ISLAMABAD: Ex-prime minister Imran Khan’s party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday challenging what it called “illegal raids” and “harassment” of the party’s social media activists by state authorities.
The petition was filed by PTI Islamabad president Ali Nawaz Awan, who said social media activists belonging to the PTI, including former social media focal person for Khan, Dr Arslan Khalid, were being 'harassed.'
The FIA counterterrorism wing sprang into action this week after a “vilification drive” against the army, particularly the army chief, was launched on social networking websites following Khan’s ouster on April 10 in a no-confidence vote spearheaded by a joint opposition in the National Assembly.
Khan has repeatedly said the campaign to oust him was a "foreign conspiracy" orchestrated by the US. Both Khan and his supporters have expressed disappointment that the military and army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa did not support him against the alleged foreign plot and block his ouster.
In the wake of Khan's removal from office, anti-army and judiciary hashtags have remained top trends on social media platforms.
“To immediately stop the unlawful and illegal raids and harassment of the Petitioner’s party workers ... in the interest of justice, equity and fair play,” the PTI petitioner requested to the court.
“To act strictly within the four corners of Constitution and law and to refrain from violating and disrespecting the privacy, honour of the families and house-holds of the political workers and preserve the sanctity thereof,” the petition read.
On Tuesday, the Pakistan army also commented on the online hate campaign after a meeting of formation commanders: “The forum took note of the recent propaganda campaign by some quarters to malign Pakistan Army and create division between the institution and society.”
Ex-PM Khan’s party moves court against ‘harassment’ of social media activists
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Ex-PM Khan’s party moves court against ‘harassment’ of social media activists
- FIA has launched crackdown against pro-PTI social media users allegedly maligning state institutions online
- Petitioner appeals court to immediately stop the “unlawful and illegal raids and harassment” of PTI workers
Pakistan stocks recover as oil supply fears ease after Islamabad seeks Red Sea route— analyst
- Pakistan has sought Saudi help to secure oil supplies via Red Sea port after Iran’s closure of Strait if Hormuz
- Analyst says higher crude oil prices, expectations of IMF releasing next loan tranche also triggered bullish activity
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani stocks marked a sharp recovery when trading closed on Thursday, as institutional activity increased following Islamabad’s move to seek crude oil supplies through the Red Sea port eased oil supply fears, a financial analyst said.
Pakistani stocks have recorded a sharp decline this week, with the benchmark KSE-100 index recording its largest-ever single-day decline on Monday when it plunged 16,089 points. Escalating conflict in the Middle East triggered panic selling at the Pakistani bourse, forcing a temporary trading halt on Monday.
The KSE-100 index, however, gained 3.49 percent or 5,433.46 points to close at 161,210.67 when trading ended on Thursday, up from the previous close of 155,777.21 points, according to Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) data.
Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik met Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki on Wednesday to discuss Iran’s closure of the key Strait of Hormuz, which has threatened Pakistan’s energy supply. Roughly 20 percent of the global oil and gas supply passes through the route. Saudi Arabia indicated it could facilitate shipments through the Red Sea port of Yanbu, offering an alternative route if Gulf shipping lanes remain disrupted, the petroleum ministry said on Wednesday.
“Stocks staged a sharp recovery at PSX amid institutional activity on easing fuel supply fears after KSA [Kingdom of Saudi Arabia] commits oil supplies through the Red Sea port,” Ahsan Mehanti, chief executive officer at Arif Habib Commodities, told Arab News.
He said higher global crude oil prices and expectations of the International Monetary Fund releasing its next tranche of the $7 billion loan for Pakistan also helped bullish activity at the PSX.
An IMF mission was in Pakistan to hold talks on the third review of a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility multi-year program, and for the second review of the $1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility this week.
However, the delegation left for Türkiye amid tensions in the Gulf. Pakistani officials have said talks are likely to continue virtually in the coming days.
Pakistani brokerage Topline Securities said in its daily market review report that strong institutional buying “turned the tide” on Thursday after the market’s recent overreaction to regional issues.
The report added that Hub Power Company (HUBC), Oil & Gas Development Company (OGDC), Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC), Engro Corporation (ENGROH), and Meezan Bank Limited (MEBL) collectively contributed 2,197 points to the KSE benchmark’s gain.
Topline Securities said 723 million shares were traded on Thursday, with K-Electric Limited (KEL) stealing the spotlight as more than 1.17 billion shares changed hands.
Pakistani investors are closely monitoring developments in the Gulf, particularly around energy routes and further retaliatory actions, as the conflict’s trajectory remains uncertain.
