Court questions interior ministry on Musharraf’s absence

In this file photo, former Pakistani president and military ruler Pervez Musharraf addresses a youth parliament in Karachi on Dec. 4, 2014. (AFP)
Updated 10 September 2018
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Court questions interior ministry on Musharraf’s absence

  • Former president’s treason case to be heard every day from October 9, court says
  • Seeks a detailed reply on steps being taken to bring him back

ISLAMABAD: Lahore High Court’s Chief Justice, Yawar Ali, on Monday questioned the government on steps being taken to ensure the return of former army general Pervaiz Musharraf and whether his statement could be recorded in absentia.

Musharraf has been accused of treason after he suspended the constitution on November 3, 2007. Despite the state prosecutor providing all evidence to back the charges, a legal conclusion to the case has yet to be made. Musharraf was indicted in the case in March 2014. He rejected all charges and has been under a self-imposed exile in the UAE ever since.

“A request was made for Musharraf’s arrest through Interpol,” a representative from the Ministry of Interior said.

“This is the last time we are adjourning the case as it has to be taken to its logical conclusion,” Justice Yawar said, adding that senior prosecutor Naseeruddin Khan Nayyar will present arguments as the court’s legal adviser.

Justice Yawar then directed the ministry to submit a written statement on the measures being taken to bring Musharraf back. The hearing has been adjourned until October 9, following which it be heard on a daily basis, announced the special court.


Pakistan launches second indigenous EO-2 satellite from China, SUPARCO says

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Pakistan launches second indigenous EO-2 satellite from China, SUPARCO says

  • Earth observation satellite launched from Yangjiang Seashore Launch Center in China
  • EO-2 to enhance disaster response, governance, resource management capabilities

KARACHI: Pakistan has successfully launched its second indigenous Earth Observation satellite, EO-2, from China’s Yangjiang Seashore Launch Center, the national space agency SUPARCO said on Thursday.

The launch marks a significant step in Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen its domestic space and remote sensing capabilities, with the satellite expected to improve imaging continuity, disaster monitoring, agricultural planning and strategic resource management.

In a statement, Pakistan’s SUPARCO said the EO-2 satellite would enhance the country’s earth observation and imaging capabilities and support governance and planning functions across multiple sectors.

“Pakistan’s second indigenous EO-2 satellite has been successfully launched,” SUPARCO said, adding that the mission represents a “milestone” in the expansion of the country’s satellite fleet.

According to the agency, EO-2 will provide critical data for planning and resource management while improving the continuity and accuracy of national earth observation systems.

The satellite is expected to support disaster management, urban planning, environmental monitoring and infrastructure development by supplying updated geospatial imagery and data.

SUPARCO said the launch demonstrates growing indigenous capability in satellite development and reflects Pakistan’s broader objective of strengthening its national space program through locally developed platforms.

Pakistan has gradually expanded its space cooperation with China in recent years, including satellite launches and joint missions, as Islamabad seeks to build technical capacity and reduce reliance on external data sources.

The EO-2 satellite is expected to play a key role in improving data availability for federal and provincial authorities, particularly in areas vulnerable to floods, climate stress and rapid urbanization.