Ex-PM urges judiciary to ‘save the country’ a day after clashes with police

Former Pakistan's prime minister Imran Khan speaks during an interview at his residence in Lahore on March 15, 2023. (Photo courtesy: AFP/File)
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Updated 19 March 2023
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Ex-PM urges judiciary to ‘save the country’ a day after clashes with police

  • Khan says his party would hold power show at Lahore’s Minar-e-Pakistan on Wednesday
  • Interior Minister Sanaullah says Khan will be held accountable in sale of state gifts case

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Imran Khan on Sunday appealed to Pakistan’s judiciary to “save the country” a day after his supporters clashed with Punjab police ahead of his court appearance in Islamabad.

Khan supporters clashed with police for the second time in a week on Saturday as the ex-premier arrived at the judicial complex in Pakistan’s capital to attend proceedings of a case against him. The case relates to the sale of state gifts while Khan was prime minister.

Local media reports said police registered a terrorism case against more than a dozen members of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party members for vandalism at Islamabad’s judicial complex.

The court earlier this month issued Khan’s non-bailable arrest warrants in the case, but the former premier and his party managed to keep law enforcers from arresting him. After Saturday’s chaos in Islamabad, the trial court canceled the warrants and adjourned the proceedings till March 30.

In a video message to his supporters, the former prime minister blamed the government for “attacking” his house in Lahore’s Zaman Park area, vowing to take legal action against all police officers involved.

“I want to say this today to my judiciary, that this is a very big challenge for you,” Khan said. “I know all of these forces are on one side. I know these unidentified persons are putting all their pressure [on you]. But for God’s sake, save this country,” he added.

Khan said it was only up to the judiciary to save Pakistan.

“If they [police officers] knew they would be dealt with justice or would be held accountable, would they have done what they did,” he asked, referring to the police’s raid on his house.

Khan criticized caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi, saying that he was doing everything in his power to delay elections.

“Has any caretaker government, in Pakistan’s history, ever done this?” Khan said. “Has any caretaker government ever resorted to such vindictive actions?“

Khan announced his party would hold a power show at Lahore’s Minar-e-Pakistan monument on Wednesday, urging people to show up to his gathering.

“Now we are holding [a public gathering] on Wednesday at Minar-e-Pakistan and I would want the entire Pakistan to watch. It would be a referendum to show you where the nation stands,” Khan said.

Responding to Khan’s statements, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said the former premier had attempted to undermine the judiciary by bringing an armed group of people to court.

“Is this the way, that you lead a group of 200 to 400 armed people to attack the judiciary so that the case against you can’t be heard,” Sanaullah said.

 The minister vowed that Khan would be held accountable for his alleged corruption in the case involving the sale of state gifts when he was prime minister.


Trump says will increase trade ‘substantially’ with India and Pakistan 

Updated 4 sec ago
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Trump says will increase trade ‘substantially’ with India and Pakistan 

  • US president says will work with India and Pakistan to see if Kashmir dispute can be resolved
  • Statement comes a day after Washington said it brokered ceasefire between India and Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump on Sunday appreciated the leadership of both India and Pakistan for having the wisdom to agree to a ceasefire after days of increasing hostilities, vowing to increase trade “substantially” with both South Asian rivals. 

This was posted by the American president on his Truth Social platform, a day after he announced Washington had brokered a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. 

The nuclear-armed nations exchanged missiles and drone attacks this week, raising widespread fears of a nuclear confrontation between the two. Relations between India and Pakistan deteriorated after Delhi blamed Islamabad for backing an attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26. 

Islamabad denied involvement, with tensions reaching a boiling point after India fired missiles at what it said were “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan this week, killing several. Pakistan said India had killed only civilians, vowing retribution. 

“I am proud that the USA was able to help you arrive at this historic and heroic decision,” Trump said, referring to the ceasefire. 

“While not even discussed, I am going to increase trade, substantially, with both of these great Nations.”

The US is an important trade partner of Pakistan, with Washington’s goods exports to Pakistan reaching $2.1 billion in 2024, up 4.4 percent ($90.9 million) from 2023, according to US government data. 

The import of goods from Pakistan to the US totaled $5.1 billion in 2024, up 4.9 percent ($238.7 million) from 2023.

The US considers India its key strategic ally and has bolstered trade and defense ties with New Delhi in recent years to counter Beijing’s rising influence in Asia. 

‘A THOUSAND YEARS’

India and Pakistan have fought two out of three wars since 1947, when both gained independence from British colonial India, over the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir. 

Both countries claim the region entirely but govern only parts of it. The part administered by Pakistan is known as Azad Kashmir. 

In his Truth Social post, the American president said he would try to resolve the Kashmir dispute between the two nations. 

“Additionally, I will work with you both to see if, after a ‘thousand years,’ a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir,” he wrote. 

“God Bless the leadership of India and Pakistan on a job well done!!!“

The ceasefire announcement came after the Pakistan military said early on Saturday it had launched retaliatory strikes against India, accusing it of attacking three bases in Pakistan with missiles. 

Pakistan’s military said it had targeted multiple bases in India in response, including a missile storage site in India’s north, as part of an operation it named “Bunyan-um-Marsoos.”

Within hours of the ceasefire announcement on Saturday afternoon, however, India accused Islamabad of violating it by targeting Srinagar city in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Pakistan’s Information Minister Ata Tarar denied the allegation, saying people in his country were celebrating the end of the conflict and the government remained committed to the agreement.

The foreign office of Pakistan also maintained the country remained committed to the “faithful implementation” of the ceasefire.


Pakistan observes ‘Day of Gratitude’ today to celebrate ‘befitting response’ to Indian military

Updated 11 May 2025
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Pakistan observes ‘Day of Gratitude’ today to celebrate ‘befitting response’ to Indian military

  • Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire with India on Saturday after both sides exchanged missile, drone attacks
  • Shehbaz Sharif urges nation, particularly religious scholars, to offer special prayers for those killed in conflict

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the nation would mark today, Sunday, as a “Day of Gratitude” to recognize the “befitting response” it had delivered to the Indian military following a shaky ceasefire agreement between Islamabad and New Delhi that took after days of conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors. 

United States President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that Washington had brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following intense missile and drone exchanges, which began after a gun attack in Pahalgam, a tourist resort in Indian-administered Kashmir, that killed 26 people, in April. 

India blamed Pakistan for the incident despite Islamabad’s rejection of the allegation, and launched retaliatory strikes on what it called “terrorist infrastructure.” It also took other retaliatory actions, including the suspension of a decades-old river water sharing treaty with lower riparian Pakistan.

The ceasefire announcement came after the Pakistan military said early on Saturday it had launched retaliatory strikes against India, accusing it of attacking three bases in Pakistan with missiles. Pakistan’s military said it had targeted multiple bases in India in response, including a missile storage site in India’s north.

“Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has announced to observe ‘Youm-e-Tashakkur’ across the country today [Sunday] for giving a befitting response to Indian aggression and the success of ‘Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos,’” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported. 

The state media said the day would be observed to offer gratitude to god, pay tribute to the Pakistani armed forces for their “unmatched bravery” and appreciate the nation’s resilience.

Sharif appealed to the nation, particularly religious scholars, to offer voluntary prayers for the people who had been martyred in the attacks. 

“Shehbaz Sharif expressed the resolve that the sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces will never be forgotten, as the nation stands shoulder to shoulder with them,” Radio Pakistan said. 

SHARIF HOPES TO RESOLVE OUTSTANDING ISSUES

In his address to the nation on Saturday night, the Pakistani prime minister hoped Islamabad’s ceasefire with New Delhi would pave the way for both countries to resolve longstanding issues. 

“We firmly believe that all outstanding issues, including the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir and the distribution of water resources, should be resolved through peaceful dialogue in accordance with the principles of justice,” he said. 

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had announced that the two countries’ military operations chiefs had spoken to each other and agreed that all fighting would stop at 5 p.m. Indian time (1130 GMT) on Saturday, without using the word “ceasefire.” The MO chiefs would next speak on May 12, he added.

Within hours, however, India accused Islamabad of violating the ceasefire by targeting Srinagar city in Kashmir.

Pakistan’s Information Minister Ata Tarar denied the allegation, saying people in his country were celebrating the end of the conflict and the government remained committed to the agreement.

The foreign office of Pakistan also maintained the country remained committed to the “faithful implementation” of the ceasefire.

“Notwithstanding the violations being committed by India in some areas, our forces are handling the situation with responsibility and restraint,” it said in a statement.


Pakistan’s religious affairs minister commends Saudi Hajj arrangements during Makkah visit

Updated 11 May 2025
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Pakistan’s religious affairs minister commends Saudi Hajj arrangements during Makkah visit

  • Sardar Yousaf urges Pakistani pilgrims to follow Saudi guidelines for a smooth Hajj experience
  • He visits Pakistan’s Hajj Medical Mission and camps in Mina to review facilities for pilgrims

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Saturday praised Saudi authorities for the arrangements made for this year’s Hajj pilgrims, describing the facilities as comfortable and well-managed.
The remarks came during his visit to Makkah, where he met officials and inspected facilities for Pakistani pilgrims, including medical services and accommodation in Mina.
“The arrangements made by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the guests of Allah Almighty are truly commendable,” the Associated Press of Pakistan quoted Yousaf as saying.
“We appreciate the efforts to ensure comfort, safety and well-being of all pilgrims,” he added.
The minister urged Pakistani pilgrims to fully comply with the rules and guidelines issued by Saudi authorities, stressing they were designed to facilitate a smooth pilgrimage experience.
Yousaf also toured the Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission and received a briefing on the facilities available for pilgrims.
He later made a surprise visit to Mina camps managed by the Saudi company Al Rajhi, expressing satisfaction with services such as air-conditioned tents, sofa-cum-beds and dedicated storage spaces.
The minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to providing high-quality services to its pilgrims and emphasized that no lapses in care would be tolerated.
Hajj is expected to take place between June 4 and 9 this year. Pakistan launched special Hajj flights on April 29 and has since transported thousands of pilgrims to Madinah.


Pakistan PM says ceasefire with India offers chance to resolve Kashmir, water issues

Updated 10 May 2025
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Pakistan PM says ceasefire with India offers chance to resolve Kashmir, water issues

  • Shehbaz Sharif thanks President Trump, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for de-escalation efforts
  • Pakistan’s foreign office denies allegations of ceasefire violation, says Islamabad implementing the deal

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire with India in the hope that it would open the door to resolving longstanding disputes between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, including the Kashmir conflict and the division of river waters.

His remarks came hours after the United States helped broker a ceasefire between the two South Asian rivals following intense missile and drone exchanges, which began after a gun attack in Pahalgam, a tourist resort in Indian-administered Kashmir, that killed 26 people.

India blamed Pakistan for the incident despite Islamabad’s rejection of the allegation, and launched retaliatory strikes on what it called “terrorist infrastructure.” It also took other retaliatory actions, including suspension of a decades-old river water sharing treaty with lower riparian Pakistan.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said both countries had agreed to a ceasefire and would begin talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral venue.

“As a responsible state, we have responded positively to the ceasefire proposal in the interest of global and regional peace, and for the millions of people living in the region,” Sharif said in a televised address to the nation.

“We firmly believe that all outstanding issues, including the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir and the distribution of water resources, should be resolved through peaceful dialogue in accordance with the principles of justice,” he added.

Earlier in the day, the Indian foreign secretary said the two countries’ military operations chiefs had spoken to each other and agreed that all fighting would stop at 5 p.m. Indian time (1130 GMT), without using the word “ceasefire.” The MO chiefs would next speak on May 12, he added.

Within hours, however, India accused Islamabad of violating the ceasefire by targeting Srinagar city in Kashmir.

Pakistan’s Information Minister Ata Tarar denied the allegation, saying people in his country were celebrating the end of the conflict and the government remained committed to the agreement.

The foreign office of Pakistan also maintained the country remained committed to the “faithful implementation” of the ceasefire.

“Notwithstanding the violations being committed by India in some areas, our forces are handling the situation with responsibility and restraint,” it said in a statement.

“We believe that any issues in smooth implementation of the ceasefire should be addressed through communication at appropriate levels,” it continued. “The troops on ground should also exercise restraint.”

Pakistan’s Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry told Arab News, “the response would be harsh” if India defied the ceasefire agreement.

Meanwhile, the prime minister said in his address that India had used the Pahalgam incident “as a pretext” to impose war on Pakistan.

“In its arrogance, the enemy made a failed attempt to violate our borders,” he said. “We decided to respond to the enemy in the language it understands best.”

Sharif also thanked US President Donald Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed for their role in helping de-escalate the situation.


Saudi Arabia, other nations welcome news of India-Pakistan ceasefire

Updated 10 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia, other nations welcome news of India-Pakistan ceasefire

  • Pakistan appreciates Saudi Arabia’s positive role in promoting regional peace and stability
  • Western powers say ‘dialogue is key,’ hoping both sides to respect the ceasefire agreement

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia, China, the United Arab Emirates, and several other countries on Saturday welcomed the ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India, following a week of military escalation that raised fears of a full-blown war between the two South Asian neighbors.

The ceasefire, brokered with US support after missile and drone exchanges between the nuclear-armed neighbors, has drawn a wave of diplomatic endorsements after many countries called for restraint and renewed dialogue.

Pakistan has credited the international community for playing a constructive role in defusing tensions, while also emphasizing its own measured response to what it described as Indian aggression.

“Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, received a call from the Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel Aljubeir @AdelAljubeir, who welcomed the ceasefire understanding between

Pakistan and India,” Pakistan’s foreign office said in a post on social media platform X.

“DPM appreciated Saudi Arabia’s positive and constructive role in promoting peace & security in South Asia,” it added.

Dar also spoke with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, briefing him on the regional situation following Indian attacks and Islamabad’s “carefully calibrated response.”

According to Pakistan’s foreign office, Wang acknowledged Pakistan’s restraint and described its actions as responsible under challenging circumstances.

China reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and pledged continued coordination.

The UAE also expressed support for the ceasefire.

In a separate call, UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed welcomed the development, and Dar commended the Gulf state’s diplomatic engagement in fostering regional peace.

Germany’s foreign office described the ceasefire as a “first, important step out of the escalation spiral” and stressed the importance of dialogue.

“Dialogue is key,” it said. “The German government has been in contact with both sides in the past days.”

Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, said she had spoken with both Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers and called the truce a “vital step toward de-escalation.”

“All efforts must be made to ensure it is respected,” she wrote on X, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to peace, stability and counter-terrorism in the region.

The flare-up between Pakistan and India, one of the most serious in recent years, followed a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last month and escalated into missile strikes, drone attacks and cross-border fire over the past week.

The ceasefire, announced Saturday, has temporarily halted hostilities, with both sides trading blame for the conflict.