Pakistan Roundup: Tribal feud, currency smuggling, vandalism
Pakistan carpet expo
International buyers are excited to participate in Pakistan's upcoming carpet expo in October. The Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association is optimistic about the event's success and is seeking support from the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan. However, they expressed concern over Pakistan's declining share in the international handmade carpet market due to the lack of incentives, as reported by Dunya News.
PTI leaders granted bail in judicial complex vandalism case
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz, among others, have been granted bail in a judicial complex vandalism case. The anti-terrorism court confirmed their bail and also accepted the bail plea of PTI founder Imran Khan and Asad Umar. According to Dunya News, the case hearing has been adjourned until September 4 due to the absence of one of the accused.
Threats to top judge over ‘blasphemy’ accusations
The Pakistani government has vowed action against a religious-political party for issuing death threats to the country's top judge over blasphemy accusations. The threats came after the judge granted bail to a member of the minority Ahmadi community accused of blasphemy, Arab News reports. The government condemned the threats and stated that the state would not accept dictation from any group. Human rights groups warn that Pakistan's blasphemy laws are often misused to settle personal scores.
Tribal conflicts leave 42 dead
A tribal feud in northwestern Pakistan has resulted in 42 deaths and 183 wounded. The conflict between the Sunni Muslim Madagi and the Shiite Mali Khel tribes began over a land dispute and has reignited longstanding religious tensions. The violence has been condemned by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, which is calling for peaceful resolution through negotiations. Struggles to enforce the rule of law in the region continue despite its merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in 2018, reports BSS News.
Cabin crew remanded for smuggling Saudi currency
A female Pakistan International Airlines flight attendant has been placed on judicial remand after being caught smuggling foreign currency at an international airport in Punjab province. Customs officials detained her on Friday after discovering a large amount of Saudi riyals hidden in her socks during a body search. She was produced before a magistrate on Saturday, where officials sought her custody. According to News18, a video of the incident has gone viral on social media. An FIR was filed against her by Customs officials who intercepted her while she was boarding PIA flight PK 203 from Lahore to Dubai, according to Dawn News on Monday, July 29.
