Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: The District and Sessions Court of Islamabad on Wednesday rejected the post-arrest bail application of YouTuber Razi Tahir in a case linked to controversial social media posts regarding an alleged meeting between the founder of PTI and a former senior public figure.

The case has been registered by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which is continuing its investigation.

Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah heard the bail petition and reserved the decision after listening to arguments from both sides. The court later dismissed the request for post-arrest bail.

During the hearing, the NCCIA prosecutor opposed the bail application and asked the court to keep the accused in custody. The prosecution informed the court that the investigation was still underway and that forensic examination reports of mobile phones and other electronic devices had not yet been received.

Counsel for the defense argued that the investigating agency had already obtained the accused’s mobile phone and account details. The lawyer maintained that questioning of the accused had been completed and there was no legal basis to continue his detention.

The defense further referred to several judgments of higher courts, arguing that the available evidence did not justify keeping the accused behind bars while the investigation proceeded.

In response, the prosecution stated that the forensic analysis of the seized devices remained an important part of the investigation and could provide further evidence related to the case. The agency requested the court to reject the bail plea until the investigative process was completed.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah dismissed the post-arrest bail application of Razi Tahir.

The NCCIA has already registered a case against the YouTuber over the controversial tweets, and further legal proceedings will continue in accordance with the investigation findings.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, paying tribute to renowned humanitarian and social figure Abdul Sattar Edhi on his 10th death anniversary, said that personalities like him served as a role model for the younger generation to drive social reform.

The prime minister, in his message on the anniversary, said that the late Edhi proved that every individual in the society could play a constructive role in social reform on their own.

Lauding his valuable national and welfare services, the prime minister said that a humanitarian and advocate for public service like Abdul Sattar Edhi was undoubtedly a matter of pride and a national asset for the country.

The prime minister said that Edhi’s sincere commitment to public welfare helped highlight the social dimensions of problem-solving, calling his invaluable services a remarkable part of Pakistan’s social fabric.

He said that Edhi’s public services held a prominent position in promoting positive values in society, such as empathy, tolerance, and mutual harmony.

Praying for peace for the departed soul of Edhi, Prime Minister Shehbaz said that his social services would always be remembered.

Islamabad: Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday expressed profound grief over the loss of lives and widespread property damage caused by torrential rains and subsequent flooding in China.

The acting president, in a statement, extended Pakistan’s solidarity, saying that the nation stood firmly with its Chinese brethren during this challenging natural calamity.

He said that the time-tested friendship between Pakistan and China grew stronger in the face of adversity.

Islamabad: Federal Tax Ombudsman, Zafar Hijazi, has ruled that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) cannot lawfully retain money recovered under an assessment order once that order has been set aside by the appellate authority.

The FTO held that once an assessment order is annulled in appeal, it ceases to exist in the eyes of law. Consequently, the legal basis for recovery also disappears and the recovered amount cannot be withheld merely because reassessment proceedings are pending, said a press release issued by the FTO on Wednesday.

Rejecting the department’s objection regarding jurisdiction, the FTO observed that the complaint related to maladministration arising from failure to implement the appellate order, continued attachment of the taxpayer’s bank account, and delay in deciding the pending refund application. These issues fall squarely within the jurisdiction of the FTO.

The FTO directed FBR to immediately implement the appellate order by lifting the bank attachment, decide the refund application strictly in accordance with law, and submit a compliance report within 45 days.

The decision reaffirms that while tax authorities are free to complete reassessment proceedings in accordance with law, they cannot deny taxpayers the relief flowing from a valid appellate order or retain amounts without lawful authority. It reinforces the principles of lawful administration, prompt implementation of appellate decisions, and protection of taxpayers against arbitrary recovery measures.

Islamabad: In a landmark initiative to promote research culture and recognize outstanding scholarly contributions, Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) through its Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) has organized the Research Awards 2026 Ceremony during which 171 research awards were distributed among faculty members and researchers.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood graced the ceremony as the chief guest and congratulated the award recipients for their outstanding academic achievements. Addressing the gathering, he reaffirmed the University’s commitment to strengthening research and innovation, describing research as the foundation of sustainable national development and academic excellence.

The Vice Chancellor announced a significant increase in the University’s internal research grant, raising it from Rs. 250,000 to Rs. 1 million per project. He said the decision reflects AIOU’s determination to encourage high-quality, impactful research capable of addressing national challenges and contributing to global knowledge.

Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood emphasized that universities must move beyond traditional teaching and become centers of innovation, research and knowledge creation. He urged faculty members and young researchers to undertake interdisciplinary and solution-oriented research that directly benefits society and supports national development.

He appreciated the role of ORIC in promoting research activities and creating opportunities for researchers to excel. He also stressed the importance of commercializing research outcomes and strengthening collaboration between academia, industry and public institutions to maximize the impact of university research.

Director ORIC highlighted the University’s remarkable progress in research during the past year and said that AIOU has witnessed a substantial increase in research publications, funded projects, patents, and collaborative initiatives. He added that the Research Awards are intended to acknowledge excellence, motivate researchers, and cultivate a competitive research environment within the University.

The ceremony was attended by deans, faculty members, researchers, administrative officers, and a large number of students, who appreciated the University’s continued efforts to promote research, innovation, and academic excellence.

The event concluded with the distribution of 171 research awards, recognizing distinguished contributions in research publications, funded projects, innovation, and other scholarly achievements.

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by devastating storms, tornadoes, landslides and heavy rains in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, as well as Hubei and Gansu provinces.

‘Deeply saddened by the devastating floods and heavy rains affecting our Chinese brothers and sisters. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and express Pakistan’s full solidarity with the people of China during this difficult time. Our ironclad friendship remains steadfast’, President Asif Zardari said in a statement.

The prime minister, in a separate statement extended, on behalf of the people of Pakistan, heartfelt condolences to President Xi Jinping, the Government and the people of China, especially the bereaved families.

“We stand in solidarity with our Chinese brothers and sisters during this difficult time and pray for the swift recovery of the injured and the success of ongoing rescue efforts,” the prime minister added.