Pakistan's Supreme Court has closed the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) case against former Presidents General (retd) Pervez Musharraf and Asif Ali Zardari, and former attorney general Justice (retd) Malik Mohammad Qayyum.

A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, disposed the case on Friday, reports The News International.

In April last year, petitioner Feroz Shah Gilani had requested the court to order recovery of 'huge amounts of public money' while nominating Musharraf, Zardari and Qayyum as respondents.

Gilani had claimed that public money had been misappropriated by beneficiaries of the, which was promulgated during Musharraf's rule in 2007.

The dissolved charges of crime and corruption against ministers and public servants in Pakistan and was later declared as void by the Supreme Court in 2010.

The apex court had, in August last year, issued notices to Zardari and Musharraf seeking a 10-year record of assets, foreign and local bank accounts belonging to them with regard to the NRO case.

"We have received the asset details of Zardari, Musharraf and Qayyum," the Chief Justice remarked on Friday during the hearing. "The law will pave its own way," he further underscored before closing the case.

Pakistan's Supreme Court has closed the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) case against former Presidents General (retd) Pervez Musharraf and Asif Ali Zardari, and former attorney general Justice (retd) Malik Mohammad Qayyum.

Pakistan's Supreme Court has closed the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) case against former Presidents General (retd) Pervez Musharraf and Asif Ali Zardari, and former attorney general Justice (retd) Malik Mohammad Qayyum. A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, disposed the case on Friday, reports The News International. In April last year, petitioner Feroz Shah Gilani had requested the court to order recovery of 'huge amounts of public money' while nominating Musharraf, Zardari and Qayyum as respondents. Gilani had claimed that public money had been misappropriated by beneficiaries of the, which was promulgated during Musharraf's rule in 2007. The dissolved charges of crime and corruption against ministers and public servants in Pakistan and was later declared as void by the Supreme Court in 2010. The apex court had, in August last year, issued notices to Zardari and Musharraf seeking a 10-year record of assets, foreign and local bank accounts belonging to them with regard to the NRO case. "We have received the asset details of Zardari, Musharraf and Qayyum," the Chief Justice remarked on Friday during the hearing. "The law will pave its own way," he further underscored before closing the case.

Pakistan: Musharraf, Zardari's National Reconciliation Ordinance case closed

Pakistan announced Thursday it would ban former president Asif Ali Zardari from travelling abroad following allegations of money laundering, as the nation marked 11 years since his wife, prime minister Benazir Bhutto, was assassinated.

Information minister Fawad Chaudhry told reporters in Islamabad that Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur were among 172 people involved in cases of money laundering and use of fake bank accounts.

"All the 172 names ... will be added to the ECL (Exit Control List)," he said.

Zardari, co-chairman of the opposition Pakistan People's Party and who was president from 2008 until 2013, has long been the subject of corruption allegations, and is widely known in Pakistan as "Mr Ten Percent".

The announcement coincided with the 11th death anniversary of his spouse and two-time former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, who was killed in a gun and suicide bomb attack during an election rally in the garrison town of Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007.

Earlier this week Chaudhry said a joint investigation team (JIT) had found evidence of how Zardari allegedly laundered money through fake bank accounts and companies.

"I hope Zardari will now take the JIT seriously," he said Thursday, adding that his government would not spare anyone involved in plundering national wealth.

But Zardari dismissed the allegations, branding the government an instrument of the powerful military and calling Prime Minister Imran Khan the army's "blue-eyed boy" at a rally marking his wife's death in the Bhutto family's ancestral town of Larkana, in southern Sindh province.

"They know nothing but how to appear on TV channels and make absurd comments and speeches. They lack even basic intelligence," he said of Khan's government in unusually fiery comments.

Khan, who came to power in July, has vowed to squash rampant corruption and recover billions siphoned from the country as his government scrambles to shore up Pakistan's deteriorating finances and fast-depleting foreign exchange reserves.

Zardari's travel ban comes days after former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was sentenced to seven years in prison for corruption on Monday, the latest in a long string of court cases against him.

Pakistan's Supreme Court disqualified Sharif from politics for life over graft allegations in 2017, ousting him from power. His Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz was defeated by Khan in the July polls.

A Pakistani court established a commission in September to investigate the scourge of corruption, finding that at least $400 million had passed through "thousands of false accounts", using the names of impoverished people.

The commission said some 600 companies and individuals "are associated with the scandal".

Information minister Fawad Chaudhry told reporters in Islamabad that Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur were among 172 people involved in cases of money laundering and use of fake bank accounts.

Pakistan announced Thursday it would ban former president Asif Ali Zardari from travelling abroad following allegations of money laundering, as the nation marked 11 years since his wife, prime minister Benazir Bhutto, was assassinated. Information minister Fawad Chaudhry told reporters in Islamabad that Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur were among 172 people involved in cases of money laundering and use of fake bank accounts. "All the 172 names ... will be added to the ECL (Exit Control List)," he said. Zardari, co-chairman of the opposition Pakistan People's Party and who was president from 2008 until 2013, has long been the subject of corruption allegations, and is widely known in Pakistan as "Mr Ten Percent". The announcement coincided with the 11th death anniversary of his spouse and two-time former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, who was killed in a gun and suicide bomb attack during an election rally in the garrison town of Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007. Earlier this week Chaudhry said a joint investigation team (JIT) had found evidence of how Zardari allegedly laundered money through fake bank accounts and companies. "I hope Zardari will now take the JIT seriously," he said Thursday, adding that his government would not spare anyone involved in plundering national wealth. But Zardari dismissed the allegations, branding the government an instrument of the powerful military and calling Prime Minister Imran Khan the army's "blue-eyed boy" at a rally marking his wife's death in the Bhutto family's ancestral town of Larkana, in southern Sindh province. "They know nothing but how to appear on TV channels and make absurd comments and speeches. They lack even basic intelligence," he said of Khan's government in unusually fiery comments. Khan, who came to power in July, has vowed to squash rampant corruption and recover billions siphoned from the country as his government scrambles to shore up Pakistan's deteriorating finances and fast-depleting foreign exchange reserves. Zardari's travel ban comes days after former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was sentenced to seven years in prison for corruption on Monday, the latest in a long string of court cases against him. Pakistan's Supreme Court disqualified Sharif from politics for life over graft allegations in 2017, ousting him from power. His Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz was defeated by Khan in the July polls. A Pakistani court established a commission in September to investigate the scourge of corruption, finding that at least $400 million had passed through "thousands of false accounts", using the names of impoverished people. The commission said some 600 companies and individuals "are associated with the scandal".

Pakistan ex-president Zardari faces travel ban over graft

In a relief to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan">Pakistan</a>'s former president<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/disqualification-plea-against-zardari-for-concealing-assets-in-nomination-papers-185558"> Asif Ali Zardari,</a> a banking court on Friday extended till January 7 the pre-arrest bail of&nbsp;co-chairperson in a case pertaining to alleged laundering of Rs 414 crore through fake bank accounts.

Zarari, 63, along with his sister Faryal Talpur appeared in the banking court in Karachi to seek extension of the bail before arrest which expired on Thursday. 
The court after hearing argument extended the bail of Zardari and his sister till January 7, according to their lawyer Farooq H Naek.

Zardari and Talpur are facing probe as part of a larger investigation about dozens of fake bank accounts which were allegedly used for money laundering.

During the hearing, the Federal Investigation Agency informed the court that the Supreme Court ordered a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate the matter which already submitted its report to the apex court.

The banking court later adjourned the hearing after extending pre-arrest bail until the Supreme Court issued direction about the case in the light of JIT report.

Zardari's Pakistan Peoples party has accused the government of targeting the former president and his sister as part of political vendetta.

We have seen the court's good and bad eras as well as their good and bad decisions. We are mentally prepared for everything but our media trial is being conducted,&nbsp;leader Syed Khursheed Shah told the media.

A large number of supporters of Zardari were also present in the court premises who raised slogans in his favour. But the court expressed displeasure at the presence of political workers.

Elaborate security measures were taken on the occasion to avoid any untoward security situation.

In a relief to Pakistan's former president Asif Ali Zardari, a banking court on Friday extended till January 7 the pre-arrest bail of co-chairperson in a case pertaining to alleged laundering of Rs 414 crore through fake bank accounts.

In a relief to Pakistan's former president Asif Ali Zardari, a banking court on Friday extended till January 7 the pre-arrest bail of co-chairperson in a case pertaining to alleged laundering of Rs 414 crore through fake bank accounts. Zarari, 63, along with his sister Faryal Talpur appeared in the banking court in Karachi to seek extension of the bail before arrest which expired on Thursday. The court after hearing argument extended the bail of Zardari and his sister till January 7, according to their lawyer Farooq H Naek. Zardari and Talpur are facing probe as part of a larger investigation about dozens of fake bank accounts which were allegedly used for money laundering. During the hearing, the Federal Investigation Agency informed the court that the Supreme Court ordered a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate the matter which already submitted its report to the apex court. The banking court later adjourned the hearing after extending pre-arrest bail until the Supreme Court issued direction about the case in the light of JIT report. Zardari's Pakistan Peoples party has accused the government of targeting the former president and his sister as part of political vendetta. We have seen the court's good and bad eras as well as their good and bad decisions. We are mentally prepared for everything but our media trial is being conducted, leader Syed Khursheed Shah told the media. A large number of supporters of Zardari were also present in the court premises who raised slogans in his favour. But the court expressed displeasure at the presence of political workers. Elaborate security measures were taken on the occasion to avoid any untoward security situation.

Former Pak president Zardari's interim bail extended till January 7 in money laundering case

A lawmaker from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday filed a plea before the Election Commission, seeking disqualification of former president Asif Ali Zardari for allegedly concealing his assets in the nomination papers filed for elections in July 2018.&nbsp;

The plea filed by PTI lawmaker from Sindh Khurram Sherzaman said that Zardari owned an apartment in Belaire Condominiums in New York but did not declare it in his nomination papers filed for the 2018 general elections.

Zardari was elected as a member of the National Assembly from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which is in power in Sindh province.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;"Asif Ali Zardari under the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Rules of the Election Commission of Pakistan should be disqualified from holding public office under Article 62 (1)(f), as in my opinion he ceases to be truthful and sagacious,"&nbsp;the PTI lawmaker wrote in the application.

The application to disqualify Zardari was filed a day after Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that government will move against the former president for allegedly hiding foreign assets.

A lawmaker from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday filed a plea before the Election Commission, seeking disqualification of former president Asif Ali Zardari for allegedly concealing his assets in the nomination papers filed for elections in July 2018.

A lawmaker from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday filed a plea before the Election Commission, seeking disqualification of former president Asif Ali Zardari for allegedly concealing his assets in the nomination papers filed for elections in July 2018. The plea filed by PTI lawmaker from Sindh Khurram Sherzaman said that Zardari owned an apartment in Belaire Condominiums in New York but did not declare it in his nomination papers filed for the 2018 general elections. Zardari was elected as a member of the National Assembly from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which is in power in Sindh province. "Asif Ali Zardari under the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Rules of the Election Commission of Pakistan should be disqualified from holding public office under Article 62 (1)(f), as in my opinion he ceases to be truthful and sagacious," the PTI lawmaker wrote in the application. The application to disqualify Zardari was filed a day after Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that government will move against the former president for allegedly hiding foreign assets.

Disqualification plea against Zardari for 'concealing' assets in nomination papers

A poor street vendor in Pakistan came under the radar of investigation agencies after a hefty amount of Rs 2.25 billion was discovered in his bank account, according to a media report which said the deposit was linked with a multi-billion rupee money laundering scam involving former president Asif Ali Zardari.

Abdul Qadir, a resident of Orangi Town, Karachi, learned that he has Rs2.225 billion in his bank account.

He only came to know about the hefty amount when he got a letter from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the News reported.

"My brother told me that there's a letter from the investigation agency in my name and that I have been summoned," he told the media.

"I am the world's number one unlucky person. I have, as they say, billions in my account but I cannot use some of it to at least somewhat improve my state of living," said Qadir.

The sources the FIA have revealed that the hefty amount of Rs 2.25 billion discovered in Qasir's bank account was linked with multi-billion rupee money laundering scam involving PPP co-chairman Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur, the report said.

Sources say the deposit was unearthed during investigations related to the biggest money laundering scam in Sindh's history.

There are many persons like Abdul Qadir who do not know about existence of accounts in their names with hefty amounts, the sources said,&nbsp; 
adding that the investigators have found dozens of such accounts opened in the names of people belonging to the lower strata mostly labourers.

The official claimed that there are over 500 such accounts in the country and the investigators are tracing them.

A joint investigation team, formed by the Supreme Court, has been inquiring into the money laundering of Rs 35 billion through fake bank accounts in the first week of September.&nbsp;

A poor street vendor in Pakistan came under the radar of investigation agencies after a hefty amount of Rs 2.25 billion was discovered in his bank account, according to a media report which said the deposit was linked with a multi-billion rupee money laundering scam involving former president Asif Ali Zardari.

A poor street vendor in Pakistan came under the radar of investigation agencies after a hefty amount of Rs 2.25 billion was discovered in his bank account, according to a media report which said the deposit was linked with a multi-billion rupee money laundering scam involving former president Asif Ali Zardari. Abdul Qadir, a resident of Orangi Town, Karachi, learned that he has Rs2.225 billion in his bank account. He only came to know about the hefty amount when he got a letter from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the News reported. "My brother told me that there's a letter from the investigation agency in my name and that I have been summoned," he told the media. "I am the world's number one unlucky person. I have, as they say, billions in my account but I cannot use some of it to at least somewhat improve my state of living," said Qadir. The sources the FIA have revealed that the hefty amount of Rs 2.25 billion discovered in Qasir's bank account was linked with multi-billion rupee money laundering scam involving PPP co-chairman Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur, the report said. Sources say the deposit was unearthed during investigations related to the biggest money laundering scam in Sindh's history. There are many persons like Abdul Qadir who do not know about existence of accounts in their names with hefty amounts, the sources said, adding that the investigators have found dozens of such accounts opened in the names of people belonging to the lower strata mostly labourers. The official claimed that there are over 500 such accounts in the country and the investigators are tracing them. A joint investigation team, formed by the Supreme Court, has been inquiring into the money laundering of Rs 35 billion through fake bank accounts in the first week of September.

Billions found in Pakistani vendor's bank account

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/take-action-against-terrorists-without-distinction-pompeo-to-pak-army-chief-general-bajwa-142698">Take action against terrorists without distinction: Pompeo to Pak Army chief General Bajwa</a>

US secretary of state&nbsp<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/stop-blaming-pakistan-for-failures-in-afghanistan-gen-bajwa-to-us-33273">Mike Pompeo called up Pakistan</a>&nbspArmy chief General Qamar Bajwa and asked him to take action against terrorists "without any distinction".

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/major-fire-in-5-star-hotel-in-central-london-142696">Watch: Major fire in </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/major-fire-in-5-star-hotel-in-central-london-142696">5-star</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/major-fire-in-5-star-hotel-in-central-london-142696"> hotel in central London</a>

A major fire broke out in a hotel in central London with 25 fire tenders at the scene. The luxury hotel in Knightsbridge in central London had recently undergone extensive restoration.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-ipl-betting-scandal-filmmaker-sajid-khan-to-be-questioned-by-the-police-142706">IPL betting scandal: Filmmaker Sajid Khan to be questioned by police?</a>

After Arbaaz Khan, another Bollywood name has emerged in the IPL betting scandal. Filmmaker Sajid Khan's name has emerged in connection to the IPL betting racket.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/zardari-welcomed-osama-bin-ladens-killing-by-us-book-142715">Zardari welcomed Osama bin Laden's killing by </a><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/zardari-welcomed-osama-bin-ladens-killing-by-us-book-142715">US</a><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/zardari-welcomed-osama-bin-ladens-killing-by-us-book-142715">: Book</a>

When the then US President Barack Obama called his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari to inform him about the killing of Osama bin Laden by the US forces in a raid in Abbottabad, the latter, according to a book, told him that this was a "good news".

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/at-least-99-dead-as-guatemala-volcano-threatens-new-eruptions-142691">Death toll rises to 99 in Guatemala's volcanic eruption</a>

Explosions boomed from Guatemala's fearsome Fuego volcano Wednesday, unleashing fresh torrents of molten mud and ash down slopes, as the death toll from a previous eruption rose to at least 99.

Take action against terrorists without distinction: Pompeo to Pak Army chief General Bajwa US secretary of state Mike Pompeo called up Pakistan&nbspArmy chief General Qamar Bajwa and asked him to take action against terrorists "without any distinction". Watch: Major fire in 5-star hotel in central London A major fire broke out in a hotel in central London with 25 fire tenders at the scene. The luxury hotel in Knightsbridge in central London had recently undergone extensive restoration. IPL betting scandal: Filmmaker Sajid Khan to be questioned by police? After Arbaaz Khan, another Bollywood name has emerged in the IPL betting scandal. Filmmaker Sajid Khan's name has emerged in connection to the IPL betting racket. Zardari welcomed Osama bin Laden's killing by US: Book When the then US President Barack Obama called his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari to inform him about the killing of Osama bin Laden by the US forces in a raid in Abbottabad, the latter, according to a book, told him that this was a "good news". Death toll rises to 99 in Guatemala's volcanic eruption Explosions boomed from Guatemala's fearsome Fuego volcano Wednesday, unleashing fresh torrents of molten mud and ash down slopes, as the death toll from a previous eruption rose to at least 99.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Marking his return to electoral politics after a gap of 24 years, former Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday said that he would contest for a National Assembly seat in the upcoming general elections.

Zardari, 62, said that he will contest from his native town Nawabshah.&nbsp

The Pakistan People's Party co-chairman made the announcement during an Iftar party hosted by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at the Chief Minister's House in Karachi

&nbspHe has been elected as Member of National Assembly from Karachi's area of Lyari in 1990, and from Nawabshah in 1993.

Zardari said he could have chosen Lyari as his electoral constituency but later decided in favour of the constituency from his native town.&nbsp

He also predicted that no party will hold the majority in the next assembly.

Zardari, husband of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, served as the 11th President of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013.&nbsp

Zardari, 62, said that he will contest from his native town Nawabshah

Marking his return to electoral politics after a gap of 24 years, former Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday said that he would contest for a National Assembly seat in the upcoming general elections. Zardari, 62, said that he will contest from his native town Nawabshah. The Pakistan People's Party co-chairman made the announcement during an Iftar party hosted by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at the Chief Minister's House in Karachi &nbspHe has been elected as Member of National Assembly from Karachi's area of Lyari in 1990, and from Nawabshah in 1993. Zardari said he could have chosen Lyari as his electoral constituency but later decided in favour of the constituency from his native town. He also predicted that no party will hold the majority in the next assembly. Zardari, husband of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, served as the 11th President of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013.

Former Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari says will contest general election

The European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) lent their voice to the ongoing Pashtun struggle in Pakistan, highlighting the struggles the people of the minority community face in the military-controlled nation.

According to their study, Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen, leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), has been demanding basic human rights for the Pashtun community in Pakistan and the release of disappeared individuals, allegedly abducted by the country's intelligence agencies.

Pashteen asserted on his belief in the rule of law and his demand included presenting the disappeared persons in court, which should be the only grounds to gauge their culpability for the alleged crimes.

Another one of the PTM's demands is the abolishment of the Front Crimes Regulations (FCR), a law which was enacted by the British Empire in an attempt to cease any rebellion by the Pashtuns. The FCR has been deemed by many as a 'legal tool' to violate human rights of the Pashtun community in Federal Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

A former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, while commenting on the FCR, said that it is "obnoxious to all recognized modern principles governing the dispensation of justice".

Former President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, amended the FCR in 2011, yet it has been castigated for its lack of effectiveness and implementation of the revised law.

The study also mentioned the apparent blackout by the Pakistan media during the rally held by Pashtun Youth in Peshawar on April 8, wherein Pashteen delivered an impassionate speech.

"This attitude of the Pakistani media has been a recurring phenomenon when Baloch, Sindhis and Kashmiris have made demands for justice and protested against exploitation of their resources. Often, such protests and demands are conveniently branded as 'Anti-national'and quickly claimed to be supported by 'foreign hands'," the study noted.

According to the study, international experts and analysts say that the reasons behind the inaction of the Pakistani media are closely linked with the military establishments. The media is intimidated with grave consequences it may face if it provides coverage to anything which puts the powerful Military rulers of Pakistan in a bad light.

"Attacks on journalists, like the one on Hamid Mir in 2014 because of extensive reporting on the Taliban, attributed to 'unidentified gunmen', but believed to have been carried out by intelligence agencies, further substantiate this notion," the study added.

Furthermore, in an attempt to bury incidents of human rights violations, the Army and other intelligence agencies often commit more human rights violations. It has been reported that the Police have filed criminal cases against Pashteen for criticizing the government and security agencies.

The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement or Pashtun Protection Movement was started mainly by young Pashtun activists who are demanding an end to what they say are human rights violations by authorities in the country's tribal regions.

They have been calling for the removal of military checkpoints in tribal areas and an end to "enforced disappearances" in which suspects are detained by security forces without due process.

The European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) lent their voice to the ongoing Pashtun struggle in Pakistan, highlighting the struggles the people of the minority community face in the military-controlled nation

The European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) lent their voice to the ongoing Pashtun struggle in Pakistan, highlighting the struggles the people of the minority community face in the military-controlled nation. According to their study, Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen, leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), has been demanding basic human rights for the Pashtun community in Pakistan and the release of disappeared individuals, allegedly abducted by the country's intelligence agencies. Pashteen asserted on his belief in the rule of law and his demand included presenting the disappeared persons in court, which should be the only grounds to gauge their culpability for the alleged crimes. Another one of the PTM's demands is the abolishment of the Front Crimes Regulations (FCR), a law which was enacted by the British Empire in an attempt to cease any rebellion by the Pashtuns. The FCR has been deemed by many as a 'legal tool' to violate human rights of the Pashtun community in Federal Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). A former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, while commenting on the FCR, said that it is "obnoxious to all recognized modern principles governing the dispensation of justice". Former President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, amended the FCR in 2011, yet it has been castigated for its lack of effectiveness and implementation of the revised law. The study also mentioned the apparent blackout by the Pakistan media during the rally held by Pashtun Youth in Peshawar on April 8, wherein Pashteen delivered an impassionate speech. "This attitude of the Pakistani media has been a recurring phenomenon when Baloch, Sindhis and Kashmiris have made demands for justice and protested against exploitation of their resources. Often, such protests and demands are conveniently branded as 'Anti-national'and quickly claimed to be supported by 'foreign hands'," the study noted. According to the study, international experts and analysts say that the reasons behind the inaction of the Pakistani media are closely linked with the military establishments. The media is intimidated with grave consequences it may face if it provides coverage to anything which puts the powerful Military rulers of Pakistan in a bad light. "Attacks on journalists, like the one on Hamid Mir in 2014 because of extensive reporting on the Taliban, attributed to 'unidentified gunmen', but believed to have been carried out by intelligence agencies, further substantiate this notion," the study added. Furthermore, in an attempt to bury incidents of human rights violations, the Army and other intelligence agencies often commit more human rights violations. It has been reported that the Police have filed criminal cases against Pashteen for criticizing the government and security agencies. The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement or Pashtun Protection Movement was started mainly by young Pashtun activists who are demanding an end to what they say are human rights violations by authorities in the country's tribal regions. They have been calling for the removal of military checkpoints in tribal areas and an end to "enforced disappearances" in which suspects are detained by security forces without due process.

European think tank highlights struggles of Pashtun community in Pakistan

Pakistan&#39;s firebrand cleric Tahir ul Qadri and top opposition leaders today kicked off a movement to &quot;force the PML-N out of power both in the centre and provinces&quot; with a sit-in on the busy Mall Road here.

Qadri, the Pakistan Awami Tehreek chief, was welcomed by a large crowd of supporters and top leaders from multiple political parties including Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan People&#39;s Party (PPP) when he arrived at the venue.

The chiefs of PTI, PPP, Jamaat-i-Islami and the PML-Q had yesterday reaffirmed their pledge to be part of the inaugural rally on the Mall Road.

PPP co-chairman Zardari, who began his speech by attacking ousted premier Nawaz Sharif, said the only danger to the country is from Jati Umra a reference to the Sharif family&#39;s residence near Lahore.

&quot;They (PML-N) know that they can be disqualified any time, but I just think for Pakistan,&quot; Zardari said while addressing the joint opposition protest rally.

&quot;My brothers and sisters, I thank you for coming to this protest here. We will get justice for Model Town victims, and Zainab,&quot; the former president said.

He also lashed out at military dictators taking over the country and denounced martial law administrator Zia-ul-Haq&#39;s decisions of the past.

&quot;Dictators do not build countries, they only destroy them. The problems that we have today are Zia-ul-Haq&#39;s memorabilia,&quot; he told the gathering.

Zardari also recalled that his late wife and two-time prime minister Benazir Bhutto had spoken against dictators but never against the country.

&quot;Today there is a bouquet of all people and we are one and we will move forward together,&quot; senior PPP leader Syed Khursheed Shah told the gathering.

The protest is being held against the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government ? to seek justice for victims of the Model Town tragedy, Geo TV reported.

At least 14 people were killed and 100 others injured during an &#39;anti-encroachment operation&#39; by police outside the PAT&#39;s head office in Model Town on June 17, 2014.

PTI chief Imran Khan is also likely to address the rally later this evening.

Earlier in the day, the Lahore High Court granted permission to PAT to go ahead with its anti-government sit-in, but with certain conditions including ending the sit-in by midnight.

The court also barred the media to cover the rally after midnight. It instructed the Lahore police to provide full security to the sit-in and also allowed the provincial government to take action if the sit-in gets violent.

The PAT workers earlier transported a container, hundreds of chairs, large screens to show documentaries of the Model Town incident, and a sound system to the venue.

Superintendent of Police Security Ammara Athar said the venue would have three-tier security, with more than 6,500 policemen and 1,500 wardens being assigned duties. This would be in addition to three companies of Punjab Rangers, who would be manning vulnerable points&nbsp;along the venue.

An upward of 40 walk-through gates would be used and six entry points were finalised, one of these for women participants, she said.&nbsp;

Tahir ul Qadri, the Pakistan Awami Tehreek chief, was welcomed by a large crowd of supporters

Pakistan's firebrand cleric Tahir ul Qadri and top opposition leaders today kicked off a movement to "force the PML-N out of power both in the centre and provinces" with a sit-in on the busy Mall Road here. Qadri, the Pakistan Awami Tehreek chief, was welcomed by a large crowd of supporters and top leaders from multiple political parties including Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) when he arrived at the venue. The chiefs of PTI, PPP, Jamaat-i-Islami and the PML-Q had yesterday reaffirmed their pledge to be part of the inaugural rally on the Mall Road. PPP co-chairman Zardari, who began his speech by attacking ousted premier Nawaz Sharif, said the only danger to the country is from Jati Umra a reference to the Sharif family's residence near Lahore. "They (PML-N) know that they can be disqualified any time, but I just think for Pakistan," Zardari said while addressing the joint opposition protest rally. "My brothers and sisters, I thank you for coming to this protest here. We will get justice for Model Town victims, and Zainab," the former president said. He also lashed out at military dictators taking over the country and denounced martial law administrator Zia-ul-Haq's decisions of the past. "Dictators do not build countries, they only destroy them. The problems that we have today are Zia-ul-Haq's memorabilia," he told the gathering. Zardari also recalled that his late wife and two-time prime minister Benazir Bhutto had spoken against dictators but never against the country. "Today there is a bouquet of all people and we are one and we will move forward together," senior PPP leader Syed Khursheed Shah told the gathering. The protest is being held against the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government ? to seek justice for victims of the Model Town tragedy, Geo TV reported. At least 14 people were killed and 100 others injured during an 'anti-encroachment operation' by police outside the PAT's head office in Model Town on June 17, 2014. PTI chief Imran Khan is also likely to address the rally later this evening. Earlier in the day, the Lahore High Court granted permission to PAT to go ahead with its anti-government sit-in, but with certain conditions including ending the sit-in by midnight. The court also barred the media to cover the rally after midnight. It instructed the Lahore police to provide full security to the sit-in and also allowed the provincial government to take action if the sit-in gets violent. The PAT workers earlier transported a container, hundreds of chairs, large screens to show documentaries of the Model Town incident, and a sound system to the venue. Superintendent of Police Security Ammara Athar said the venue would have three-tier security, with more than 6,500 policemen and 1,500 wardens being assigned duties. This would be in addition to three companies of Punjab Rangers, who would be manning vulnerable points along the venue. An upward of 40 walk-through gates would be used and six entry points were finalised, one of these for women participants, she said.

Pakistan: Firebrand cleric-led drive to topple PML-N government begins

Pakistan&#39;s former president Pervez Musharraf Thursday claimed that Asif Ali Zardari was responsible for the killing of his wife Benazir Bhutto, saying the former president gained the most from the assassination of the country&#39;s first woman prime minister, media reports said.

The 54-year-old Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief and a two-time prime minister was killed along with more than 20 people in a gun and bomb attack in Rawalpindi&#39;s Liaquat Bagh during an election campaign rally on December 27, 2007.

Former president and army chief Gen Musharraf, who was last month declared a fugitive by an anti-terrorism court which ordered seizure of his property in the Bhutto murder case, accused PPP co-chairman Zardari of &quot;having the most to gain from Benazir Bhutto&#39;s murder&quot; in a video posted on his official Facebook page.

&quot;Asif Ali Zardari is responsible for the Bhutto family&#39;s demise and is involved in the deaths of Benazir and Murtaza Bhutto,&quot; he said in an address to the three Bhutto-Zardari children, the Bhutto family and the people of Sindh, Dawn reported.

&quot;Every time there is a murder, the first thing that needs to be seen is who has the most to gain from the death. In this case, I had everything to lose as I was in power and the murder put my government in a difficult situation,&quot; he said.

&quot;There was just one person that had everything to gain from Benazir&#39;s assassination and that was Asif Ali Zardari,&quot; Musharraf said, adding that it was his analysis of the case. 
 
Zardari was in power for five years, why did he not look into the case, why was the investigation not active? because he was involved in Benazir&#39;s murder, Musharraf alleged.

&quot;The evidence is clear that Baitullah Mehsud and his people were involved in the murder, but who had asked them to target Benazir Bhutto ? it could not have been me, the group hated me and the feeling was mutual.

&quot;It is a known fact that I wanted Mehsud dead and so did the government of Pakistan after his group had attempted to kill me,&quot; Musharraf said.

Zardari, on the other hand, had a great relationship with then Afghan president Hamid Karzai, a link he could have used to influence Mehsud and his people, he claimed.

&quot;The charge they are levying against me is that I did not provide Benazir adequate security? something I was not responsible for ? the only question I have is, who took the decision to create a hatch in the roof of a bullet and bomb proof car? he said.

He said Benazir had a heavy security detail and had got into her car unharmed before someone called her incessantly and got her to wave to the people out of the hatch. 
 
There was no immediate reaction in the Pakistani media from the Bhutto family.

Musharraf, 74, who came to power in a bloodless coup in 1999, has been living in Dubai since last year when he was allowed to leave Pakistan on the pretext of medical treatment.

The ex-army chief is facing a slew of court cases after returning from five years of self-exile in Dubai to contest the general elections in 2013 which he lost. 
 
He is also facing trial in high treason case for abrogating the constitution in 2007 and illegal detention of judges same year.&nbsp;

Pakistan's former president Musharraf claimed Asif Ali Zardari gained the most from the assassination of the country's first woman prime minister, media reports said

Pakistan's former president Pervez Musharraf Thursday claimed that Asif Ali Zardari was responsible for the killing of his wife Benazir Bhutto, saying the former president gained the most from the assassination of the country's first woman prime minister, media reports said. The 54-year-old Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief and a two-time prime minister was killed along with more than 20 people in a gun and bomb attack in Rawalpindi's Liaquat Bagh during an election campaign rally on December 27, 2007. Former president and army chief Gen Musharraf, who was last month declared a fugitive by an anti-terrorism court which ordered seizure of his property in the Bhutto murder case, accused PPP co-chairman Zardari of "having the most to gain from Benazir Bhutto's murder" in a video posted on his official Facebook page. "Asif Ali Zardari is responsible for the Bhutto family's demise and is involved in the deaths of Benazir and Murtaza Bhutto," he said in an address to the three Bhutto-Zardari children, the Bhutto family and the people of Sindh, Dawn reported. "Every time there is a murder, the first thing that needs to be seen is who has the most to gain from the death. In this case, I had everything to lose as I was in power and the murder put my government in a difficult situation," he said. "There was just one person that had everything to gain from Benazir's assassination and that was Asif Ali Zardari," Musharraf said, adding that it was his analysis of the case. Zardari was in power for five years, why did he not look into the case, why was the investigation not active? because he was involved in Benazir's murder, Musharraf alleged. "The evidence is clear that Baitullah Mehsud and his people were involved in the murder, but who had asked them to target Benazir Bhutto ? it could not have been me, the group hated me and the feeling was mutual. "It is a known fact that I wanted Mehsud dead and so did the government of Pakistan after his group had attempted to kill me," Musharraf said. Zardari, on the other hand, had a great relationship with then Afghan president Hamid Karzai, a link he could have used to influence Mehsud and his people, he claimed. "The charge they are levying against me is that I did not provide Benazir adequate security? something I was not responsible for ? the only question I have is, who took the decision to create a hatch in the roof of a bullet and bomb proof car? he said. He said Benazir had a heavy security detail and had got into her car unharmed before someone called her incessantly and got her to wave to the people out of the hatch. There was no immediate reaction in the Pakistani media from the Bhutto family. Musharraf, 74, who came to power in a bloodless coup in 1999, has been living in Dubai since last year when he was allowed to leave Pakistan on the pretext of medical treatment. The ex-army chief is facing a slew of court cases after returning from five years of self-exile in Dubai to contest the general elections in 2013 which he lost. He is also facing trial in high treason case for abrogating the constitution in 2007 and illegal detention of judges same year.

Zardari killed his wife Benazir Bhutto, claims Musharraf

Former Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari has hit out at the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provincial government for allocating public funds to a privately-owned Islamic seminary known for &quot;its links with the Taliban and other militant groups&quot;. 
 
The provincial government, led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in its budget for fiscal 2016-17, has reportedly set aside Rs 300 million for the Nowshera-based Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary of Maulana Sami-ul Haq. 
 
&quot;This is nothing but legitimisation of militancy and militant Taliban that will undermine the nation&#39;s resolve to fight militants to the finish,&quot; the Express Tribune quoted him, as saying. Zardari`s statement was released by his spokesperson Senator Farhatullah Babar. 
 
Babar said Zardari, also the Co-Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party,has expressed concern over the use of public money for a private seminary which is reportedly known for promoting private jihads.&nbsp;&quot;The resources should have been spent on human development instead of on a seminary whose claim to fame lies in its promotion of militant Islam and the worldview of Islamic militants,&quot; Zardari said. 
 
Zardari pointed out that the current head of the seminary is an acknowledged sympathiser and undeclared spokesperson of the Taliban. He was of the opinion that in the wake of Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansoor`s killing in a U.S. drone strike in Balochistan, it appears that some elements are reviving the &#39;jihadi project&#39;. 
 
&quot;Recently, conservative religious parties led by a proscribed organisation held congregations in Islamabad protesting Mullah Mansoor&#39;s death. Now a privately owned pro-Taliban madrassa has been given Rs300 million,&quot; he added. However, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has last week defended the decision to allocate money to the seminary, noting that about 2.2 million students in the province studied in seminaries as compared to 800,000 in English-medium schools.&nbsp; 
 
(ANI)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

Asif Ali Zardari pointed out that the current head of the seminary is an acknowledged sympathiser and undeclared spokesperson of the Taliban

Former Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari has hit out at the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provincial government for allocating public funds to a privately-owned Islamic seminary known for "its links with the Taliban and other militant groups". The provincial government, led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in its budget for fiscal 2016-17, has reportedly set aside Rs 300 million for the Nowshera-based Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary of Maulana Sami-ul Haq. "This is nothing but legitimisation of militancy and militant Taliban that will undermine the nation's resolve to fight militants to the finish," the Express Tribune quoted him, as saying. Zardari`s statement was released by his spokesperson Senator Farhatullah Babar. Babar said Zardari, also the Co-Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party,has expressed concern over the use of public money for a private seminary which is reportedly known for promoting private jihads. "The resources should have been spent on human development instead of on a seminary whose claim to fame lies in its promotion of militant Islam and the worldview of Islamic militants," Zardari said. Zardari pointed out that the current head of the seminary is an acknowledged sympathiser and undeclared spokesperson of the Taliban. He was of the opinion that in the wake of Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansoor`s killing in a U.S. drone strike in Balochistan, it appears that some elements are reviving the 'jihadi project'. "Recently, conservative religious parties led by a proscribed organisation held congregations in Islamabad protesting Mullah Mansoor's death. Now a privately owned pro-Taliban madrassa has been given Rs300 million," he added. However, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has last week defended the decision to allocate money to the seminary, noting that about 2.2 million students in the province studied in seminaries as compared to 800,000 in English-medium schools. (ANI)

Former Pak President calls funding to private seminary in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 'legitimisation of millitancy'

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