AsiaNet-Pakistan

New Delhi, The judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been extended until April 23 by a Delhi Court in connection with a money laundering case linked to the scrapped liquor policy.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Kejriwal, who was initially arrested on March 21, appeared virtually before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Courts as his previous period of custody expired. The extension aligns with the custody end date of co-accused BRS leader K Kavitha, indicating a synchronized review of their cases.

Previously, Kejriwal had sought intervention from the Supreme Court following a Delhi High Court decision that upheld his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and his remand in the excise policy case. On April 9, the High Court dismissed his plea for release and rejected the argument that his arrest was politically motivated, particularly with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The High Court also noted Kejriwal’s failure to respond to nine ED summons over a six-month period, which weakened his claims for any special privileges as Chief Minister. This non-cooperation was cited as a significant factor leading to his arrest.

In his appeal against the High Court’s ruling, Kejriwal argued that the ED does not possess sufficient evidence for a conviction under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He contended that his arrest was primarily based on inconsistent statements from co-accused who later became approvers.

Kejriwal’s arrest is part of the ED’s broader investigation into alleged irregularities in the now-defunct Delhi excise policy for 2021-22.

Karachi, Sindh government spokesperson Barrister Murtaza Wahab has responded to recent statements by MQM leaders, asserting that the provincial government is actively combating crime across Sindh, from Kashmore to Karachi.

According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, Wahab criticized MQM’s dual approach to political issues, highlighting its internal divisions and previous politics of division and hate. He outlined the Sindh government’s current efforts under the PPP leadership, noting that police and Rangers are conducting stringent operations against a wide spectrum of criminals, from organized bands in remote areas to street criminals in urban centers. The ongoing crackdown has resulted in numerous arrests and some suspects being neutralized in police encounters.

Wahab also pointed out that while MQM advocates for stronger local governance, it paradoxically seeks federal intervention in provincial matters. He reassured that the PPP is committed to addressing the concerns of its citizens through practical measures rather than mere rhetoric. Emphasizing the party’s focus on substantive development and peace initiatives, he recalled the turbulent past of Karachi marred by violence and crime, crediting the PPP for restoring peace and stability to the city.

Lahore, In a significant engagement with the police workforce, Inspector General of Punjab Police, Dr. Usman Anwar, met with police employees and their families at the Central Police Office, where he addressed their concerns and expedited orders for immediate relief based on their submissions.

According to Punjab Police, Dr. Anwar reviewed and acted upon several requests from employees across different districts, demonstrating a strong commitment to employee welfare and procedural justice within the force. For instance, the reinstatement request of driver constable Muhammad Nawaz from Chakwal and the employment of his son as a constable were forwarded to the DIG of Establishment for prompt action. Similarly, relief measures were ordered for Warden Adeel of Lahore Traffic Police concerning his NOC application, which was directed to the DIG of Welfare.

Further actions included directives to address the recruitment of a retired sub-inspector’s son in Faisalabad and promotion requests for sub-inspectors in Rawalpindi and Gujrat, highlighting a broad spectrum of personnel issues being promptly addressed. Dr. Anwar emphasized that the welfare of the police force remains a top priority and assured that all decisions would be made on merit to ensure fairness and efficiency within the department.

Karachi, In a significant political meeting held at Governor House, Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tesori met with Dr. Asim Hussain, former Federal Minister and senior leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).

According to Sindh Governor House, Dr. Hussain extended Eid-ul-Fitr greetings and commended the ongoing welfare projects spearheaded by Governor Tesori. The discussion also covered the broader political climate of the country and other pertinent issues concerning the welfare of the province’s residents. Dr. Hussain’s visit included a tour of the IT marquee, showcasing technological advancements and initiatives under the current administration.

Governor Tesori expressed his gratitude towards Dr. Hussain for his appreciation and support of the welfare projects, highlighting the meeting as a productive exchange on furthering provincial and national development.

Muzaffargarh, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Naresh Tikait has expressed disappointment with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating that the party did not meet the expectations set during its support in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Tikait criticized the BJP-led government for not addressing the concerns of farmers, particularly pointing out the lack of acknowledgment for the deaths of approximately 750 farmers during the prolonged protests at Delhi’s borders in 2020-21. He described the party’s approach as indicative of a “dictatorship.”

Tikait, who holds a significant position as the Chaudhary of the Balyan Khap in the Jat community of western Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, indicated that the BKU, which was a major participant in the 2020-21 demonstrations against agricultural marketing laws, remains open to backing candidates from various parties in the forthcoming elections. He noted that the BKU’s diverse membership, with personal and community ties to different political candidates, makes it challenging to endorse a single party.

“The Bharatiya Kisan Union is a big organization where every member has some relation or link with one or the other party. Some are relatives of the candidates, some belong to the same community (as that of a candidate) or have ties at individual levels with them. So we are not very successful in making such decisions (for the BKU members) on whom to support,� Tikait explained during an interview at his family home in Sisauli village, Muzaffarnagar.

Karachi, Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tesori attended an Eid dinner hosted by the United Arab Emirates Consul General Bakhit Atiq Rumithi, which was marked by the participation of consul generals from 17 countries and discussions on economic cooperation in Sindh.

According to Sindh Governor House, the dinner provided a platform for discussions on the Sindh Industrial and Facilitation Corporation (SIFC) projects. Delegates from UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain expressed significant interest in these initiatives, viewing them as pivotal to strengthening economic ties and enhancing regional stability. The consul generals assured that the SIFC projects in Sindh would receive full protection and support, highlighting their potential role as economic catalysts for the province.

Karachi, On the second day of Eid, the gates of Governor House saw a significant gathering of residents arriving to receive rations distributed as part of the Eid celebrations.

According to Sindh Governor House, the initiative was part of ongoing efforts to support the community during the festive season. The distribution was aimed at ensuring that the festivities could be enjoyed by all segments of society, particularly those in need.