Pakistan roundup: Court to hear Nawaz Sharif, fire tragedy, national security, $659 Million

Islamabad High Court to hear Nawaz Sharif's appeal in Al-Azizia reference on merit

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) is set to review Nawaz Sharif's appeal challenging his Al-Azizia reference conviction on its substantive merits. The division bench, led by IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, will scrutinize key elements, including charges and evidence. This follows the same bench's acquittal of Nawaz Sharif in the Avenfield reference on November 29. The Al-Azizia case, which led to a seven-year jail term and fines in 2018, revolves around Sharif's role in establishing Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metal Establishment (HME) in Saudi Arabia. Sharif, returning to Pakistan in October after medical treatment in London, had his appeals revived by the IHC on October 24. The upcoming hearing will delve into the case's intricacies and assess the merits of Sharif's appeal.

Death toll rises to five in Karachi building fire tragedy

The death toll in the Karachi building fire near Ayesha Manzil has reached five, according to local police reports on Thursday. The fire originated in a mattress shop and was controlled with the efforts of 12 fire engines. Victims, aged 20 to 40, were identified, and two individuals sustained burn injuries. The Sindh Chief Minister has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. This marks the second major fire in Karachi within two weeks, following the Rashid Minhas Road building fire on Nov 25, which claimed 11 lives. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the Ayesha Manzil fire.

Pakistan's Army Chief says repatriation of illegal foreigners vital for national security

Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir, stated on Thursday that the government's initiative to repatriate illegal foreigners, primarily undocumented Afghan migrants, is essential for national security and economic stability. General Munir, during his visit to Peshawar, highlighted that the repatriation process is being carried out with compassion and dignity, adhering to established norms. According to reports from local media, The News, the ongoing repatriation has seen over 255,000 individuals returning to Afghanistan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone, facilitated by major border crossings such as Torkham, Angor Ada, and Kharlachi. This decision is closely linked to the rise in terror attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, and the growing tensions between Islamabad and the Taliban administration in Kabul.

ADB approves $659 Million for inclusive growth projects in Pakistan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $659 million for three distinct projects in collaboration with the federal government of Pakistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. The objective of these initiatives, as reported by Dawn, is to promote inclusive and sustainable growth and development in Pakistan. The projects include measures to enhance domestic resource mobilization, rebuild schools damaged by the 2022 floods, and improve agricultural productivity to bolster food security. This funding aligns with ADB's strategy to support Pakistan's economic recovery from the cost-of-living crisis and floods, with an overarching goal of fostering long-term sustainable development. The approved projects consist of a $300 million loan for the Improved Resource Mobilization and Utilization Reform Program, $275 million for the Sindh Secondary Education Improvement Project, and an $80 million concessional loan for the Food Security Support Project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.