Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir: PM Shehbaz, President Alvi highlight India’s repression in IIOJK

As Pakistan observes Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, the nation’s top leaders have united to condemn India’s inhuman military siege and unprecedented oppression in the Indian illegaly Occupied Kashmir (IIOJK).

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Chief of Army Staff, have voiced their strong rebuke against New Delhi’s actions on the second anniversary of the stripping of the valley’s special autonomy.

In his statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to supporting the just cause of the Kashmiri people’s freedom struggle. He vowed to amplify their voices on every international platform until the world takes action and urges India to put an end to its egregious human rights violations and forcible occupation of IIOJK.

Additionally, the premier called for the reversal of all unilateral and illegal measures taken by India since August 5, 2019, and advocated for a fair and impartial plebiscite in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Meanwhile, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) echoed the military leadership’s solidarity with the Kashmiri people on Kashmir Exploitation Day.

Emphasising the importance of UN resolutions, the military top brass stressed that Kashmiris must be given their right to self-determination. They also conveyed the unwavering support of the Pakistani armed forces, military leadership, and the people in the Kashmiri struggle for justice and freedom.

The military leadership further condemned India’s actions in Occupied Kashmir, highlighting that these violations of human rights are not only contrary to international laws but also pose a constant threat to regional security. They asserted that the solution to the Kashmir conflict is inevitable and should be in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

On this day of remembrance, the armed forces paid tribute to the brave martyrs of Occupied Kashmir, acknowledging their immense sacrifices in the pursuit of justice. The ISPR reiterated its commitment to support Kashmiris politically and morally in their ongoing struggle against Indian oppression and illegal occupation.

The Kashmir dispute remains one of the longest-standing conflicts in history, with tensions between India and Pakistan continuing to escalate. Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir serves as a poignant reminder of the need for a just resolution to the decades-long issue, taking into account the aspirations and rights of the Kashmiri people.

President Dr Arif Alvi has also resolved that Pakistan would continue to be the voice of its Kashmiri brothers and sisters, who had been making invaluable sacrifices and would extend all possible support for the fullest realization of their legitimate rights.

“We have no doubt that durable peace and stability in South Asia can only be achieved through a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people,” the president said in his message on Youm-e-Istehsal annually observed on August 5.

He said that India unleashed its illegal and unilateral actions on August 5, 2019, in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) with the aim of disempowering, disenfranchising, and dispossessing the Kashmiri people in their own land.

Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) Patron-in-Chief, Jahangir Khan Tareen, called upon the global community to take immediate notice of the continuing atrocities perpetrated by Indian forces in the illegally occupied region of Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Marking August 5 as a dark day in history, Tareen highlighted the significance of the date when India unilaterally altered the status of the disputed territory.

“August 5, 2019, will always be remembered as a dark day in history,” stated Jahangir Khan Tareen. He underscored the urgency of addressing the dire situation in IIOJK, emphasizing that the international community cannot remain indifferent to the sufferings of the Kashmiri people any longer.

The IPP leader reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their ongoing struggle for freedom. “All of Pakistan stands united with the Kashmiri people in their quest for self-determination,” asserted Tareen, further expressing his party’s unwavering commitment to the cause.

Calling upon the international community to heed the voices of the Kashmiri people, Jahangir Tareen emphasized that silence and inaction would only exacerbate the plight of those affected by the long-standing conflict.

Revocation of Article 370

On August 5, 2019, India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had revoke occupied Kashmir’s special status by repealing Article 370 of the constitution. The move allowed people from the rest of India to have the right to acquire property in occupied Kashmir and settle there permanently.

Kashmiris, international organisations and critics of India’s Hindu nationalist-led government see the move as an attempt to dilute the demographics of Muslim-majority Kashmir with Hindu settlers.

Over the past two years, Pakistan has been raising voice against the move and Indian atrocities in the valley.

Last year, the government declared August 5 as Youm-i-Istehsal of occupied Kashmir’s residents, in order to register protest against Indian government’s decision to strip occupied Kashmir of its autonomy.

Toshakhana case: Chairman PTI arrested from Zaman Park

PTI Chairman has been arrested from his Zaman Park residence, moments after the Islamabad sessions court sentenced him to three-year imprisonment and disqualified him for five years in the Toshakhana criminal case.

Police sources have said that the former premier could be shifted to Attock Jail, adding a team of the NAB will file PTI Chairman ’s arrest.

The Islamabad District and Sessions Court declared that the crime against PTI Chairman Imran Khan in the Toshakhana criminal case has been proved, and sentenced him to three-year imprisonment.

PTI Chairman has also been disqualified for five years.

Announcing its verdict reserved a short while ago, the court also rejected the former premier’s appeal against declaring the case maintainable.

The verdict stated that the suspect filed false details with the election commission, and has been found guilty of corrupt practices.

PTI Chairman’s arrest warrants were also issued by the court. He has also been fined Rs100,000. If the fine is not submitted, the jail term will exceed for another six months.

The police chief has been ordered to implement the court order.

A heavy contingent of police reached outside Chairman’s PTI Zaman Park residence in Lahore. Police has also sealed all the roads leading to Zaman Park, while an armoured personnel carrier has also reached the PTI chief’s residence.

Elite Force personnel have been deployed on Canal Road leading to Zaman Park.

PTI Chairman was not present for the hearing at the Islamabad High Court, and the judge ordered his arrest.

He is facing over 150 cases brought against him since being ousted in April last year – charges he says are politically motivated.

Chairman PTI’s legal team said they would be filing an immediate appeal, according to media reports.

“It’s important to mention there was no chance given to present witnesses, neither was time allotted to round up arguments,” a member of the team said, as reported by multiple media news channels.

The verdict had been reserved in the Toshakhana criminal case against Chairman’s PTI over non-appearance of the PTI chief’s counsel for extending final arguments. The judge had said he will announce the verdict at 12:30pm.

Earlier, Additional District and Sessions Judge Humayun Dilawar had declared that he will announce the verdict at noon if the petitioner’s lawyer does not turn up to extend the final arguments as per the high court orders.

Following the IHC orders, Judge Dilawar then adjourned the hearing, for the third time today, till noon as the counsel for the PTI chief failed to show up despite repeated summons.

Announcing the third break in the proceedings for the day, Judge Humayun Dilawar said the associate lawyer is unable to say when senior counsel Khawaja Harris will turn up in court.

He questioned what will happen if the counsel doesn’t appear till late night.

The judge remarked that the court had summoned Khawaja Harris at 8:30am, adding that if a suspect does not appear on the first summons, a non-bailable arrest warrant is issued.

Before announcing the third break till 10:30am, the judge asked the election commission’s lawyer to recite some poetry while they waited for Khawaja Harris.

Amjad Pervaiz read out a verse: “Vo mila to sadiyon ke baad mere lab par koi gila na tha. Usay meri chup ne rula diya jissay guftugu mein kamaal tha.”

At this, the courtroom resounded with chants of “wah wah” in appreciation.

Chairman PTI moves SC against IHC verdict

PTI Chairman has moved the Supreme Court against the Islamabad High Court’s Friday verdict in the Toshakhana criminal case.

An application was filed in the Supreme Court on behalf of the former premier by his legal team.

The petition has sought to declare the Toshakhana case non-maintainable and halt its trial.

Remanding the issue of maintainability of the case back to trial court judge Humayun Dilawar has been challenged. A stay order on the trial has also been sought.

In his appeal, filed through his lawyer Khawaja Haris, the PTI chairman has argued that the high court committed a legal error by sending the case back to the same judge as the trial court judge had already expressed his view.

The IHC had been requested to transfer the case to another judge, but it did not apply judicial mind while remanding back the case.

The high court also misrepresented the appeals, the petition stated.

The Supreme Court has been requested to declare the decision of the Islamabad High Court chief justice null and void and a stay order issued on the proceedings of the trial court.

On Friday, the IHC had declared a district and sessions court verdict on the Toshakhana criminal case null and void, while  PTI Chairman ’s request to declare the case non-maintainable was turned down.

The request to transfer the Toshakhana case to another court was rejected, while notices were issued for next week on the request to restore the right to defence.

Moreover, PTI Chairman could not receive immediate stay order from the court.

The sessions court should hear the case again and decide, the verdict stated.

Toshakhana case: Chairman PTI sentenced to 3 years in prison, disqualified for 5 years

The Islamabad District and Sessions Court has declared that the crime against PTI Chairman in the Toshakhana criminal case has been proved, and sentenced him to three-year imprisonment.

Imran Khan has also been disqualified for five years.

Announcing its verdict reserved a short while ago, the court also rejected the former premier’s appeal against declaring the case maintainable.

The verdict stated that the suspect filed false details with the election commission, and has been found guilty of corrupt practices.

Chairman PTI ’s arrest warrants were also issued by the court. He has also been fined Rs100,000. If the fine is not submitted, the jail term will exceed for another six months.

The Islamabad police chief has been ordered to implement the court order.

A heavy contingent of police has reached outside Chairman PTI Zaman Park residence in Lahore. Police has also sealed all the roads leading to Zaman Park.

The verdict had been reserved in the Toshakhana criminal case against chairman PTI over non-appearance of the PTI chief’s counsel for extending final arguments. The judge had said he will announce the verdict at 12:30pm.

Earlier, Additional District and Sessions Judge Humayun Dilawar had declared that he will announce the verdict at noon if the petitioner’s lawyer does not turn up to extend the final arguments as per the high court orders.

Following the IHC orders, Judge Dilawar then adjourned the hearing, for the third time today, till noon as the counsel for the PTI chief failed to show up despite repeated summons.

Announcing the third break in the proceedings for the day, Judge Humayun Dilawar said the associate lawyer is unable to say when senior counsel Khawaja Harris will turn up in court.

He questioned what will happen if the counsel doesn’t appear till late night.

The judge remarked that the court had summoned Khawaja Harris at 8:30am, adding that if a suspect does not appear on the first summons, a non-bailable arrest warrant is issued.

Before announcing the third break till 10:30am, the judge asked the election commission’s lawyer to recite some poetry while they waited for Khawaja Harris.

Amjad Pervaiz read out a verse: “Vo mila to sadiyon ke baad mere lab par koi gila na tha. Usay meri chup ne rula diya jissay guftugu mein kamaal tha.”

At this, the courtroom resounded with chants of “wah wah” in appreciation.

Imran moves SC against IHC verdict
PTI Chairman has moved the Supreme Court against the Islamabad High Court’s Friday verdict in the Toshakhana criminal case.

An application was filed in the Supreme Court on behalf of the former premier by his legal team.

The petition has sought to declare the Toshakhana case non-maintainable and halt its trial.

Remanding the issue of maintainability of the case back to trial court judge Humayun Dilawar has been challenged. A stay order on the trial has also been sought.

In his appeal, filed through his lawyer Khawaja Haris, the PTI chairman has argued that the high court committed a legal error by sending the case back to the same judge as the trial court judge had already expressed his view.

The IHC had been requested to transfer the case to another judge, but it did not apply judicial mind while remanding back the case.

The high court also misrepresented the appeals, the petition stated.

The Supreme Court has been requested to declare the decision of the Islamabad High Court chief justice null and void and a stay order issued on the proceedings of the trial court.

On Friday, the IHC had declared a district and sessions court verdict on the Toshakhana criminal case null and void, while PTI chairman request to declare the case non-maintainable was turned down.

The request to transfer the Toshakhana case to another court was rejected, while notices were issued for next week on the request to restore the right to defence.

Moreover, PTI chairman could not receive immediate stay order from the court.

The sessions court should hear the case again and decide, the verdict stated.

Why Are My Feet So Dry and What Can I Do About It?

Dry feet can be a persistent and uncomfortable problem that affects people of all ages. You're not alone if you find yourself grappling with rough, cracked, or flaky skin on your feet.

Many individuals struggle with this condition, which can be caused by various factors ranging from environmental influences to underlying health conditions. In this article, we delve into why your feet may be excessively dry and explore a range of practical solutions to help alleviate the problem.

Why are my feet so dry?
Feet can become excessively dry for several reasons. Healthcare professionals use the term xerosis to describe dry skin. Understanding these potential causes may help you identify the underlying factors contributing to your dry feet.

Skin conditions that cause dry feet
Athlete's foot. It disrupts the natural moisture balance and makes the skin dry and flaky on the bottom of the feet and between the toes.

Eczema. It can occur on the feet and cause dryness. The condition leads to an impaired skin barrier, resulting in excessive moisture loss and dry, itchy, irritated skin.

Psoriasis. Also can affect the feet and contribute to dryness. The accelerated skin cell turnover associated with psoriasis leads to the buildup of thick, dry patches, causing discomfort and flaking.

Diabetes. Due to impaired nerve function and reduced circulation. These factors can result in decreased sweat and oil production, leading to dry skin on the feet and an increased risk of complications such as cracks and infections.

Kidney disease. It may cause dry skin and dehydration throughout the body due to the kidneys not effectively filtering waste and toxins from the body, leading to imbalances in fluid and electrolytes. Poor kidney function also leads to toxin build-up in the blood, which can affect skin health and contribute to foot dryness.

Other factors that cause dry feet

Dry or windy environments can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to foot dryness and flakiness. Low humidity and extreme temperatures, such as cold weather or excessive heat, can further disrupt the skin's moisture balance.

Professions that require standing for long hours, such as healthcare workers or retail employees, may experience reduced blood flow to the feet, leading to dryness.

Occupations that involve frequent exposure to water, such as fishermen or lifeguards, can also result in dry feet due to the repeated soaking and drying of the skin.

Wearing poorly fitting shoes can cause friction on the skin of your feet, resulting in areas that develop calluses or dryness.

Aging causes natural changes that may contribute to dry feet. Decreased oil production, reduced blood flow, and slower cell turnover rate in older individuals can lead to decreased moisture levels.

Certain soaps can contribute to dry feet by stripping away the natural oils that help retain moisture in the skin. Harsh, detergent-based soaps, particularly those containing sulfates or fragrances, can disrupt the skin's protective barrier, leading to dryness and irritation.

Home remedies for dry feet
Several home remedies may help remove dry skin and restore your skin’s hydration.

Regular exfoliation helps to smoothen rough patches, improve skin texture, and enhance the absorption of moisturizing products, leading to softer and more hydrated feet. However, it's essential to use gentle exfoliating techniques and avoid over-exfoliation, as excessive scrubbing can cause irritation and further dry out the skin.

Try soaking your feet in warm (not hot), soapy or plain water for 10–20 minutes before bed. After soaking, gently exfoliate using a pumice or loofa. Pat your feet dry and apply a thick moisturizer right away. Put on thin cotton socks to help enhance the moisturizing.

Lotions to use for dry feet
When selecting a moisturizer for your dry feet, consider the following factors:Opt for fragrance-free products to avoid potential skin irritation.
Avoid moisturizers that contain dehydrating ingredients such as isopropyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, or sulfates.
Look for moisturizers containing ingredients like petroleum jelly, hyaluronic acid, lanolin, or mineral oils, which help lock in moisture.
Certain moisturizers incorporate skin-softening components like urea, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acid.
It's important to remember that everyone's skin is unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.

Medical treatments for dry feet
If self-care methods prove ineffective or you experience swelling or inflammation in your heels, consult your primary healthcare provider or a dermatologist. They may prescribe a stronger moisturizing ointment or a steroid cream to alleviate inflammation.

Your healthcare provider may also suggest using specialized bandages or tissue glue to protect the skin and promote healing by keeping the edges of the cracks together.

Risks of having dry feet
Having dry feet can pose several risks to your foot health and overall well-being.

Dry feet are prone to developing cracks and fissures, which can be painful, increase the risk of infection, and make walking or standing uncomfortable. The compromised skin barrier of dry feet makes them more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections such as athlete's foot. Severe dryness can lead to chronic itching, and discomfort, and even interfere with sleep, impacting your daily activities and quality of life.

Dry and cracked skin can sometimes indicate the presence of an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or nerve dysfunction. If you suspect that your dry feet may be related to a broader health issue, consult your healthcare provider for further assessment and guidance.

Dry feet are a common and uncomfortable condition. It can occur due to a lack of moisture, environmental influences, underlying health conditions, and age-related changes contributing to dryness. Proper foot care with moisturizer may help relieve dry, cracked skin.

Interim bail of PTI chief, wife extended in Al-Qadir, Toshakhana case

The accountability court on Friday granted one-day exemption from appearance to Pakistan Chairman PTI in an alleged illegal transfer of 190 million pounds in the Al-Qadir Trust case.

Judge Muhammad Bashir heard the plea filed and granted a one-day exemption. The court also adjourned the hearing till tomorrow.

Earlier, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) summoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman to appear before the anti-graft watchdog today.

Chairman PTI has been instructed to present himself at the NAB office in Rawalpindi at 11:30 AM today as an accused in the ongoing investigation.

He has been further directed to bring along all relevant documents pertaining to the Al-Qadir Trust.

The summons were served to the PTI supremo at both his Bani Gala residence and Zaman Park address.

This will mark the PTI Chairman’s first appearance before NAB following his ex-aide, Azam Khan, who recently recorded his statement in relation to the same case.

What is the Al Qadir Trust case?

Real estate tycoon Malik Riaz recorded his statement with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) along with former ministers of Imran Khan’s cabinet in the Al Qadir University land allotment case.

The development surfaced on Wednesday as NAB pursues a graft case against Chairman PTI.

Others included in the case are former federal overseas minister Zulifiqar Bukhari, and former advisor on accountability Shehzad Akbar are also involved in the case were land was allotted for Al Qadir Trust University in exchange for ensuring that the £190 million (Rs70 billion) seized in the UK are returned to Riaz in Pakistan.

Private news channel sources claimed NAB has recorded an initial statement of Malik Riaz in the case.

It is pertinent to note that Riaz appeared before the bureau at its Rawalpindi office two weeks ago.

Media sources told that Malik Riaz was questioned about his connection with the case and whether he had allotted land for the varsity, details of the allotment agreement and any conditions imposed and records of the same.

Last year in November, NAB had sent a call-up notices to property tycoon Malik Riaz and asked him to come up with complete record regarding purchase of 458 kanals in Sohawa Tehsil, the agreement through which Bahria Town donated land to Al Qadir Trust along with revenue documents, and details of other property transferred by him, or by any of his relatives, in favor of Al Qadir Trust or any of its trustees.

Toshakhana case: IHC declares district court decision null and void

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday declared a district and sessions court verdict on the Toshakhana criminal case as null and void.

The Islamabad district and sessions court had declared the Toshakhana criminal case against PTI Chairman Imran Khan maintainable. The former premier’s request to declare the case non-maintainable was turned down.

The IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq announced the reserved verdict today after hearing all eight petitions submitted by PTI chief Imran Khan. However, the high court ruled on five out of the eight petitions.

The request to transfer the Toshakhana case to another court was rejected, while notices were issued for the next week on the request to restore the right to defence.

Moreover, Imran Khan could not receive immediate stay order from the court.

These petitions challenge the maintainability of the Toshakhana criminal case and request its transfer to another court. Additionally, the pleas include an application seeking the right to defense in the trial court and a stay order.

The Toshakhana reference, which led to the disqualification of the ousted Prime Minister under Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution for “false statements and incorrect declaration,” was issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on October 21 of the previous year.

During the hearing, the lawyers representing Imran Khan, Khawaja Haris, and Gohar Khan, as well as the lawyer representing the ECP, Amjad Pervez, appeared before the court.

PM Shehbaz calls allies to discuss caretaker setup

A day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hinted at the possibility of dissolving the National Assembly on August 9, a critical coalition partners meeting has been summoned for today to deliberate on the caretaker setup.

The meeting, which will take place via video link, will see the participation of prominent political figures, including PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, as well as heads of other allied parties.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has been actively conducting a series of farewell meetings, aims to take his coalition allies into confidence on the proposed supervisory setup during the crucial gathering.

The discussions come amidst heightened speculation over the potential dissolution of the National Assembly, a decision that could have significant implications for the country’s political landscape.

‘Acceptable to all’ caretaker setup

Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressing a speech at the dinner in honor of the lawmakers of parliament and said that efforts underway for such a caretaker setup that would be ‘acceptable to all’.

PM Shehbaz said that when PDM government took over the government in difficult times and ‘there were dangers everywhere’.

“The country was close to bankruptcy,” the prime minister said.

“In spite of all the criticism in 15 months, we saved the state and our conscience is satisfied that the country was saved from crisis by sacrificing politics,” Prime Minister said.