pakistan

Beirut blast victims’ relatives rally for embattled probe judge

Published

4 months ago

January 26, 2023

admin

Beirut blast victims' relatives rally for embattled probe judge

Families of victims killed in the 2020 Beirut explosion rallied Thursday to support the judge investigating the disaster, after he was charged by Lebanon’s top prosecutor in the highly politically case.

Security was tight at the palace of justice in Beirut, where dozens of family members of the victims gathered “to support the investigation” led by investigative judge Tarek Bitar.

One of history’s biggest non-nuclear explosions, the August 4, 2020 blast destroyed much of the Lebanese capital’s port and surrounding areas, killing more than 215 people and injuring over 6,500. No official has been held accountable for the disaster.

Bitar this week defied Lebanon’s entrenched ruling elite by daring to charge several powerful figures — including prosecutor general Ghassan Oueidat — over the blast, and revived a probe that was suspended for over a year amid vehement political and legal pushback.

Oueidat in turn charged Bitar for insubordination and for “usurping power,” calling him for questioning on Thursday — a summons Bitar is not expected to attend.
He also ordered the release of all those detained in the case, and slapped a travel ban on Bitar.

The organisation of families of those killed called the move against Bitar a “political, security and judicial coup d’etat”.

Relatives of the victims and rights groups have blamed the disaster on an entrenched political class widely seen as inept.

Lebanon has a history of political assassinations, and authorities are now “entirely responsible for the judge’s safety,” the families warned.

Bitar, handling the biggest case since former prime minister Rafik Hariri’s 2005 assassination, was forced to suspend his probe for 13 months after a barrage of lawsuits, mainly from politicians he had summoned on charges of negligence.

The judicial arm-wrestling between Bitar and Oueidat is the latest of crisis-torn Lebanon’s mounting woes, as the value of the national currency hit new record lows against the US dollar this week.

On Wednesday, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International called on the United Nations Human Rights Council to “urgently pass a resolution to create an impartial fact-finding mission” into the port explosion.

“The Lebanese authorities have repeatedly obstructed the domestic investigation into the explosion,” the joint statement said.

Post Views: 36

pakistan

Usman Dar’s brother quits politics citing ‘business commitment’

Published

7 hours ago

June 1, 2023

admin

Usman Dar's brother quits politics citing 'business commitment'

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Usman Dar’s brother Amir Dar on Thursday decided to leave the embattled party and quit politics.

Addressing a press conference, Mr Dar condemned the events that unfolded on May 9, adding that he was deciding to quit politics due to business commitments.

“I suffered losses in business because of politics. I have no conflict with any institution,” he added.”

Speaking about the political future of his brothers, Mr Dar said, “It is up to Usman Dar and Asad Dar to stay or leave the party”.

Earlier today, PTI Sindh President Ameer Bakhsh Bhutto relinquished his post. Addressing a press conference along with PTI Sindh Vice President Allah Bakhsh Unar, Mr Bhutto said, “Now I am not interested in politics. I am ready to sacrifice for the sake of the country and my companions”.

He added, “I will decide the political future in consultation with my companions”.

Speaking about the events that transpired on May 9, Mr Bhutto said, “The vandalism on May 9 is condemnable.”

Taking a jibe at the embattled party, Mr Bhutto said, “Why were military installations attacked?”

Meanwhile, Mr Unar also relinquished his posts following the May 9 mayhem.

Post Views: 8

pakistan

PTI Sindh President Amir Bakhsh Bhutto relinquishes his posts

Published

8 hours ago

June 1, 2023

admin

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sindh President Ameer Bakhsh Bhutto relinquished his post on Thursday.

Addressing a press conference along with PTI Sindh Vice President Allah Bakhsh Unar, Mr Bhutto said, “Now I am not interested in politics. I am ready to sacrifice for the sake of the country and my companions”.

He added, “I will decide the political future in consultation with my companions”.

Speaking about the events that transpired on May 9, Mr Bhutto said, “The vandalism on May 9 is condemnable.”

Taking a jibe at the embattled party, Mr Bhutto said, “Why were military installations attacked?”

Meanwhile, Mr Unar also relinquished his posts following the May 9 mayhem.

Post Views: 10

pakistan

Zoo elephant ‘Madhubala’ infected with blood parasite

Published

8 hours ago

June 1, 2023

admin

Zoo elephant 'Madhubala' infected with blood parasite

In a concerning development, the beloved zoo elephant, Madhubala, has been diagnosed with a blood parasite infection on Thursday.

The authorities have swiftly taken action to safeguard the elephant’s health and prevent the spread of the infection.

Today, the first dose of a vaccine was administered to Madhubala in order to protect her from further complications caused by the parasite. The dedicated veterinary team will closely monitor her progress, and the second dose of the vaccine is scheduled to be given after a period of 15 days.

To ensure a comprehensive assessment of Madhubala condition, zoo authorities have decided to send her blood samples for laboratory testing precisely 15 days after the administration of the vaccine.

Based on the results of these tests, a decision will be made regarding Madhubala relocation to the Safari Park.

The director of the zoo highlighted the significance of taking immediate action to mitigate the spread of the infection. As a preventive measure, a disinfectant spray campaign has been initiated throughout the zoo premises.

The authorities are working on an emergency basis, focusing not only on the health of Madhubala but also on the well-being of other rare species of animals housed within the zoo.

Post Views: 10