ISLAMABAD (WS News) – Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday said that the government cannot allow anyone to hold protest or sit-in in light of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) order.
He was speaking to PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar on telephone to discuss the situation in the wake of party’s protest call for tomorrow.
“We are bound to follow the orders of IHC and therefore cannot allow any rally, protest or sit-in,” Naqvi told PTI chairman.
The interior minister also briefed Barrister Gohar about the engagements of the eighty member high-level delegation led by the President of Belarus from 24th to 27th November.
He said Belarusian President will arrive in Pakistan on Monday and the delegation will remain in Islamabad until Wednesday.
Barrister Gohar said that he would inform the interior minister after consulting the party leaders.
Earlier, Naqvi has warned that no one would be allowed to disrupt law and order in the federal capital.
The interior minister visited the Police Lines early in the morning to boost the morale of the police force and commended their dedication and spirit to serve.
Addressing the police force, he stressed that Islamabad must be secured at any cost as Belarus president would be in Pakistan on Nov 24 and 25.
“We are standing shoulder to shoulder with the police force and will always do so,” the minister affirmed.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called for a protest in Islamabad on Nov 24 for the release of party founder Imran Khan.
LAHORE/ISLAMABAD (WS News) – As the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares itself for its planned protest on Nov 24 (Sunday), authorities have implemented extensive security and transportation restrictions across major cities, causing significant disruption for residents and commuters.
Islamabad: Extensive shutdowns and police reinforcements
In the capital city Islamabad, security measures were enforced early in the morning, with all major entry and exit points of the city being sealed. All the roads leading to the capital city were shut off, particularly those from the neighbouring cities of Rawalpindi and other surrounding areas.
Container blockades have been set up along key thoroughfares like Iran Avenue and Margalla Road to prevent access to crucial parts of the city, including Parliament House and the central business districts.The Expressway, a major route connecting Islamabad with Rawalpindi, and Zero Point were also closed as authorities braced themselves for the PTI protests.
There will be no internet services in several parts of the city on Sunday. The government has also imposed Section 144 to prevent gatherings.
Metro Bus Service suspended
In a move to prevent any public transport from becoming part of the demonstration, the local administration ordered a complete suspension of the metro bus service for the day. The Metro Bus service, which typically operates between various points in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, including routes from the Secretariat to IJP Road, will remain completely closed.
Additionally, bus terminals within Islamabad have been shut down, and all intercity transport operations, including services to Rawalpindi, were suspended. This has severely impacted those relying on public transport to travel to and from the capital city.
Lahore: Total blockage of key routes
In Lahore, similar security measures have been implemented. The local administration has shut down key motorways leading out of the city, including those connecting Lahore to Islamabad and other cities. Specifically, the motorway routes from Lahore to Islamabad and from Lahore to Multan have been blocked. This includes sections of the M-3 and M-4 motorways, along with the M-11, which links Lahore to Sialkot.
One of the major choke points, the Babu Sabu Interchange, was also sealed off using containers and barriers, and a heavy police force was stationed at the location to maintain control. This step was taken to prevent any large gatherings or attempts to march into the city as part of the planned protest.
Additionally, all bus terminals located along the blocked roads were also shut down, further complicating travel within the city and to other destinations.
The Lahore Ring Road, another key route connecting various parts of the city, was closed for traffic, intensifying the congestion in the city centre. Commuters and businesses were left struggling as roads remained gridlocked for hours, with authorities urging people to avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary.
Reinforcements arrive: A massive show of force
In response to the potential scale of the protests, the government has mobilised significant security forces. A total of 30,000 additional police officers have been dispatched from various provinces, including 19,000 from Punjab, 5,000 from Sindh, and 1,000 from Azad Kashmir. These reinforcements have been deployed to assist the local police in controlling crowds and ensuring law and order.
In addition to the police force, approximately 5,000 personnel from the Frontier Corps (FC) and Rangers have also been deployed to Islamabad. These paramilitary forces are expected to play a crucial role in managing any violent outbreaks or public disorder. The federal government has granted these forces powers under the Anti-Terrorism Act, allowing them to take direct action if necessary to ensure peace and stability in the capital.
Government decision to deploy Rangers and FC
Given the rising tensions, the federal government has issued a notification of the deployment of Rangers and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel in the capital. These forces will assist the local police in maintaining control and preventing any potential violence. The decision was made after the Islamabad commissioner sent a formal request to the Ministry of Interior, outlining the need for additional security measures.
The presence of the Rangers and FC was a clear signal that the government was taking no chances regarding the PTI’s protest, especially after previous demonstrations that escalated into violent confrontations. The use of paramilitary forces is expected to help prevent any breakdown in law and order, ensuring the safety of both protesters and ordinary citizens.
Impact on public and commuters
The extensive security measures have led to considerable inconvenience for the general public. Commuters who rely on public transportation, including buses and the metro service, are particularly affected by the shutdowns. The blockade of key roads in Lahore and Islamabad has also severely hindered business activities, with many shops and businesses either closing early or remaining closed for the entire day.
Travellers from other cities, including Rawalpindi and Multan, have reported being stranded due to the closure of major motorways. This has led to a significant buildup of traffic on the remaining open roads, further exacerbating the already challenging situation.
Bushra Bibi video controversy
Bushra Bibi’s recent video statement also sparked a controversy in this situation. Bushra Bibi claimed on Thursday that after Imran Khan returned barefoot from Medina, “calls began pouring in for retired Gen Bajwa, questioning the choice of bringing him into leadership.”
In a video message posted on X, Bushra Bibi said former army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa was told, “Who have you brought? We don’t want such individuals. We are working to end Shariah, and you have brought someone advocating for it.”
Islamabad High Court issues restraining order
The Islamabad High Court on Thursday ruled that the PTI could not be granted permission for the protest, emphasising that the government should not allow any demonstrations that contravened the law.
The court also directed the interior minister to engage in negotiations with the PTI for a peaceful protest in accordance with the Constitution. If these talks fail, the minister was instructed to ensure law and order in Islamabad, in line with the legal framework.
PTI’s protest plans
The PTI has called for a protest on Nov 24 in Islamabad. The protest is expected to involve thousands of PTI supporters, who plan to demand the resignation of the current government and push for early elections.
Imran Khan and PTI have expressed dissatisfaction with the current political setup and claimed that the ruling government is corrupt. The protest has sparked significant concern among authorities, who fear that the gathering could turn violent, as happened during previous protests led by PTI in 2022 and 2023.
With the government taking drastic steps to prevent any disruptions, the situation in Lahore and Islamabad remains tense ahead of PTI’s planned protest.
The sealing of roads, closure of public transport, and the deployment of thousands of police and paramilitary forces reflect the government’s determination to maintain control and prevent any unrest.
PARACHINAR (WS News) – A firing incident occurred near the helicopter carrying members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government delegation in Parachinar on Saturday.
No damage or injuries were reported in the incident which the Kohat deputy commissioner described as a “routine”.
According to sources, the delegation, led by Provincial Law Minister Advocate Aftab Alam, was in Parachinar to attend a jirga held to address local issues. The chief secretary and other senior officials attended the jirga.
The deputy commissioner explained that the firing was not directed at the helicopter and was a routine happening in the area. “There is no indication that the helicopter was a target,” he said.
The delegation’s visit to Kurram was part of efforts to improve district’s law and order situation.
On the instructions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the delegation travelled from Peshawar to engage with local stakeholders.
More than 50 people were killed and several others injured when gunmen on Thursday opened fire on a number of passenger vehicles in Lower Kurram.
According to the Kurram DPO, a convoy of vehicles coming from Peshawar to Parachinar came under fire in the Ucheat area. Automatic weapons were used by the gunmen, he added.
According to foreign media, over 50 people, including three women, died on the spot. Several injured were taken to nearby hospitals where the condition of many had been described as serious.
A vociferous protest ensued in the area which led to further clash. Many casualties took place in the clash.
Police and rescue teams reached the spot, sealed the area and launched a search for the attackers.
UN SECRETARY GENERAL CONDEMNS ATTACK
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Thursday’s attack in Kurram district and called for bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“The Secretary-General stresses that attacks against civilians are unacceptable,” his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement he read out at the regular noon briefing at UN Headquarters in New York on Friday.
“He (the UN chief) extends his deepest condolences to the families and calls on the Government of Pakistan to conduct an investigation and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” the statement added.
LAHORE (WS News) – The Punjab government on the instruction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday launched a health week, with setting up health screening camps across Punjab.
The health week will continue till November 22. Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir and Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman inaugurated Health Week at THQ Hospital Samanabad.
Under Health Week, health screening camps have been set up in all DHQ, THQ hospitals, primary and rural health centres and all jail hospitals. The minister and chief secretary reviewed the patients examination process at various counters set up for screening.
They visited the registration, vital, TB, sugar and pregnant women and counseling counters and inquired about medical facilities from the patients.
Khawaja Imran Nazir and Zahid Akhtar Zaman appreciated the arrangements of the hospital for the week.
Talking to the media, Kh Imran Nazir said a healthy society and prosperous Punjab is the vision of the Chief Minister. He said that 600,000 hepatitis B, 600,000 hepatitis C, 600,000 sugar testing kits, 150,000 HIV and 150,000 malaria testing kits have been provided to all the hospitals for screening of patients.
Kh Imran Nazir said that after screening patients during the week, analysis of their data will help in providing better treatment.
The provincial health minister said that the entire screening process will be fully monitored.
Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar said that all possible steps are being taken to provide the best health facilities in the province.
Paraplegic centres have been established in five cities, including Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad for the rehabilitation of people who are unable to walk due to spinal cord injuries.
(WS News) – Elon Musk’s Neuralink said on Wednesday it has received approval to launch its first clinical trial in Canada for a device designed to give paralysed individuals the ability to use digital devices simply by thinking.
The brain chip startup said the Canadian study aims to assess the safety and initial functionality of its implant which enables people with quadriplegia, or paralysis of all four limbs, to control external devices with their thoughts.
Canada’s University Health Network hospital said in a separate statement that its Toronto facility had been selected to perform the complex neurosurgical procedure.
Regulator Health Canada did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In the United States, Neuralink has already implanted the device in two patients. The company says the device is working well in the second trial patient, who has been using it to play video games and learn how to design 3D objects.
Founded in 2016 by Musk and a group of engineers, Neuralink is also building a brain chip interface that can be implanted within the skull, which it says could eventually help disabled patients to move and communicate again, and restore vision.
In September, the startup received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s “breakthrough device” designation for its experimental implant aimed at restoring vision.
SAO PAULO (WS News) – World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has been released from Rio de Janeiro’s Hospital Samaritano Barra da Tijuca after spending the night under observation, the hospital said.
According to the hospital, Tedros was admitted on Wednesday afternoon and “underwent all the necessary tests, which confirmed clinical indicators with no signs of seriousness, and was discharged from hospital this morning.”
Local newspaper O Globo had reported earlier on Thursday that Tedros sought medical attention at the facility with “symptoms of labyrinthitis and hypertensive crisis,” after showing signs of being unwell earlier this week on the sidelines of the G20 summit.
According to the report, Tedros was examined on Monday by health professionals on duty at the G20 summit and given medicine for high blood pressure, but was released once he was stable.
The G20 summit in Rio ended this week with calls for cooperation on climate change, poverty reduction and tax policy.
LAHORE (WS News) – The Department of Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education has ordered all medical superintendents (MSs) to activate all inoperative ventilators within the next 24 hours and submit a report.
The department has sought a report from MSs of six teaching government hospitals of Punjab within the next 24 hours on working of ventilators in ICUs.
The Health Department has issued a letter in this regard. A BME portal has been established in the Department of Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education to assist the development and procurement departments of government hospitals.
As per the orders, all government teaching hospitals register their data on this online portal on a daily basis. Chief Operating Officer of Mayo Hospital has been asked to respond to the inactivity of 42 out of 170 ventilators in the ICU, 25 out of 34 ventilators in the ICU from MS Allama Iqbal Memorial Hospital Sialkot, 20 out of 71 ventilators in the ICU from MS Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi, 47 out of 129 ventilators in the ICU from MS General Hospital Lahore, 46 out of 99 ventilators in the ICU from MS Services Hospital Lahore and 4 out of 42 ventilators in the ICU from MS Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology.
OTTAWA, Ontario (WS News) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Wednesday that his employment minister was leaving his post after weeks of questions about his past claims of Indigenous identity.
Trudeau said in a statement that Randy Boissonnault would step away from his Cabinet position immediately to “focus on clearing the allegations made against him.”
Boissonnault came under scrutiny after the National Post newspaper raised questions about whether he had any Indigenous heritage. The newspaper reported that a company he co-owned had applied for government contracts while claiming to be Indigenous-owned.
Boissonnault has been described as Indigenous multiple times in communications from the Liberal Party and in 2018 referred to himself as “non-status adopted Cree.”
He has walked back those claims since the reports emerged, and opposition politicians from the Conservative and New Democratic Party this week called on him to resign.
His departure means there is no Cabinet member from the Canadian province of Alberta.
Trudeau has said he will lead his Liberal Party into the next election. No Canadian prime minister in more than a century has won four straight terms. The federal election could come anytime between this fall and next October. The Liberals must rely on the support of at least one major party in Parliament, as they don’t hold an outright majority themselves.
MELBOURNE, Australia (WS News) — Australia’s communications minister introduced a world-first law into Parliament on Thursday that would ban children under 16 from social media, saying online safety was one of parents’ toughest challenges.
Michelle Rowland said TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram were among the platforms that would face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to prevent young children from holding accounts.
“This bill seeks to set a new normative value in society that accessing social media is not the defining feature of growing up in Australia,” Rowland told Parliament.
“There is wide acknowledgement that something must be done in the immediate term to help prevent young teens and children from being exposed to streams of content unfiltered and infinite,” she added.
X owner Elon Musk warned that Australia intended to go further, posting on his platform: “Seems like a backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians.”
The bill has wide political support. After it becomes law, the platforms would have one year to work out how to implement the age restriction.
“For too many young Australians, social media can be harmful,” Rowland said. “Almost two-thirds of 14- to 17-years-old Australians have viewed extremely harmful content online including drug abuse, suicide or self-harm as well as violent material. One quarter have been exposed to content promoting unsafe eating habits.”
Government research found that 95% of Australian care-givers find online safety to be one of their “toughest parenting challenges,” she said. Social media had a social responsibility and could do better in addressing harms on their platforms, she added.
“This is about protecting young people, not punishing or isolating them, and letting parents know that we’re in their corner when it comes to supporting their children’s health and wellbeing,” Rowland said.
Child welfare and internet experts have raised concerns about the ban, including isolating 14- and 15-year-olds from their already established online social networks.
Rowland said there would not be age restrictions placed on messaging services, online games or platforms that substantially support the health and education of users.
“We are not saying risks don’t exist on messaging apps or online gaming. While users can still be exposed to harmful content by other users, they do not face the same algorithmic curation of content and psychological manipulation to encourage near-endless engagement,” she said.
The government announced last week that a consortium led by British company Age Check Certification Scheme has been contracted to examine various technologies to estimate and verify ages.
In addition to removing children under 16 from social media, Australia is also looking for ways to prevent children under 18 from accessing online pornography, a government statement said.
Age Check Certification Scheme’s chief executive Tony Allen said Monday the technologies being considered included age estimation and age inference. Inference involves establishing a series of facts about individuals that point to them being at least a certain age.
BAMAKO, Mali (WS News) — Mali’s junta leader fired Prime Minister Choguel Maïga and the government on Wednesday, days after Maïga criticized the military regime.
The move was announced in a presidential decree issued by Gen. Assimi Goita, Mali’s leader, and read on state television channel ORTM.
Mali has been ruled by military leaders since a junta seized power in 2020 and staged another coup the following year.
In June 2022, the junta promised a return to civilian rule by March 2024, but later postponed elections. No date has been set yet for the presidential election. A new prime minister has not been announced yet.
Maïga, who was appointed by the military two years ago, accused the junta of postponing the elections without informing him and said confusion around an end to the transition could pose “serious challenges and the risk of going backwards,” at a rally of his supporters on Saturday. In response to Maiga’s statement, the junta organized demonstrations against him.
The sacking comes a week after Mali’s junta arrested one of the country’s top politicians for criticizing the military rulers of neighboring Burkina Faso.
Over the last decade, Mali, along with its neighbors Niger and Burkina Faso, has been shaken by extremist uprisings and military coups. The three Sahelian nations are now ruled by military leaders who have taken power by force on pledges of providing more security to citizens. They have cut ties with the traditional Western allies, ousting French and American military forces, and instead sought new security ties with Russia.
But the security situation in Sahel has worsened since the juntas took power, analysts say, with a record number of attacks and a record number of civilians killed both by Islamic fighters and government forces.
