firing practice, weapon handling, cultural programs, debates, and intensive physical training, reinforcing NCC's mission to foster leadership, discipline. The closing ceremony was marked by a spirited celebration of the Raipur Group's victory, where Brigadier D K Patra, Group Commander, NCC group Raipur, awarded trophies, medals, and certificates to the winners. The ceremony concluded with cadets taking a solemn pledge to uphold the values of the NCC and dedicate themselves to the service of the nation.
Express Tribune
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
ATC convicts 167 in May 9 riots; top PTI leaders jailed
Listen to article A special anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Faislabad sentenced on Thursday top Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders to up to 10 years in prison in cases pertaining to May 9 protests. Opposition leader in National Assembly Omar Ayub, opposition leader in Senate Shibli Faraz, Zartaj Gul, MNA Sahibzada Hamid Raza and former MNA Sheikh Rashid Shafiq - former interior minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed's nephew - were among the 108 PTI leaders convicted out of the 185 implicated in the cases while 77 others were acquited. Around 60 of those convicted including Shibli Faraz, Omar Ayub, Zartaj Gul and Hamid Raza were sentenced to 10 years in prison each while other convicts were each handed prison terms of three years. Meanwhile, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry was acquitted along with Zain Qureshi, Khayal Kastro, Faizullah Kamoka, Rana Asad Mehmood Khan, Bilal Ashraf Basra, Haroon Rasheed, Amara Rasheed, Sahibzada Hassan Raza, and Kamran Warraich. Shafiq was absent from court during the hearing and did not appear. He has reportedly gone into hiding to avoid arrest. Warrants issued Earlier today, ATC issued arrest warrants for 50 PTI leaders in connection with various protest-related cases registered at multiple police stations in the federal capital ahead of PTI's August 5 protest. The warrants were issued by Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja called for a nationwide protest on August 5 last week, urging the public to support what he termed a 'historic movement' for national sovereignty rather than mere political survival. Raja condemned what he described as unconstitutional actions against PTI lawmakers and a broader crackdown on dissent. He specifically criticised the Punjab Assembly's decision to send references against 26 PTI members to the Election Commission of Pakistan, calling the move unlawful and politically motivated, and asserted that PTI members would continue to raise their voices against this step. The warrants for 41 PTI leaders were issued on Thursday, while arrest warrants for nine others had been issued earlier. The warrants were issued in a case number registered at Karachi Company Police Station. Prominent names among those facing arrest include former President Arif Alvi, Abdul Qayyum Niazi, Shibli Faraz, Faisal Javed, Salman Akram Raja, Rauf Hassan, Murad Saeed, and Ahmad Niazi. Arrest warrants have also been issued for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Asad Qaiser, Hammad Azhar, Atif Khan, Shoaib Shaheen, Azam Khan Swati, Omar Ayub, and Sahibzada Hamid Raza. Other PTI members named in the warrants include Aleema Khanum, Sheikh Waqas Akram, Kanwal Shauzab, Shandana Gulzar, and Sher Afzal Marwat. Faizabad protest case In the Faizabad protest case, which pertains to demonstrations held over former prime minister Imran Khan's disqualification, the court maintained that the status of CM Ali Amin Gandapur as a proclaimed offender remains unchanged. The court ordered Islamabad Police to arrest Gandapur, stating that the arrest warrants remain in effect. The court further directed that if any order exists from the Peshawar High Court, it must be complied with. PTI leader Faisal Javed Khan and others appeared before the court. Upon a request from lawyers, the hearing was adjourned until August 6. The case against Ali Amin Gandapur and others is registered at Industrial Area Police Station. March 18 protest In a separate case pertaining to PTI leaders' protest on March 18, the ATC issued arrest warrants for PTI MNA from Faisalabad, Ali Afzal Sahi. Judge Tahir Abbas Supra, who also presided over this case, noted that "Ali Afzal Sahi has not appeared before this court to date". Arrest warrants were also issued for other absent PTI workers. Hearing for the case registered at Golra Police Station was adjourned till August 9. November 26 protest Meanwhile, in the case registered at Secretariat Police Station related to the November 26 protest, the court dismissed the bail of an accused who repeatedly remained absent. Arrest warrants were issued for those not present at the hearing. A forensic report related to the case was submitted, and the next hearing was set for August 5. The hearing of the November 26 case registered at Kohsar Police Station was also adjourned until August 4. Arrest warrants were issued for accused individuals who failed to appear. Non-bailable arrest warrants have been issued for 15 PTI leaders, including Arif Alvi, Sheikh Waqas Akram, Kanwal Shauzab, Zubair Niazi, and Asad Qaiser, in connection with ten cases registered in Rawalpindi related to the November 26 protest, government prosecutors said Thursday. Addressing a press conference outside an ATC in Rawalpindi, prosecutor Syed Zaheer Shah, flanked by district prosecutor Chaudhry Muhammad, stated that bail cancellation requests for 68 accused individuals have also been filed, along with separate applications against their guarantors. Zaheer Shah said that delaying tactics by the accused will no longer be tolerated. In the case registered at Sadiqabad Police Station, nine out of 111 nominated individuals have already been convicted. A total of 31 cases related to the November 26 protest have been registered in the Rawalpindi Division — including 20 in Attock, 10 in Rawalpindi, and one in Chakwal. Thirteen accused are currently on interim bail. According to the prosecutor, the accused appear in court once and submit outdated medical reports to request adjournments. He said that investigations in all 31 cases have been completed, and after the issuance of non-bailable warrants, the accused typically secure protective bail from high courts. Cop's killing in Taxilla In a case involving the killing of a police officer in Taxila, Imran and Bushra Bibi are among the nominated accused. ATC has further issued non-bailable arrest warrants in the Wah Cantt and Naseerabad cases for Arif Alvi, Ali Amin Gandapur, Omar Ayub, Asad Qaiser, Hammad Azhar, and 20 others.
BreakingNews.ie
19 hours ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Airlines demand answers from air traffic control provider over technical glitch
Airlines have demanded answers from air traffic control (ATC) provider Nats after more than 150 flights were cancelled in the UK following a technical glitch in the ATC system. Thousands of passengers trying to fly both in and out of the country faced major disruption on Wednesday afternoon. Advertisement UK airports saw 84 departures and 71 arrivals cancelled as of 10pm on Wednesday – with the highest number of cancellations at London's Heathrow Airport – while a number of inbound flights were also diverted to European cities, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. Ryanair called for Nats' chief executive Martin Rolfe to resign in the wake of the fault, claiming 'no lessons have been learnt' since the August 2023 system outage. The airline's chief operating officer Neal McMahon said: 'It is outrageous that passengers are once again being hit with delays and disruption due to Martin Rolfe's continued mismanagement of Nats. 'It is clear that no lessons have been learnt since the August 2023 Nats system outage, and passengers continue to suffer as a result of Martin Rolfe's incompetence.' Advertisement EasyJet's chief operating officer David Morgan said: 'It's extremely disappointing to see an ATC failure once again causing disruption to our customers at this busy and important time of year for travel. 'While our priority today is supporting our customers, we will want to understand from Nats what steps they are taking to ensure issues don't continue.' More than 700,000 passengers suffered disruption when flights were grounded at UK airports on August 28 2023 when Nats suffered a technical glitch while processing a flight plan. Mr McMahon continued: 'If Nats CEO Martin Rolfe fails to resign on the back of this latest Nats system outage that has disrupted thousands of passengers yet again, then UK transport minister Heidi Alexander must act without delay to remove Martin Rolfe and deliver urgent reform of Nats' shambolic ATC service, so that airlines and passengers are no longer forced to endure these preventable delays caused by persistent Nats failures.' Advertisement The British Department for Transport (DfT) noted that the UK Transport Secretary does not have any direct control over Nats and has no powers on staffing decisions. Nats has been contacted for comment. The Liberal Democrats called for a full investigation into the glitch. The party's leader Ed Davey said: 'It is utterly unacceptable that after a major disruption just two years ago, air traffic control has once again been hit by a technical fault. Advertisement 'The Government should launch an urgent investigation to ensure the system is fit for purpose, including ruling out hostile action as a cause.' A DfT spokesperson said the department is 'working closely' with Nats to understand the cause of the glitch and the 'implications for the resilience systems in place'. The 'technical issue' responsible for the disruption was at Nats' control centre in Swanwick, Hampshire, according to the company. Thousands of passengers were affected (Jonathan Brady/PA) It first announced problems at around 4pm on Wednesday, and in an update an hour later said systems were fully operational and that departures had resumed at all airports. Advertisement John Carr, a chiropodist from Stourbridge, was on his way to Norway with a group of friends to help set up his brother's wedding, for which he is best man, when he found out after checking in that his flight was cancelled. The 35-year-old told the PA news agency at Heathrow Airport: 'I'm pretty gutted. We've got loads of stuff in the suitcases to set up the venue, because we're obviously flying to Norway. We've got the wedding rehearsal to do. It's quite stressful.' He said they did not receive any warning of the cancellation before it happened. 'We had no idea,' Mr Carr told PA. John Carr (right) said he is stressed about getting to his brother's wedding in Norway as he and his friend James Hedges waited at Heathrow (Lily Shanagher/PA) 'There was nothing that the airport had said out on the speaker phones, or anything like that. There was no warning from them or the airline that said it was cancelled. It's rubbish. There's nothing we can do. 'We don't know what we're going to do tonight in terms of accommodation. 'We have put our cars in special car compounds for the next six days.' Baptiste, who did not want to give his full name, said he was told his flight had been cancelled while on the tarmac. He is travelling home to France with his family and told PA: 'We have no information. When we arrived, we were stopped on the tarmac and in the plane. We learned that our flight had been cancelled. 'We're going to Geneva in Switzerland, so we're trying to find a flight for tomorrow and a hotel.'
