Government says talks with Imran Khan’s party to continue despite his 14-year sentence

Special Government says talks with Imran Khan’s party to continue despite his 14-year sentence
Pakistani security personnel stand guard as a vehicle carrying Bushra Bibi, the wife of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan, arrives at Adiala jail in Rawalpindi on January 17, 2025. (REUTERS)
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Updated 17 January 2025
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Government says talks with Imran Khan’s party to continue despite his 14-year sentence

Government says talks with Imran Khan’s party to continue despite his 14-year sentence
  • Barrister Aqeel Malik, government’s legal spokesperson, calls negotiations and conviction ‘separate matters’
  • An analyst predicts ‘more direct talks’ between PTI and the security establishment after the court verdict

KARACHI: A government spokesperson said on Friday political negotiations with former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would not be affected by an accountability court verdict earlier in the day, which sentenced the ex-premier to 14 years in prison.
Khan, who has been incarcerated for well over a year, warned of civil disobedience from a high-security prison in Rawalpindi last month while calling for the release of political prisoners from his party, which has complained of a government crackdown since the downfall of the PTI administration in April 2022.
Subsequently, the government-PTI talks began as an attempt to reduce political bitterness and polarization in Pakistan. However, the accountability court’s verdict in a case involving a charitable entity, Al-Qadir Trust, set up by Khan and his third wife Bushra Khan in 2018, has raised questions about the future of the negotiations.
The court also sentenced Khan’s wife to seven years in prison in the case. Pakistani authorities allege that the trust was a front for the couple to receive valuable land as a bribe from real estate developer Malik Riaz Hussain, one of Pakistan’s richest and most powerful businessmen. Hussain, like Khan and Bushra, denies any wrongdoing.

“The talks are going on in parallel,” Barrister Aqeel Malik, government spokesperson for legal affairs, told Arab News over the phone. “These are two separate matters. The decision from the court should not be mixed with the ongoing talks with the opposition at this particular time.”
Malik argued that the case was decided in accordance with the legal provisions of the accountability laws.
“Today’s decision is in accordance with the law and justice has been served, where a huge loss had been caused to the national exchequer for private gains,” he added. “It has now been decided by the competent court that Mr. Khan stands certified to have been involved in corruption.”




Pakistan’s imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan’s supporters hold Khan’s portraits during a protest in Peshawar on January 17, 2025. (AFP)

The Al-Qadir Trust case, involving allegations of corruption and misuse of authority by Khan, revolved around £190 million recovered from the Pakistani real estate tycoon, who was investigated by British authorities for money laundering.
Riaz surrendered the amount as part of a settlement, which was returned to the Pakistani state under the laws of the United Kingdom. However, the Khan administration allegedly adjusted it against the real estate developer’s liability in Pakistan’s top court, where he was fined in a case for illegally acquiring land for a major project in Karachi.
The ex-premier was criticized for using the sum to reduce Riaz’s owed amount rather than depositing it in Pakistan’s national treasury. The country’s anti-graft National Accountability Bureau also accused him of approving the adjustment in return for financial benefits.
Unlike Malik, Khan’s close aide and senior PTI leader, Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, described the talks as a political ploy by the government.
“Talks were just a bluff,” he told Arab News, adding that it was “obvious” the PTI founding leader and his wife would be sentenced in the case.
“Al-Qadir Trust is a nonprofit organization. Neither of them was a beneficiary, and the money had gone to the Supreme Court of Pakistan,” he continued, describing the verdict as another act of “political victimization and a pressure tactic to make Khan agree to talks.”
The former premier’s conviction has come at a time when the PTI confirmed meetings with Pakistan’s powerful army chief, General Asim Munir, earlier this week, although security sources denied that the interaction focused on political matters.




Former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party’s chairman and barrister Gohar Ali Khan (C) speaks to media outside the Adiala prison in Rawalpindi on January 17, 2025. (AFP)

Nadia Naqi, a talk show host and political analyst, said the verdict could pave the way for “more direct talks with the security establishment” of Pakistan, which she said was always interested in negotiating with a weaker Khan.
“Negotiations now, which have taken place within political circles, will become easier because a weak Imran Khan, a convicted Imran Khan, will be more likely to agree to the terms [offered to him] compared to a Khan who has obtained bail in various cases,” she argued.
“I believe that negotiations with the PTI will now move forward. Whether the government is involved or not, it won’t matter,” she added.
Iftikhar Ahmed, a Lahore-based analyst, said the future of the talks would depend on the reactions of both the government and the PTI.
“Until now, the PTI has not announced that they are ending the negotiations,” he noted. “The party did not offer this as a condition for negotiations that the courts should not announce their verdicts against Khan. Their demand was the release of the founder of their party.”

Meanwhile, Aitzaz Ahsan, a veteran lawyer and politician, maintained that the judgment against Khan had legal loopholes.
“This is another case in which the conviction will be converted into an acquittal by a high court,” he said, adding that the government had to show the state had suffered a financial loss due to Khan’s decision about the repatriated money, pointing out this was not adequately done.


Afghanistan cricket team arrive in Pakistan to play first Champions Trophy tournament 

Afghanistan cricket team arrive in Pakistan to play first Champions Trophy tournament 
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Afghanistan cricket team arrive in Pakistan to play first Champions Trophy tournament 

Afghanistan cricket team arrive in Pakistan to play first Champions Trophy tournament 
  • Led by Hashmatullah Afridi, Afghanistan will play first match against South Africa on Feb. 19
  • Afghanistan have been placed in Group B with Australia, South Africa and England 

ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan’s national cricket team arrived in the eastern city of Lahore on Wednesday to play their first Champions Trophy tournament, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said with only days left for the international tournament to kick off. 

The eight-nation tournament kicks off in the southern port city of Karachi on Feb. 19. Defending champions Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the city in the tournament opener whereas Afghanistan will kick off the event with their first encounter against South Africa in the same city. 

Led by skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan will play their second match of the tournament against England in Lahore on Feb. 21 before meeting Australia on Feb. 28 in the eastern city. 

“Afghanistan’s cricket team have arrived in Lahore to take part in the Champions Trophy,” the PCB said in a statement. “This is the first time that Afghanistan are taking part in the Champions Trophy.”

Afghanistan were dealt a blow when teenage spinner AM Ghazanfar was ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury this week. 

“Afghanistan’s young spin-bowling sensation, AM Ghazanfar, has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy due to a fracture in the L4 vertebra, specifically in the left pars interarticularis,” the team confirmed via a statement.

“He sustained the injury during Afghanistan’s recently held tour Zimbabwe, and will be sidelined for a minimum of four months and will remain under treatment during this period.”

Afghanistan’s spin department is already missing experienced spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman. 

Squad: 

Afghanistan squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran. Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Bilal Sami


Pakistan car sales surge by 61 percent YoY due to lower interest rates, newer variants— report 

Pakistan car sales surge by 61 percent YoY due to lower interest rates, newer variants— report 
Updated 12 February 2025
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Pakistan car sales surge by 61 percent YoY due to lower interest rates, newer variants— report 

Pakistan car sales surge by 61 percent YoY due to lower interest rates, newer variants— report 
  • Pakistan’s central bank has slashed interest rates from all-time high of 22 percent in June 2024 to 12 percent 
  • Two and three-wheelers’ sales increased by 33 percent year-on-year and 18 percent month-on-month, says brokerage house

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s car sales surged by 61 percent year-on-year (YoY) in January due to lower interest rates, increased customer confidence and newer variants entering the market, a top brokerage house said in its report this week. 

Pakistan car sales were clocked in at 17,010 units in January 2025, reflecting a 61 percent YoY surge and a 73 percent month-on-month (MoM) increase, Topline Securities said in its report on Tuesday. 

Pakistan’s central bank last month announced cutting its key interest rate by 100 basis points to 12 percent. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has slashed rates from an all-time high of 22 percent in June 2024 in one of the most aggressive moves among central banks of emerging markets. Lower interest rates charged by the SBP means commercial banks also lower the interest rates they charge on loans, including auto loans. 

“The YoY rise in car sales is driven by lowered interest rates, improved consumer confidence, and the introduction of newer variants and models,” Topline Securities said in its report. 

“MoM increase is primarily due to the low base effect, as December sales are typically low with buyers delaying purchases for new-year registrations, and SAZEW data not being released leading to an uptick in January,” it added. 

For the seven months of the current financial year, 7MFY25, auto sales have surged to 77,686 units, a 55 percent YoY rise from 49,989 units in 7MFY24.

It said all auto companies have seen a rise in YoY and MoM car sales. 

“Two and three-wheelers’ sales increased by 33 percent YoY and 18 percent MoM totaling to 139,161 units (2.5-year high) in January 2025,” the report said. 

It said the tractor industry recorded sales of 2,761 units, marking a 28 percent YoY and 61 percent MoM decrease, while truck and bus sales in Jan 2025 were up 2.57x YoY and 3.22x MoM, reaching 621 units after 3 years (last recorded in January 2022).

 “Auto sales have seen a boost and this is expected to continue as auto financing recovers amidst interest rates fall and new variants enter the market,” the report concluded. 


Pakistan PM vows to deepen cooperation with IAEA for peaceful nuclear use

Pakistan PM vows to deepen cooperation with IAEA for peaceful nuclear use
Updated 12 February 2025
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Pakistan PM vows to deepen cooperation with IAEA for peaceful nuclear use

Pakistan PM vows to deepen cooperation with IAEA for peaceful nuclear use
  • The top IAEA official Rafael Mariano Grossi is visiting Pakistan on a two-day official visit
  • He will meet political leaders, attend seminars and visit a nuclear power generation site

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to maximize nuclear technology for peaceful purposes during his interaction with the top agency official, his office said on Wednesday.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi is visiting Pakistan on a two-day official visit to meet key political leaders, attend seminars and visit a nuclear power generation site.
The United Nations nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, promotes the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology worldwide. Pakistan has collaborated with the agency since 1957 and operates a civil nuclear power program under IAEA safeguards.
While Pakistan is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), it has voluntary safeguards agreements with the IAEA and actively works to ensure its nuclear facilities comply with international safety standards.
“The PM reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to further strengthening its collaboration with the IAEA to harness the full potential of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes,” the PM office said in a statement following Sharif’s meeting with Grossi in Islamabad.
“During the meeting, the peaceful applications of nuclear technology in various sectors including cancer diagnostics and treatment, agriculture, food preservation, water management and industry were discussed.”
It added that Sharif praised the UN nuclear watchdog’s efforts in promoting nuclear energy to combat climate change, highlighting Pakistan’s “productive and mutually beneficial partnership” with the IAEA over the decades.
“With the IAEA’s support, Pakistan has made significant progress in nuclear power generation, industrial development, health care, and agricultural advancements, contributing to the country’s socio-economic growth,” the PM office said.
The statement added that Grossi appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive and longstanding” engagement with the UN nuclear watchdog, saying the IAEA would continue working with Pakistan in the same spirit.
Pakistan, a member of the IAEA Board of Governors, has been advocating for membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), arguing that its nuclear program meets international safeguards standards.
The South Asian country actively participates in IAEA conferences, policy discussions and technical workshops, demonstrating its commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear technology.


Journalists’ union in southwest Pakistan launches hunger strike against new cybercrime law

Journalists’ union in southwest Pakistan launches hunger strike against new cybercrime law
Updated 12 February 2025
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Journalists’ union in southwest Pakistan launches hunger strike against new cybercrime law

Journalists’ union in southwest Pakistan launches hunger strike against new cybercrime law
  • Bill creates four new government bodies to regulate online content, broadens the definition of online harm
  • Parliament adopted amendments last month in the context of what is widely seen as a digital crackdown

QUETTA: A union of journalists in the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan on Wednesday set up a hunger strike camp to protest recent amendments to the country’s cybercrime law that opposition parties, the media fraternity and digital rights activists have widely said threaten online speech.

The Pakistan Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, enacted on January 29, includes provisions making the dissemination of “fake or false” information a criminal offense punishable by up to three years in prison without clearly defining “fake or false” news. Stakeholders like journalists and digital rights experts say they were excluded from consultations on the bill, which prevented genuine public scrutiny of the new law. The government denies the law is aimed at suppressing digital speech.

The amendments to the Electronic Crimes Act create four new government bodies to regulate online content and broaden the definition of online harm. The government bodies are authorized to block and remove content based on “ambiguous” criteria that do not meet the standards of proportionality and necessity required under international human rights law, rights bodies like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty have said.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) last week challenged the new law before the Islamabad High Court, urging it to strike them down for being “unconstitutional.” Journalists and their unions have also held protests against the amendments in several cities across the country. 

On Wednesday, the Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) launched a three-day hunger strike camp outside the Quetta Press Club, calling the new law “draconian.”

“Though the government says the amendments were proposed and approved to prevent fake news on social media, we are concerned that the government would target print and electronic media under the PECA Act also,” BUJ President Khalil Ahmed told Arab News.

He said the impoverished Balochistan province’s issues, including social and economic underdevelopment and security, did not get adequate coverage on mainstream media and many journalists from the region used online platforms to highlight the challenges. 

“Journalists in Balochistan province would be affected under this act because the majority of journalists here are forced to discuss provincial issues on social media platforms through vlogs and blogs,” Ahmed said, adding that the BUJ’s protest movement would continue until the government abolished the new amendments to the PECA Act.

Saleem Shahid, a senior journalist and former vice president of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, described the new law as being against “basic human rights.”

“Under these news amendments, authorities can detain journalists without giving them a chance of a legal trial in courts and fine them rupees two to three million rupees,” Shahid said. 

“When we speak about freedom of speech and independent journalism, we should be more responsible and pursue ethics of journalism.”

One of the regulatory bodies created under the new law, the Social Media Protection Tribunal, comprises government-appointed members rather than independent members of the judiciary.

Another new body, the Social Media Protection and Regulation Authority, is authorized to order any social media company to remove or block content deemed to be “against the ideology of Pakistan,” be known to be “fake or false,” or to cast aspersions on various public officials. The authority can also require any social media company to register with it and impose any conditions it deems “appropriate” upon registration.

Parliament adopted the amendments last month in the context of what is widely seen as an escalating crackdown on digital speech in Pakistan, including frequently shutting down the Internet and throttling Internet networks. 

The social media platform X has already been banned since days after February general elections last year as allegations of rigging emerged online. There are regular reports of VPN restrictions, and the government is also moving to implement a national firewall, though it denies these moves are aimed at censorship.


South Africa win toss, bat against Pakistan in tri-series

South Africa win toss, bat against Pakistan in tri-series
Updated 12 February 2025
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South Africa win toss, bat against Pakistan in tri-series

South Africa win toss, bat against Pakistan in tri-series
  • Both teams lost their opening match against New Zealand and have made changes
  • The winning team will face New Zealand in the final scheduled for Friday in Karachi

KARACHI: South Africa won the toss and chose to bat against Pakistan in the third match of the three-nation tournament in Karachi on Wednesday.
South Africa, who lost to New Zealand in their first game, made four changes, with star batter Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Corbin Bosch and Tony de Zorzi coming into the side.
Pakistan made two changes from their defeat against New Zealand in the first match in Lahore, bringing in Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Hasnain in place of injured Haris Rauf and Kamran Ghulam.
The winner will face New Zealand in the final scheduled for Friday, also in Karachi.
Teams
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Abrar Ahmed
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Kyle Verreynne, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, Wiaan Mulder, Tabraiz Shamsi, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi
Umpires: Asif Yaqoob (PAK) and Michael Gough (ENG)
TV Umpire: Richard Illingworth (ENG)
Match referee: David Boon (AUS)