31st January 2024 News Headlines
A summary of today's important and breaking news regarding PTI and the country that the mainstream media of Pakistan will never show you.
The execution of the London plan continues, with Imran Khan receiving a verdict in the Tosha Khana case following the cipher case.
Today marks the 179th day since the unjust imprisonment of the founder chairman of Tehreek-e-Insaf and former prime minister, Imran Khan. Both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi have been sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment with hard labour. Imran Khan has been disqualified for ten years, and a fine of one billion 57 crore 40 lakh rupees has been imposed on both of them.
Demonstrating courage, Bushra Bibi personally reached Adiala Jail and surrendered herself. During the hearing, Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir asked Imran Khan if he had submitted his 342 statements, to which Imran Khan replied, "I have prepared a statement. I will submit it when Bushra Bibi and my lawyers arrive." Speaking to the judge, Imran Khan said, "Why are you in such a hurry? You cheated on me. I was only called for attendance." After that, Imran Khan left the courtroom, requesting some time, but Judge Muhammad Bashir refused to grant time to the PTI founder.
Imran Khan received a sentence without the presence of his lawyers. His right to defense was also denied.
Chairman Imran Khan's legal team stated, "The entire team of lawyers was present, but entry into the courtroom was denied."
Salman Akram Raja expressed, "It appears that orders are coming from somewhere and being executed."
Barrister Salman Safdar remarked, "Yesterday, in response to the 10-year sentence, I mentioned that the sentence would conclude in 10 seconds. Today, if it's 14 years, the sentence will end in 14 seconds. What can be said when there is no question-and-answer, concluding the legal battle."
Barrister Ali Zafar commented, "Last day, the court instructed us to go to the High Court, and then cross-examination would be permitted. Today, the decision was pronounced before the High Court hearing. If cross-examination is denied, it amounts to a mistrial."
The Toshakhana case is entirely baseless. Educate yourself with the facts.
Allegation:
The value of the gift received from the Saudi prince was undervalued.
Did Imran Khan set the price of the gift?
The answer is No!
According to the law, the Cabinet Division estimated the price from FBR and market experts, which was Rs 1.8 crore.
Did Imran Khan pay less for the gift?
The answer is No!
According to the law, Imran Khan paid 50% of the price, that is 90 lakh rupees.
Was anyone accused of doing the valuation of the gifts?
The answer is No!
If the valuation was not done by Imran Khan, nor is the appraiser accused and the price was paid, then what case was made?
The answer is that he is not willing to betray Pakistan.
The cross-examination of NAB's key witness in this case reveals the dubious nature of the allegations:
In this case, every Pakistani or international expert refused to provide false prices. Instead, the false valuation of the gifts was attributed to Imran Masih, a part-time spare parts salesman at an Indian shop in Dubai.
- Imran Masih lacks any jewellery assaying certificate and does not possess the relevant IGI certificate for diamond grading.
- Imran Masih is unfamiliar with what IGI stands for.
- Imran Masih is not acquainted with the owner of his shop.
- The salesman allegedly assessed the picture of the gift at Dubai's Graff and BVLGari stores, conducting market research to estimate the jewellery price at Rs 300 crore (without providing any written proof of market research or shop inspection).
- Imran Masih was not issued an authority letter by the company for determining the price, nor will any authority letter be issued regarding his testimony in court.
- The company did not assign Imran Masih the responsibility of determining the price, and he had no contact with the Consulate General.
- The salesman does not know the terms agreed upon between the Consulate General and his company or the amount charged for this service.
- Although the salesman claimed the value of the diamond is determined by the microscope machine, scanner, and diamond selector, he did not examine the gifts given about NAB as he only had pictures and no actual jewellery.
- In his report, witness Imran Masih incorrectly wrote the weight of diamonds in grams instead of carats, a mistake he admitted.
- When shown photographs of jewels, the witness stated he could not estimate the price based on the photographs, but if provided with the specifications of the jewels, he could determine the price. Interestingly, the same witness had previously assessed the price of Toshakhana jewellery based solely on a photograph.
- This individual, Imran Masih, played a crucial role in presenting the 1.8 crore gift as worth 300 crores, leading to a false corruption reference by the NAB chairman and the subsequent conviction of Imran Khan.
Economic experts assert that the resolution to Pakistan's economic challenges lies solely under the leadership of Imran Khan.
International financial institution Bloomberg released a survey report containing the opinions of economists. In the survey report, the majority of economists think that only Imran Khan can get Pakistan out of the current economic problems.
Decision to dismiss Nikah's case during Iddat reserved.
The Islamabad High Court reserved its decision on the petitions to dismiss the case of marriage during Iddat. Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi have filed applications to dismiss the case.
Imran Khan contested the rejection of his nomination papers in the Supreme Court.
Imran Khan challenged the decision to reject his nomination papers from 2 constituencies in the Supreme Court. The request is for permission to contest the election and allotment of the "bat" symbol. The Supreme Court objected to the petition.
A young Tehreek-e-Insaf candidate has been martyred in a shooting incident.
Unknown assailants have killed Rehan Zeb, a National Assembly candidate from Bajaur. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf vehemently condemns the attack on Rehan Zeb and expresses profound sadness over his tragic demise due to the firing incident. The targeted attacks on Tehreek-e-Insaf candidates and public gatherings raise significant concerns about the credibility and transparency of the elections.
The police sealed Tehreek-e-Insaf's central office as the party prepared for intra-party elections.
Following the closure of the PTI central secretariat in Islamabad, a virtual general body meeting took place. It was attended by members and officials from Quetta, Peshawar, Islamabad, and other cities. Rauf Hasan was appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner, and the resolution to conduct intra-party elections within seven days was made.
The trial of May 9 cases will also start in jail.
Advancements in the proceedings of the 12 cases related to May 9 have been noted, with jail trial hearing notifications issued for all cases. All accused individuals from February 6 to May 9 have been directed to appear at Adiala Jail. Additionally, jail trial notices have been sent to the SHOs and investigating officers of all police stations. Cases involving Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi are also scheduled for a jail hearing on May 9.
Increase in electricity prices once again.
Nepra has given initial approval to increase the price of electricity by Rs. 5 and 62 paise. The increase will put an additional burden of 49 billion on the public.Electricity cost likely to rise.