Masjid-e-Nabawi incident: PTI challenges cases against leadership in IHC

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has challenged the cases against the party leadership relating to hooliganism at Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH) in the Islamabad High Court.

The plea was filed by PTI's legal team comprising Advocate Faisal Fareed and Advocate Ali Bukhari on Fawad's behalf on Monday.

The IHC has issued a circular to hear urgent cases even during holidays, under which petitions of urgent nature can be filed during Eid holidays.

Despite the leave, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah has fixed the PTI's petition for an urgent hearing on which the hearing will be held by him, while Fawad Chaudhry is already present in court.

The petition filed by Chaudhry argues that the illegal harassment of PTI leaders should be stopped.

In the petition, PTI has sought orders to bring all the cases registered in line with the incident on record. It also requested the court to inquire about the reasons and basis for which the cases have been registered and nullify any action by police or the Federal Investigation Agency.

IHC accepts Gill's plea for protective bail

Meanwhile, the IHC barred the police from arresting Gill upon his arrival in Pakistan.

Advocate Faisal Chaudhry had filed a petition seeking protective bail for Gill to avoid arrest when he returns to the country.

During the hearing, Justice Minallah asked where Gill is currently.

At this, Advocate Chaudhry informed the court that Gill went to United States on April 28 and he will come back on May 4.

"I have attached Gill's return ticket with the petition [...] he wants to appear before the court and be part of the investigation," he said.

He argued that 11 different cases have been registered against Gill and other PTI leaders in Faisalabad, Jhelum and other cities to target them for revenge.

PTI Chairman Imran Khan and PTI leaders Fawad Chaudhry and Shehbaz were among 150 people against whom a case was registered a day earlier after slogans were chanted against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation during their visit to Masjid-e-Nabawi last week.

After the incident, former interior minister Sheikh Rashid's nephew Rashid Shafique, who was also booked in the same case, was arrested.

Court allows two-day remand of Sheikh Rashid Shafiq

A district and sessions court in Attock on Monday granted the police a two-day physical remand of MNA Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, nephew of former federal minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, in a case relating to hooliganism and chanting slogans against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation at Masjid-e-Nabwi in Saudi Arabia.

A day earlier, Sheikh Rashid Shafiq was arrested at the Islamabad International Airport upon his arrival from Saudi Arabia.

At the outset of today’s hearing, the police produced Sheikh Rashid Shafiq before the court amid tight security. The police pleaded with the court to remand the suspect to their custody so that they could interrogate him.

Giving his nod to the request, Judicial Magistrate Jamal Mehmood granted the police a two-day remand of Rashid Shafiq and directed to present the suspect before the court on the second day of Eid.

Meanwhile, the judge adjourned the hearing till May 4.

In the wake of the incident of slogan chanting at Masjid-e-Nabawi against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation, former federal minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed's nephew MNA Sheikh Rashid Shafiq had been taken into custody at the Islamabad airport upon his arrival from Saudi Arabia early Sunday morning.

Some protesters, allegedly belonging to the PTI, violated the sanctity of the Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH) in Madinah on Thursday by loudly catcalling Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and members of his delegation.

Sources affiliated with the airport staff said that Shafiq flew to Pakistan through a private airline.

Confirming the arrest, Rasheed had said that his nephew had just touched down in Islamabad after performing Umrah, at the time of his arrest.

"None of us was in Saudi Arabia, but cases were still registered [against us]. Residences are being raided after the registration of the cases," Rasheed had said, condemning the arrest.

He had further stated that people would "harass them wherever they went". Sources privy to the matter said that Shafiq had been shifted to a Federal Investigation Agency cell.

A case had been registered against Shafiq at Faisalabad's Madina Town on behalf of Muhammad Naeem. A total of 14 known and 100-150 unidentified people, including PTI Chairman Imran Khan, Fawad Chaudhry, Shehbaz Gill, Sahibzada Jahangir and other PTI members had been nominated in the case.

PM Shehbaz extends Eid greetings to Muslims and overseas Pakistanis across the world

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended Eid greetings to Muslims and overseas Pakistanis across the world.

In a tweet today [Monday], the Prime Minister also extended warm Eid greetings to his fellow Muslim leaders over the close of holy month of Ramazan, reaffirming Pakistan's resolve to further strengthen ties with them.

As the holy month of Ramazan draws to a close, I want to wish a happy & blessed Eid Mubarak to Muslims & overseas Pakistanis across the world. I also extend warm Eid greetings to my fellow Muslim leaders & reaffirm Pakistan’s resolve to further strengthen our ties.

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 2, 2022

PM Shehbaz, UAE Crown Prince discuss bilateral, regional, int'l issues

In a meeting with United Arab Emirates Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held extensive consultations over the prospects of propelling cooperation and a range of bilateral, regional and international issues.

The premier met the crown prince in Abu Dhabi during his brief stay in the state after concluding his three-day visit to Saudi Arabia.

PM Shehbaz Sharif had a warm welcome at Abu Dhabi by the crown prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces ahead of their meeting at Royal Palace, Qasr-e Al-Shatie.

During the meeting, the crown prince congratulated PM Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the premier of Pakistan and wished him great success serving the post. He also extended best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Pakistan.

The prime minister paid tributes to the founder and first president of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may Allah bless his soul) for his foresight and visionary leadership and his contribution to laying the foundation of Pakistan-UAE friendship. He expressed Pakistan's determination to strengthen mutually beneficial ties under the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Noting the first 50 years of fast-track and remarkable development of the UAE, PM Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the UAE leadership and people and wished them more success in the decades ahead.

He also felicitated the UAE leadership and Expo Team on successful holding of the Dubai World Expo 2020, widely acclaimed as a resounding success.

Moreover, the prime minister expressed gratitude to the UAE for its long-standing support to Pakistan both bilaterally and multilaterally.

He, in particular, mentioned the humanitarian projects launched under the UAE-Pakistan Assistance Program in Pakistan as well as crucial support extended by the UAE during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also thanked the UAE for hosting 1.7 million Pakistanis with honour and dignity who are not only a bridge between Pakistan and the UAE but also pride of Pakistan.

Highlighting the noble initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to eradicate polio worldwide, the PM Shehbaz Sharif lauded UAE's pivotal role in supporting global efforts to end this menace.

Reviewing bilateral cooperation in various fields, the two leaders resolved to further strengthen trade and economic ties, with particular focus on accelerating cooperation and building partnerships in areas encompassing, investments, economic development, energy, infrastructure and agriculture.

'Pakistan, UAE stood by each other': Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed
​

The crown prince assured the PM Shehbaz Sharif about making effective moves towards strengthening closer bilateral fraternal ties for the benefit of future generations of the two countries. He acknowledged with gratitude the constructive role played by Pakistanis in the development of the UAE when others had limited presence and contribution.

Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that Pakistan and the UAE stood with each other during good or bad times and would continue to extend support to each other in the future. He emphasised the importance of strengthening bridges between the two brotherly nations for the well-being of their people.

The two leaders also discussed issues of regional and international importance. They decided to remain in regular contact on all issues of mutual interest as well as coordinate positions at multilateral forums including the UN and the OIC.

KP, parts of Balochistan celebrating Eid today unlike rest of Pakistan

Unlike the rest of Pakistan, Eidul Fitr is being celebrated with religious zeal and fervour in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the northern districts of Balochistan today instead of tomorrow (Tuesday).

Eid prayers were held at open places, in mosques and Eidgahs in KP and certain districts of Balochistan.

On the occasion, special prayers were offered for the well-being of the country, while in sermons, scholars highlighted the significance of this Eid. The Ulema also condemned the incident of hooliganism at Masjid-e-Nabawi in their Eid sermons.

In KP, the main gathering of Eidul Fitr was held at Eidgah mosque alongside Charsadda Road. Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and the provincial ministers offered their Eid prayers at Governor House.

The Hazara Division will observe Eid tomorrow.

In Balochistan, Eid is being celebrated in Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Zhob and other areas.

KP to observe Eid on Monday

A day earlier, Chief Minister Mahmood Khan’s Special Assistant Barrister Dr Muhammad Ali Saif had announced that the province will celebrate Eid on Monday.

Taking to his Twitter, Saif said that the government had received 130 sightings from different areas of KP of the Shawwal moon.

“The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to officially celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on Monday, May 2. Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated with religious fervour across the province tomorrow,” said the special assistant.

Moreover, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee's zonal body in Peshawar, urged the central body to review it's decision.

Madni said that the zonal body had "examined the sightings" and considered them after through review.

On the other hand, following the decision of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, the rest of the country will celebrate Eid on Tuesday, May 3.

Religious Affairs Minister Abdul Shakoor said that the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee was an independent body and that the federal government cannot "dictate" it.

“We can only request the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to not ignore the sightings," Shakoor told journalists. He added that zonal committee had received the reports of moon sighting after the central body's meeting had ended.

Turkey, Saudi Arabia to revive great economic potential: Erdogan

Turkey and Saudi Arabia have a common will to "reactivate a great economic potential" between the two countries, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday, after his first trip to the kingdom since 2017.

Speaking to reporters on a flight back from Saudi Arabia, where he sought to mend frayed ties, Erdogan said the sides were determined to accelerate efforts for the common interests and stability of the region, Turkish media reported.

The media readout did not mention a possible currency swap line nor specifics of any other planned investments that could help relieve Turkey's economic strains.

"We agreed with Saudi Arabia to reactivate a great economic potential through organisations that will bring our investors together," Erdogan said.

On his two-day visit, Erdogan met Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and discussed various international, regional and bilateral issues. read more

"We announced that we, as Turkey, would support them in their bid to host EXPO 2030 in Riyadh," he added.

Erdogan's visit marks the culmination of a months-long rapprochement drive that included dropping a trial over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul in 2018. Erdogan's office said the Saudi king invited him.

Analysts and officials say Saudi funding could help Turkey alleviate its economic woes, including soaring inflation, ahead of tough elections for the president next year. They said a swap line could help boost depleted Turkish reserves.

Relations soured after Khashoggi was killed and dismembered by a Saudi hit squad at the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul in 2018. At the time, Erdogan accused the "highest levels" of the Saudi government of giving the orders, but Ankara has since softened its tone.

"I believe my visit will herald a new era in the ties between our two countries. We have demonstrated our common will to enhance ties," he said.

Erdogan reiterated "the need for a new era in foreign policy" and said this was a process of making friends and not enemies with countries with whom "we share the same beliefs and thoughts."

Turkey has also been working to mend long-strained ties with Israel and Ankara's top diplomat is due to visit there in May.

Erdogan said a similar policy may be adopted towards Egypt and current low-level dialogue can be escalated.

"We already have relations at a low level, such as between our intelligence services. Relations between our business people continue, too. Positive results indicate that these steps can be taken at a higher level," Erdogan said of Egypt.

No sanctions, but US wants Delhi to break from Russia

US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has suggested encouraging India to voluntarily disengage from Russia instead of slapping sanctions on New Delhi for buying oil and weapons from Moscow.

“Where we can, it is far preferable to get countries to voluntarily not engage in these practices, and that’s where our diplomacy is focused,” Mr Blinken said at one of his several congressional hearings in Washington this week.

Democratic senators urged Secretary Blinken at these hearings to put more pressure on India for continuing to do business with Russia despite its invasion of Ukraine.

“They go buy oil from Russia. They buy the S-400 [anti-missile system]. They abstain at the United Nations [on votes criticising Russia],” said Senator Bob Menendez, who heads the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

“But they are a member of the Quad,” he said, referring to a US-led alliance of like-minded nations for containing China’s influence in the Indian-Pacific region. “So, at some point messages that we send globally here are inconsistent. When we say we’re ‘troubled’ and ‘disappointed,’ that doesn’t cut it.”

Secretary Blinken, who was defending the State Depar­tment’s fiscal 2023 budget request, acknowledged this ‘uncomfortable reality’ but also urged lawmakers to see the broader picture.

“We’re at a very important strategic moment as various countries … are possibly reconsidering some of their other relationships, including with Russia,” he said in his first of four appearances in Congress this week. “As a strategic proposition, I think it’s very much in our interests to encourage that and work with that and see what we can do to … take advantage of other strategic opportunities that may present themselves as a result of Russia’s aggression.”

In another hearing at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, Secretary Blinken told the lawmakers that India’s relationship with Russia goes back decades.

“Russia, for India, was out of necessity a partner of choice when we were not in a position to be a partner,” he said in response to a question from Senator William Hagerty.

“Now, we are investing in that effort. I think there is a growing strategic convergence between the United States and India,” Mr Blinken said. “And of course, China is a big part of that,” as Beijing’s growing influence in the region brings India closer to the United States.

Mr Blinken said US President Joe Biden had spent “a lot of time directly engaging with Prime Minister Modi and India’s leadership”.

At the Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Menendez criticised the State Department for not forcefully calling out India’s decision to increase oil purchases from Moscow just as other US allies are curtail their own energy imports from Russia.

Senators said they could suggest sanctioning India if it didn’t stop buying Russian defence equipment, on which India has long relied.

The US media, while reporting their remarks, noted that before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, US lawmakers were more open to giving India a waiver for purchasing a Russian anti-missile system.

The US media reported that since the Russian invasion, India has imported more than double the amount of crude oil from Russia that it did in all of 2021.

“Why aren’t we applying secondary sanctions against countries … that are increasing their imports from Russian commodities?” asked Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat. “There are countries that are taking advantage of discounted Russian oil prices … which only helps (President) Putin.”

Secretary Blinken said Washington has “engaged with some countries” that are taking advantage of Russia’s discounted commodity exports.” But applying individual sanctions was inadvisable, he added.