The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has instructed Adiala Jail authorities to obtain and submit former prime minister Imran Khan’s signed power of attorney in court.

Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas heard a contempt of court petition regarding the non-provision of power of attorney and denial of meetings with Imran Khan. Lawyer Shoaib Shaheen appeared personally, while a representative from Adiala Jail also attended the hearing.

During the proceedings, Shoaib Shaheen argued that over 200 cases were pending, and without signed power of attorney, they could not proceed with legal matters. When questioned, the Adiala Jail representative stated that they had no such documents in their possession.

Shaheen informed the court that the jail superintendent had previously contacted him, stating they could now process the documents. However, despite multiple visits and follow-ups, the signed documents were never returned.

Justice Minhas directed the lawyer to resubmit the documents, instructing the jail authorities to return them by the next day. The court also ordered Adiala Jail officials to submit a report regarding the matter.

The hearing was adjourned until tomorrow (Wednesday).

Police have submitted the charge sheet in court regarding the suicide attack on foreign nationals near Jinnah International Airport.

During the hearing at the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Karachi, police presented the charge sheet, naming Bashir Ahmed, Abdul Rehman alias Rahma Gul, and Siraj Bhattar alias Danish Mafroor, while two suspects, Muhammad Javed and Gul Nisa, have been arrested.

The incident occurred on October 6, 2024, at 11 PM, when a blast took place in front of the Civil Aviation guard room near the airport.

Two Chinese nationals were killed in the explosion, and their bodies were found near a coaster. The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) Majeed Brigade claimed responsibility for the attack via social media.

According to the charge sheet, the attackers allegedly received support from a foreign enemy intelligence agency, with the objective of harming Pakistan-China relations. The suicide attack was intended to destabilise the country, damage its economy, and serve financial interests.

The charge sheet further stated that the attack aimed to spread fear, lower the morale of security agencies, and cause public terror. The explosion resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals and left 10 others injured.

The police report highlighted that suspect Javed facilitated the attack by visiting the crime scene with other accused, while suspect Gul Nisa helped the suicide bomber enter Karachi.

Pakistan Peoples Party MNA Shazia Marri said on Tuesday President Asif Ali Zardari in his joint parliamentary session address had buried the propaganda against water shortage.

Speaking to media, Marri said President Zardari had always spoken about country’s solidarity and prosperity.

The president, she said, effectively highlighted national concerns as well as the Kashmir and Palestine issues. He underscored the need for world to spare a thought for Palestine and take concrete steps for the hapless people.

She said President Zardari was a firm believer in a strong federation and supporting the government as its ally. He, however, made it clear that the PPP would not acquiesce in to the government’s policy on canals.