Lahore High Court has admitted plea by Nawaz Sharif's party Pakistan Muslim League (N) on the removal of his name from 'Exit control list'.

Lahore High Court admits Nawaz Sharif's plea

Rejecting the government order, Lahore High Court on Saturday allowed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment without any conditions.

The two-judge bench comprising Justice Ali Baqar Najafi and Justice Sardar Ahmad Naeem, heard the plea filed by PML-N president and Nawaz's brother Shehbaz Sharif against the conditions imposed by the government on Nawaz's travel.

According to the order, Shehbaz Sharif can accompany his brother abroad for four weeks.

The government had allowed Sharif to travel abroad for his medical treatment for a period of four weeks but imposed several conditions on him.

It was one-time permission and Nawaz was supposed to submit an indemnity bond "to the tune of Paksitani rupee 7-7.5 billion."

During the hearing, Justice Najafi remarked that it was not for the government to place conditions after the Islamabad High Court had granted bail to Nawaz Sharif.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had granted bail to Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on medical grounds for eight weeks in the Al Azizia Steel Mills case on October 29, Dawn reported.

Earlier in the day, the court had directed Nawaz and his brother to submit a written undertaking about the former prime minister`s travel abroad and his return.

Following the court's directions, the PML-N legal team submitted a handwritten draft of the undertaking by Nawaz, which stated,&nbsp;"I do hereby undertake to return to Pakistan [...] to face the process of law and justice as soon as I am declared healthy and fit to travel to Pakistan by my doctors."

Nawaz is required to travel to London for treatment as his health deteriorated in the Kot Lakhpat jail where he was serving seven-year imprisonment in a corruption case.

Nawaz was rushed to the hospital from Kot Lakhpat jail last month after his personal physician Dr Adnan raised an alarm over his deteriorating health.

Doctors have been struggling to bring his platelet count -- that had dropped to dangerous levels -- back to normal.

Sharif was expected to leave Pakistan on Sunday. However, his ticket had been cancelled as the authorities did not remove his name from the ECL list.&nbsp;

Rejecting the government order, Lahore High Court on Saturday allowed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment without any conditions.

Rejecting the government order, Lahore High Court on Saturday allowed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment without any conditions. The two-judge bench comprising Justice Ali Baqar Najafi and Justice Sardar Ahmad Naeem, heard the plea filed by PML-N president and Nawaz's brother Shehbaz Sharif against the conditions imposed by the government on Nawaz's travel. According to the order, Shehbaz Sharif can accompany his brother abroad for four weeks. The government had allowed Sharif to travel abroad for his medical treatment for a period of four weeks but imposed several conditions on him. It was one-time permission and Nawaz was supposed to submit an indemnity bond "to the tune of Paksitani rupee 7-7.5 billion." During the hearing, Justice Najafi remarked that it was not for the government to place conditions after the Islamabad High Court had granted bail to Nawaz Sharif. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had granted bail to Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on medical grounds for eight weeks in the Al Azizia Steel Mills case on October 29, Dawn reported. Earlier in the day, the court had directed Nawaz and his brother to submit a written undertaking about the former prime minister`s travel abroad and his return. Following the court's directions, the PML-N legal team submitted a handwritten draft of the undertaking by Nawaz, which stated, "I do hereby undertake to return to Pakistan [...] to face the process of law and justice as soon as I am declared healthy and fit to travel to Pakistan by my doctors." Nawaz is required to travel to London for treatment as his health deteriorated in the Kot Lakhpat jail where he was serving seven-year imprisonment in a corruption case. Nawaz was rushed to the hospital from Kot Lakhpat jail last month after his personal physician Dr Adnan raised an alarm over his deteriorating health. Doctors have been struggling to bring his platelet count -- that had dropped to dangerous levels -- back to normal. Sharif was expected to leave Pakistan on Sunday. However, his ticket had been cancelled as the authorities did not remove his name from the ECL list.

Pakistan: Lahore HC allows Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for treatment without conditions

A big relief from Lahore High Court to Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as it accepted undertaking of PML(N) to allow him to go abroad for treatment. Watch this video to find out more in details.

Relief from Lahore HC to Nawaz Sharif, accepted undertaking to go abroad for treatment

Lahore High Court admitted plea by Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (N) on the removal of name from 'Exit control list'. Watch this video to find out more in details.

Lahore HC admitted plea by Nawaz's PML(N) on removal of his name from 'Exit control list'

A Pakistan court adjourned the hearing in a case filed by PML-N for the removal of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pml-n-rejects-pak-govts-one-time-permission-to-nawaz-sharif-to-travel-abroad-for-treatment-261938">Nawaz Sharif's</a> name from the no-fly list and asked the government to submit a response in the matter. 
 
The Lahore High Court was approached by PML-N president and Nawaz's brother Shehbaz Sharif against the condition imposed by the government on Nawaz's travel, Dunya News reported. The court has adjourned the matter till Friday. 
 
PML-N lawyer Amjad Pervaiz told the court that Nawaz has been granted bail on the medical ground but the government has still not removed Nawaz Sharif from ECL. 
The party has appealed to the court to allow the former prime minister to leave the country without any condition, including submission of surety bonds and only one-time stay abroad for four weeks on medical grounds. 
 
Addressing a press conference alongside the PML-N's top leadership earlier in the day, PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif accused the government to playing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-cabinet-to-decide-on-nawaz-sharifs-ecl-issue-261618">"dirty politics"</a> on the former prime minister's health, reported Dawn. 
 
PML-N decision comes a day after Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Farogh Naseem announced that Sharif will be given "one-time" permission to travel aboard for his medical treatment for a period of four weeks. The permission will be subject to the Sharif family submitting an indemnity bond "to the tune of Paksitani rupee 7-7.5 billion." 
Nawaz is required to travel to London for treatment as his health deteriorated in the Kot Lakhpat jail where he was serving seven-year imprisonment in a corruption case. 
 
Nawaz was rushed to hospital from Kot Lakhpat jail last month after his personal physician Dr Adnan raised an alarm over his deteriorating health. Doctors have been struggling to bring his platelet count,&nbsp;that had dropped to dangerous levels,&nbsp;back to normal. 
 
Sharif was expected to leave Pakistan on Sunday. However, his ticket had been cancelled as the authorities did not remove his name from the ECL list. 
The federal government and National Accountability Bureau were both hesitant to take off Nawaz Sharif's name from the ECL, sources told Geo News.

A Pakistan court adjourned the hearing in a case filed by PML-N for the removal of Nawaz Sharif's name from the no-fly list and asked the government to submit a response in the matter.

A Pakistan court adjourned the hearing in a case filed by PML-N for the removal of Nawaz Sharif's name from the no-fly list and asked the government to submit a response in the matter. The Lahore High Court was approached by PML-N president and Nawaz's brother Shehbaz Sharif against the condition imposed by the government on Nawaz's travel, Dunya News reported. The court has adjourned the matter till Friday. PML-N lawyer Amjad Pervaiz told the court that Nawaz has been granted bail on the medical ground but the government has still not removed Nawaz Sharif from ECL. The party has appealed to the court to allow the former prime minister to leave the country without any condition, including submission of surety bonds and only one-time stay abroad for four weeks on medical grounds. Addressing a press conference alongside the PML-N's top leadership earlier in the day, PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif accused the government to playing "dirty politics" on the former prime minister's health, reported Dawn. PML-N decision comes a day after Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Farogh Naseem announced that Sharif will be given "one-time" permission to travel aboard for his medical treatment for a period of four weeks. The permission will be subject to the Sharif family submitting an indemnity bond "to the tune of Paksitani rupee 7-7.5 billion." Nawaz is required to travel to London for treatment as his health deteriorated in the Kot Lakhpat jail where he was serving seven-year imprisonment in a corruption case. Nawaz was rushed to hospital from Kot Lakhpat jail last month after his personal physician Dr Adnan raised an alarm over his deteriorating health. Doctors have been struggling to bring his platelet count, that had dropped to dangerous levels, back to normal. Sharif was expected to leave Pakistan on Sunday. However, his ticket had been cancelled as the authorities did not remove his name from the ECL list. The federal government and National Accountability Bureau were both hesitant to take off Nawaz Sharif's name from the ECL, sources told Geo News.

Lahore High Court asks for government's response to Nawaz Sharif's plea to fly abroad

The Lahore High Court on Friday granted bail to former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case.

Nawaz Sharif gets bail on health grounds

Lahore High Court on Friday granted bail to former Pakistan prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hearing-on-nawaz-sharifs-bail-plea-adjourned-till-october-29-258098">Nawaz Sharif, 69</a>, on medical grounds in the Sugar Mills case.

Nawaz Sharif was admitted in hospital on Monday night after his doctor said the former prime minister had "critically low" platelet count. Sharif's condiction continued to be critical throughout the week as doctors attended to him.

On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-issues-directives-to-allow-maryam-nawaz-to-stay-with-ailing-father-258082">Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz</a> was also admitted in the same hospital after complaining of low blood pressure.

However, it is still not clear if the relief for the former Pakistan prime minister would allow him to travel abroad for further treatment. Sharif who was jailed in the Sugar Mills case has a number of other money laundering cases lodged against him. &nbsp;

Nawaz Sharif's lawyers told the court during the hearing that the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader remained critical as his platelet count continued to dip.

Earlier in the week, Maryam Nawaz was released on parole for an hour by the Punjab government to see her father after she claimed authorities had denied her permission to meet her father.

Earlier today, Maryam Sharif was produced before Pakistan's Accountability court today but she broke down in tears. Pakistan's Accountability Bureau has requested the court to extend Maryam Nawaz's remand for further investigation.

Two months ago, the former prime minister's daughter was detained for skipping appearance due to a meeting with her father. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Lahore High Court on Friday granted bail to former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, 69, on medical grounds in the Sugar Mills case. Nawaz Sharif was admitted in hospital on Monday night after his doctor said the former prime minister had "critically low" platelet count.

Lahore High Court on Friday granted bail to former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, 69, on medical grounds in the Sugar Mills case. Nawaz Sharif was admitted in hospital on Monday night after his doctor said the former prime minister had "critically low" platelet count. Sharif's condiction continued to be critical throughout the week as doctors attended to him. On Wednesday, Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz was also admitted in the same hospital after complaining of low blood pressure. However, it is still not clear if the relief for the former Pakistan prime minister would allow him to travel abroad for further treatment. Sharif who was jailed in the Sugar Mills case has a number of other money laundering cases lodged against him. Nawaz Sharif's lawyers told the court during the hearing that the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader remained critical as his platelet count continued to dip. Earlier in the week, Maryam Nawaz was released on parole for an hour by the Punjab government to see her father after she claimed authorities had denied her permission to meet her father. Earlier today, Maryam Sharif was produced before Pakistan's Accountability court today but she broke down in tears. Pakistan's Accountability Bureau has requested the court to extend Maryam Nawaz's remand for further investigation. Two months ago, the former prime minister's daughter was detained for skipping appearance due to a meeting with her father.

Pak court grants bail to Nawaz Sharif on medical grounds

The Lahore High Court on Monday accepted an application of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-anti-terror-court-grants-interim-pre-arrest-bail-to-hafiz-saeed-in-seminary-land-case-236176">Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed</a>, challenging his arrest in the terror-financing case. 
 
The two-member bench of the Lahore HC, after hearing the arguments, has sought a detailed report from the Punjab government and counter-terrorism department in this regard on October 28. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-must-account-for-basic-expenses-being-given-to-hafiz-saeed-us-252624">The UN-designated global terrorist</a> was arrested on July 17 in connection with the terror-financing case while on his way from Lahore to Gujranwala. The terrorist was charged with gathering funds for banned outfits. 
 
On July 3, the top 13 leaders of the banned JuD, including Saeed and Naib Emir Abdul Rehman Makki, were booked in nearly two dozen cases of terror financing and money laundering under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

The Lahore High Court on Monday accepted an application of Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, challenging his arrest in the terror-financing case. The two-member bench of the Lahore HC, after hearing the arguments, has sought a detailed report from the Punjab government and counter-terrorism department in this regard on October 28.

The Lahore High Court on Monday accepted an application of Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, challenging his arrest in the terror-financing case. The two-member bench of the Lahore HC, after hearing the arguments, has sought a detailed report from the Punjab government and counter-terrorism department in this regard on October 28. The UN-designated global terrorist was arrested on July 17 in connection with the terror-financing case while on his way from Lahore to Gujranwala. The terrorist was charged with gathering funds for banned outfits. On July 3, the top 13 leaders of the banned JuD, including Saeed and Naib Emir Abdul Rehman Makki, were booked in nearly two dozen cases of terror financing and money laundering under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

Lahore High Court accepts Hafiz Saaed's application challenging his arrest in terror financing case

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday ordered disciplinary action against a judge who convicted former premier Nawaz Sharif, effectively giving a boost to Sharif's appeal against a seven-year jail term for corruption.

Sharif was convicted and jailed last year after failing to prove the source of income that had led to his ownership of a steel mill in Saudi Arabia. Under Pakistani law, that is taken as proof of corruption.

Sharif denied the charges that he said were politically motivated.

His party in July presented a video at a news conference apparently showing the judge who presided over Sharif's conviction, Arshad Malik, as saying he had been pressured into handing down a guilty verdict by individuals he did not identify who had compromising footage of him.

Malik later issued a statement denying he had been blackmailed to convict Sharif and saying the video had been manipulated.

Malik had already been removed from his position in an anti-corruption court and the Supreme Court on Friday ordered him to report back to the High Court in the city of Lahore.

"We expect that after his repatriation appropriate departmental disciplinary proceedings shall be initiated against him," the Supreme Court said in an order.

The Lahore High Court, shortly after receiving the ruling, issued an order suspending Malik from service until he faces an inquiry into his conduct, according to a copy of the order, seen by Reuters.

A seven-member committee would hold the inquiry from Monday, it said.

Malik could not be reached for comment.

The Supreme Court said Malik's "stinking conduct" in connection with the video scandal was abhorrent, and an appeals court should decide whether to consider it as evidence for any relief for Sharif.

An appeal against Sharif's conviction is pending before the Islamabad High Court. The Supreme Court said that was the proper forum to evaluate the video scandal.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday ordered disciplinary action against a judge who convicted former premier Nawaz Sharif, effectively giving a boost to Sharif's appeal against a seven-year jail term for corruption.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday ordered disciplinary action against a judge who convicted former premier Nawaz Sharif, effectively giving a boost to Sharif's appeal against a seven-year jail term for corruption. Sharif was convicted and jailed last year after failing to prove the source of income that had led to his ownership of a steel mill in Saudi Arabia. Under Pakistani law, that is taken as proof of corruption. Sharif denied the charges that he said were politically motivated. His party in July presented a video at a news conference apparently showing the judge who presided over Sharif's conviction, Arshad Malik, as saying he had been pressured into handing down a guilty verdict by individuals he did not identify who had compromising footage of him. Malik later issued a statement denying he had been blackmailed to convict Sharif and saying the video had been manipulated. Malik had already been removed from his position in an anti-corruption court and the Supreme Court on Friday ordered him to report back to the High Court in the city of Lahore. "We expect that after his repatriation appropriate departmental disciplinary proceedings shall be initiated against him," the Supreme Court said in an order. The Lahore High Court, shortly after receiving the ruling, issued an order suspending Malik from service until he faces an inquiry into his conduct, according to a copy of the order, seen by Reuters. A seven-member committee would hold the inquiry from Monday, it said. Malik could not be reached for comment. The Supreme Court said Malik's "stinking conduct" in connection with the video scandal was abhorrent, and an appeals court should decide whether to consider it as evidence for any relief for Sharif. An appeal against Sharif's conviction is pending before the Islamabad High Court. The Supreme Court said that was the proper forum to evaluate the video scandal.

Pakistan Supreme Court orders action against judge in Nawaz Sharif's case

A petition was submitted in Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday demanding the quashing of the FIRs registered against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-finds-hafiz-saeed-guilty-in-terror-financing-case-report-241330">UN-proscribed terrorist and Jammat-ud Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed</a> and 65 others.

The petition was submitted by a JuD affiliate, Malik Zafar Iqbal. The high court will take up the matter for hearing on August 22.

Iqbal, in his petition, has contended that the complaints are "without lawful authority and are of no legal effect", Dawn reported.

Last month, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials arrested Saeed in Gujranwala, Punjab.&nbsp;

The terrorist was charged with gathering funds for banned outfits.

On July 3, the top 13 leaders of the banned JuD, including Saeed and Naib Emir Abdul Rehman Makki, were booked in nearly two dozen cases of terror financing and money laundering under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

The CTD, which registered the cases in five cities of Punjab in Pakistan, had stated that JuD was involved in terror funding collected through organisations including Al-Anfaal Trust, Dawatul Irshad Trust, and Muaz Bin Jabal Trust.

The terrorist was reportedly on his way to an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Gujranwalato seek bail when he was arrested.

A petition was submitted in Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday demanding the quashing of the FIRs registered against UN-proscribed terrorist and Jammat-ud Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed and 65 others.

A petition was submitted in Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday demanding the quashing of the FIRs registered against UN-proscribed terrorist and Jammat-ud Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed and 65 others. The petition was submitted by a JuD affiliate, Malik Zafar Iqbal. The high court will take up the matter for hearing on August 22. Iqbal, in his petition, has contended that the complaints are "without lawful authority and are of no legal effect", Dawn reported. Last month, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials arrested Saeed in Gujranwala, Punjab. The terrorist was charged with gathering funds for banned outfits. On July 3, the top 13 leaders of the banned JuD, including Saeed and Naib Emir Abdul Rehman Makki, were booked in nearly two dozen cases of terror financing and money laundering under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. The CTD, which registered the cases in five cities of Punjab in Pakistan, had stated that JuD was involved in terror funding collected through organisations including Al-Anfaal Trust, Dawatul Irshad Trust, and Muaz Bin Jabal Trust. The terrorist was reportedly on his way to an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Gujranwalato seek bail when he was arrested.

Pakistan: Petition submitted to quash FIRs against Hafiz Saeed

Hafiz Saeed recently arrested by Pak anti-terror department this week. Saeed earlier let off by Lahore High Court. India said that we have seen such arrest many times in past. Pak PM to arrive in U.S today. Watch this video to know more.

Reports: U.S is skeptical over Hafiz Saeed's arrest

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has conditionally allowed personal physician of former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/accountability-judge-blackmailed-into-issuing-verdict-against-nawaz-sharif-daughter-maryam-233660">Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif </a>to visit the leader to conduct medical check-up in jail once in a week.&nbsp;

Acting Chief Justice Mamoonur Rashid Sheikh on Tuesday permitted Dr. Adnan to examine Nawaz under the supervision of jail medics.

The family members of the former PM could also be present along with the doctor. The court has barred the physician from issuing any political statements outside the jail after visiting the PML-N supremo, reported The Express Tribune.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-summons-maryam-nawaz-on-july-19-in-avenfield-reference-234461">Nawaz`s daughter Maryam Nawaz</a> had earlier filed a petition in the LHC seeking orders for authorities to allow her and Dr. Adnan to visit Nawaz in jail twice a week.

In her petition, Maryam had complained that in spite of her father having had informed the jail about his deteriorating health due to angina, they did not bother to cater to his medical needs.

During the hearing, the provincial law officer told the court that Nawaz has submitted no application seeking permission to be examined by his doctor.&nbsp;

He claimed that the former PM is being provided with maximum facilities. The law officer further said that the government does not object to Dr. Adnan meeting Nawaz, but is against the fact that the physician would start issuing statements after meeting Nawaz.

According to Maryam's statement in the court, 70-year-old Nawaz is suffering from multiple ailments, including hypertension as well as serious heart and kidney conditions.

Sharif is currently serving a seven-year prison term in connection with the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has conditionally allowed personal physician of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif to visit the leader to conduct medical check-up in jail once in a week.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has conditionally allowed personal physician of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif to visit the leader to conduct medical check-up in jail once in a week. Acting Chief Justice Mamoonur Rashid Sheikh on Tuesday permitted Dr. Adnan to examine Nawaz under the supervision of jail medics. The family members of the former PM could also be present along with the doctor. The court has barred the physician from issuing any political statements outside the jail after visiting the PML-N supremo, reported The Express Tribune. Nawaz`s daughter Maryam Nawaz had earlier filed a petition in the LHC seeking orders for authorities to allow her and Dr. Adnan to visit Nawaz in jail twice a week. In her petition, Maryam had complained that in spite of her father having had informed the jail about his deteriorating health due to angina, they did not bother to cater to his medical needs. During the hearing, the provincial law officer told the court that Nawaz has submitted no application seeking permission to be examined by his doctor. He claimed that the former PM is being provided with maximum facilities. The law officer further said that the government does not object to Dr. Adnan meeting Nawaz, but is against the fact that the physician would start issuing statements after meeting Nawaz. According to Maryam's statement in the court, 70-year-old Nawaz is suffering from multiple ailments, including hypertension as well as serious heart and kidney conditions. Sharif is currently serving a seven-year prison term in connection with the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case.

Pakistan court allows Nawaz Sharif's personal physician to visit him in jail

&nbsp;An accountability court Wednesday remanded Opposition leader in Pakistan's Punjab Assembly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-restrains-anti-graft-body-from-arresting-hamza-shehbaz-208787">Hamza Shahbaz</a> to 14-day physical custody, a day after the country's anti-graft body arrested him in cases related to money laundering and corruption.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was granted Hamza's custody till June 26. Judge Jawadul Hassan pronounced the reserved verdict after hearing the arguments from both sides in the case.

A NAB team earlier brought Hamza, 44, to the court amid tight security. Hamza is the son of PML-N president and National Assembly opposition leader Shahbaz Sharif.

The NAB prosecutor informed the court that the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) vice president had failed to disclose the means from which he received Rs 500 million transferred into his account.

The NAB had requested for a 15-day physical remand of the PML-N leader. The court has ordered Hamza to be presented before the accountability court on June 26, Geo News reported.

Hamza was arrested Tuesday by the NAB officials after a two-member Lahore High Court (LHC) bench dismissed bail applications filed by him.

His arrest came a day after former president Asif Ali Zardari was arrested by NAB in Islamabad.

Hamza is accused of laundering money through his front men who are already in NAB's custody.

He is under investigation in the Ramzan Sugar Mills, Saaf Paani project and assets beyond known means of income cases.

The NAB has found evidence of money laundering on a massive scale through which Shehbaz and his family accumulated assets in the UK.

According to sources privy to NAB's investigation, the illegally accumulated assets are worth Rs 85 billion to Rs 100 billion and were bought during Shebaz's tenure as the Punjab Chief Minister.

In the Ramzan Sugar Mills corruption case, Shehbaz and his son Hamza are accused of "fraudulently and dishonestly" causing a Rs 213 million loss to the national exchequer.

Shehbaz was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau in October 2018 and released on bail on February 14.

His brother and three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have been serving a seven-year prison term at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore since December 24, 2018, when an accountability court convicted him in one of the three corruption cases filed in the wake of the apex court's July 28, 2017 order in the Panama Papers case.

Both Sharif and his daughter Maryam have been sentenced to seven years in prison, respectively. Maryam's husband Muhammad Safdar was jailed for one year in the same case.

Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them are politically motivated.

An accountability court Wednesday remanded Opposition leader in Pakistan's Punjab Assembly Hamza Shahbaz to 14-day physical custody, a day after the country's anti-graft body arrested him in cases related to money laundering and corruption.

An accountability court Wednesday remanded Opposition leader in Pakistan's Punjab Assembly Hamza Shahbaz to 14-day physical custody, a day after the country's anti-graft body arrested him in cases related to money laundering and corruption. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was granted Hamza's custody till June 26. Judge Jawadul Hassan pronounced the reserved verdict after hearing the arguments from both sides in the case. A NAB team earlier brought Hamza, 44, to the court amid tight security. Hamza is the son of PML-N president and National Assembly opposition leader Shahbaz Sharif. The NAB prosecutor informed the court that the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) vice president had failed to disclose the means from which he received Rs 500 million transferred into his account. The NAB had requested for a 15-day physical remand of the PML-N leader. The court has ordered Hamza to be presented before the accountability court on June 26, Geo News reported. Hamza was arrested Tuesday by the NAB officials after a two-member Lahore High Court (LHC) bench dismissed bail applications filed by him. His arrest came a day after former president Asif Ali Zardari was arrested by NAB in Islamabad. Hamza is accused of laundering money through his front men who are already in NAB's custody. He is under investigation in the Ramzan Sugar Mills, Saaf Paani project and assets beyond known means of income cases. The NAB has found evidence of money laundering on a massive scale through which Shehbaz and his family accumulated assets in the UK. According to sources privy to NAB's investigation, the illegally accumulated assets are worth Rs 85 billion to Rs 100 billion and were bought during Shebaz's tenure as the Punjab Chief Minister. In the Ramzan Sugar Mills corruption case, Shehbaz and his son Hamza are accused of "fraudulently and dishonestly" causing a Rs 213 million loss to the national exchequer. Shehbaz was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau in October 2018 and released on bail on February 14. His brother and three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have been serving a seven-year prison term at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore since December 24, 2018, when an accountability court convicted him in one of the three corruption cases filed in the wake of the apex court's July 28, 2017 order in the Panama Papers case. Both Sharif and his daughter Maryam have been sentenced to seven years in prison, respectively. Maryam's husband Muhammad Safdar was jailed for one year in the same case. Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them are politically motivated.

Hamza Shahbaz remanded into 14-day National Accountability Bureau custody

A Pakistani lawyer who defended Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman freed from gallows by the Supreme Court in a high-profile blasphemy case last year, will defend couple on death row for similar charges, a media report said on Saturday.

Advocate Saiful Malook will plead for the innocence of Christian couple, Shagufta Kausar and Shafqat Masih, who was awarded death sentence by a district court in Punjab in April 2014 and also imposed a fine of Rs 100,000 each, the Express Tribune reported.

Their appeal is pending in the Lahore High Court (LHC) and a hearing is likely to be fixed soon.

Malook said that he has submitted his Vakalatnama in the LHC to plead the case of the couple, saying that he already met Kausar in Multan jail, the paper reported.

Malook's decision to defend the young couple came days after Bibi left the country and reunited with her family in Canada.&nbsp;

Bibi, a mother of four from Punjab province, was taken out of the Muslim-majority country after repeated death threats from religious extremists, following the quashing of her conviction for blasphemy last year.

The 47-year-old mother of four was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours. She always maintained her innocence but has spent most of the past eight years in solitary confinement.

Kausar is also lodged in the same death cell, where Bibi was imprisoned before her acquittal in the blasphemy case last year.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Malook who was offered citizenship by EU countries played down threats to his security.&nbsp;

He said that he was working for human causes; therefore, he was not worried about his security.

According to the complainant in the couple's case, he received an SMS containing blasphemous remarks while offering prayers at a mosque on July 18, 2013.&nbsp;

He showed the SMS to his friends and thereafter approached his counsel for legal proceedings on the basis of the SMS.&nbsp;

While sitting in the office of the council, he received five more SMS. When the counsel tried to contact the number, he (lawyer) also received three to four SMS on his mobile phone, the paper reported.

The police claimed that both the convicts confessed to committing blasphemy.&nbsp;

After the investigation, police in its report alleged the couple was involved in the commission of an offence and would face trial.

Following the trial, the couple was convicted and awarded death sentence on April 4, 2014.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

However, the court's order was challenged by the couple on many grounds, the report said.&nbsp;

Their appeal contends that the witnesses produced by the prosecution during the trial were related to the complainant and were "inimical"&nbsp;towards them and their statements required independent corroboration which is lacking in this case.

The convicted couple also claimed that about eight to nine months prior to the case, a minor quarrel took place between their children and of the neighbour's, who developed a grudge against them.

Kausar was working at the Bishop Compound and the copy of her national identity card was available in the record of the Bishop Compound, where the neighbour was also working.

They alleged that the neighbour succeeded in obtaining the copy of her NIC and purchased the SIM in her name and later misused that SIM and forwarded the alleged blasphemous SMS to the complainant, who was in collusion with their neighbour, the paper said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

After the passage of five years, the appeal was fixed before the LHC division bench on February 7, but it was left over.&nbsp;

It is learned that the matter will be relisted soon, the paper reported.&nbsp;

A Pakistani lawyer who defended Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman freed from gallows by the Supreme Court in a high-profile blasphemy case last year, will defend couple on death row for similar charges, a media report said on Saturday.

A Pakistani lawyer who defended Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman freed from gallows by the Supreme Court in a high-profile blasphemy case last year, will defend couple on death row for similar charges, a media report said on Saturday. Advocate Saiful Malook will plead for the innocence of Christian couple, Shagufta Kausar and Shafqat Masih, who was awarded death sentence by a district court in Punjab in April 2014 and also imposed a fine of Rs 100,000 each, the Express Tribune reported. Their appeal is pending in the Lahore High Court (LHC) and a hearing is likely to be fixed soon. Malook said that he has submitted his Vakalatnama in the LHC to plead the case of the couple, saying that he already met Kausar in Multan jail, the paper reported. Malook's decision to defend the young couple came days after Bibi left the country and reunited with her family in Canada. Bibi, a mother of four from Punjab province, was taken out of the Muslim-majority country after repeated death threats from religious extremists, following the quashing of her conviction for blasphemy last year. The 47-year-old mother of four was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours. She always maintained her innocence but has spent most of the past eight years in solitary confinement. Kausar is also lodged in the same death cell, where Bibi was imprisoned before her acquittal in the blasphemy case last year. Malook who was offered citizenship by EU countries played down threats to his security. He said that he was working for human causes; therefore, he was not worried about his security. According to the complainant in the couple's case, he received an SMS containing blasphemous remarks while offering prayers at a mosque on July 18, 2013. He showed the SMS to his friends and thereafter approached his counsel for legal proceedings on the basis of the SMS. While sitting in the office of the council, he received five more SMS. When the counsel tried to contact the number, he (lawyer) also received three to four SMS on his mobile phone, the paper reported. The police claimed that both the convicts confessed to committing blasphemy. After the investigation, police in its report alleged the couple was involved in the commission of an offence and would face trial. Following the trial, the couple was convicted and awarded death sentence on April 4, 2014. However, the court's order was challenged by the couple on many grounds, the report said. Their appeal contends that the witnesses produced by the prosecution during the trial were related to the complainant and were "inimical" towards them and their statements required independent corroboration which is lacking in this case. The convicted couple also claimed that about eight to nine months prior to the case, a minor quarrel took place between their children and of the neighbour's, who developed a grudge against them. Kausar was working at the Bishop Compound and the copy of her national identity card was available in the record of the Bishop Compound, where the neighbour was also working. They alleged that the neighbour succeeded in obtaining the copy of her NIC and purchased the SIM in her name and later misused that SIM and forwarded the alleged blasphemous SMS to the complainant, who was in collusion with their neighbour, the paper said. After the passage of five years, the appeal was fixed before the LHC division bench on February 7, but it was left over. It is learned that the matter will be relisted soon, the paper reported.

Asia Bibi's lawyer to defend Christian couple on death row over blasphemy

A US lawmaker has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to grant asylum to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asia-bibi-still-in-pakistan-but-free-to-go-foreign-office-194118">Pakistani woman Asia Bibi</a>, claiming she was "persecuted" in that country for being a Christian.

Asia Bibi has been persecuted, jailed and threatened for doing nothing more than being a Christian in Pakistan, Congressman Ken Calvert said.

The recent decision by Pakistan's top court to overturn Bibi's death sentence and free her from jail is obviously welcome news, the lawmaker said.

However, Asia continues to be in danger and is the subject of incendiary rhetoric by radical Islamist leaders. That's why it's essential for Congress and other defenders of religious freedom to stand up and protect her, Calvert said.

Recognising the importance of granting asylum to those with legitimate claims of persecution for their religion, race, nationality, membership in a social group, or political belief; the resolution supports granting asylum in the United States to Asia Bibi and her immediate family.&nbsp;

Bibi, a mother of four, may leave Pakistan shortly as there are threats to her life. Her two daughter had already shifted to Canada.

Pakistan said on Thursday that Bibi, who was recently acquitted by the Supreme Court in a blasphemy case, was a free citizen and has the right to travel anywhere inside the country or abroad.

A three-member Supreme Court bench on Tuesday threw out a petition seeking to review the apex court's decision to acquit 47-year-old Bibi.

She was arrested in 2009 for allegedly using derogatory words during a quarrel with Muslim women while working on a farm in Nankana Sahib area of Punjab province. The case was filed by a local prayer leader on the complaint of the Muslim women.

Bibi was convicted in 2010 by the trial court and her death sentence was maintained by the Lahore High Court in 2014. The apex court overturned her conviction last year, sparking days of violent demonstrations led by hardline Islamist parties.

Her case has been deeply divisive in Pakistan where there is strong support for the controversial blasphemy laws.

Bibi's case gained prominence when the former governor of Pakistan's Punjab province Salman Taseer was killed in 2011 for supporting her and criticising the blasphemy laws.

A month after Taseer was killed, Pakistan's religious minorities minister Shahbaz Bhatti, a Christian who spoke out against the blasphemy law, was shot dead in Islamabad.

The blasphemy laws were promulgated by former military dictator Ziaul Haq in 1980s. A person convicted under these laws is given a death sentence.&nbsp;

A US lawmaker has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to grant asylum to Pakistani woman Asia Bibi, claiming she was "persecuted" in that country for being a Christian.

A US lawmaker has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to grant asylum to Pakistani woman Asia Bibi, claiming she was "persecuted" in that country for being a Christian. Asia Bibi has been persecuted, jailed and threatened for doing nothing more than being a Christian in Pakistan, Congressman Ken Calvert said. The recent decision by Pakistan's top court to overturn Bibi's death sentence and free her from jail is obviously welcome news, the lawmaker said. However, Asia continues to be in danger and is the subject of incendiary rhetoric by radical Islamist leaders. That's why it's essential for Congress and other defenders of religious freedom to stand up and protect her, Calvert said. Recognising the importance of granting asylum to those with legitimate claims of persecution for their religion, race, nationality, membership in a social group, or political belief; the resolution supports granting asylum in the United States to Asia Bibi and her immediate family. Bibi, a mother of four, may leave Pakistan shortly as there are threats to her life. Her two daughter had already shifted to Canada. Pakistan said on Thursday that Bibi, who was recently acquitted by the Supreme Court in a blasphemy case, was a free citizen and has the right to travel anywhere inside the country or abroad. A three-member Supreme Court bench on Tuesday threw out a petition seeking to review the apex court's decision to acquit 47-year-old Bibi. She was arrested in 2009 for allegedly using derogatory words during a quarrel with Muslim women while working on a farm in Nankana Sahib area of Punjab province. The case was filed by a local prayer leader on the complaint of the Muslim women. Bibi was convicted in 2010 by the trial court and her death sentence was maintained by the Lahore High Court in 2014. The apex court overturned her conviction last year, sparking days of violent demonstrations led by hardline Islamist parties. Her case has been deeply divisive in Pakistan where there is strong support for the controversial blasphemy laws. Bibi's case gained prominence when the former governor of Pakistan's Punjab province Salman Taseer was killed in 2011 for supporting her and criticising the blasphemy laws. A month after Taseer was killed, Pakistan's religious minorities minister Shahbaz Bhatti, a Christian who spoke out against the blasphemy law, was shot dead in Islamabad. The blasphemy laws were promulgated by former military dictator Ziaul Haq in 1980s. A person convicted under these laws is given a death sentence.

Resolution introduced in US Congress to grant asylum to Asia Bibi

This is a story of Pakistan's Khadija Siddiqui, a 24-year-old law student who was brutally stabbed 23 times in Lahore on May 3, 2016, by Shah Hussain, a fellow student from the university.

Khadija's battle for justice was finally honoured by the Pakistan Supreme Court on Wednesday, January 23. The Court sentenced the guilty to prison.

Back in 2016, Khadija was just 21, waiting to take on the world. Little did she know on that fateful summer afternoon, three days before her law exam, that she would suffer an attack that would scar her face and life forever.&nbsp;

Siddiqui shared her story with WION, stating that her determination and will to fight brought her justice and the confidence with which she faces the world fearlessly. &nbsp;

"It was around 2 pm. I, along with my driver had gone to pick my sister from school in our car. Everything was pre-meditated. He had parked his bike and was waiting for me to appear," she said.

Hussain attacked her as she was about to get into the backseat of her car.&nbsp;

"He kept stabbing me like a mad man and no one came forward to help," she explained adding that it was her driver who managed to fight Hussain and save the sisters.

"I had refused to continue being friends with him in the university when I sensed there was something that was not right about him," Siddiqui told WION.&nbsp;

Khadija believes Hussain's male ego was wounded and drove him to commit the heinous crime. For four months she fought death.

"I had 200 stitches. 50 in the neck alone. I could barely open my mouth to eat", she told as he fought back tears.

Her body was scarred but her soul was not willing to give up just yet. Khadija wanted to live to fight for justice.

"It was a tough decision we had to make, the decision to pursue justice", she said.&nbsp;

Her family was aware they were up against the son of a famous lawyer but they never gave up hope, their decision to fight the battle for justice never faltered.

"He is the son of a lawyer and the legal fraternity was out there to protect him with all their might and that was the biggest hurdle," she noted.

"They thought they could use their power and authority to suppress my cause. Being a law student myself I just could not let that happen".

The course of judgement was a long and an extremely difficult one. Hussain's father had vowed to use everything in his power to stop his son from being jailed. Though the judicial magistrate had sentenced Hussain to seven-year imprisonment in July 2017, he was later acquitted by the Lahore High Court.

There were numerous threats. Khadija had to suffer sexual harassment and face many hurdles during the legal process.

The guilty had left no stone unturned to scare the family into submission. However, instead of feeling threatened, the family became more determined to shatter the arrogance of those guilty and ensure justice prevailed.

"Women who have suffered similar fate have come up to me and thanked me for not giving up. They said unlike them, I should not give up, that I should be an example they failed to be due to lack of support," she shared.&nbsp;

"Women are not weak. Just that we have been conditioned to believe otherwise. I was fighting to help Pakistani women get rid of this psyche," Khadija noted.

The Pakistan Supreme Court finally ruled in her favour. The Court accepted Khadija's appeal to overturn the acquittal and declared the Lahore High Court's verdict null and void. Hussain was taken into custody from outside Pakistan Supreme Court.

Khadija clearly remembers the moment the judgement was pronounced and describes it as 'overwhelming'. She was aware of the significance of the case, how the ruling would go down in history and how she had to win the case for the sake of all the women who looked up to her.

"I could not jeopardise the future of justice for women in the country. I felt it was my responsibility to keep fighting till I won."

"This victory is not mine alone. It is a victory for every woman out there," she emphasised.

With the nightmare behind her now, Khadija wishes to continue studying law so that she can be well equipped to take up cases of human rights violation in future. She wishes to practice criminal law and fight cases of violence committed against women.

"Do not suffer in silence" is Khadija's parting message to all women. She called out women to raise their voice against the injustices they suffer. "Stop victim shaming," she pleaded.

"The truth you will emerge as victorious. It took me three years but I did win finally," she concluded.

This is a story of Pakistan's Khadija Siddiqui, a 24-year-old law student who was brutally stabbed 23 times in Lahore on May 3, 2016, by Shah Hussain, a fellow student from the university.

This is a story of Pakistan's Khadija Siddiqui, a 24-year-old law student who was brutally stabbed 23 times in Lahore on May 3, 2016, by Shah Hussain, a fellow student from the university. Khadija's battle for justice was finally honoured by the Pakistan Supreme Court on Wednesday, January 23. The Court sentenced the guilty to prison. Back in 2016, Khadija was just 21, waiting to take on the world. Little did she know on that fateful summer afternoon, three days before her law exam, that she would suffer an attack that would scar her face and life forever. Siddiqui shared her story with WION, stating that her determination and will to fight brought her justice and the confidence with which she faces the world fearlessly. "It was around 2 pm. I, along with my driver had gone to pick my sister from school in our car. Everything was pre-meditated. He had parked his bike and was waiting for me to appear," she said. Hussain attacked her as she was about to get into the backseat of her car. "He kept stabbing me like a mad man and no one came forward to help," she explained adding that it was her driver who managed to fight Hussain and save the sisters. "I had refused to continue being friends with him in the university when I sensed there was something that was not right about him," Siddiqui told WION. Khadija believes Hussain's male ego was wounded and drove him to commit the heinous crime. For four months she fought death. "I had 200 stitches. 50 in the neck alone. I could barely open my mouth to eat", she told as he fought back tears. Her body was scarred but her soul was not willing to give up just yet. Khadija wanted to live to fight for justice. "It was a tough decision we had to make, the decision to pursue justice", she said. Her family was aware they were up against the son of a famous lawyer but they never gave up hope, their decision to fight the battle for justice never faltered. "He is the son of a lawyer and the legal fraternity was out there to protect him with all their might and that was the biggest hurdle," she noted. "They thought they could use their power and authority to suppress my cause. Being a law student myself I just could not let that happen". The course of judgement was a long and an extremely difficult one. Hussain's father had vowed to use everything in his power to stop his son from being jailed. Though the judicial magistrate had sentenced Hussain to seven-year imprisonment in July 2017, he was later acquitted by the Lahore High Court. There were numerous threats. Khadija had to suffer sexual harassment and face many hurdles during the legal process. The guilty had left no stone unturned to scare the family into submission. However, instead of feeling threatened, the family became more determined to shatter the arrogance of those guilty and ensure justice prevailed. "Women who have suffered similar fate have come up to me and thanked me for not giving up. They said unlike them, I should not give up, that I should be an example they failed to be due to lack of support," she shared. "Women are not weak. Just that we have been conditioned to believe otherwise. I was fighting to help Pakistani women get rid of this psyche," Khadija noted. The Pakistan Supreme Court finally ruled in her favour. The Court accepted Khadija's appeal to overturn the acquittal and declared the Lahore High Court's verdict null and void. Hussain was taken into custody from outside Pakistan Supreme Court. Khadija clearly remembers the moment the judgement was pronounced and describes it as 'overwhelming'. She was aware of the significance of the case, how the ruling would go down in history and how she had to win the case for the sake of all the women who looked up to her. "I could not jeopardise the future of justice for women in the country. I felt it was my responsibility to keep fighting till I won." "This victory is not mine alone. It is a victory for every woman out there," she emphasised. With the nightmare behind her now, Khadija wishes to continue studying law so that she can be well equipped to take up cases of human rights violation in future. She wishes to practice criminal law and fight cases of violence committed against women. "Do not suffer in silence" is Khadija's parting message to all women. She called out women to raise their voice against the injustices they suffer. "Stop victim shaming," she pleaded. "The truth you will emerge as victorious. It took me three years but I did win finally," she concluded.

I fought for women of Pakistan: Knife-attack victim Khadija Siddiqui to WION

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-chief-justice-stays-execution-of-mentally-ill-policeman-190014&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjagK7d5PTfAhWRUd4KHSgfCZsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw25DNV_s5PLSNLJnFi6TKUa">Chief Justice of Pakistan </a>Saqib Nisar, who tried to cultivate the image of being the "people's judge" and known for his judicial activism, retired on Thursday.

The outgoing chief justice passed several landmark judgments during his tenure as top judge including one which <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-denied-assistant-told-to-maintain-jail-room-himself-188102&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwimv_-X5PTfAhURhbwKHdGbDMsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2rlYPawu-ZcmSAzbxVWmBP">disqualified prime minister Nawaz Sharif </a>in 2017 in a corruption case and the verdict in the blasphemy case against Christian woman Asia Bibi.

Justice Nisar was sworn in as the top judge on December 31, 2016. Justice Asif Saeed Khosa will take over the reins of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-supreme-court-relaxes-licence-conditions-for-dance-bars-190940&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiS3YW25PTfAhUNF4gKHVFJDz8QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0e5KaRiZErKH6SLktj5Peb">Supreme Court</a> of Pakistan on Friday when he will be administered the oath by President Arif Alvi.

Justice Nisar has been a judge of the apex court since February 18, 2010. Before that, he was a judge of the Lahore High Court (LHC).

A full court reference in honour of the retiring Chief Justice Nisar was held in the Supreme Court. I was attended by all Supreme Court judges ? with the exception of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah ? as well as Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Anwar Mansoor, retired senior judges as well as senior journalists, among others.

Addressing the gathering, Justice Nisar said the top court has passed many landmark verdicts.

He said he tried to solve the issues plaguing sectors of health and education, both of which are rights granted to citizens by the Constitution.

"The job of judges is extremely difficult. Corruption within the judiciary is the murder of justice. I worked within the code of conduct for judges and it is my honour to have served the nation," he said.

Addressing the full court reference, chief justice-designate Khosa said Chief Justice Nisar faced many constitutional, societal and political challenges during his tenure and headed the judiciary in "very difficult circumstances".

Outlining his plan for his upcoming tenure as a top judge, Justice Khosa said that he will ensure the quick dispensation of justice.

Referring to Justice Nisar's efforts to raise donations to build the Diamer-Bhasha dams, Justice Khosa said that he too he wanted to build a dam. "I will build a dam against fake cases, against pending cases," he said.

"Currently there are 1.9 million cases pending in courts. Three thousand judges cannot dispense of so many cases," Justice Khosa noted.

He said the power to take Suo Motu notices will be used sparingly.

Speaking on the role of other courts, he said: "The trial of a civilian in a military court is considered wrong across the world. It is said that military courts take less time to issue verdicts. Civilian courts should try to resolve cases in a short period of time. <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-special-director-asthana-moves-delhi-hc-seeking-correction-in-recent-judgement-190801&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiXv_P55PTfAhWa7WEKHTSPDnsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw14vY_na-Lby8ewG8eJzQds">High court</a>s should exercise powers within their jurisdiction."

He said the army and intelligence agencies should not interfere in civilian matters.

Among Chief Justice Nisar's retirement plans are to open a "free legal clinic".

"I will offer free legal assistance to the oppressed, poor and helpless people at my free legal clinic," he said earlier in the day, after adjourning a hearing of his last case.

Justice Nisar will be remembered for populism and stretching the concept of judicial activism to its last limits. He took at least 43 suo motu actions on issues ranging from water shortages, health issues, exorbitant school fee, and encroachments.

He even organised seminars on how to control population which he termed as dangerous for the country.

He used media efficiently and his aides would send tickers and messages to journalists on the pattern of political leaders.

Justice Nisar took a keen interest in disputes of popular nature. For example, he led a campaign to build dams to store water and set up special accounts to collect donations.

His drive against encroachment was applauded as thousands of acres of land illegally grabbed by land mafia was vacated due to his efforts.

He was shrewd enough to know the limits of his power in a country where the military was a powerful institution and tried to avoid doing things which might have annoyed the army.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar, who tried to cultivate the image of being the "people's judge" and known for his judicial activism, retired on Thursday. The outgoing chief justice passed several landmark judgments during his tenure as top judge including one which disqualified prime minister Nawaz Sharif in 2017 in a corruption case and the verdict in the blasphemy case against Christian woman Asia Bibi.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar, who tried to cultivate the image of being the "people's judge" and known for his judicial activism, retired on Thursday. The outgoing chief justice passed several landmark judgments during his tenure as top judge including one which disqualified prime minister Nawaz Sharif in 2017 in a corruption case and the verdict in the blasphemy case against Christian woman Asia Bibi. Justice Nisar was sworn in as the top judge on December 31, 2016. Justice Asif Saeed Khosa will take over the reins of the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday when he will be administered the oath by President Arif Alvi. Justice Nisar has been a judge of the apex court since February 18, 2010. Before that, he was a judge of the Lahore High Court (LHC). A full court reference in honour of the retiring Chief Justice Nisar was held in the Supreme Court. I was attended by all Supreme Court judges ? with the exception of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah ? as well as Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Anwar Mansoor, retired senior judges as well as senior journalists, among others. Addressing the gathering, Justice Nisar said the top court has passed many landmark verdicts. He said he tried to solve the issues plaguing sectors of health and education, both of which are rights granted to citizens by the Constitution. "The job of judges is extremely difficult. Corruption within the judiciary is the murder of justice. I worked within the code of conduct for judges and it is my honour to have served the nation," he said. Addressing the full court reference, chief justice-designate Khosa said Chief Justice Nisar faced many constitutional, societal and political challenges during his tenure and headed the judiciary in "very difficult circumstances". Outlining his plan for his upcoming tenure as a top judge, Justice Khosa said that he will ensure the quick dispensation of justice. Referring to Justice Nisar's efforts to raise donations to build the Diamer-Bhasha dams, Justice Khosa said that he too he wanted to build a dam. "I will build a dam against fake cases, against pending cases," he said. "Currently there are 1.9 million cases pending in courts. Three thousand judges cannot dispense of so many cases," Justice Khosa noted. He said the power to take Suo Motu notices will be used sparingly. Speaking on the role of other courts, he said: "The trial of a civilian in a military court is considered wrong across the world. It is said that military courts take less time to issue verdicts. Civilian courts should try to resolve cases in a short period of time. High courts should exercise powers within their jurisdiction." He said the army and intelligence agencies should not interfere in civilian matters. Among Chief Justice Nisar's retirement plans are to open a "free legal clinic". "I will offer free legal assistance to the oppressed, poor and helpless people at my free legal clinic," he said earlier in the day, after adjourning a hearing of his last case. Justice Nisar will be remembered for populism and stretching the concept of judicial activism to its last limits. He took at least 43 suo motu actions on issues ranging from water shortages, health issues, exorbitant school fee, and encroachments. He even organised seminars on how to control population which he termed as dangerous for the country. He used media efficiently and his aides would send tickers and messages to journalists on the pattern of political leaders. Justice Nisar took a keen interest in disputes of popular nature. For example, he led a campaign to build dams to store water and set up special accounts to collect donations. His drive against encroachment was applauded as thousands of acres of land illegally grabbed by land mafia was vacated due to his efforts. He was shrewd enough to know the limits of his power in a country where the military was a powerful institution and tried to avoid doing things which might have annoyed the army.

Pakistan's Chief Justice Nisar, known for judicial activism retires

Pakistan&nbsp;Punjab government's decision to celebrate the Basant festival has been challenged in the Lahore High Court.

The&nbsp;plea, by Advocate Safdar Shahin Pirzada, argues the celebrations will cost innocent lives and that the government lifted the ban on festivities in order to deflect public attention from more pressing issues, Express Tribune reported.

The&nbsp;Punjab government on December 18&nbsp;announced its decision to<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-lifts-ban-from-basant-festival-185292"> lift the ban on Basant celebrations</a> in the state.

Basant&nbsp;usually celebrated in January end or the beginning of February marks the start of the spring festival.

Before the imposition of the ban in 2005, thousands of people would pour out on the streets of Lahore and elsewhere in Punjab to celebrate the occasion, the highpoint of which would be dancing and kite flying. Religious leaders argued kite-flying was un-Islamic.

The&nbsp;petitioner also stated that celebrations were banned by the Supreme Court after revellers died of celebratory gunshots, falling off rooftops or by kite strings slitting their throats.

"This festival might cause loss of more innocent lives if it is celebrated," Pirzada said."Permitting such a festivity that causes loss of lives is a sheer violation of the Constitution," Pirzada added.

A&nbsp;member of the Punjab Assembly, from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Hina Pervez Butt, also urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take&nbsp;Suo&nbsp;moto&nbsp;notice in the case. Butt submitted a resolution in the Punjab Assembly Secretariat contending a contempt of court.

Pakistan Punjab government's decision to celebrate the Basant festival has been challenged in the Lahore High Court. The plea, by Advocate Safdar Shahin Pirzada, argues the celebrations will cost innocent lives and that the government lifted the ban on festivities in order to deflect public attention from more pressing issues, Express Tribune reported.

Pakistan Punjab government's decision to celebrate the Basant festival has been challenged in the Lahore High Court. The plea, by Advocate Safdar Shahin Pirzada, argues the celebrations will cost innocent lives and that the government lifted the ban on festivities in order to deflect public attention from more pressing issues, Express Tribune reported. The Punjab government on December 18 announced its decision to lift the ban on Basant celebrations in the state. Basant usually celebrated in January end or the beginning of February marks the start of the spring festival. Before the imposition of the ban in 2005, thousands of people would pour out on the streets of Lahore and elsewhere in Punjab to celebrate the occasion, the highpoint of which would be dancing and kite flying. Religious leaders argued kite-flying was un-Islamic. The petitioner also stated that celebrations were banned by the Supreme Court after revellers died of celebratory gunshots, falling off rooftops or by kite strings slitting their throats. "This festival might cause loss of more innocent lives if it is celebrated," Pirzada said."Permitting such a festivity that causes loss of lives is a sheer violation of the Constitution," Pirzada added. A member of the Punjab Assembly, from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Hina Pervez Butt, also urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take Suo moto notice in the case. Butt submitted a resolution in the Punjab Assembly Secretariat contending a contempt of court.

Pakistan: Petition filed against Basant celebrations in Lahore High Court

Ahead of the July 25 elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday started accepting the nomination papers after the Supreme Court announced its verdict rejecting amendments in the forms.

The Lahore High Court ruled on June 1 that the nomination papers do not necessarily seek information regarding candidates' educational background, criminal record, and dual citizenship.

It further ordered the election body to add requirements under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution to the nomination papers.

The ECP will continue to receive the nomination papers, in compliance with the approved format as per Election Act 2017, from June 4 till June 8.

The nominations papers will be scrutinised on June 14 while any appeals against the decision regarding nomination process must be filed till June 19.

On June 27, first candidates' list would be displayed and the candidates would get a day's time to withdraw their nominations.

The final list of candidates along with election symbols would be issued on June 29.&nbsp;

The Lahore High Court ruled on June 1 that the nomination papers do not necessarily seek information regarding candidates' educational background, criminal record, and dual citizenship

Ahead of the July 25 elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday started accepting the nomination papers after the Supreme Court announced its verdict rejecting amendments in the forms. The Lahore High Court ruled on June 1 that the nomination papers do not necessarily seek information regarding candidates' educational background, criminal record, and dual citizenship. It further ordered the election body to add requirements under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution to the nomination papers. The ECP will continue to receive the nomination papers, in compliance with the approved format as per Election Act 2017, from June 4 till June 8. The nominations papers will be scrutinised on June 14 while any appeals against the decision regarding nomination process must be filed till June 19. On June 27, first candidates' list would be displayed and the candidates would get a day's time to withdraw their nominations. The final list of candidates along with election symbols would be issued on June 29.

Pakistan Election Commission starts accepting nomination papers

The Lahore High Court today gave a deadline of 15 days to the Pakistan government to explain why Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed&#39;s outfit JuD and its charity wing had been banned and their accounts frozen.

The court order came during a petition filed by Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Saeed yesterday, challenging a notification of the interior ministry of Pakistan to ban his social welfare activities.

Saeed filed the petition through his counsel Advocate A K Dogar.

He submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC) that the interior ministry on February 10 had issued the notification related to freezing bank accounts and taking over assets associated with the JuD and Falah-i-Insaaniyat Foundation (FIF) under the Anti-Terrorism (amendment) Ordinance 2018.

The LHC today ordered the federal government to submit its reply in court by March 29 on why the organisation and its charity wing had been banned and their accounts frozen, Dawn News reported.

The petitioner alleged that the government of Pakistan had acted under the pressure of foreign powers, including the US and India, the report said.

He contended that Pakistan is a sovereign independent state and makes its own laws to govern its citizens.

He added that if there was a conflict between the laws of the land and any provision of the United Nations Security Council Act, 1948, the law of the land shall prevail, it added.

The FIF owns 369 ambulances, helped 72,000 persons to charity hospitals and treated 600,000 patients only in 2017, Saeed said.

He pleaded the court to declare the impugned notification of the interior ministry null and void with regard to taking over the assets of the organisations.

Separately, Saeed, last week challenged the presidential ordinance under which his group has been banned for being on the watch-list of the United Nations in the Islamabad High Court.

President Mamnoon Hussain last month promulgated an ordinance amending the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 with regards to the proscription of terrorist individuals and organisations to include entities listed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) - in a move to declare Hafiz Saeed-linked JuD and FIF as proscribed groups.

Saeed, who in November last year was set free from a 300-day-long house arrest, has been repeatedly accused by the US and India of masterminding the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people.

Saeed was declared a global terrorist by the US and UN over his alleged role in the Mumbai attacks.

JuD is considered by the US and India to be a front for LeT, the militant group blamed for the attacks.

Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's outfit JuD and its charity wing have been banned and their accounts frozen

The Lahore High Court today gave a deadline of 15 days to the Pakistan government to explain why Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's outfit JuD and its charity wing had been banned and their accounts frozen. The court order came during a petition filed by Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Saeed yesterday, challenging a notification of the interior ministry of Pakistan to ban his social welfare activities. Saeed filed the petition through his counsel Advocate A K Dogar. He submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC) that the interior ministry on February 10 had issued the notification related to freezing bank accounts and taking over assets associated with the JuD and Falah-i-Insaaniyat Foundation (FIF) under the Anti-Terrorism (amendment) Ordinance 2018. The LHC today ordered the federal government to submit its reply in court by March 29 on why the organisation and its charity wing had been banned and their accounts frozen, Dawn News reported. The petitioner alleged that the government of Pakistan had acted under the pressure of foreign powers, including the US and India, the report said. He contended that Pakistan is a sovereign independent state and makes its own laws to govern its citizens. He added that if there was a conflict between the laws of the land and any provision of the United Nations Security Council Act, 1948, the law of the land shall prevail, it added. The FIF owns 369 ambulances, helped 72,000 persons to charity hospitals and treated 600,000 patients only in 2017, Saeed said. He pleaded the court to declare the impugned notification of the interior ministry null and void with regard to taking over the assets of the organisations. Separately, Saeed, last week challenged the presidential ordinance under which his group has been banned for being on the watch-list of the United Nations in the Islamabad High Court. President Mamnoon Hussain last month promulgated an ordinance amending the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 with regards to the proscription of terrorist individuals and organisations to include entities listed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) - in a move to declare Hafiz Saeed-linked JuD and FIF as proscribed groups. Saeed, who in November last year was set free from a 300-day-long house arrest, has been repeatedly accused by the US and India of masterminding the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people. Saeed was declared a global terrorist by the US and UN over his alleged role in the Mumbai attacks. JuD is considered by the US and India to be a front for LeT, the militant group blamed for the attacks.

Court orders Pakistan government to explain JuD, charity ban

The United Nations Security Council &#39;monitoring team&#39;&nbsp;will visit Pakistan on Thursday to ensure if the country complies with the UN sanctions.&nbsp;

The UNSC sanction list has Hafiz Saeed on it who reacted on the UNSC team visit saying that &quot;There is no harm in it. They (U.N. delegation) should come to Pakistan, visit our centres, visit our Muridke, our educational complex. We never stop anyone. We have it open for all. Any delegation from any corner of the world can visit there. It is open for any media from across the world. Anyone can visit, ask questions. All of our work across Pakistan can be checked. We are not doing anything illegal.&quot;

On Tuesday, Saeed was reported to have filed a petition in the Lahore High Court seeking protection against his arrest by the UNSC authorities.&nbsp;&quot;The PML-N government wants to arrest me at the behest of the United States and India,&quot; he said.

He also blamed the US and India for trying to prove that he was &quot;somehow involved in Mumbai attacks&quot;.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

'The PML-N government wants to arrest me at the behest of the United States and India,' Saeed said

The United Nations Security Council 'monitoring team' will visit Pakistan on Thursday to ensure if the country complies with the UN sanctions. The UNSC sanction list has Hafiz Saeed on it who reacted on the UNSC team visit saying that "There is no harm in it. They (U.N. delegation) should come to Pakistan, visit our centres, visit our Muridke, our educational complex. We never stop anyone. We have it open for all. Any delegation from any corner of the world can visit there. It is open for any media from across the world. Anyone can visit, ask questions. All of our work across Pakistan can be checked. We are not doing anything illegal." On Tuesday, Saeed was reported to have filed a petition in the Lahore High Court seeking protection against his arrest by the UNSC authorities. "The PML-N government wants to arrest me at the behest of the United States and India," he said. He also blamed the US and India for trying to prove that he was "somehow involved in Mumbai attacks". (With inputs from agencies)

JuD chief Saeed moves Lahore High Court, seeks protection ahead of UN Security Council visit

The Lahore High Court today restrained the Pakistan government from arresting Hafiz Saeed, the 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and JuD chief, till further order.

Saeed had yesterday moved the court seeking protection from arrest or action against Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) ahead of the visit of the monitoring team of the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee.

The team will be visiting Islamabad from tomorrow for an assessment of Islamabad&#39;s compliance with the world body&#39;s sanctions regime.

In his plea, he had said that the government wants to arrest him at the behest of US and India, whose lobby for the last many years has been trying to prove that he was &quot;somehow involved in Mumbai attacks&quot;.

Justice Amin Aminuddin Khan heard Saeed&#39;s plea and refrained the government from taking any adverse action against him.

&quot;The LHC today accepted JuD chief Hafiz Saeed&#39;s application and issued order restraining the federal government from arresting him till futher order,&quot; a court official confirmed to PTI.

He said the court also issued notice to the government to file its reply on March 17.

Appearing for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder, his counsel Advocate A K Dogar told the court that the UNSC delegation was due in the country this week and the government intends to take an &quot;adverse action&quot; against him during the team&#39;s stay in the country.

He said the government may arrest his client at the behest of the US and India.

The Punjab government, Dogar said, had detained Saeed for 10 months under the Maintenance of Public Order ordinance but a judicial review board had rejected its application for extending his house arrest last November as it failed to justify his detention.

Saeed is the founder/chairman of JuD and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) and he had set up 142 schools and three universities and was engaged in public welfare for a long time, Dogar said.

The UN team&#39;s visit is taking place amid increasing pressure on Pakistan from the US and Indian governments with respect to inadequate implementation of the sanctions on Saeed and entities linked to him.

The State Department had said last week that the US had clearly conveyed its concern to Pakistan on Saeed and called for his prosecution &quot;to the fullest extent of the law&quot;.

It also said that Saeed&#39;s name was on the UN list of designated terrorists.

Saeed was listed under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008. The UNSC sanctions list includes the names of JuD, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, FIF and other groups and individuals.

The UNSC monitoring committee oversees the sanctions measures imposed by the Security Council under the rules. The member states are required to freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities.

Last week, Pakistan banned companies and individuals from making donations to the JuD, the FIF and other organisations on the UNSC sanctions list.

The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014.

Saeed had yesterday moved the court seeking protection from arrest or action against his foundations

The Lahore High Court today restrained the Pakistan government from arresting Hafiz Saeed, the 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and JuD chief, till further order. Saeed had yesterday moved the court seeking protection from arrest or action against Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) ahead of the visit of the monitoring team of the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee. The team will be visiting Islamabad from tomorrow for an assessment of Islamabad's compliance with the world body's sanctions regime. In his plea, he had said that the government wants to arrest him at the behest of US and India, whose lobby for the last many years has been trying to prove that he was "somehow involved in Mumbai attacks". Justice Amin Aminuddin Khan heard Saeed's plea and refrained the government from taking any adverse action against him. "The LHC today accepted JuD chief Hafiz Saeed's application and issued order restraining the federal government from arresting him till futher order," a court official confirmed to PTI. He said the court also issued notice to the government to file its reply on March 17. Appearing for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder, his counsel Advocate A K Dogar told the court that the UNSC delegation was due in the country this week and the government intends to take an "adverse action" against him during the team's stay in the country. He said the government may arrest his client at the behest of the US and India. The Punjab government, Dogar said, had detained Saeed for 10 months under the Maintenance of Public Order ordinance but a judicial review board had rejected its application for extending his house arrest last November as it failed to justify his detention. Saeed is the founder/chairman of JuD and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) and he had set up 142 schools and three universities and was engaged in public welfare for a long time, Dogar said. The UN team's visit is taking place amid increasing pressure on Pakistan from the US and Indian governments with respect to inadequate implementation of the sanctions on Saeed and entities linked to him. The State Department had said last week that the US had clearly conveyed its concern to Pakistan on Saeed and called for his prosecution "to the fullest extent of the law". It also said that Saeed's name was on the UN list of designated terrorists. Saeed was listed under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008. The UNSC sanctions list includes the names of JuD, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, FIF and other groups and individuals. The UNSC monitoring committee oversees the sanctions measures imposed by the Security Council under the rules. The member states are required to freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities. Last week, Pakistan banned companies and individuals from making donations to the JuD, the FIF and other organisations on the UNSC sanctions list. The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014.

Lahore High Court restrains Pakistan govt from taking action against Hafiz Saeed

Mumbai attack mastermind and banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed will walk free tonight if the Pakistan government does not detain him in any other case, his lawyer said today.

The JuD head, who carries a bounty of USD 10 million announced by the US for his role in terror activities, has been under detention since January this year.

The Judicial Review Board of Punjab province comprising judges of the Lahore High Court yesterday unanimously ordered Saeed&#39;s release on the completion of his 30-day house arrest which will expire midnight.

&quot;Saeed will walk free after midnight if the government does not detain him in any other case. We fear that the Punjab government may detain Saeed in any other case,&quot; Saeed&#39;s counsel Advocate AK Dogar told PTI.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-if-pakistan-army-wants-nothing-can-stop-hafiz-saeed-from-being-a-free-man-24881" target="_blank">Opinion: If Pakistan Army wants, Hafiz Saeed will be a free man</a>

He said a large number of JuD workers have gathered outside Saeed&#39;s residence in Jauhar Town Lahore to welcome him on his release tonight.

The fire-brand cleric&#39;s release may also coincide with the 9th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in which 166 people were killed.

On the other hand, sources in the home department of the Punjab government are insisting that Saeed will not be released as he is being booked in another case.

&quot;The JuD chief was illegally detained for 297 days. Hafiz Saeed always worked for Pakistan and the government could not prove any allegation against him,&quot; Dogar had said yesterday.

He had warned that they will move the court without any delay if the government does not comply with the order of the judicial board and set him free.

On January 31, Saeed and his four aides - Abdullah Ubaid, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Abid and Qazi Kashif Hussain - were detained by the Punjab government for 90 days under Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 and the&nbsp;

Fourth Schedule of Anti- Terrorism Act 1997. However, the last two extensions were made on the &#39;public safety law&#39;.

The board refused to give further extension to the detention of Saeed&#39;s aides. They were set free last month.

Under the law, the government can detain a person for up to three months under different charges but for extension to that detention it needs approval from a judicial review board.

The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack.

Saeed was put under house arrest after Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008 but he was freed by court in 2009.

India has repeatedly asked Pakistan to re-investigate the Mumbai terror attack case and also demanded trial of Saeed and Lashkar-e-Taiba operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi in the light of evidence it had provided to Islamabad.

The Ministry of External Affairs today said Saeed&#39;s release confirms the &quot;lack of seriousness&quot; on Pakistan&#39;s part in bringing terrorists to justice and its nefarious designs to shield and support non-state actors.

&quot;India, as indeed, the entire international community is outraged that a selk-confessed and UN-proscribed terrorist is being allowed to walk free and continue with his evil agenda,&quot; MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in New Delhi.

Ten LeT militants killed 166 people and wounded dozens in Mumbai in November, 2008. Nine of the attackers were killed by police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was caught.

Kasab was executed after a court found him guilty and handed down death sentence.&nbsp;

'Saeed will walk free after midnight if the government does not detain him in any other case,' Saeed's lawyer AK Dogar said

Mumbai attack mastermind and banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed will walk free tonight if the Pakistan government does not detain him in any other case, his lawyer said today. The JuD head, who carries a bounty of USD 10 million announced by the US for his role in terror activities, has been under detention since January this year. The Judicial Review Board of Punjab province comprising judges of the Lahore High Court yesterday unanimously ordered Saeed's release on the completion of his 30-day house arrest which will expire midnight. "Saeed will walk free after midnight if the government does not detain him in any other case. We fear that the Punjab government may detain Saeed in any other case," Saeed's counsel Advocate AK Dogar told PTI. Opinion: If Pakistan Army wants, Hafiz Saeed will be a free man He said a large number of JuD workers have gathered outside Saeed's residence in Jauhar Town Lahore to welcome him on his release tonight. The fire-brand cleric's release may also coincide with the 9th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in which 166 people were killed. On the other hand, sources in the home department of the Punjab government are insisting that Saeed will not be released as he is being booked in another case. "The JuD chief was illegally detained for 297 days. Hafiz Saeed always worked for Pakistan and the government could not prove any allegation against him," Dogar had said yesterday. He had warned that they will move the court without any delay if the government does not comply with the order of the judicial board and set him free. On January 31, Saeed and his four aides - Abdullah Ubaid, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Abid and Qazi Kashif Hussain - were detained by the Punjab government for 90 days under Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 and the Fourth Schedule of Anti- Terrorism Act 1997. However, the last two extensions were made on the 'public safety law'. The board refused to give further extension to the detention of Saeed's aides. They were set free last month. Under the law, the government can detain a person for up to three months under different charges but for extension to that detention it needs approval from a judicial review board. The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack. Saeed was put under house arrest after Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008 but he was freed by court in 2009. India has repeatedly asked Pakistan to re-investigate the Mumbai terror attack case and also demanded trial of Saeed and Lashkar-e-Taiba operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi in the light of evidence it had provided to Islamabad. The Ministry of External Affairs today said Saeed's release confirms the "lack of seriousness" on Pakistan's part in bringing terrorists to justice and its nefarious designs to shield and support non-state actors. "India, as indeed, the entire international community is outraged that a selk-confessed and UN-proscribed terrorist is being allowed to walk free and continue with his evil agenda," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in New Delhi. Ten LeT militants killed 166 people and wounded dozens in Mumbai in November, 2008. Nine of the attackers were killed by police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was caught. Kasab was executed after a court found him guilty and handed down death sentence.

Hafiz Saeed will walk free tonight: Lawyer

A Pakistani court has stayed the execution of a former police officer suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, pending the outcome of a similar case in the Supreme Court amid uproar by human rights activists against hanging mentally ill death row convicts.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) yesterday suspended the execution warrants of the former cop, Khizar Hayat, issued by a district and sessions judge.

Earlier, the execution of Hayat, who was sentenced to death in 2003 for shooting a colleague, was scheduled for January 17.

A division bench of LHC headed by Justice Shahid Hameed Dar observed that it would be appropriate to wait for the Supreme Court&#39;s decision in a similar case of the&nbsp;mentally ill prisoner, Imdad Ali, to determine how to proceed in Hayat&#39;s case.

The court directed the home department to submit a report by January 30.

Petitioner&#39;s counsel, Sarah Belal, argued that Hayat had been suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and executing him would violate local and international laws.

She said despite a petition against his execution was pending before the same bench the jail authorities had obtained black warrants for Hayat.

The LHC had previously stayed Hayat&#39;s execution and formed a medical board to examine his health.

She said the board had confirmed that the prisoner was not fit for execution and sought suspension in his execution.

Since lifting its moratorium on executions in December 2014, Pakistan has hanged some 420 prisoners, overtaking Saudi Arabia to become the world&#39;s third largest executioner nation after China and Iran.&nbsp;

(PTI)

The Lahore High Court suspended the execution warrants of the former cop, Khizar Hayat, who is suffering from paranoid schizophrenia

A Pakistani court has stayed the execution of a former police officer suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, pending the outcome of a similar case in the Supreme Court amid uproar by human rights activists against hanging mentally ill death row convicts. The Lahore High Court (LHC) yesterday suspended the execution warrants of the former cop, Khizar Hayat, issued by a district and sessions judge. Earlier, the execution of Hayat, who was sentenced to death in 2003 for shooting a colleague, was scheduled for January 17. A division bench of LHC headed by Justice Shahid Hameed Dar observed that it would be appropriate to wait for the Supreme Court's decision in a similar case of the mentally ill prisoner, Imdad Ali, to determine how to proceed in Hayat's case. The court directed the home department to submit a report by January 30. Petitioner's counsel, Sarah Belal, argued that Hayat had been suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and executing him would violate local and international laws. She said despite a petition against his execution was pending before the same bench the jail authorities had obtained black warrants for Hayat. The LHC had previously stayed Hayat's execution and formed a medical board to examine his health. She said the board had confirmed that the prisoner was not fit for execution and sought suspension in his execution. Since lifting its moratorium on executions in December 2014, Pakistan has hanged some 420 prisoners, overtaking Saudi Arabia to become the world's third largest executioner nation after China and Iran. (PTI)

Execution of mentally ill prisoner stayed by Pakistan court

&nbsp;

Transgender citizens will now be part of the official national census in Pakistan for the first time ever.&nbsp; This comes after the Lahore High Court issued an order to the National Database and Registration Authority and the ministry of home affairs. The 2017 population survey is due to start in March.

There are no official figures on the number of transgenders currently living in Pakistan, but according to the advocacy group Trans Action the community counts at least 500,000 members. The court order is a victory for the transgender community in the country. In 2011 they earned the right to vote, in 2012, Pakistan&#39;s Supreme Court had declared equal rights for transgender citizens, a decision which allowed them to inherit property and assets. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In November 2016, Waqar Ali filed a petition complaining that Pakistan&#39;s transgender community had been long marginalised and isolated. He argued that they should be fully considered as citizens and therefore included in the sixth national census. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Lahore High Court Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah welcomed the request and passed the order, issuing directives to enforce the transgender community&#39;s basic rights. &quot;We are glad that we will be counted as will be other people,&quot; transgender rights worker Almas Bobby said. &quot;Hope we get equal citizenship and equal status,&quot; he added. 
&nbsp; 
Other South Asian countries had already taken the same measure, showing a regional trend to institutionally recognise the transgender community. Nepal was the first country in 2011 to allow people to register as a gender other than male or female. India also counted transgender people in its national census for the first time in 2011.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In Pakistan, as in several other South Asian nations there is a mixed feelings towards transgender, sometimes they are hated and disrespected and sometimes venerated. They are perceived as a sort of &#39;magical&#39; element who falls outside the concept of gender.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Both traditional beliefs and the recent legal successes do not mean that nor the Pakistani nor other mainstream societies have fully accepted transgender individuals. Many of them are still pushed to live at the margins of society and forced into begging and prostitution to earn a living. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
(WION with inputs from Reuters)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Lahore High Court issued the order which will apply to the national census due to start in March

Transgender citizens will now be part of the official national census in Pakistan for the first time ever. This comes after the Lahore High Court issued an order to the National Database and Registration Authority and the ministry of home affairs. The 2017 population survey is due to start in March. There are no official figures on the number of transgenders currently living in Pakistan, but according to the advocacy group Trans Action the community counts at least 500,000 members. The court order is a victory for the transgender community in the country. In 2011 they earned the right to vote, in 2012, Pakistan's Supreme Court had declared equal rights for transgender citizens, a decision which allowed them to inherit property and assets. In November 2016, Waqar Ali filed a petition complaining that Pakistan's transgender community had been long marginalised and isolated. He argued that they should be fully considered as citizens and therefore included in the sixth national census. Lahore High Court Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah welcomed the request and passed the order, issuing directives to enforce the transgender community's basic rights. "We are glad that we will be counted as will be other people," transgender rights worker Almas Bobby said. "Hope we get equal citizenship and equal status," he added. Other South Asian countries had already taken the same measure, showing a regional trend to institutionally recognise the transgender community. Nepal was the first country in 2011 to allow people to register as a gender other than male or female. India also counted transgender people in its national census for the first time in 2011. In Pakistan, as in several other South Asian nations there is a mixed feelings towards transgender, sometimes they are hated and disrespected and sometimes venerated. They are perceived as a sort of 'magical' element who falls outside the concept of gender. Both traditional beliefs and the recent legal successes do not mean that nor the Pakistani nor other mainstream societies have fully accepted transgender individuals. Many of them are still pushed to live at the margins of society and forced into begging and prostitution to earn a living. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Pakistan to count transgenders in national census for first time ever

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