The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Pakistan has taken a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the controversial US cipher case by arresting former Secretary-General of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Asad Umar.

Pakistan's ex-foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi arrested under Official Secrets Act

Pakistan arrests former PTI secretary-general in US cipher Case

A new controversy has erupted in the country President Arif Alvi has denied signing bills amending the Official Secrets Act.

Did Pakistan President sign off on key laws?

In yet another blow to Imran Khan, the jailed former prime minister of Pakistan has been booked under the Official Secrets Act for making the content of a confidential diplomatic cable from the country's embassy to the US public, it emerged on Friday.

Pakistan: Cypher case returns to haunt Imran Khan

In a tragic incident, an explosive device detonated in the Gulmir Kot area of North Waziristan, Pakistan, resulting in the killing of 11 individuals. Two others were injured in the IED blast. The explosion occurred under a vehicle, media reports said citing&nbsp;a statement by a police spokesperson.

North Waziristan is an area that is already grappling with security challenges. More details are expected to emerge as authorities investigate the matter. Media reports quoting Deputy Commissioner Rehan Gul Khattak said that this incident was perpetuated by terrorists. They targeted the vehicle which was carrying labourers.

"They were working at an army post that is under construction ... an IED exploded under a vehicle carrying the labourers," Khattak&nbsp;said as per reports.&nbsp;No group has taken responsibility for tragic incident.

The victims who succumbed to the blast were from Makin and Wana tehsils in South Waziristan, reports said.&nbsp;

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This comes after a major suicide blast in Bajaur, where a devastating attack claimed several lives and caused severe injuries. At least 63 people including 23 children were killed. Moreover, more than 200 people sustained injuries. The Islamic State group took responsibility for the Bajaur attack, media reports said.&nbsp;

<h2>Suicide attack on election rally</h2>

During this attack, a suicide bomber targeted an assembly of approximately 400 members of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) party. The explosion occurred near the platform where attendees were gathered for speeches. The attack resulted in a substantial loss of life, including innocent children.&nbsp;

<h2>Rising incidents in Pakistan</h2>

Pakistan has witnessed an upsurge in terror activities, particularly in areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

This escalation follows the termination of the ceasefire between the Pakistani government and the outlawed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (TTP) in November last year.

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The nation experienced a significant increase in suicide attacks during the first seven months of 2023. According to a think tank report cited by Pakistan-based Dawn, these attacks claimed the lives of around 200 individuals and left over 450 others injured.

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In a tragic incident, an explosive device detonated in the Gulmir Kot area of North Waziristan, Pakistan, resulting in the killing of 11 individuals. Two others were injured in the IED blast.

In a tragic incident, an explosive device detonated in the Gulmir Kot area of North Waziristan, Pakistan, resulting in the killing of 11 individuals. Two others were injured in the IED blast. The explosion occurred under a vehicle, media reports said citing a statement by a police spokesperson. North Waziristan is an area that is already grappling with security challenges. More details are expected to emerge as authorities investigate the matter. Media reports quoting Deputy Commissioner Rehan Gul Khattak said that this incident was perpetuated by terrorists. They targeted the vehicle which was carrying labourers. "They were working at an army post that is under construction ... an IED exploded under a vehicle carrying the labourers," Khattak said as per reports. No group has taken responsibility for tragic incident. The victims who succumbed to the blast were from Makin and Wana tehsils in South Waziristan, reports said. Also Read | Trump chooses Tucker Carlson over Republican primary debate, says report This comes after a major suicide blast in Bajaur, where a devastating attack claimed several lives and caused severe injuries. At least 63 people including 23 children were killed. Moreover, more than 200 people sustained injuries. The Islamic State group took responsibility for the Bajaur attack, media reports said. Suicide attack on election rally During this attack, a suicide bomber targeted an assembly of approximately 400 members of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) party. The explosion occurred near the platform where attendees were gathered for speeches. The attack resulted in a substantial loss of life, including innocent children. Rising incidents in Pakistan Pakistan has witnessed an upsurge in terror activities, particularly in areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. This escalation follows the termination of the ceasefire between the Pakistani government and the outlawed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (TTP) in November last year. Also Read | Death toll in Dominican Republic explosion rises to 32; officials blame plastics company The nation experienced a significant increase in suicide attacks during the first seven months of 2023. According to a think tank report cited by Pakistan-based Dawn, these attacks claimed the lives of around 200 individuals and left over 450 others injured. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

At least 11 labourers killed in IED explosion in Pakistan's North Waziristan

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested Shah Mahmood Qureshi from his home in the federal capital in the cypher leak case under the Official Secrets Act of 1923 minutes after he unambiguously stated in a news conference on Saturday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding Chairman Imran Khan was irreplaceable and that the party was united under his vision.

Pakistan: Federal agency makes more arrests in Cipher case

As a result of the frightening increase of the Sutlej River, several areas of Punjab are preparing for a potential flood. Mohsin Naqvi, the interim chief minister of Punjab, described the scenario and promised that all-out measures would be taken to stop losses and destruction brought on by a flood that would be "unprecedented in 35 years" in the river.

Pakistan: Thousands evacuated due to water level surge in Sutlej river

Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan was booked under the Official Secrets Act 1923 for allegedly leaking the details of a confidential diplomatic cable from the country's embassy in the US.

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The 70-year-old, who is currently serving a three-year jail term in a corruption case, was booked under Section 5 of the recently amended act following a first information report (FIR) registered by the counterterrorism wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), The News reported quoting sources.

The FIA filed the case after finding his deliberate involvement in misusing the cipher (a classified diplomatic document), the report said

It is said that the case was filed a few days ago, but the authorities have declined to share a copy of the FIR.

<h2 dir="ltr">More trouble for Imran Khan&nbsp;</h2>

Offences under Section 5, if proved in a court of law, involve punishment of imprisonment from two to 14 years, and in some cases even a death sentence.

Khan, in the days before he was ousted due to no-confidence motion, had cited the cipher to allege US’ involvement in toppling his government.&nbsp;

He had brandished the cipher at a public rally to back his claims. The US has time and again denied such allegations, terming them “categorically false”.

Dawn newspaper later reported that former principal secretary Azam Khan handed over the cipher to the PTI chief, who later told him that he had misplaced it and did not return it despite repeated requests.

<h2>US pressured Pakistan to remove Imran Khan&nbsp;</h2>

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<h2 dir="ltr">What is the cipher case?</h2>

The cipher contained details of a purported meeting that took between US&nbsp;State Department officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, and then Pakistani envoy Asad Majeed Khan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/diplomatic-cables-reveal-us-pressured-pakistan-to-remove-imran-khan-624007">Diplomatic cables reveal US pressured Pakistan to remove Imran Khan</a>

The meeting took place in the backdrop of Khan’s visit to Moscow after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2021, which angered the Biden administration.

Months after his exit, Khan in his nationwide rallies constantly raked up the cypher and the alleged US conspiracy against his government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/inquiry-ordered-after-coded-conversation-between-imran-khan-and-attock-jail-staffer-spooks-officials-623817">Inquiry ordered after 'coded conversation' between Imran Khan and Attock Jail staffer spooks officials</a>

In an interview to VOA earlier this year, Khan again shared the contents of the cipher.

"Well, the cipher is a reality. It was an official meeting [that] initiated [conversation on] both sides, between Donald Lu, the undersecretary of state for South Asia, and the Pakistan ambassador, and this was brought to the National Security Committee and Cabinet," Khan said.

"Having said that, it's in the past; we have to move on. It's in the interest of Pakistan to have good relations with the US, and that's what we intend to do," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan was booked under the Official Secrets Act 1923 for allegedly leaking the details of a confidential diplomatic cable from the country's embassy in the US.

Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan was booked under the Official Secrets Act 1923 for allegedly leaking the details of a confidential diplomatic cable from the country's embassy in the US. The 70-year-old, who is currently serving a three-year jail term in a corruption case, was booked under Section 5 of the recently amended act following a first information report (FIR) registered by the counterterrorism wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), The News reported quoting sources. The FIA filed the case after finding his deliberate involvement in misusing the cipher (a classified diplomatic document), the report said It is said that the case was filed a few days ago, but the authorities have declined to share a copy of the FIR. More trouble for Imran Khan Offences under Section 5, if proved in a court of law, involve punishment of imprisonment from two to 14 years, and in some cases even a death sentence. Khan, in the days before he was ousted due to no-confidence motion, had cited the cipher to allege US’ involvement in toppling his government. He had brandished the cipher at a public rally to back his claims. The US has time and again denied such allegations, terming them “categorically false”. Dawn newspaper later reported that former principal secretary Azam Khan handed over the cipher to the PTI chief, who later told him that he had misplaced it and did not return it despite repeated requests. US pressured Pakistan to remove Imran Khan What is the cipher case? The cipher contained details of a purported meeting that took between US State Department officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, and then Pakistani envoy Asad Majeed Khan. Also read | Diplomatic cables reveal US pressured Pakistan to remove Imran Khan The meeting took place in the backdrop of Khan’s visit to Moscow after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2021, which angered the Biden administration. Months after his exit, Khan in his nationwide rallies constantly raked up the cypher and the alleged US conspiracy against his government. Also read | Inquiry ordered after 'coded conversation' between Imran Khan and Attock Jail staffer spooks officials In an interview to VOA earlier this year, Khan again shared the contents of the cipher. "Well, the cipher is a reality. It was an official meeting [that] initiated [conversation on] both sides, between Donald Lu, the undersecretary of state for South Asia, and the Pakistan ambassador, and this was brought to the National Security Committee and Cabinet," Khan said. "Having said that, it's in the past; we have to move on. It's in the interest of Pakistan to have good relations with the US, and that's what we intend to do," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pakistan's ex-prime minister Imran Khan booked under Official Secrets Act 

Pakistan's former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was arrested on Saturday. Qureshi serves as vice-chairman of ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

Pakistan ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi arrested

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi has expressed fears regarding her husband's safety at District Jail Attock, Punjab saying his life might be at risk due to the possibility of poisoning while in custody. An Islamabad court on August 5 found Imran Khan guilty in a case related to the non-disclosure of information about state gifts and sentenced him to three years in prison.

Following the verdict, he was apprehended by Punjab police from his residence in Zaman Park, Lahore, and taken to District Jail Attock.&nbsp;Imran Khan's lawyer, Naeem Haider Panjutha, has repeatedly criticised the conditions under which the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party is being held.

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Panjutha on August 7 met Imran Khan in jail. After the visit, he revealed, “I asked Khan sahib about the situation in jail after his arrest. He said he is being kept in a dark, small, C-Class, chakki wala (manual labour) room. He said there is an open washroom there, which does not have a shower.&nbsp;He said the jail has flies in the morning and insects in the evening."&nbsp;

<h2>Bushra Bibi's letter&nbsp;</h2>

Bushra Bibi, in a letter dated August 17, addressed to the Punjab home secretary,&nbsp;sought her husband's transfer from District Jail Attock to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. She expressed apprehension that Imran Khan's life might be at risk due to the possibility of poisoning while in custody.

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“He may be poisoned in the jail through food as the ones responsible and perpetrators of previous attacks are still at large and have not been captured by the law enforcement agencies,” Bushra said in the letter.

<h2>Calls for legal inquiry</h2>

Bushra Bibi questioned the justification for her husband's detention at Attock jail and underscored his eligibility for B-Class facilities based on his stature and achievements.&nbsp;She cited his role as the former captain of Pakistan's national cricket team, his status as an Oxford University alumnus, and his past position as the prime minister of Pakistan.

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“It was duty of the jail authorities to provide him all the facilities within 48 hours but even after lapse of 12 days no facility whatsoever has been provided which is disgrace to the leader of the largest political party,” she said. “An exhaustive legal inquiry be undertaken to elucidate the legality of his current detention within your jurisdiction,” she appealed to the provincial home secretary.

In addition to requesting B-Class facilities, Bushra Bibi asked for provisions such as access to home-cooked meals and the ability to consult his personal physician.

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Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi has expressed fears regarding her husband's safety at District Jail Attock, Punjab saying his life might be at risk due to the possibility of poisoning while in custody.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi has expressed fears regarding her husband's safety at District Jail Attock, Punjab saying his life might be at risk due to the possibility of poisoning while in custody. An Islamabad court on August 5 found Imran Khan guilty in a case related to the non-disclosure of information about state gifts and sentenced him to three years in prison. Following the verdict, he was apprehended by Punjab police from his residence in Zaman Park, Lahore, and taken to District Jail Attock. Imran Khan's lawyer, Naeem Haider Panjutha, has repeatedly criticised the conditions under which the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party is being held. Also Read | Niger's new Prime Minister says no harm will come to captive President Mohamed Bazoum Panjutha on August 7 met Imran Khan in jail. After the visit, he revealed, “I asked Khan sahib about the situation in jail after his arrest. He said he is being kept in a dark, small, C-Class, chakki wala (manual labour) room. He said there is an open washroom there, which does not have a shower. He said the jail has flies in the morning and insects in the evening." Bushra Bibi's letter Bushra Bibi, in a letter dated August 17, addressed to the Punjab home secretary, sought her husband's transfer from District Jail Attock to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. She expressed apprehension that Imran Khan's life might be at risk due to the possibility of poisoning while in custody. Also Read | Brazil: Bolsonaro's legal troubles mount as SC Justice authorises probe into his finances “He may be poisoned in the jail through food as the ones responsible and perpetrators of previous attacks are still at large and have not been captured by the law enforcement agencies,” Bushra said in the letter. Calls for legal inquiry Bushra Bibi questioned the justification for her husband's detention at Attock jail and underscored his eligibility for B-Class facilities based on his stature and achievements. She cited his role as the former captain of Pakistan's national cricket team, his status as an Oxford University alumnus, and his past position as the prime minister of Pakistan. Watch | Has China's growth story hit a roadblock? × “It was duty of the jail authorities to provide him all the facilities within 48 hours but even after lapse of 12 days no facility whatsoever has been provided which is disgrace to the leader of the largest political party,” she said. “An exhaustive legal inquiry be undertaken to elucidate the legality of his current detention within your jurisdiction,” she appealed to the provincial home secretary. In addition to requesting B-Class facilities, Bushra Bibi asked for provisions such as access to home-cooked meals and the ability to consult his personal physician. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Pakistan: Bushra Bibi fears 'poison' plot against husband Imran Khan in jail

FIA's Counter-Terrorism Wing has registered a case against the former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for allegedly misplacing a 'top-secret' diplomatic cypher.

Counter-terrorism wing of FIA registered a case against Imran khan

The Indian Air Force has inducted four new Heron Mk2 UAVs into its arsenal giving a major boost to India’s surveillance capabilities along its Northern Border. It can operate for 36 hours at a stretch and conduct 24x7 surveillance operations. It can gather intelligence from afar without even crossing the border. What is India preparing for? Watch the Game Plan with Shivan Chanana.

India gets Heron Mk2 Drones - can target Pak and China in a single sortie

On Inside South Asia with Dasuni Athauda: -'Democracy, Demography, Diversity': 76 years of independent India -Pakistan at 76: Political turmoil in the country continues -Second anniversary of Taliban 2.0: Afghanistan pushed back into an abyss -North India Monsoon Horrors continue -Snake boat race - an iconic Kerala event

India and Pak 76: Two nations, two contrasting journeys

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will challenge the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) delimitation decision in the Supreme Court. According to a report by The News on Thursday (August 17), the PTI rejected the commission's proposal and vowed to challenge the Council of Common Interest’s (CCI) decision on the new census in the Supreme Court.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will challenge the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) delimitation decision in the Supreme Court. According to a report by The News on Thursday (August 17), the PTI rejected the commission's proposal and vowed to challenge the Council of Common Interest’s (CCI) decision on the new census in the Supreme Court. A PTI spokesperson alleged that the schedule for the delimitation issued by the ECP was malicious and a clear deviation from the Constitution. The PTI also said that if the National Assembly is dissolved before the completion of its tenure, the Constitution clearly states that the poll body is bound to hold polls within 90 days. The poll organising authority, after violating the apex court's order on elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), is once again trying to violate the Constitution. ECP announces schedule of delimitation Earlier, the ECP had announced the schedule of delimitation to be carried out as per the new census approved by the CCI earlier this month. According to the schedule, the delimitation of the constituencies across the country will be notified in December. The delimitation would take nearly four months. This means that general elections in Pakistan cannot be held within 90 days of the dissolution of the provincial and national assemblies. The report also said that if PTI files a plea in the top court then it would be the second such petition filed regarding the CCI decision. Pak appoints caretaker cabinet On Thursday, the Pakistani establishment swore in a caretaker cabinet under interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar. The cabinet has been tasked with running the country until fresh elections. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the cabinet's top job will be to lead Pakistan towards economic stabilisation. In the interim cabinet, former central bank chief Shamshad Akhtar was appointed as finance minister and Pakistan's former ambassador to the United States, Jalil Abbas Jilani, was named foreign minister. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan: Imran Khan's PTI to challenge delimitation decision in Supreme Court

21 churches along with some buildings around it have been vandalised in Pakistan's Faisalabad following allegations of blasphemy against a family. Over 100 people were arrested for violence. Rights groups hold protests in Pakistan demanding justice.

Pakistan church attacks: Rights groups demands justice

The members of the newly appointed interim cabinet in Pakistan in fact took their oath on Thursday. This comes days after the Pakistani Nation dissolved its National Assembly and announced Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar as its caretaker prime minister.

Wife of Kashmiri separatist in Pakistan's interim cabinet

Three policemen in Karachi, Pakistan were wounded after unidentified men hurled a hand grenade at a police vehicle, reported ARY News on Thursday (August 17).

As per the report, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Karachi said that a hand grenade cracker was allegedly hurled at a police vehicle in Sachal, leaving three police personnel with wounds.

Meanwhile, a similar incident was reported in the Balochistan province's Naseerabad where unidentified men hurled a hand grenade at SSP's squad in Dera Murad Jamali.

As per police officials, SSP Naseerabad Hussain Lehri was coming back from a routine patrol along with his squad when the hand grenade exploded. No one was wounded in the incident.

After the blast, the police, Counter Terrorism Department, and the&nbsp;bomb disposal squad rushed to the site and sealed the area.

As per ARY News reports, another grenade incident was reported earlier which&nbsp;claimed the lives of two policemen and injured two others after a hand grenade went off at Karachi police headquarters in the Garden area.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-department-expresses-concern-over-attacks-on-christian-community-in-pakistan-626235">US State Department expresses concern over attacks on Christian community in Pakistan</a>

“Two police personnel are being treated for serious wounds,” the hospital sources said.

“The incident occurred at Garden police headquarters,” the police said, adding that the deceased police personnel were identified as Shahzad and Sabir. The injured were identified as sub-inspectors Saeed and Gohar.

Earlier this month, five people, including two policemen, were wounded in a grenade attack on Quetta's Joint Road, as per Dawn.

As per SSP's Operations Captain (retired) Zohaib Mohsin, first, an exchange of fire was reported between policemen and unknown assailants. Later on, the attackers tossed a hand grenade and escaped from the spot.

Dr Waseem Baig, a spokesperson for the Quetta Civil Hospital, said that the wounded, including a woman and two policemen, were brought to the hospital.

Baig said the wounded were being given medical attention, adding that they were "out of danger."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Three policemen in Karachi, Pakistan were wounded after unidentified men hurled a hand grenade at a police vehicle, reported ARY News on Thursday (August 17). As per the report, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Karachi said that a hand grenade cracker was allegedly hurled at a police vehicle in Sachal, leaving three police personnel with wounds.

Three policemen in Karachi, Pakistan were wounded after unidentified men hurled a hand grenade at a police vehicle, reported ARY News on Thursday (August 17). As per the report, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Karachi said that a hand grenade cracker was allegedly hurled at a police vehicle in Sachal, leaving three police personnel with wounds. Meanwhile, a similar incident was reported in the Balochistan province's Naseerabad where unidentified men hurled a hand grenade at SSP's squad in Dera Murad Jamali. As per police officials, SSP Naseerabad Hussain Lehri was coming back from a routine patrol along with his squad when the hand grenade exploded. No one was wounded in the incident. After the blast, the police, Counter Terrorism Department, and the bomb disposal squad rushed to the site and sealed the area. As per ARY News reports, another grenade incident was reported earlier which claimed the lives of two policemen and injured two others after a hand grenade went off at Karachi police headquarters in the Garden area. Also read: US State Department expresses concern over attacks on Christian community in Pakistan “Two police personnel are being treated for serious wounds,” the hospital sources said. “The incident occurred at Garden police headquarters,” the police said, adding that the deceased police personnel were identified as Shahzad and Sabir. The injured were identified as sub-inspectors Saeed and Gohar. Earlier this month, five people, including two policemen, were wounded in a grenade attack on Quetta's Joint Road, as per Dawn. As per SSP's Operations Captain (retired) Zohaib Mohsin, first, an exchange of fire was reported between policemen and unknown assailants. Later on, the attackers tossed a hand grenade and escaped from the spot. Dr Waseem Baig, a spokesperson for the Quetta Civil Hospital, said that the wounded, including a woman and two policemen, were brought to the hospital. Baig said the wounded were being given medical attention, adding that they were "out of danger." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan: Unidentified attackers hurl hand grenade at police vehicle in Karachi

A church along with some buildings around it have been vandalised in Pakistan's Faisalabad following allegations of blasphemy against a family. The incident has taken place in Faisalabad's Jaranwala Tehsil.

100 arrested over Blasphemy in Pakistan | Record rainfall in Germany

Pakistan Church attack: Church authorities demand justice and action | WION

The Pakistan cricket board has been forced to republish a promotional video highlighting the country's key achievements in the sport as the initial video released on Pakistan's Independence Day didn't have a single visual of Imran Khan. The former Captain Waseem Akram led the backlash against the PCB for airbrushing the former prime minister but also Pakistan's greatest cricketer out of the earlier video three days after uploading the original clip on the microblogging site X formerly known as Twitter. The PCB has put out an updated version which they call the complete version the PCB attempted to do damage control by claiming some important Clips had been omitted due to time constraints.

Pakistan cricket board includes Imran Khan in a new tribute video

Are Christians in Pakistan under attack? On Wednesday, 6 churches were attacked in Pakistan's Faisalabad. Why were the churches targeted? What are the authorities doing? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Are Christians in Pakistan under attack?

The Pakistan cricket board is facing flak for omitting Imran Khan from a tribute video. Was the omission deliberate?

Gravitas: Why did PCB omit Imran Khan from its tribute video?

Pakistan: Several Churches set ablaze in Faisalabad, paramilitary deployed

Pakistan: Mob attack on Church in Faisalabad, Church authorities demand justice and action

Pakistan: Mob attack on Church in Faisalabad following Blasphemy allegations on Christian family

The latest setback for former prime minister Imran Khan his nephew Hassan Niazi has been arrested from the country's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. But according to sources, he is an active member of Pakistan's Tehreek-e-Insaaf and is a lawyer who was picked up from his house after several days of hoarding.

Trouble mounts for Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan

India commemorates the atrocities of the Partition on August 14. It is an homage to the millions of people who endured the social unrest and bloodshed that followed the British departure.

August 14: Partiton Horrors | How India fed, clothed, housed and resettled millions of migrants

Anwarul Haq Kakar, a prominent member of the Pushtun ethnic group who is thought to be sympathetic to the powerful military, was sworn in as Pakistan's caretaker prime minister on Monday. He will lead a neutral political setup to govern the impoverished nation and hold the upcoming general elections.

Pakistan: Anwar Ulhaq Kakar sworn in as the 24th Prime Minister

Pakistan celebrated the 76th anniversary of its independence on August 14. How has the country fared in these 76 years? What has it achieved? Mohammed Saleh brings you a report.

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A Chinese Convoy has been attacked in Pakistan. The incident took place near the Gwadar port in the Balochistan province of the country. Separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army has taken responsibility for the incident. According to our sources, one person from the entourage sustained minor injuries.

Pakistan: Terror attack near Balochistan's Gwadar port; 1 Chinese engineer sustain injuries

Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar, a teacher-turned politician from Pakistan's restive province of Balochistan, is now Pakistan's prime minister with a much-discussed 'caretaker' prefix.&nbsp;

Kakar, Pakistan's 24th&nbsp;prime minister since country's existence in 1947, heads the Balochistan Awami Party formed in 2018 by a group of dissidents from former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and a second short-tenured Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain's Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid e Azam group) parties.

The second group of dissidents led by Shujaat Hussain has been a vocal supporter of military-intelligence nexus of Pakistani power centre dubbed as the 'establishment'. Hussain was one of the top proponents of the 1999 coup by the then army chief Pervez Musharraf, and has been described as army's man in Pakistani electoral politics since.&nbsp;

Elected to the National Assembly in 2018, The senator has done a Master’s in political science and sociology from University of Balochistan and started his career by teaching in a school in his native town, it reported.&nbsp;

Kakar has served as the chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. He was also a member of the Business Advisory Committee, Finance and Revenue, Foreign Affairs and Science and Technology.

<h2>Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar as Pakistani PM: Why it matters?</h2>

Because the elections in Pakistan will not be held for another four-five months.

Pakistan's election body had said it is ready to hold national elections in October but&nbsp;an official schedule has not been released. However, according to Pakistani law, elections must be held within 90 days of the dissolution of the National Assmebly, an event that occurred earlier this week.&nbsp;

Pakistan People's Party leader Raja Riaz, who served as Leader of Opposition in the now-dissolved Pakistan's National Assembly told the Dawn newspaper that it was decided that the "caretaker PM should be someone from a smaller province and a non-controversial personality".

"Our aim was to remove the sense of deprivation in small provinces," Riaz added.&nbsp;

Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar ticks many boxes to be established as caretaker prime minister of Pakistan.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-supporters-want-to-push-pakistan-into-civil-war-army-591079">Imran Khan's supporters 'want to push Pakistan into civil war': Army</a>

He hails from Balochistan, a province where armed separatism continues to show the signs of belligerence.&nbsp;

He belongs to the Kakar tribe, a Pashtun tribe based in northern Balochistan, parts of Iran and southern Afghanistan. Thereby he is being seen as representative of both the Pashtuns and Balochs.&nbsp;

<h2>Why Pakistan needs a caretaker Prime Minister?</h2>

A caretaker government is a temporary administration in charge of overseeing day-to-day affairs and ensuring smooth transition of power through free and fair elections.&nbsp;

Such interim prime ministers are often appointed in countries with history of coup d'etats and fragile democratic structures dominated by the military.

In the case of Pakistan, India's western neighbour, a caretaker interim government's term is limited from 60 to 90 days. This administration is responsible for maintaining law and order and continuing governance in the country while ensuring free and fair elections and subsequent smooth transition of power.&nbsp;

In Pakistan, caretaker governments were introduced to the 1973 Constitution by General Zia-ul-Haq in 1985 under the Revival of Constitution of 1973 Order (RCO).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-arrest-how-isi-angels-rule-pakistan-590710">Imran Khan arrest: How ISI 'angels' rule Pakistan</a>

Earlier, the Constitution stated that while the National Assembly is dissolved, heads of the government such as the prime minister, and the cabinet, would continue to hold office until the new government is elected. &nbsp;

Thereby, once the President or governor dissolves the National Assembly, a caretaker cabinet has to be appointed until a new prime minister is elected.&nbsp;

Such structure has evolved in Pakistan to prevent election rigging.&nbsp;

This amendment was further strengthened in 2010 through the 18th Amendment of the Constitution, which stated that the interim prime minister shall be selected by the president or governor in consultation with the outgoing PM and the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly.&nbsp;

The family members of the caretaker Prime Minister cannot contest in the upcoming elections.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-is-being-run-by-the-establishment-imran-khan-tells-wion-598796">Exclusive | Pakistan is being run by the 'establishment': Imran Khan</a>

A 2012 amendment removed the authority of the president or governor in the selection process and said that, in case the prime minister and opposition leader cannot reach a consensus, the speaker of the assembly and then the Election Commission of Pakistan will choose the interim prime minister out of two given nominees.&nbsp;

Pakistan is in the middle of a&nbsp;political turmoil since former Prime Minister Imran Khan lost a&nbsp;vote of no confidence in Pakistan's parliament in April last year. The cricketer-turned-politician&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-C1Ff5x5MU">blames the military and the United States for plotting to remove him</a>.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/to-coup-or-not-coup-pakistan-armys-options-after-imran-khans-mini-intifada-592986">To coup or not coup: Pakistan Army’s options after Imran Khan’s 'mini-intifada'</a>

In January this year, Khan, who heads the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, got the assemblies in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces his party dominated, dissolved in a bid to force snap elections.

Khan remains under arrest with a prison sentence of three years after being convicted by a court of selling state gifts when he was prime minister.

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Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar, a teacher-turned politician from Pakistan's restive province of Balochistan, is now Pakistan's prime minister with a much-discussed 'caretaker' prefix.

Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar, a teacher-turned politician from Pakistan's restive province of Balochistan, is now Pakistan's prime minister with a much-discussed 'caretaker' prefix. Kakar, Pakistan's 24th prime minister since country's existence in 1947, heads the Balochistan Awami Party formed in 2018 by a group of dissidents from former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and a second short-tenured Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain's Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid e Azam group) parties. The second group of dissidents led by Shujaat Hussain has been a vocal supporter of military-intelligence nexus of Pakistani power centre dubbed as the 'establishment'. Hussain was one of the top proponents of the 1999 coup by the then army chief Pervez Musharraf, and has been described as army's man in Pakistani electoral politics since. Elected to the National Assembly in 2018, The senator has done a Master’s in political science and sociology from University of Balochistan and started his career by teaching in a school in his native town, it reported. Kakar has served as the chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. He was also a member of the Business Advisory Committee, Finance and Revenue, Foreign Affairs and Science and Technology. Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar as Pakistani PM: Why it matters? Because the elections in Pakistan will not be held for another four-five months. Pakistan's election body had said it is ready to hold national elections in October but an official schedule has not been released. However, according to Pakistani law, elections must be held within 90 days of the dissolution of the National Assmebly, an event that occurred earlier this week. Pakistan People's Party leader Raja Riaz, who served as Leader of Opposition in the now-dissolved Pakistan's National Assembly told the Dawn newspaper that it was decided that the "caretaker PM should be someone from a smaller province and a non-controversial personality". "Our aim was to remove the sense of deprivation in small provinces," Riaz added. Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar ticks many boxes to be established as caretaker prime minister of Pakistan. Also read | Imran Khan's supporters 'want to push Pakistan into civil war': Army He hails from Balochistan, a province where armed separatism continues to show the signs of belligerence. He belongs to the Kakar tribe, a Pashtun tribe based in northern Balochistan, parts of Iran and southern Afghanistan. Thereby he is being seen as representative of both the Pashtuns and Balochs. Why Pakistan needs a caretaker Prime Minister? A caretaker government is a temporary administration in charge of overseeing day-to-day affairs and ensuring smooth transition of power through free and fair elections. Such interim prime ministers are often appointed in countries with history of coup d'etats and fragile democratic structures dominated by the military. In the case of Pakistan, India's western neighbour, a caretaker interim government's term is limited from 60 to 90 days. This administration is responsible for maintaining law and order and continuing governance in the country while ensuring free and fair elections and subsequent smooth transition of power. In Pakistan, caretaker governments were introduced to the 1973 Constitution by General Zia-ul-Haq in 1985 under the Revival of Constitution of 1973 Order (RCO). Also read | Imran Khan arrest: How ISI 'angels' rule Pakistan Earlier, the Constitution stated that while the National Assembly is dissolved, heads of the government such as the prime minister, and the cabinet, would continue to hold office until the new government is elected. Thereby, once the President or governor dissolves the National Assembly, a caretaker cabinet has to be appointed until a new prime minister is elected. Such structure has evolved in Pakistan to prevent election rigging. This amendment was further strengthened in 2010 through the 18th Amendment of the Constitution, which stated that the interim prime minister shall be selected by the president or governor in consultation with the outgoing PM and the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly. The family members of the caretaker Prime Minister cannot contest in the upcoming elections. Also read | Exclusive | Pakistan is being run by the 'establishment': Imran Khan A 2012 amendment removed the authority of the president or governor in the selection process and said that, in case the prime minister and opposition leader cannot reach a consensus, the speaker of the assembly and then the Election Commission of Pakistan will choose the interim prime minister out of two given nominees. Pakistan is in the middle of a political turmoil since former Prime Minister Imran Khan lost a vote of no confidence in Pakistan's parliament in April last year. The cricketer-turned-politician blames the military and the United States for plotting to remove him. Also read | To coup or not coup: Pakistan Army’s options after Imran Khan’s 'mini-intifada' In January this year, Khan, who heads the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, got the assemblies in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces his party dominated, dissolved in a bid to force snap elections. Khan remains under arrest with a prison sentence of three years after being convicted by a court of selling state gifts when he was prime minister. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar established as Pakistan's caretaker PM. Why it matters

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