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An Islamabad court reissued non-bailable arrest warrants for KP CM Sohail Afridi in a PECA-linked defamation case after repeated non-appearance. The court ordered his arrest and set February 21 as the next hearing date.
Imran Khan’s lawyer says the jailed PTI founder is in good health after a three-hour Adiala jail meeting. The visit was permitted by the Supreme Court to assess living conditions, with a report due to the court by Wednesday.
Transparency International’s CPI 2025 places Pakistan 136th out of 182, with the country’s score improving to 28. The report frames this as a marginal uptick while warning corruption pressures remain a global concern and reforms need sustained follow-through.
The Supreme Court refused to order an immediate meeting with jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, saying notice to the government is required and maintainability objections must be addressed first. The court issued notice for a later hearing and indicated the matter may be infructuous given its link to an earlier 2023 order.
PM Shehbaz Sharif announced Pakistan will invest $1 billion in artificial intelligence by 2030 and roll out nationwide programmes for education, training and research. The plan includes AI curricula expansion, 1,000 funded AI PhDs, and training for one million non-IT professionals, with focus on agriculture, minerals and youth empowerment.
A Lahore court granted bail to five suspects in the Bhati Gate manhole deaths case after the victims’ heirs submitted a written compromise. The court accepted the pardon and ordered release on surety bonds, noting the complainants no longer sought legal action.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs extended the Hajj biometric verification deadline to February 17 and said pilgrims can complete the process via a mobile app or Tasheer Centres. Officials reiterated that biometrics are mandatory for visa issuance and advised pilgrims to keep their confirmation receipts.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said organised begging networks have contributed to Gulf visa restrictions for Pakistanis, alleging contractor-run rings recruit vulnerable people and send beggars abroad. He also claimed facilitation by some airport-linked officials, while the UAE Consulate in Karachi denied reports of any visa ban.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar demanded an apology after Information Minister Atta Tarar linked PTI to terrorism. Gohar called the remarks reckless amid national mourning after the Islamabad imambargah attack and urged unity against violence.
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz extended Lahore’s Basant celebrations until 5am Monday, citing public enthusiasm and safety compliance. Authorities maintained strict restrictions and security deployments as officials urged residents to celebrate responsibly.
Police briefly detained a JI MPA and party workers during a press conference outside the ECP office in Karachi. Officials deny arrests, while JI says the move was meant to intimidate protesters ahead of a planned sit-in outside the Sindh Assembly on Feb 14.
China condemned the Islamabad imambargah attack and pledged support for Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard security and stability. The blast during Friday prayers killed dozens, while investigations and regional diplomatic condolences continued.
