Author name: nenagency

LAHORE – The former Prime Minister and President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, departed for London on Monday using a foreign airline. According to family sources, the PML-N leader left his residence in Jati Umra, Raiwind, and arrived at Allama Iqbal International Airport, where he boarded a Qatar Airways flight bound for London. Preparations for his journey had been completed earlier in the day. Sources further indicated that Nawaz Sharif is anticipated to remain in London for about two weeks. During his stay, he is also scheduled to undergo routine medical examinations. It is worth noting that just a few days prior, the former Prime Minister visited the Punjab Institute of Neurosciences in Lahore for medical assessments, which included an MRI of his neck, following complaints of muscular discomfort. This trip marks Nawaz Sharif’s second visit to London this year, having previously traveled to the UK in June.

Pakistan has urged the international community to establish regulations on emerging technologies to safeguard global peace and security. Speaking at a United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (UN-IPU) hearing, Pakistan’s representatives stressed that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, cyber tools, and autonomous systems must be guided by international frameworks to prevent misuse. They emphasized that unchecked use of such technologies poses risks to international stability and could escalate conflicts. Pakistan highlighted the importance of cooperation among nations to ensure technology serves as a force for development and peace rather than division and warfare. The delegation reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to working with global partners for responsible innovation, fair digital governance, and the promotion of collective security.Senator Aziz also emphasized the need for awareness of the weaponization of information, communications, and technologies (ICTs) and cyberspace to ensure peace, security, and stability, advocating the careful application of international law, including humanitarian law, to prevent cyberspace from becoming a domain of conflict. He called upon governments to ensure regulatory processes for new technologies that were adaptable to rapid advancements and collaborate internationally to develop harmonized regulatory standards.

On Saturday, rights activist and attorney Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir filed a request with the registrar of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to ensure the preservation of CCTV footage related to an “unfortunate incident” involving her — referring to her interaction with IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar—that occurred earlier this week. In her submission to the IHC registrar, which Mazari posted on X, she stated: “I am writing to you today to request the preservation of CCTV footage from the Honourable Chief Justice’s courtroom no.1, dated September 11, 2025, between 9am and 11am, due to an unfortunate incident involving the undersigned counsel, which necessitates the preservation of the recorded exchange on the CCTV footage. “I would also request [the] provision of a copy of the CCTV footage from the aforementioned date and time on the USB I have annexed herewith this instant application.” The proceedings mentioned by Mazari in her application stem from a hearing that took place on Thursday, where she acted on behalf of her client — who requested the removal of rights activist Mahrang Baloch’s name from the Exit Control List — in the court presided over by IHC CJ Dogar. During the hearing, Justice Dogar cautioned Mazari about the possibility of a contempt of court case and was said to have issued warning remarks that suggested “getting hold of her” Mazari stated that she was merely executing her professional responsibilities and was ready to confront contempt proceedings should the court find it necessary. The following day, during the hearing of a different case, Justice Dogar offered clarification on the issue, asserting that his remarks had been taken out of context. He further refuted any claims of having suggested “getting hold of” Mazari — a statement disputed by Mazari’s spouse, Hadi Ali Chattha, who was also present at Thursday’s hearing. In his clarification, Justice Dogar remarked that Mazari was “like a daughter” to him, emphasizing that he was only attempting to elucidate matters to her the day before. “I was explaining to her just as (I would) to a child, but she was not understanding. She was repeatedly mentioning fundamental rights. Does this court not have any fundamental rights,” he said. His comments faced backlash from the nation’s legal community and Mazari herself, who labeled his statements as “sexist”. Several legal organizations and bar associations released statements denouncing the behavior of the IHC CJ, with some even calling for his removal from office. The Lahore High Court Bar Association vehemently criticized the exchange, asserting that lawyers are “officer[s] of the court” and that their respect and dignity should be upheld, just as those of esteemed judges. It called upon the Supreme Judicial Council to dismiss Justice Dogar from his position. This call was similarly supported by the Balochistan Bar Council, while the Karachi Bar Association (KBA) strongly condemned Justice Dogar’s “highly inappropriate conduct”. The Women’s Action Forum also expressed outrage over the judge’s alleged comments, condemning the “highly objectionable patriarchal misogynist anti-women remarks and behaviour … patronising language employed in addressing and instructing the lawyer’s spouse…”.

Legendary pace bowler Wasim Akram has encouraged the cricketers of Pakistan and India to disregard external distractions and relish the game when they face off in a highly intense Asia Cup T20 match on Sunday. The Group A match in Dubai marks the initial encounter on the cricket field between the nations following a military conflict that occurred four months prior, which has brought relations between the nuclear-capable neighbors to their lowest level in decades. India has declined to heed calls for a boycott of the match between the two countries, which have not engaged in any bilateral series since the tragic attacks in Mumbai in 2008. “Enjoy, it’s a game of cricket,” legendary left-armer Akram told AFP of the match, which potentially could be the first of three high-octane meetings between the countries in the T20 tournament. “Forget about everything other than cricket. One team will win, and one team will lose,” he said. “Just enjoy the moment if you win the game. Pressure will come, enjoy that and show discipline because this is just a game. It’s for both teams and for both sets of fans.” A capacity crowd of 25,000 is anticipated at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, and Akram reminisced about how he excelled in high-pressure scenarios throughout his 19-year international career. “I enjoyed every game against India, and so did players from the opposition,” said Akram, who led a Pakistan touring team to India in 1999 despite threats from extremists. The 59-year-old participated in Pakistan’s 1987 tour, a time when the two nations were on the brink of conflict. Akram urged a novice Pakistan team to consider the larger context and avoid being overwhelmed by the excitement of facing T20 world champions and long-standing rivals, India. “Pakistan have a chance as they won a tri-series last week,” said Akram, referring to a T20 series with Afghanistan and the UAE. “They should not think that we just need to win against India, think of winning the Asia Cup,” he said. “You can lose to a big team but even then, stand up and play well in the tournament. “I don’t think the match will be one-sided like India against UAE,”Akram commented on India’s swift victory on Wednesday, where they required only 4.3 overs to achieve their target after bowling out the hosts for 57. “Anything can happen in this tournament.” Pakistan triumphed over Oman by a margin of 93 runs in their inaugural match on Friday.Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, and Bangladesh are placed in Group B.The leading two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four. The final of the Asia Cup is scheduled to take place in Dubai on September 28.

On Friday, US President Donald Trump hosted a dinner with the Prime Minister of Qatar in New York, just days following the attack by US ally Israel on Hamas leaders in Doha. Israel made an attempt to eliminate the political leaders of Hamas through an attack in Qatar on Tuesday, a move that jeopardized US-supported initiatives aimed at establishing a truce in Gaza and concluding the nearly two-year-long conflict. This attack received widespread condemnation across the Middle East and beyond, being viewed as an action that could heighten tensions in an already volatile region. Trump conveyed his displeasure regarding the strike during a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and he endeavored to reassure the Qataris that such incidents would not recur. The White House confirmed that the dinner had occurred but did not provide any specifics. This gathering followed an hour-long meeting that al-Thani had at the White House on Friday with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. A source familiar with the meeting indicated that they deliberated on Qatar’s prospective role as a mediator in the region and on defense collaboration in light of the Israeli strikes against Hamas in Doha. Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Israel’s strike, characterizing it as a unilateral action that did not serve the interests of either the US or Israel. Washington regards Qatar as a significant ally in the Gulf. Qatar has played a crucial role as a mediator in the protracted negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza, for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, and for a post-conflict strategy for the region. Al-Thani accused Israel on Tuesday of attempting to undermine the prospects for peace but asserted that Qatar would remain steadfast in its role as a mediator. Since October 2023, Israel’s military action in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 64,000 individuals, as reported by Palestinian health officials. This offensive has nearly displaced the entire population of Gaza and triggered a crisis of starvation. Numerous human rights experts and academics assert that Israel’s military operations in Gaza constitute genocide. Israel has dismissed this characterization. The current and ongoing offensive in Gaza was initiated following an attack by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of over 250, according to Israeli reports. Additionally, Israel has conducted airstrikes in Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and Yemen during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.