In a controversial ruling on March 25, 2026, a court in Pakistan upheld the validity of the marriage of a 13-year-old Christian girl, Maria Shahbaz, to a 40-year-old Muslim man, raising serious concerns over the protection of minors and the rights of religious minorities in the country. Following the move, Christians across the country have staged protests, voicing concern over the federal court’s decision and calling for justice.&nbsp;The Lahore-based Catholic Church has heavily objected to the court decision over the minor Christian girl, calling it a “grave failure of justice”. Archbishop Khalid Rehmat said in a formal statement that the decision of the court appears to legitimise the marriage of a minor in cases involving allegations of kidnapping and forced conversion. He said the decision has caused "deep grief" to the community.<h3>Church claims forceful conversion</h3>The Archdiocese stated that the case concerns a minor girl, Maria, with allegations of abduction and forced conversion. It noted that the lack of clear consent makes the marriage highly concerning. In its statement, the Church warned that the ruling goes beyond a single case and could undermine safeguards for vulnerable girls nationwide. It also said the decision seems to contradict Pakistan’s laws, which set the legal marriage age at 18, as well as its international human rights obligations. &nbsp;In a message sent to RVA on April 1, a Catholic leader stressed that such cases should be handled strictly under existing laws, which set the legal marriage age at 18. He voiced concern that safeguards meant to protect minors are not being enforced consistently. “This situation is deeply troubling, and the apparent inconsistency in the application of laws designed to protect minors undermines confidence in the justice system and raises grave concerns about the safety and dignity of vulnerable communities,” the archbishop said, the Radio Veritas Asia reported. “Reaffirming respect for the independence of the judiciary, I stress that courts have a fundamental responsibility to ensure that all allegations, particularly those involving forced conversion and underage marriage, are investigated in a transparent, impartial, and just manner," the archbishop added.&nbsp;The archbishop reaffirmed the commitment of the Church in order to advocate for justice, dignity, and equal protection for all citizens, especially the most vulnerable. He urged the relevant officials to act swiftly and effectively to safeguard minors, uphold constitutional rights, and fulfil Pakistan’s commitments to international human rights standards. According to her family, Maria Shahbaz was allegedly abducted, forcibly converted, and married without her consent. She was reportedly just 12 years old when she was taken on July 29, 2025. Joseph Jansen, chairman of Voice for Justice (VFJ), a human rights organisation, said, “This verdict sets a dangerous precedent, emboldening perpetrators to abduct and exploit minor girls from minority communities while undermining the state’s constitutional duty under Article 36 of the Pakistan Penal Code to protect minorities and prevent forced conversions.”<h3>Church demands review</h3>The Church demanded an immediate review of the decision of the court, along with a transparent probe into the case. It also urged officials to ensure accountability for those involved. It also appealed to the judiciary, government and civil society to take action accordingly to restore trust in the justice system. “The protection of children is not optional,” the statement said, highlighting it as a moral, legal and national responsibility. &nbsp;

Christians across the country have staged protests, voicing concern over the federal court’s decision and calling for justice. The Lahore-based Catholic Church has heavily objected to the court decision over the minor Christian girl, calling it a grave failure of justice. 

In a controversial ruling on March 25, 2026, a court in Pakistan upheld the validity of the marriage of a 13-year-old Christian girl, Maria Shahbaz, to a 40-year-old Muslim man, raising serious concerns over the protection of minors and the rights of religious minorities in the country. Following the move, Christians across the country have staged protests, voicing concern over the federal court’s decision and calling for justice. The Lahore-based Catholic Church has heavily objected to the court decision over the minor Christian girl, calling it a “grave failure of justice”. Archbishop Khalid Rehmat said in a formal statement that the decision of the court appears to legitimise the marriage of a minor in cases involving allegations of kidnapping and forced conversion. He said the decision has caused "deep grief" to the community. Church claims forceful conversion The Archdiocese stated that the case concerns a minor girl, Maria, with allegations of abduction and forced conversion. It noted that the lack of clear consent makes the marriage highly concerning. In its statement, the Church warned that the ruling goes beyond a single case and could undermine safeguards for vulnerable girls nationwide. It also said the decision seems to contradict Pakistan’s laws, which set the legal marriage age at 18, as well as its international human rights obligations. In a message sent to RVA on April 1, a Catholic leader stressed that such cases should be handled strictly under existing laws, which set the legal marriage age at 18. He voiced concern that safeguards meant to protect minors are not being enforced consistently. “This situation is deeply troubling, and the apparent inconsistency in the application of laws designed to protect minors undermines confidence in the justice system and raises grave concerns about the safety and dignity of vulnerable communities,” the archbishop said, the Radio Veritas Asia reported. “Reaffirming respect for the independence of the judiciary, I stress that courts have a fundamental responsibility to ensure that all allegations, particularly those involving forced conversion and underage marriage, are investigated in a transparent, impartial, and just manner," the archbishop added. The archbishop reaffirmed the commitment of the Church in order to advocate for justice, dignity, and equal protection for all citizens, especially the most vulnerable. He urged the relevant officials to act swiftly and effectively to safeguard minors, uphold constitutional rights, and fulfil Pakistan’s commitments to international human rights standards. According to her family, Maria Shahbaz was allegedly abducted, forcibly converted, and married without her consent. She was reportedly just 12 years old when she was taken on July 29, 2025. Joseph Jansen, chairman of Voice for Justice (VFJ), a human rights organisation, said, “This verdict sets a dangerous precedent, emboldening perpetrators to abduct and exploit minor girls from minority communities while undermining the state’s constitutional duty under Article 36 of the Pakistan Penal Code to protect minorities and prevent forced conversions.” Church demands review The Church demanded an immediate review of the decision of the court, along with a transparent probe into the case. It also urged officials to ensure accountability for those involved. It also appealed to the judiciary, government and civil society to take action accordingly to restore trust in the justice system. “The protection of children is not optional,” the statement said, highlighting it as a moral, legal and national responsibility.

Christians across the country have staged protests, voicing concern over the federal court’s decision and calling for justice. The Lahore-based Catholic Church has heavily objected to the court decision over the minor Christian girl, calling it a grave failure of justice.&nbsp;

Why are Christians in Pakistan protesting against court ruling? Complete details here

A man in Pakistan was sentenced to 80 lashes after he refused to admit paternity of his child. He also had falsely accused his ex-wife of adultery.&nbsp;

The rare punishment was announced after the man's ex-wife had filed a complaint in court.&nbsp;

She said that they got married in February 2015. They lived together for around one month. She gave birth to a baby girl later that year in December. But the man refused to take her back to his home and didn't even provide maintenance.&nbsp;

Two applications were submitted by the husband in court during the proceedings. He had requested a DNA test for the child and disowned his daughter. However, he subsequently withdrew the applications.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-in-pakistan-do-not-want-to-follow-security-discipline-maryam-nawaz-says-after-suicide-bombing-708438">‘Chinese in Pakistan do not want to follow security discipline,’ says Maryam Nawaz after suicide bombing</a>&nbsp;

The court gave the order in favour of the woman and also directed the convict to provide maintenance for his daughter and former wife.&nbsp;

Pakistan-based newspaper DAWN reported that Additional District and Sessions Judge (Malir) Shehnaz Bohyo convicted Fareed Qadir under Section 7(1) of the Offence of Qazf (Enforcement Of Hadd) Ordinance, 1979 for disowning his legal child and making false accusations against his ex-wife.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-security-forces-eliminate-10-terrorists-in-anti-terror-ops-across-country-708457">Pakistan security forces eliminate 12 terrorists in three anti-terror operations across country</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Vehicle carrying Chinese nationals was not even bulletproof, says report&nbsp;

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The section of the ordinance reads: "Whoever commits qazf liable to hadd shall be punished with whipping numbering eighty stripes."&nbsp;

As quoted by the report, the judge in his verdict wrote: "It is crystal clear that the accused is a liar and had fabricated an allegation of Qazf upon the complainant regarding illegitimacy of her daughter…"&nbsp;

"Thus, he is convicted and sentenced to 80 stripes each under section 7(1) of the Qazf Ordinance, 1979," the verdict added.&nbsp;

It added, "As the accused is sentenced to whipping only… he shall remain on bail, provided that he agrees to appear at the time and place designated by this court for the execution of the punishment of whipping, following the confirmation of the conviction and sentence by the court of appeal, and submits a bail bond in the sum of Rs100,000."&nbsp;

Any other&nbsp;evidence by man shall not be admissible in any court of law following the confirmation of the conviction from the Federal Shariat Court, the court ruled.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A man in Pakistan was sentenced to 80 lashes after he refused to admit paternity of his child. He also had falsely accused his ex-wife of adultery. The rare punishment was announced after the man's ex-wife had filed a complaint in court.

A man in Pakistan was sentenced to 80 lashes after he refused to admit paternity of his child. He also had falsely accused his ex-wife of adultery. The rare punishment was announced after the man's ex-wife had filed a complaint in court. She said that they got married in February 2015. They lived together for around one month. She gave birth to a baby girl later that year in December. But the man refused to take her back to his home and didn't even provide maintenance. Two applications were submitted by the husband in court during the proceedings. He had requested a DNA test for the child and disowned his daughter. However, he subsequently withdrew the applications. Also read: ‘Chinese in Pakistan do not want to follow security discipline,’ says Maryam Nawaz after suicide bombing The court gave the order in favour of the woman and also directed the convict to provide maintenance for his daughter and former wife. Pakistan-based newspaper DAWN reported that Additional District and Sessions Judge (Malir) Shehnaz Bohyo convicted Fareed Qadir under Section 7(1) of the Offence of Qazf (Enforcement Of Hadd) Ordinance, 1979 for disowning his legal child and making false accusations against his ex-wife. Also read: Pakistan security forces eliminate 12 terrorists in three anti-terror operations across country Watch: Vehicle carrying Chinese nationals was not even bulletproof, says report × The section of the ordinance reads: "Whoever commits qazf liable to hadd shall be punished with whipping numbering eighty stripes." As quoted by the report, the judge in his verdict wrote: "It is crystal clear that the accused is a liar and had fabricated an allegation of Qazf upon the complainant regarding illegitimacy of her daughter…" "Thus, he is convicted and sentenced to 80 stripes each under section 7(1) of the Qazf Ordinance, 1979," the verdict added. It added, "As the accused is sentenced to whipping only… he shall remain on bail, provided that he agrees to appear at the time and place designated by this court for the execution of the punishment of whipping, following the confirmation of the conviction and sentence by the court of appeal, and submits a bail bond in the sum of Rs100,000." Any other evidence by man shall not be admissible in any court of law following the confirmation of the conviction from the Federal Shariat Court, the court ruled. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan court sentences man to 80 lashes for disowning legal child, seeking DNA test

In a crucial case that would determine the permanent disqualification of a number of prominent politicians, including former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan, the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday postponed making a decision. The decision is anticipated to settle the dispute about the duration of disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution and the Elections Act of 2017 once and for all.

Pakistan Supreme Court reserves verdict in lifetime disqualification case

A Pakistani court on Saturday (Nov 18) acquitted former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and ten others in a major housing corruption case.

Amongst those acquitted by the accountability court in the mega Ashiana-i-Iqbal Housing Scheme corruption case were caretaker Privatisation Minister Fawad Hasan Fawad and former director general of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Ahad Khan Cheema.

<h2>What were the allegations against Shehbaz Sharif?</h2>

Pakistan’s top anti-corruption agency National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in 2018 had accused Sharif of causing damages to public funds by ordering the cancellation of a contract given to bidder Chaudhry Latif and Sons for the controversial low-cost Ashiana housing scheme.

The housing scheme was launched by the provincial government of Punjab back in 2010.

Instead, Sharif awarded the contract to Lahore Casa Developers, a proxy group of Paragon City Private Limited. This resulted in a loss of 193 million Pakistani rupees.

He was also accused of directing the Punjab Land Development Company (PLDC) to assign the project to LDA (Lahore Development Authority), which caused an estimated loss of 715 million Pakistani rupees and the ultimate failure of the housing project.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Who is killing terrorists in Pakistan?

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The ex-Punjab chief minister was also accused of awarding a contract to Engineering Consultancy Services Punjab for 192 million Pak Rupees, while the actual cost of the services was just 35 million.

Shehbaz Sharif and company were earlier indicted in the case in 2019.

<h2>NAB issues clean chit to Shehbaz</h2>

Earlier this year, the NAB cleared Shehbaz from any wrongdoing. On Saturday (Nov 18), the court heard their acquittal pleas and accepted them.

On November 2, Judge Malik Ali Zulqarnain Awan of the accountability court reserved the verdict after concluding the final arguments presented by the counsels and the NAB prosecutors on acquittal pleas, Geo News reported.&nbsp;

“There is no probability of the conviction in the case,” the judge observed in his judgment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-keeping-close-tabs-on-chinese-pakistani-naval-drills-in-northern-arabian-sea-sources-to-wion-658875">Also read:&nbsp;India keeping close tab on China-Pakistan naval drills in northern Arabian Sea: Sources to WION</a>

Soon after the acquittal was announced, leaders from Shehbaz’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party rushed to congratulate the party president.

Former information minister Marriyum Aurangzeb declared it was a “false case for the sake of political vendetta.” 
 
“False cases were made by blackmailing the NAB chairman. After making up false cases, slanders and accusations were made,” she said on social media platform X.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Pakistani court on Saturday (Nov 18) acquitted former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and ten others in a major housing corruption case. Amongst those acquitted by the accountability court in the mega Ashiana-i-Iqbal Housing Scheme corruption case were caretaker Privatisation Minister Fawad Hasan Fawad and former director general of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Ahad Khan Cheema.

A Pakistani court on Saturday (Nov 18) acquitted former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and ten others in a major housing corruption case. Amongst those acquitted by the accountability court in the mega Ashiana-i-Iqbal Housing Scheme corruption case were caretaker Privatisation Minister Fawad Hasan Fawad and former director general of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Ahad Khan Cheema. What were the allegations against Shehbaz Sharif? Pakistan’s top anti-corruption agency National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in 2018 had accused Sharif of causing damages to public funds by ordering the cancellation of a contract given to bidder Chaudhry Latif and Sons for the controversial low-cost Ashiana housing scheme. The housing scheme was launched by the provincial government of Punjab back in 2010. Instead, Sharif awarded the contract to Lahore Casa Developers, a proxy group of Paragon City Private Limited. This resulted in a loss of 193 million Pakistani rupees. He was also accused of directing the Punjab Land Development Company (PLDC) to assign the project to LDA (Lahore Development Authority), which caused an estimated loss of 715 million Pakistani rupees and the ultimate failure of the housing project. Watch: Gravitas: Who is killing terrorists in Pakistan? × The ex-Punjab chief minister was also accused of awarding a contract to Engineering Consultancy Services Punjab for 192 million Pak Rupees, while the actual cost of the services was just 35 million. Shehbaz Sharif and company were earlier indicted in the case in 2019. NAB issues clean chit to Shehbaz Earlier this year, the NAB cleared Shehbaz from any wrongdoing. On Saturday (Nov 18), the court heard their acquittal pleas and accepted them. On November 2, Judge Malik Ali Zulqarnain Awan of the accountability court reserved the verdict after concluding the final arguments presented by the counsels and the NAB prosecutors on acquittal pleas, Geo News reported. “There is no probability of the conviction in the case,” the judge observed in his judgment. Also read: India keeping close tab on China-Pakistan naval drills in northern Arabian Sea: Sources to WION Soon after the acquittal was announced, leaders from Shehbaz’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party rushed to congratulate the party president. Former information minister Marriyum Aurangzeb declared it was a “false case for the sake of political vendetta.” “False cases were made by blackmailing the NAB chairman. After making up false cases, slanders and accusations were made,” she said on social media platform X. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan court acquits ex-PM Shehbaz Sharif, 10 others in major housing corruption case

An accountability court in Pakistan on Friday (Nov 10) ordered the authorities to release all properties and assets, which were seized from former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in 2020.&nbsp;

The Islamabad accountability court's judge Muhammad Bashir heard the Toshakhana corruption case against the 73-year-old Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo.&nbsp;

Sharif returned to Pakistan on Oct 21 after roughly four years of self-imposed exile in London and within a couple of days, he was granted bail by a local court in connection with the corruption cases registered against him.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-fisherman-sells-rare-fish-becomes-millionaire-overnight-657403">Pakistan fisherman sells rare fish, becomes millionaire overnight</a>&nbsp;

He was in exile when he was serving a seven-year imprisonment at Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail in the Al-Azizia Mills case before he was allowed to proceed to London in 2019 on "medical grounds".&nbsp;

The judge ordered the return of all of the properties, vehicles, and bank accounts of&nbsp;the three-time former prime minister, which were taken when the accountability court instructed to do so during a hearing in the Toshakhana case after he was declared an absconder by the Islamabad High Court.&nbsp;

A 1,650-kanal agricultural land in Lahore, a Mercedes, a Land Cruiser, two tractors, local and foreign bank accounts, a home in Murree, and 102-kanal land in Sheikhupura are among the assets.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-military-junta-says-offensive-by-rebel-groups-funded-by-drug-trade-657344">Myanmar military junta says offensive by rebel groups funded by drug trade</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Pak Fisherman Strikes Gold With Jaw-dropping Catch, Nets 70 Million Rupees&nbsp;

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Nawaz Sharif was granted protective bail earlier this week&nbsp;preventing his arrest, and the court did not give a fresh ruling on the bail decision.&nbsp;

While he cannot run for, or hold public office, until the conviction is overturned, his party says he aims to become prime minister for a fourth time.&nbsp;

It is a step toward ending the injustice, Sharif's party spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An accountability court in Pakistan on Friday (Nov 10) ordered the authorities to release all properties and assets, which were seized from former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in 2020.

An accountability court in Pakistan on Friday (Nov 10) ordered the authorities to release all properties and assets, which were seized from former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in 2020. The Islamabad accountability court's judge Muhammad Bashir heard the Toshakhana corruption case against the 73-year-old Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo. Sharif returned to Pakistan on Oct 21 after roughly four years of self-imposed exile in London and within a couple of days, he was granted bail by a local court in connection with the corruption cases registered against him. Also read: Pakistan fisherman sells rare fish, becomes millionaire overnight He was in exile when he was serving a seven-year imprisonment at Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail in the Al-Azizia Mills case before he was allowed to proceed to London in 2019 on "medical grounds". The judge ordered the return of all of the properties, vehicles, and bank accounts of the three-time former prime minister, which were taken when the accountability court instructed to do so during a hearing in the Toshakhana case after he was declared an absconder by the Islamabad High Court. A 1,650-kanal agricultural land in Lahore, a Mercedes, a Land Cruiser, two tractors, local and foreign bank accounts, a home in Murree, and 102-kanal land in Sheikhupura are among the assets. Also read: Myanmar military junta says offensive by rebel groups funded by drug trade Watch: Pak Fisherman Strikes Gold With Jaw-dropping Catch, Nets 70 Million Rupees × Nawaz Sharif was granted protective bail earlier this week preventing his arrest, and the court did not give a fresh ruling on the bail decision. While he cannot run for, or hold public office, until the conviction is overturned, his party says he aims to become prime minister for a fourth time. It is a step toward ending the injustice, Sharif's party spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said. (With inputs from agencies)

Nawaz Sharif: Pakistan court orders release of properties, assets seized from ex-PM in 2020

Jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday (August 29) received relief after&nbsp;the Islamabad High Court (IHC) suspended his three-year sentence in the Toshakhana case.&nbsp;

Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and&nbsp;Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahan­giri presided over the hearing and announced the much-anticipated verdict.&nbsp;

“The copy of the judgment will be available shortly...all we are saying now is that [Imran’s] request has been approved,” said&nbsp;Farooq.&nbsp;

Khan's lawyer Naeem Panjutha also confirmed the decision and said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief's request had been approved by the court.&nbsp;

"The Chief Justice has accepted our request, while suspending the sentence, he has said that a detailed decision will be taken later," posted&nbsp;Panjutha on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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چیف جسٹس صاحب نے ہماری درخواست منظور کر لی،سزا معطل کرتے ہوۓ کہا ہے کہ تفصیلی فیصلہ بعد میں لے لیجیے گا.
— Naeem Haider Panjutha (@NaeemPanjuthaa) <a href="https://twitter.com/NaeemPanjuthaa/status/1696432692743774218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Although Khan has received the judgement in his favour, it remains unknown if he will be released from the Attock jail where he has been imprisoned since being arrested by the Karachi police.&nbsp;

It was earlier this month (August 5) that the&nbsp;Islamabad trial court sentenced Khan to three years in prison in the Toshakhana case and banned him from politics for five years.&nbsp;

Subsequently, Khan filed an appeal in the HC against the conviction while approaching the Supreme Court to remand the case back to the trial judge who convicted him. After the arrest, a pre-recorded video of Khan was released by his party wherein he urged his supporters to not stop protesting.&nbsp;

“My Pakistanis, by the time this message reaches you, I will be arrested and put in jail. My only appeal to you is not to sit quietly at home. The struggle that I am going through, it is not for myself, it is for you. This struggle is for your generations. If you don't stand up for your rights, (but) live the life of a slave...Mind you, slaves have no life of their own. Slaves are like ants on land. They don’t make it to greater heights," said Khan.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-drops-sedition-case-against-imran-khan-629927">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan court drops sedition case against Imran Khan</a>

The verdict by the HC comes a week after the SC acknowledged 'procedural defects' in Khan's conviction. However, the apex court opted to wait for the HC's decision on Khan's plea.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Toshakhana corruption case?</h2>

The PTI chief is accused of concealing, in his asset declarations, details of the gifts he retained from the Toshakhana - the treasury&nbsp;established in 1974, where presents given to government officials from foreign officials are kept. The case came to the fore in August 2022 when the coalition government led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) filed the case against Imran.&nbsp;

It was alleged that Khan pocketed $36 million from selling three watches gifted to him. It is alleged that he never deposited some gifts in the treasury, violating the rule as the&nbsp;prime minister is allowed to retain the gifts only after paying a certain amount. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) later said it had disqualified Khan under Article 63(1)(p) of the constitution.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday (August 29) received relief after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) suspended his three-year sentence in the Toshakhana case.

Jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday (August 29) received relief after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) suspended his three-year sentence in the Toshakhana case. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri presided over the hearing and announced the much-anticipated verdict. “The copy of the judgment will be available shortly...all we are saying now is that [Imran’s] request has been approved,” said Farooq. Khan's lawyer Naeem Panjutha also confirmed the decision and said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief's request had been approved by the court. "The Chief Justice has accepted our request, while suspending the sentence, he has said that a detailed decision will be taken later," posted Panjutha on X, formerly known as Twitter. چیف جسٹس صاحب نے ہماری درخواست منظور کر لی،سزا معطل کرتے ہوۓ کہا ہے کہ تفصیلی فیصلہ بعد میں لے لیجیے گا. — Naeem Haider Panjutha (@NaeemPanjuthaa) August 29, 2023 × Although Khan has received the judgement in his favour, it remains unknown if he will be released from the Attock jail where he has been imprisoned since being arrested by the Karachi police. It was earlier this month (August 5) that the Islamabad trial court sentenced Khan to three years in prison in the Toshakhana case and banned him from politics for five years. Subsequently, Khan filed an appeal in the HC against the conviction while approaching the Supreme Court to remand the case back to the trial judge who convicted him. After the arrest, a pre-recorded video of Khan was released by his party wherein he urged his supporters to not stop protesting. “My Pakistanis, by the time this message reaches you, I will be arrested and put in jail. My only appeal to you is not to sit quietly at home. The struggle that I am going through, it is not for myself, it is for you. This struggle is for your generations. If you don't stand up for your rights, (but) live the life of a slave...Mind you, slaves have no life of their own. Slaves are like ants on land. They don’t make it to greater heights," said Khan. Also read | Pakistan court drops sedition case against Imran Khan The verdict by the HC comes a week after the SC acknowledged 'procedural defects' in Khan's conviction. However, the apex court opted to wait for the HC's decision on Khan's plea. What is the Toshakhana corruption case? The PTI chief is accused of concealing, in his asset declarations, details of the gifts he retained from the Toshakhana - the treasury established in 1974, where presents given to government officials from foreign officials are kept. The case came to the fore in August 2022 when the coalition government led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) filed the case against Imran. It was alleged that Khan pocketed $36 million from selling three watches gifted to him. It is alleged that he never deposited some gifts in the treasury, violating the rule as the prime minister is allowed to retain the gifts only after paying a certain amount. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) later said it had disqualified Khan under Article 63(1)(p) of the constitution. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Relief for Imran Khan as Pakistan court suspends jail sentence in Toshakhana case

Chaos descended upon a court in Pakistan Friday (July 21) after a monkey escaped from captivity of a security official and later climbed up a tree.&nbsp;

AFP reported that 14 monkeys were presented as evidence in the city court in Karachi in a wildlife smuggling case. 
 
On Thursday, police had arrested two persons outside Karachi trying to smuggle 14 baby monkeys in crates meant to transport mangoes.&nbsp;

However, when they were presented in court on Friday by the Sindh Wildlife Department of Pakistan, one of the baby monkeys created chaos on the premises after breaking free from a troop.

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A baby monkey, which was recovered by the Sindh Wildlife Department, fled from the premises of the city court in Karachi. 
 
The department's official said that 14 newborn monkeys were recovered at the M-9 motorway during the search of a passenger bus arriving in the port city from… <a href="https://t.co/0SscKhHPo0">pic.twitter.com/0SscKhHPo0</a>
— Dialogue Pakistan (@DialoguePak) <a href="https://twitter.com/DialoguePak/status/1682314499662184448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"The monkeys were kept in the boxes in a bad condition ... they could hardly breathe," said Javed Mahar, chief of Sindh Wildlife Department.

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Pakistan’s Geo TV reported that authorities were seen struggling to rescue the monkey on Friday, who was “too small and, therefore, too fast to be easily grabbed.” Dawn reported the monkey was recaptured almost after 20 hours of intense rescue operation by the officials.

<h2>Smugglers fined $350 each</h2>

Both smugglers were later fined 100,000 Pakistani rupees (US$ 350) by the Karachi court. Also, the court directed the wildlife department to hand over the monkeys to Karachi Zoo.

However, the decision was immediately criticised by wildlife department officials because Pakistani zoos are generally notorious for their poor facilities and activists accuse the zoo officials of totally disregarding animal welfare.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hindu-women-in-pakistans-sindh-province-forced-to-marry-their-abductors-618275">Also read:&nbsp;Hindu women in Pakistan`s Sindh province forced to marry their abductors</a>

"The monkeys should have been returned to their natural habitat from where they were captured," Mahar was quoted as saying by AFP.

Animal activists have also requested the judge to send the rescued animals back to where they were originally captured, near Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

<h2>And the lawlessness continues…</h2>

In Pakistan, the trade and possession of wild animals are strictly prohibited by law, aiming to safeguard the nation's rich biodiversity. However, despite these regulations, the illegal wildlife trade persists as a significant challenge, leading to the flourishing market for exotic pets.

Often exploited by street entertainers to attract audiences, these animals endure a life of confinement and maltreatment. Some heartbreaking incidents reveal that these monkeys have been cruelly trained by criminals to even enter homes and commit thefts.

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Chaos descended upon a court in Pakistan Friday (July 21) after a monkey escaped from captivity of a security official and later climbed up a tree. AFP reported that 14 monkeys were presented as evidence in the city court in Karachi in a wildlife smuggling case.

Chaos descended upon a court in Pakistan Friday (July 21) after a monkey escaped from captivity of a security official and later climbed up a tree. AFP reported that 14 monkeys were presented as evidence in the city court in Karachi in a wildlife smuggling case. On Thursday, police had arrested two persons outside Karachi trying to smuggle 14 baby monkeys in crates meant to transport mangoes. However, when they were presented in court on Friday by the Sindh Wildlife Department of Pakistan, one of the baby monkeys created chaos on the premises after breaking free from a troop. A baby monkey, which was recovered by the Sindh Wildlife Department, fled from the premises of the city court in Karachi. The department's official said that 14 newborn monkeys were recovered at the M-9 motorway during the search of a passenger bus arriving in the port city from… pic.twitter.com/0SscKhHPo0 — Dialogue Pakistan (@DialoguePak) July 21, 2023 × "The monkeys were kept in the boxes in a bad condition ... they could hardly breathe," said Javed Mahar, chief of Sindh Wildlife Department. Watch: Pakistan blames Afghanistan for terrorism | Afghan women protest × Pakistan’s Geo TV reported that authorities were seen struggling to rescue the monkey on Friday, who was “too small and, therefore, too fast to be easily grabbed.” Dawn reported the monkey was recaptured almost after 20 hours of intense rescue operation by the officials. Smugglers fined $350 each Both smugglers were later fined 100,000 Pakistani rupees (US$ 350) by the Karachi court. Also, the court directed the wildlife department to hand over the monkeys to Karachi Zoo. However, the decision was immediately criticised by wildlife department officials because Pakistani zoos are generally notorious for their poor facilities and activists accuse the zoo officials of totally disregarding animal welfare. Also read: Hindu women in Pakistan`s Sindh province forced to marry their abductors "The monkeys should have been returned to their natural habitat from where they were captured," Mahar was quoted as saying by AFP. Animal activists have also requested the judge to send the rescued animals back to where they were originally captured, near Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. And the lawlessness continues… In Pakistan, the trade and possession of wild animals are strictly prohibited by law, aiming to safeguard the nation's rich biodiversity. However, despite these regulations, the illegal wildlife trade persists as a significant challenge, leading to the flourishing market for exotic pets. Often exploited by street entertainers to attract audiences, these animals endure a life of confinement and maltreatment. Some heartbreaking incidents reveal that these monkeys have been cruelly trained by criminals to even enter homes and commit thefts. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Watch: Monkey creates chaos in Pakistan court, keeps officials on toes for 20 hours

A Pakistani accountability court has acquitted former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in a 37-year-old case alleging that he transferred a "precious state land" here in the capital of Punjab province to one of the country's leading media barons as a "bribe". 
 
Saturday's ruling came days after the federal government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif, made crucial amendments to laws to lift the life-long ban on politicians. 
 
The 73-year-old three-time former prime minister's acquittal may allow him to contest and lead PML-N in the next general election scheduled later this year. 
 
Nawaz Sharif was disqualified in 2017 by the Supreme Court. In 2018, he became ineligible to hold public office for life after a Supreme Court verdict in the Panama Papers case.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pak-pm-shehbaz-sharif-takes-away-umbrella-from-woman-leaving-her-walking-in-rain-watch-607665">Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif takes away umbrella from woman, leaving her to walk behind in rain. Watch!</a> 
 
"An Accountability Court in Lahore acquitted three-time premier Nawaz Sharif in a case related to illegal transfer of 54-kanal (6.75 acres) precious state land to Jang/Geo media group owner Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman in Lahore while he was the chief minister of Punjab 37 years ago," a court official told PTI. 
 
"Judge Rao Abdul Jabbar acquitted him after the country's anti-graft body (National Accountability Bureau) informed the court that after recent amendments to its law (by the Shehbaz Sharif-led coalition government), the case does not fall in its preview," the official said. 
 
The former prime minister's lawyer contended that NAB had malicious intentions while filing the case against his client, who had no involvement in plot allotment. 
 
The court has already acquitted Shakil-ur-Rehman in this case.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-parliament-reporter-claims-finance-minister-ishaq-dar-slapped-him-607755">Pakistani parliament reporter claims Finance Minister Ishaq Dar slapped him. Watch!</a> 
 
He said the acquittal of the principal accused proved that no offence was committed. 
 
Therefore, he argued that keeping the proceedings pending against any other accused, including a proclaimed offender, after the acquittal of the prime accused was of no use. 
 
The judge admitted the arguments of the counsel and acquitted Nawaz Sharif in the case. 
 
NAB's earlier charge sheet accused Nawaz Sharif, who was also the chairman of Lahore Development (LDA) in 1986, of misusing his authority and rendering undue benefit to Rehman by approving the exemption of 54 precious plots measuring one kanal each in a single block (compact form) situated at canal bank H- Block of M A Jauhar Town, Lahore. 
 
NAB alleged the accused caused a loss of Rs 143 million to the national exchequer through the allotment of the land. 
Nawaz Sharif, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader, has been living in self-exile in the United Kingdom since November 2019.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-came-to-our-help-pakistan-pm-waxes-lyrical-about-beijing-as-imf-delays-bailout-package-606431">'China came to our help...': Pakistan PM waxes lyrical about Beijing as IMF delays bailout package</a> 
 
Before his departure to London on a four-wheel bail by the Lahore High Court on medical grounds, Sharif was serving a seven-year jail term in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case. 
 
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief and ousted prime minister Imran Khan alleged that former army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa had manoeuvred Sharif's ouster from jail and later struck a deal with him. 
 
The PML-N says its supreme leader will return to Pakistan once the date of the general elections is announced. 
Elections in the country are due in October as the tenure of the incumbent government ends on August 13.

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A Pakistani accountability court has acquitted former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in a 37-year-old case alleging that he transferred a "precious state land" here in the capital of Punjab province to one of the country's leading media barons as a "bribe".

A Pakistani accountability court has acquitted former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in a 37-year-old case alleging that he transferred a "precious state land" here in the capital of Punjab province to one of the country's leading media barons as a "bribe". Saturday's ruling came days after the federal government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif, made crucial amendments to laws to lift the life-long ban on politicians. The 73-year-old three-time former prime minister's acquittal may allow him to contest and lead PML-N in the next general election scheduled later this year. Nawaz Sharif was disqualified in 2017 by the Supreme Court. In 2018, he became ineligible to hold public office for life after a Supreme Court verdict in the Panama Papers case. ALSO READ | Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif takes away umbrella from woman, leaving her to walk behind in rain. Watch! "An Accountability Court in Lahore acquitted three-time premier Nawaz Sharif in a case related to illegal transfer of 54-kanal (6.75 acres) precious state land to Jang/Geo media group owner Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman in Lahore while he was the chief minister of Punjab 37 years ago," a court official told PTI. "Judge Rao Abdul Jabbar acquitted him after the country's anti-graft body (National Accountability Bureau) informed the court that after recent amendments to its law (by the Shehbaz Sharif-led coalition government), the case does not fall in its preview," the official said. The former prime minister's lawyer contended that NAB had malicious intentions while filing the case against his client, who had no involvement in plot allotment. The court has already acquitted Shakil-ur-Rehman in this case. ALSO READ | Pakistani parliament reporter claims Finance Minister Ishaq Dar slapped him. Watch! He said the acquittal of the principal accused proved that no offence was committed. Therefore, he argued that keeping the proceedings pending against any other accused, including a proclaimed offender, after the acquittal of the prime accused was of no use. The judge admitted the arguments of the counsel and acquitted Nawaz Sharif in the case. NAB's earlier charge sheet accused Nawaz Sharif, who was also the chairman of Lahore Development (LDA) in 1986, of misusing his authority and rendering undue benefit to Rehman by approving the exemption of 54 precious plots measuring one kanal each in a single block (compact form) situated at canal bank H- Block of M A Jauhar Town, Lahore. NAB alleged the accused caused a loss of Rs 143 million to the national exchequer through the allotment of the land. Nawaz Sharif, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader, has been living in self-exile in the United Kingdom since November 2019. ALSO READ | 'China came to our help...': Pakistan PM waxes lyrical about Beijing as IMF delays bailout package Before his departure to London on a four-wheel bail by the Lahore High Court on medical grounds, Sharif was serving a seven-year jail term in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief and ousted prime minister Imran Khan alleged that former army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa had manoeuvred Sharif's ouster from jail and later struck a deal with him. The PML-N says its supreme leader will return to Pakistan once the date of the general elections is announced. Elections in the country are due in October as the tenure of the incumbent government ends on August 13. 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 court acquits former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in 37-year-old 'bribe' case

A Pakistani court on Wednesday extended pre-arrest bail to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son, Punjab chief minister-elect Hamza Shehbaz till May 14 in a Rs14-billion money laundering case.

"The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) special court Lahore on Wednesday accepted Shehbaz's application seeking exemption from personal appearance for one day. However, the court directed the premier to file a reply in the case otherwise it will initiate indictment proceedings on the next hearing on May 14," a court official told PTI.

However, Hamza Sharif appeared before the court.

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The official said the court also directed Shehbaz's counsel Advocate Amjad Pervez to present arguments before the court on May 14 on his contention that his client can't be indicted in this case.

Shehbaz is also the President of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party. Shehbaz and his sons -&nbsp;Hamza and Suleman - were booked by FIA in November 2020 under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Anti Money Laundering Act. Suleman is absconding and residing in the UK.

The FIA investigation has detected 28 benami accounts, allegedly of the Shehbaz family, through which an amount of 14 billion Pakistani Rupees (USD 75 million) was laundered from 2008 to 2018.

The FIA examined the money trail of 17,000 credit transactions. The amount was kept in 'hidden accounts'&nbsp;and given to Shehbaz in his personal capacity, according to the charges.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-sails-through-taiwan-strait-china-calls-it-provocative-action-474306">US warship sails through Taiwan Strait, China calls it 'provocative action'</a>

Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court on Wednesday directed Punjab Governor Omer Sarfaraz Cheema to ensure the completion of the process of administering oath to Chief Minister-elect Hamza Shehbaz by April 28, either doing so himself or through a nominee.

Hamza was elected chief minister on April 16. Hamza and his party blamed ousted prime minister Imran Khan for the delay in oath-taking.

WATCH |&nbsp;Pakistan: Three Chinese nationals among Four killed in Karachi University blast

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A Pakistani court on Wednesday extended pre-arrest bail to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son, Punjab chief minister-elect Hamza Shehbaz till May 14 in a Rs14-billion money laundering case.

A Pakistani court on Wednesday extended pre-arrest bail to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son, Punjab chief minister-elect Hamza Shehbaz till May 14 in a Rs14-billion money laundering case. "The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) special court Lahore on Wednesday accepted Shehbaz's application seeking exemption from personal appearance for one day. However, the court directed the premier to file a reply in the case otherwise it will initiate indictment proceedings on the next hearing on May 14," a court official told PTI. However, Hamza Sharif appeared before the court. Also read | Russia, United States swap prisoners, Biden calls it 'difficult decision' The official said the court also directed Shehbaz's counsel Advocate Amjad Pervez to present arguments before the court on May 14 on his contention that his client can't be indicted in this case. Shehbaz is also the President of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party. Shehbaz and his sons - Hamza and Suleman - were booked by FIA in November 2020 under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Anti Money Laundering Act. Suleman is absconding and residing in the UK. The FIA investigation has detected 28 benami accounts, allegedly of the Shehbaz family, through which an amount of 14 billion Pakistani Rupees (USD 75 million) was laundered from 2008 to 2018. The FIA examined the money trail of 17,000 credit transactions. The amount was kept in 'hidden accounts' and given to Shehbaz in his personal capacity, according to the charges. Also read | US warship sails through Taiwan Strait, China calls it 'provocative action' Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court on Wednesday directed Punjab Governor Omer Sarfaraz Cheema to ensure the completion of the process of administering oath to Chief Minister-elect Hamza Shehbaz by April 28, either doing so himself or through a nominee. Hamza was elected chief minister on April 16. Hamza and his party blamed ousted prime minister Imran Khan for the delay in oath-taking. WATCH | Pakistan: Three Chinese nationals among Four killed in Karachi University blast

Pakistani court extends pre-arrest bail to PM Shehbaz Sharif in money laundering case

A Pakistani court here has sentenced to death a woman school principal for committing blasphemy.

The district and sessions court on Monday handed down the death sentence to Salma Tanvir, principal of a private school in Nishtar Colony, and imposed a fine of PKR 5,000 (USD 29) on her.

Additional districts and sessions Judge Mansoor Ahmad observed in the verdict that Tanvir committed blasphemy by denying that Prophet Muhammad was not the last prophet of Islam.

Lahore police in 2013 registered a blasphemy case against Tanvir on the complaint of a local cleric.

She was accused of denying the finality of Prophet Muhammad and claimed herself to be the Prophet of Islam.

Tanvir's counsel, Muhammad Ramzan, argued that her client was an "unsound minded person" and the court should have taken that fact into account.

However, a report by a medical board of the Punjab Institute of Mental Health submitted to the court by the prosecution said "the suspect was fit to stand trial as she was not mentally deranged. 
" Pakistan's controversial blasphemy laws and their prescribed punishments are considered extremely severe.

At least 1,472 people have been charged under the blasphemy law in Pakistan since 1987.

People accused of blasphemy are usually deprived of the right to a counsel of their choice as most lawyers refuse to take up such sensitive cases.

The blasphemy laws are colonial-era legislation, but they were amended by former dictator General Ziaul Haq which increased the severity of prescribed punishments.

A Pakistani court here has sentenced to death a woman school principal for committing blasphemy. The district and sessions court on Monday handed down the death sentence to Salma Tanvir, principal of a private school in Nishtar Colony, and imposed a fine of PKR 5,000 (USD 29) on her.

A Pakistani court here has sentenced to death a woman school principal for committing blasphemy. The district and sessions court on Monday handed down the death sentence to Salma Tanvir, principal of a private school in Nishtar Colony, and imposed a fine of PKR 5,000 (USD 29) on her. Additional districts and sessions Judge Mansoor Ahmad observed in the verdict that Tanvir committed blasphemy by denying that Prophet Muhammad was not the last prophet of Islam. Lahore police in 2013 registered a blasphemy case against Tanvir on the complaint of a local cleric. She was accused of denying the finality of Prophet Muhammad and claimed herself to be the Prophet of Islam. Tanvir's counsel, Muhammad Ramzan, argued that her client was an "unsound minded person" and the court should have taken that fact into account. However, a report by a medical board of the Punjab Institute of Mental Health submitted to the court by the prosecution said "the suspect was fit to stand trial as she was not mentally deranged. " Pakistan's controversial blasphemy laws and their prescribed punishments are considered extremely severe. At least 1,472 people have been charged under the blasphemy law in Pakistan since 1987. People accused of blasphemy are usually deprived of the right to a counsel of their choice as most lawyers refuse to take up such sensitive cases. The blasphemy laws are colonial-era legislation, but they were amended by former dictator General Ziaul Haq which increased the severity of prescribed punishments.

Pakistan court sentences woman school principal to death for committing blasphemy

The Pakistan Court on Thursday has again lifted ban on social media app TikTok. This will be the second time when Pakistani authorities have removed ban on TikTok. The head of the Pakistani Telecommunications Authority (PTA) told the court on Thursday that they are in constant talks with the TikTok company to ensure content should be better moderated.

Pakistan court lifts ban on social media app

Daniel Pearl, then the South Asia bureau chief of The Wall Street Journal, was reportedly researching on religious extremism in Pakistan, when he was abducted in January 2002.

Daniel Pearl murder case: Pakistan court orders release of Omar Sheikh

Saeed, 70, has already been convicted for 21 years imprisonment in four terror financing cases of late.

Pak court awards Hafiz Saeed 15 year jail in terror funding case

A Pakistani court has found that the case of 13-year-old Christian girl Arzoo Raza's marriage to 44-year-old Ali Azhar is child marriage, reports Pak media.

Medical experts have said that Karachi teenager Arzoo Raja is no older than 14 years, leading judges to declare that it would appear to be a child marriage then.

The court had formed a five-member board to determine her age. Arzoo’s parents said she is 13 years old and presented NADRA documents to support this. The court found the documents to be true and said that this appears to be a child marriage case.&nbsp; 
 
National Database &amp; Registration Authority (NADRA) is responsible for issuing the computerized national identity cards to the citizens of Pakistan.

On October 13, 2020, a 13-year-old girl, Arzoo Raja, was allegedly abducted from outside her house in Karachi, Pakistan. She was allegedly kidnapped by her 44-year-old neighbour Ali Azhar who forced her into marrying him and converting into Islam.

The parents of the 13-year old were later told by police that she had converted to Islam according to her own free will and married her 44-year-old abductor Ali Azhar. Arzoo’s family lodged a police complaint and filed a petition in a local court to seek her safe return.

Following this, in a shocking ruling on October 27, the Sindh High Court validated the child marriage and refrained police from arresting the prime suspect.

The girl's mother Rita Masih said she and her family had been threatened by men in civilian attire on court premises.

Abductions forced conversions and forced marriages of girls and women from the minorities background has become a serious concern in Pakistan. It is estimated that approximately 1,000 -- mostly Hindu and Christian -- girls are abducted, forcibly converted and forcibly married every year.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Pakistani court has found that the case of 13-year-old Christian girl Arzoo Raza's marriage to 44-year-old Ali Azhar is child marriage, reports Pak media. Medical experts have said that Karachi teenager Arzoo Raja is no older than 14 years, leading judges to declare that it would appear to be a child marriage then.

A Pakistani court has found that the case of 13-year-old Christian girl Arzoo Raza's marriage to 44-year-old Ali Azhar is child marriage, reports Pak media. Medical experts have said that Karachi teenager Arzoo Raja is no older than 14 years, leading judges to declare that it would appear to be a child marriage then. The court had formed a five-member board to determine her age. Arzoo’s parents said she is 13 years old and presented NADRA documents to support this. The court found the documents to be true and said that this appears to be a child marriage case. National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) is responsible for issuing the computerized national identity cards to the citizens of Pakistan. On October 13, 2020, a 13-year-old girl, Arzoo Raja, was allegedly abducted from outside her house in Karachi, Pakistan. She was allegedly kidnapped by her 44-year-old neighbour Ali Azhar who forced her into marrying him and converting into Islam. The parents of the 13-year old were later told by police that she had converted to Islam according to her own free will and married her 44-year-old abductor Ali Azhar. Arzoo’s family lodged a police complaint and filed a petition in a local court to seek her safe return. Following this, in a shocking ruling on October 27, the Sindh High Court validated the child marriage and refrained police from arresting the prime suspect. The girl's mother Rita Masih said she and her family had been threatened by men in civilian attire on court premises. Abductions forced conversions and forced marriages of girls and women from the minorities background has become a serious concern in Pakistan. It is estimated that approximately 1,000 -- mostly Hindu and Christian -- girls are abducted, forcibly converted and forcibly married every year. (With inputs from agencies)

Arzoo Raja is just 14, it’s a case of child marriage: Pakistan court    

On Monday, a 13-year-old Christian girl’s custody was given to her husband by Sindh High Court in Pakistan.

According to local media reports, the girl had accepted Islam willingly, and did not claim to have been abducted or forced to marry.

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In the clip shared by Pakistan’s Daily Times, the girl was seen sitting, while another woman pleaded with her.&nbsp;

The girl - Arzoo Raja was reportedly&nbsp;kidnapped from her home on October 13 in Karachi’s Railway Colony. Soon after, an FIR was registered at Sindh court.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/protests-grow-in-pakistan-over-abduction-forced-conversion-of-catholic-teen-338958" hreflang="en">Protests grow in Pakistan over abduction, forced conversion of Catholic teen</a>

Sindh police reached out to the family two days after the girl was reportedly abducted, and informed them that the abductor, Azhar Ali, was able to show a marriage certificate which claimed that was over 18 years old. The abductor is reportedly married with children.

Naveed Walter, the President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) said that minority girls belonging to Christian and Hindu groups are converted to Islam forcefully and married off to Muslim men.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/amid-rising-border-disputes-india-to-get-5-military-theatre-commands-1-each-for-china-pakistan-338246" hreflang="en">Amid rising border disputes, India to get 5 military theatre commands, 1 each for China &amp; Pakistan</a>

According to the HRFP fact-finding team, citing October 27, 2020 proceedings of the Sindh High Court, the records of the girl were altered to make her appear as an 18-year-old. Additionally, it also displayed her statement of free will whereby she claimed to have married on her own will.

Additionally, the probe found that the girl’s photo was replaced on legal documents, a concern raised by her mother Rita.&nbsp;

The spokespeople for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), including Pakistan, called for stricter implementation of the Kathmandu Call to Action to End Chill Marriage in Asia, which was first formulated in 2014.

On Monday, a 13-year-old Christian girl’s custody was given to her husband by Sindh High Court in Pakistan. According to local media reports, the girl had accepted Islam willingly, and did not claim to have been abducted or forced to marry.

On Monday, a 13-year-old Christian girl’s custody was given to her husband by Sindh High Court in Pakistan. According to local media reports, the girl had accepted Islam willingly, and did not claim to have been abducted or forced to marry. In the clip shared by Pakistan’s Daily Times, the girl was seen sitting, while another woman pleaded with her. The girl - Arzoo Raja was reportedly kidnapped from her home on October 13 in Karachi’s Railway Colony. Soon after, an FIR was registered at Sindh court. Also read: Protests grow in Pakistan over abduction, forced conversion of Catholic teen Sindh police reached out to the family two days after the girl was reportedly abducted, and informed them that the abductor, Azhar Ali, was able to show a marriage certificate which claimed that was over 18 years old. The abductor is reportedly married with children. Naveed Walter, the President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) said that minority girls belonging to Christian and Hindu groups are converted to Islam forcefully and married off to Muslim men. Also read: Amid rising border disputes, India to get 5 military theatre commands, 1 each for China & Pakistan According to the HRFP fact-finding team, citing October 27, 2020 proceedings of the Sindh High Court, the records of the girl were altered to make her appear as an 18-year-old. Additionally, it also displayed her statement of free will whereby she claimed to have married on her own will. Additionally, the probe found that the girl’s photo was replaced on legal documents, a concern raised by her mother Rita. The spokespeople for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), including Pakistan, called for stricter implementation of the Kathmandu Call to Action to End Chill Marriage in Asia, which was first formulated in 2014.

Pakistan: 13-year-old Christian girl married off to Muslim man after being abducted

A Pakistani court was on Tuesday informed that India has failed to appoint a lawyer to represent death-row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav in the case of the review of his death sentence by a military court in this country.

This comes after Pakistan on Thursday once again rejected India's demand that an Indian lawyer or a Queen's counsel should be appointed for Jadhav to ensure a free and fair trial in the case.

Fifty-year-old retired Indian Navy officer Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had last month set a new deadline for India to appoint a legal representative for Jadhav.

The three-member bench headed by IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah, while hearing the law ministry's request on Tuesday to provide a counsel to Jadhav was informed that India had failed to appoint a lawyer by October 6 as was instructed by the court despite it being conveyed for the second time to do so.

Justice Minallah then asked the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Javed Khan to help determine if the court can appoint a legal representative for Jadhav without India's approval and what consequences such a move would have.

He also asked the AGP if the appointment of a lawyer by the court would provide a satisfactory mechanism for an effective implementation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment in the case.

Later, the court adjourned the hearing in the case till November 9.

In 2017, India approached the ICJ against Pakistan for denial of consular access to Jadhav and challenging the death sentence handed to him by a military court.

The Hague-based ICJ ruled in July 2019 that Pakistan must undertake an "effective review and reconsideration" of the conviction and sentence of Jadhav and also to grant consular access to India without further delay.

India has slammed Pakistan for adopting a "farcical" approach in denying available legal remedies to Jadhav against his death sentence in contravention of the ICJ order.

India's Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava last month said the government of Pakistan has not been able to fulfil its obligations on implementation of the ICJ judgment in letter and spirit.

"It has not yet addressed the core issues, which include provision of all documents related to the case, providing unconditional and unimpeded consular access to Kulbhusan Jadhav and appointment of an Indian lawyer or a Queen's counsel to ensure a free and fair trial," he said.

Meanwhile, two eminent lawyers nominated as amicus curiae excused themselves to help the court in the case. Abid Hassan Manto said he was ill, while Makhdoom Ali Khan excused himself from appearing on professional grounds.

But the two lawyers submitted a reply to the court saying that it was a matter of honour for them to be appointed as judicial assistants.&nbsp;

A Pakistani court was on Tuesday informed that India has failed to appoint a lawyer to represent death-row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav in the case of the review of his death sentence by a military court in this country.

A Pakistani court was on Tuesday informed that India has failed to appoint a lawyer to represent death-row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav in the case of the review of his death sentence by a military court in this country. This comes after Pakistan on Thursday once again rejected India's demand that an Indian lawyer or a Queen's counsel should be appointed for Jadhav to ensure a free and fair trial in the case. Fifty-year-old retired Indian Navy officer Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had last month set a new deadline for India to appoint a legal representative for Jadhav. The three-member bench headed by IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah, while hearing the law ministry's request on Tuesday to provide a counsel to Jadhav was informed that India had failed to appoint a lawyer by October 6 as was instructed by the court despite it being conveyed for the second time to do so. Justice Minallah then asked the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Javed Khan to help determine if the court can appoint a legal representative for Jadhav without India's approval and what consequences such a move would have. He also asked the AGP if the appointment of a lawyer by the court would provide a satisfactory mechanism for an effective implementation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment in the case. Later, the court adjourned the hearing in the case till November 9. In 2017, India approached the ICJ against Pakistan for denial of consular access to Jadhav and challenging the death sentence handed to him by a military court. The Hague-based ICJ ruled in July 2019 that Pakistan must undertake an "effective review and reconsideration" of the conviction and sentence of Jadhav and also to grant consular access to India without further delay. India has slammed Pakistan for adopting a "farcical" approach in denying available legal remedies to Jadhav against his death sentence in contravention of the ICJ order. India's Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava last month said the government of Pakistan has not been able to fulfil its obligations on implementation of the ICJ judgment in letter and spirit. "It has not yet addressed the core issues, which include provision of all documents related to the case, providing unconditional and unimpeded consular access to Kulbhusan Jadhav and appointment of an Indian lawyer or a Queen's counsel to ensure a free and fair trial," he said. Meanwhile, two eminent lawyers nominated as amicus curiae excused themselves to help the court in the case. Abid Hassan Manto said he was ill, while Makhdoom Ali Khan excused himself from appearing on professional grounds. But the two lawyers submitted a reply to the court saying that it was a matter of honour for them to be appointed as judicial assistants.

India failed to appoint lawyer to represent Jadhav, Pak court claims

A Pakistani court on Thursday directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to execute a non-bailable arrest warrant against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif

Pak Court issues non-bailable arrest warrant against Nawaz Sharif

Pakistan`s opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif has appealed to a sessions court, hearing his defamation suit against Prime Minister Imran Khan, to conduct daily hearings.

In a tweet on Saturday, Sharif alleged that he filed the defamation case against Khan for "his blatant lies of offering him Rs 10 billion".

"In a defamation case that I filed against Imran Khan for his blatant lies of offering him Rs 10 billion, he has sought 33 deferments so far. I have petitioned the court to hear the case on daily basis. IK failed to submit his written reply to the court despite the passage of three years," he wrote.

Sharif had filed a Rs 10 billion defamation suit against Khan in 2017.

The petition, filed under Sections 4 and 9 of the Defamation Ordinance, 2002, said that Imran falsely accused Sharif of making him a financial offer for his "silence over the Panama Papers case", Geo News reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/prime-suspect-in-gang-rape-of-pak-woman-identified-327102">Also read:&nbsp;Prime suspect in gang rape of Pak woman identified</a>

It stated that "the facts and circumstances giving rise to the filing of the instant suit are that since the last week of April 2017, the Defendant (Imran Khan) started uttering, spreading and resorting to the publication, communication and circulation of maliciously false, baseless and unfounded oral statements and representations against the plaintiff (Shehbaz)."

According to the suit, Khan claimed that Sharif "offered to pay a sum of (Rs 10 billion) to the defendant in exchange for his withdrawing/backing-off from, or remaining silent on the issue of the Panama Papers` case.

"In April 2017, Khan had alleged that he had been made an offer in the Panama case. He made the comments while addressing a gathering at Shaukat Khanum Hospital in Lahore.

"Just imagine how much money he offered me to be silent -- Rs10 billion! If he can offer me this much money, just imagine how much he could offer to others. That is why if we do not maintain public pressure on this issue, then after two months it will be dragged to the next year," Khan was quoted by Geo News as saying.

In an interview after making the comments, Khan did not disclose the name of the person who made the offer, but said the individual was close to the Punjab Chief Minister.Sharif had served as Punjab Chief Minister from 2013 to 2018.

Pakistan`s opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif has appealed to a sessions court, hearing his defamation suit against Prime Minister Imran Khan, to conduct daily hearings.

Pakistan`s opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif has appealed to a sessions court, hearing his defamation suit against Prime Minister Imran Khan, to conduct daily hearings. In a tweet on Saturday, Sharif alleged that he filed the defamation case against Khan for "his blatant lies of offering him Rs 10 billion". "In a defamation case that I filed against Imran Khan for his blatant lies of offering him Rs 10 billion, he has sought 33 deferments so far. I have petitioned the court to hear the case on daily basis. IK failed to submit his written reply to the court despite the passage of three years," he wrote. Sharif had filed a Rs 10 billion defamation suit against Khan in 2017. The petition, filed under Sections 4 and 9 of the Defamation Ordinance, 2002, said that Imran falsely accused Sharif of making him a financial offer for his "silence over the Panama Papers case", Geo News reported. Also read: Prime suspect in gang rape of Pak woman identified It stated that "the facts and circumstances giving rise to the filing of the instant suit are that since the last week of April 2017, the Defendant (Imran Khan) started uttering, spreading and resorting to the publication, communication and circulation of maliciously false, baseless and unfounded oral statements and representations against the plaintiff (Shehbaz)." According to the suit, Khan claimed that Sharif "offered to pay a sum of (Rs 10 billion) to the defendant in exchange for his withdrawing/backing-off from, or remaining silent on the issue of the Panama Papers` case. "In April 2017, Khan had alleged that he had been made an offer in the Panama case. He made the comments while addressing a gathering at Shaukat Khanum Hospital in Lahore. "Just imagine how much money he offered me to be silent -- Rs10 billion! If he can offer me this much money, just imagine how much he could offer to others. That is why if we do not maintain public pressure on this issue, then after two months it will be dragged to the next year," Khan was quoted by Geo News as saying. In an interview after making the comments, Khan did not disclose the name of the person who made the offer, but said the individual was close to the Punjab Chief Minister.Sharif had served as Punjab Chief Minister from 2013 to 2018.

Pak opposition leader moves court seeking daily hearings in defamation case against Imran Khan

The Lahore High Court has suspended a one-year jail sentence and ordered release of two Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) leaders and aides of Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attack, in a terror-financing case.

The anti-terrorism court indicted Hafiz Abdul Rehman Makki, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Yayha Aziz and Abdul Salam in June this year. All the four accused, however, pleaded "not guilty" and chose to contest the trial.

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab police had registered 23 FIRs against 70-year-old Hafiz Saeed and his accomplices on the charges of terror financing in different cities of the province.

Hafiz Saeed, a UN designated terrorist on whom the US has placed a $10 million bounty, was arrested on July 17, 2019 and is currently lodged at the high-security Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore.

JuD is the front organisation for the Lashkar-e-Taiba which is responsible for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans.

The US named Hafiz Saeed a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US has, since 2012, offered $10 million as reward for any information that brings Saeed to justice. He was listed as a terrorist under the UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008.

In February, Lahore's anti-terrorism court sentenced Hafiz Saeed and his close aide Zafar Iqbal to five and a half years and imposed a fine of ₹ 15,000 in two terror financing cases. The jail terms in both cases will run concurrently.

US had welcomed Hafiz Saeed's conviction and described it as an "important step forward" for Pakistan in meeting its international commitments to combat terror financing and not to allow non-state actors to operate from its soil.

The crackdown on Saeed's organisation last year followed a warning by the international terror financing watchdog to Pakistan to deliver on its commitments to curb terror financing and money laundering.

(with inputs from agencies)

The Lahore High Court has suspended a one-year jail sentence and ordered release of two Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) leaders and aides of Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attack, in a terror-financing case.

The Lahore High Court has suspended a one-year jail sentence and ordered release of two Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) leaders and aides of Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attack, in a terror-financing case. The anti-terrorism court indicted Hafiz Abdul Rehman Makki, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Yayha Aziz and Abdul Salam in June this year. All the four accused, however, pleaded "not guilty" and chose to contest the trial. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab police had registered 23 FIRs against 70-year-old Hafiz Saeed and his accomplices on the charges of terror financing in different cities of the province. Hafiz Saeed, a UN designated terrorist on whom the US has placed a $10 million bounty, was arrested on July 17, 2019 and is currently lodged at the high-security Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore. JuD is the front organisation for the Lashkar-e-Taiba which is responsible for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans. The US named Hafiz Saeed a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US has, since 2012, offered $10 million as reward for any information that brings Saeed to justice. He was listed as a terrorist under the UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008. In February, Lahore's anti-terrorism court sentenced Hafiz Saeed and his close aide Zafar Iqbal to five and a half years and imposed a fine of ₹ 15,000 in two terror financing cases. The jail terms in both cases will run concurrently. US had welcomed Hafiz Saeed's conviction and described it as an "important step forward" for Pakistan in meeting its international commitments to combat terror financing and not to allow non-state actors to operate from its soil. The crackdown on Saeed's organisation last year followed a warning by the international terror financing watchdog to Pakistan to deliver on its commitments to curb terror financing and money laundering. (with inputs from agencies)

Pakistan court suspends jail term of two JuD men

A US citizen accused of blasphemy was shot dead by a Pakistani extremist inside a courtroom. Pakistani leaders are hailing the murderer as a hero & role model. WION's Palki Sharma gets you the story.

Gravitas: This Pakistani man killed a US citizen in a court

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, currently in London for treatment, on Tuesday informed a court here that he is unable to return to the country as his doctors have told him not to go out as he may contract due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The 70-year-old three-time premier is currently in London for treatment after he was diagnosed with an immune system disorder.&nbsp;

He left for the UK in November last year after the Lahore High Court granted him four-week permission to go abroad for treatment.

In his latest medical report, which he submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC) through his counsel Amjad Pervaiz, doctors have recommended him to avoid going outside due to the coronavirus.

Sharif said he has low platelets counts, diabetes, heart, kidney and blood pressure related problems.

"His heart is not getting an adequate supply of blood," the report says and adds that he may contract COVID-19 if he goes outside or return which may prove fatal for his life.

Sharif submitted his medical report to the LHC in connection with its permission to go abroad for his treatment.

His daughter Maryam Nawaz had said her father was a high-risk patient therefore his cardiac catheterisation/coronary intervention had been postponed owing to COVID-19.

Earlier this month, a Pakistani anti-corruption court gave Sharif a final chance to appear before it on August 17 in a graft case, failing which he may be declared a proclaimed offender.

In the Toshakhana case, the accountability court issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Sharif.

Sharif is accused of taking cars from Toshakhana by paying 15 per cent of the price of these vehicles.

Sharif left for London in November after the Lahore High Court granted him four-week permission to go abroad for treatment.

He had submitted an undertaking to the court to return to Pakistan citing his record of facing the law and justice within four weeks or as soon as he is declared healthy and fit to travel by doctors.

He was also given bail in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case in which he was serving a seven-year sentence in Kot Lakhpat Jail and in a money laundering case to facilitate his travel abroad.

Sharif has been diagnosed with "complicated coronary artery/ischemic heart disease.

Last month, the country's anti-graft body filed a corruption case against Sharif, Jang/Geo media group owner Mir Shakilur Rahman and two others in a land case in Lahore''s accountability court.

According to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Sharif in 1986, when he was the Punjab chief minister, allotted 54 kanal land in Lahore to Mir Shakilur Rehman in violation of rules. Rahman has been on judicial remand after his arrest by the NAB on March 12.

Since Sharif did not respond to any of the NAB''s summons and questions, his arrest warrants had already been issued and the bureau announced to have moved the accountability court to declare him a proclaimed offender.

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, currently in London for treatment, on Tuesday informed a court here that he is unable to return to the country as his doctors have told him not to go out as he may contract due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, currently in London for treatment, on Tuesday informed a court here that he is unable to return to the country as his doctors have told him not to go out as he may contract due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 70-year-old three-time premier is currently in London for treatment after he was diagnosed with an immune system disorder. He left for the UK in November last year after the Lahore High Court granted him four-week permission to go abroad for treatment. In his latest medical report, which he submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC) through his counsel Amjad Pervaiz, doctors have recommended him to avoid going outside due to the coronavirus. Sharif said he has low platelets counts, diabetes, heart, kidney and blood pressure related problems. "His heart is not getting an adequate supply of blood," the report says and adds that he may contract COVID-19 if he goes outside or return which may prove fatal for his life. Sharif submitted his medical report to the LHC in connection with its permission to go abroad for his treatment. His daughter Maryam Nawaz had said her father was a high-risk patient therefore his cardiac catheterisation/coronary intervention had been postponed owing to COVID-19. Earlier this month, a Pakistani anti-corruption court gave Sharif a final chance to appear before it on August 17 in a graft case, failing which he may be declared a proclaimed offender. In the Toshakhana case, the accountability court issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Sharif. Sharif is accused of taking cars from Toshakhana by paying 15 per cent of the price of these vehicles. Sharif left for London in November after the Lahore High Court granted him four-week permission to go abroad for treatment. He had submitted an undertaking to the court to return to Pakistan citing his record of facing the law and justice within four weeks or as soon as he is declared healthy and fit to travel by doctors. He was also given bail in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case in which he was serving a seven-year sentence in Kot Lakhpat Jail and in a money laundering case to facilitate his travel abroad. Sharif has been diagnosed with "complicated coronary artery/ischemic heart disease. Last month, the country's anti-graft body filed a corruption case against Sharif, Jang/Geo media group owner Mir Shakilur Rahman and two others in a land case in Lahore''s accountability court. According to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Sharif in 1986, when he was the Punjab chief minister, allotted 54 kanal land in Lahore to Mir Shakilur Rehman in violation of rules. Rahman has been on judicial remand after his arrest by the NAB on March 12. Since Sharif did not respond to any of the NAB''s summons and questions, his arrest warrants had already been issued and the bureau announced to have moved the accountability court to declare him a proclaimed offender.

Cannot return to Pakistan: Nawaz Sharif informs Pakistan court 

A Pakistan court on Thursday commuted the death sentence of the prime accused in the 2002 kidnapping and murder of the Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl. Ahmed Omer Saeed Sheikh will now serve seven years in prison, as per the Sindh High Court's verdict.

The other three convicts -&nbsp;Fahad Naseem, Salman Saqib and Sheikh Adil - who were earlier handed life sentences were&nbsp;acquitted in the case.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-terrorists-involved-in-us-journalist-danial-pearls-killing-held-in-pakistan-211905">Two terrorists involved in US journalist Danial Pearl's killing held in Pakistan</a>

"The court has commuted Omar's death sentence to a seven-year sentence," news agency Reuters quoted Khawaja Naveed, the defence lawyer as saying.

"The murder charges were not proven, so he has given seven years for the kidnapping," he added.

"Omar has already served 18 years, so his release orders will be issued sometime today. He will be out in a few days," Naveed also said.

Daniel Pearl,&nbsp; South Asia Bureau Chief for the US-based Wall Street Journal,&nbsp;was investigating Islamist militants in Karachi after September&nbsp;11, 2001&nbsp;attacks on the United States when he was kidnapped in January 2002. He was later beheaded by terrorists in Pakistan.

At least four people were convicted in connection with Pearl's murder, including British-born Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, who was sentenced to death in 2002 for masterminding the murder. He has been in jail for 18 years awaiting the outcome of an appeal.

Sheikh, who was born in Britain and studied at the London School of Economics, was arrested in India in the 1990s for his involvement in the kidnapping of western tourists in 1994.

He was one of three men released from an Indian prison after militants hijacked an Indian airliner in late 1999 and flew it to Afghanistan, where the then-ruling Taliban regime helped negotiate an exchange with the Indian government officials.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Pakistan court on Thursday commuted the death sentence of the prime accused in the 2002 kidnapping and murder of the Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl.

A Pakistan court on Thursday commuted the death sentence of the prime accused in the 2002 kidnapping and murder of the Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl. Ahmed Omer Saeed Sheikh will now serve seven years in prison, as per the Sindh High Court's verdict. The other three convicts - Fahad Naseem, Salman Saqib and Sheikh Adil - who were earlier handed life sentences were acquitted in the case. Also read: Two terrorists involved in US journalist Danial Pearl's killing held in Pakistan "The court has commuted Omar's death sentence to a seven-year sentence," news agency Reuters quoted Khawaja Naveed, the defence lawyer as saying. "The murder charges were not proven, so he has given seven years for the kidnapping," he added. "Omar has already served 18 years, so his release orders will be issued sometime today. He will be out in a few days," Naveed also said. Daniel Pearl, South Asia Bureau Chief for the US-based Wall Street Journal, was investigating Islamist militants in Karachi after September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States when he was kidnapped in January 2002. He was later beheaded by terrorists in Pakistan. At least four people were convicted in connection with Pearl's murder, including British-born Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, who was sentenced to death in 2002 for masterminding the murder. He has been in jail for 18 years awaiting the outcome of an appeal. Sheikh, who was born in Britain and studied at the London School of Economics, was arrested in India in the 1990s for his involvement in the kidnapping of western tourists in 1994. He was one of three men released from an Indian prison after militants hijacked an Indian airliner in late 1999 and flew it to Afghanistan, where the then-ruling Taliban regime helped negotiate an exchange with the Indian government officials. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan court commutes death sentence of prime accused in Daniel Pearl murder case

Islamabad court on Friday adjourned the case related to the evacuation of stranded Pakistani students in China till March 13. Leaving the decision of evacuation on the Pakistani government, Islamabad High Court's Chief Justice Ather Minallah said that it's time to move forward in a positive way and give time to the cabinet to decide.

Islamabad court on Friday adjourned the case related to the evacuation of stranded Pakistani students in China till March 13. Leaving the decision of evacuation on the Pakistani government, Islamabad High Court's Chief Justice Ather Minallah said that it's time to move forward in a positive way and give time to the cabinet to decide. Also read: 'May cause another outbreak': China backs Pakistan's decision not to evacuate students The matter is before the cabinet and until a decision is done, the court cannot do anything, the judge also said. More than one thousand of the Pakistani students are stuck in China where the coronavirus outbreak had killed over 2,000 and infected more than 75,000. The Imran Khan government has failed to pay heed to their parents' demands as it ruled out bringing back more children stuck in Hubei province and Wuhan. The parents of students stuck in Wuhan have been constantly requesting the Pakistani govt to bring their children back. This week, the distressed parents even offered to pay for their tickets but the country's government have failed to pay heed to their demands. Pakistan and China are very close allies. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday called Chinese President Xi Jinping to express Pakistan's solidarity with the Chinese leadership and people, a statement issued by the prime minister's office said.

Pakistan: Islamabad High Court adjourns students evacuation from China case until March 13

In an exclusive conversation with WION's Executive Editor Palki Shama Upadhyay, Gul Bukhari revealed she hasn't received any notice yet and if she does, she will fight against it in the Pakistan court. To know more about the conversation watch the video.

Wion Exclusive Talks with Pak Activist Gul Bukhari

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