Latest news with #AbbottabadPressClub
Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Police accused of mishandling murder case
A nine-member legal committee has strongly criticized the police investigation and demanded the immediate removal of the DSP, SHO, in-charge of the Jinnahabad police post, and the investigating officer in the murder case of 13-year-old domestic worker, Iqra. The accused, Haris Latif, initially confessed to the crime before Judicial Magistrate-III but later retracted his statement after meeting his lawyer, an act the committee claims would not be possible without police collusion. At a press conference held at the Abbottabad Press Club, former district nazim Sardar Sher Bahadur, advocate Ishaq Zakariya, Naseer Khan Jadoon and others accused the police of shielding the suspect and manipulating the case. They vowed not to accept any compromise in the case, warning that continued police misconduct would spark protests too large for authorities to control. The committee condemned what it called the police's "hospitality" toward the suspect during his six-day remand, alleging he was treated cold drinks instead of being subjected to proper interrogation. They said the shifting of the suspect's statement under Section 164 CrPC was a serious red flag. Committee members also questioned how a lawyer was allowed to meet the suspect without submitting a power of attorney. They demanded an explanation for attempts to alter the medical report, asking why, in some cases, justice is swift for police personnel, but delayed or denied for poor victims like Iqra. Swearing to fight for justice, the speakers said: "Even if we have to take bullets to the chest, we won't back down. What happened to Iqra is a stain on humanity." They reiterated that Iqra's murder would not be brushed under the rug and warned the police not to operate with impunity. Background The incident took place late Friday night (8th Muharram) in Habibullah Colony, where Iqra was found dead at the home of Shahid Latif. His son, Haris Latif, was arrested on suspicion and remanded for six days by Mirpur police. Due to security concerns, he was presented in court early Saturday, where he denied the charges. The court has now sent him to jail on judicial remand.
Express Tribune
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Road project under fire for corruption
Serious concerns have been raised over the ongoing 24-kilometer road construction project in five union councils near Thandiani, where plans to convert the road from blacktop to concrete have sparked widespread criticism. At a press conference held at Abbottabad Press Club, prominent social activist and former PTI leader Javed Qureshi strongly opposed the decision to use concrete for the Thandiani road. Originally intended to boost tourism, the project is now under scrutiny amid allegations of massive corruption and poor planning. Qureshi warned that the concrete road could become a "well of death," noting that the region remains snowbound for over five months each year. "How will vehicles be parked on a concrete road under such conditions? Daily accidents and fatalities are inevitable. Who will be held accountable?" he questioned. He also alleged that the project's estimated cost has been inflated from Rs2.5 billion to Rs6.5 billion over the past two years, with the revised budget approved by the provincial cabinet. Qureshi accused influential political figures and elected representatives of remaining silent, effectively turning a blind eye to the issue and enabling the contractor's mismanagement. The project affects nearly 500,000 local residents. Qureshi further disclosed that the Abbottabad-Thandiani road is part of a larger Rs27 billion development initiative supported by the World Bank. However, he claimed that approximately Rs2.75 billion of the allocated funds are being siphoned off under the pretext of project execution.
Business Recorder
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
No formal talks for release of IK with federal govt: Saif
PESHAWAR: Advisor to KP CM on Information and Public Relations, Barrister Dr. Muhammad Ali Saif has said that no formal negotiations are underway with the federal government regarding the release of PTI chairman Imran Khan. He said that during Indian aggression, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stood united with the Pakistan Army, the nation, and the federal government. He urged the government not to exhibit political arrogance after this major success. Speaking at the 'Meet the Press' event at the Abbottabad Press Club and earlier at a seminar organized by Hajra Hamza Foundation at Jalal Baba Auditorium on World Thalassemia Day, Dr. Saif said that the cases against Imran Khan are baseless and that he is being subjected to injustice. He emphasized that keeping Imran Khan in jail will not break his spirit and that such actions are only increasing PTI's popularity. He challenged the government to release Imran Khan and face him politically, stating that the federal government has no legal or constitutional authority to make decisions. He confirmed that some individuals are attempting to mediate a resolution, but warned that political instability in the country threatens both the economy and national security. During the Thalassemia seminar, Maj. Gen Abid Latif Khan (retd) highlighted the role and efforts of the foundation. At the 'Meet the Press' event, President of Abbottabad Press Club Sardar Naveed Alam, General Secretary Raja Munir Khan, and President of Abbottabad Union of Journalists Atif Qayum raised demand for fund for a media colony, issuance of accreditation cards for journalists, medical funds, and inclusion of Abbottabad journalists in informational tours and training workshops. Regarding the media colony for the journalists of Abbottabad, Dr. Saif said that the Chief Minister has been approached and efforts will be made to resolve the matter within the current fiscal year. He also assured support in resolving other issues faced by journalists. Dr. Saif described the federal government's tactics as signs of fear and stated that Imran Khan will not enter into talks for personal gain but is willing to accept any condition for the sake of Pakistan. He criticized the federal government for turning Islamabad into a city of containers in response to PTI's protest movement and for targeting unarmed workers instead of competing politically. He condemned violence against journalists in Punjab and the suppression of dissent. Dr. Saif revealed that Imran Khan would soon announce the next phase of the protest movement and emphasized that internal party differences should not be aired in the media. On the health front, Dr. Saif noted that the provincial government has included treatment for thalassemia in the Sehat Card program, and bone marrow transplants will now also be covered at the government's expense. Earlier, President of Abbottabad Press Club Sardar Naveed Alam presented the PC-1 file for the media colony to the provincial advisor and reiterated the demand for special funding. Commemorative shields were presented to Barrister Dr. Muhammad Ali Saif and officers of Information Department by the Abbottabad Press Club and Abbottabad Union of Journalists. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
19-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Hazara launches land record digitisation project
The Hazara Division Commissioner has announced the launch of a pilot project to digitise land revenue records, beginning with a village in Haripur district. The initiative is designed to enhance transparency, streamline processes, and improve public convenience. Speaking during an official visit to the Abbottabad Press Club, Commissioner Syed Fayaz Ali Shah said that the digital system will allow citizens to pay bank fees online and access important documents such as the Jamabandi (land ownership record) and Fard (ownership certificate) from homeeliminating the need to visit Service Delivery Centres. "The provincial government is committed to implementing digital reforms across all departments to ensure better service delivery and greater accountability," he said, urging the media to continue playing its vital role in highlighting public concerns and administrative shortcomings. "Abbottabad's media has always demonstrated a constructive approach," he added. "Let us work together to promote transparency and the public good." During the visit, President of the Abbottabad Press Club Sardar Naveed Alam, General Secretary Raja Munir Khan, AUJ President Atif Qayoom, and General Secretary Saqib Khan briefed the commissioner on various issues affecting the Hazara Division. Commissioner Fayaz Ali Shah reiterated his commitment to addressing these challenges, expressing a strong sense of connection with Abbottabad. He also commended the Abbottabad Press Club for its initiatives supporting the welfare of journalists and highlighted recent successes in tax reforms. "In the Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control Department, we achieved a revenue target of Rs5.5 million this year through vehicle registration, house tax, and token tax collections," he said. "This marks a significant turnaround, as the department was in deficit last year."
