Our Authors - Page 97 of 223

Trump Starts Drafting First Executive Orders, Assembling Potential White House Team

Mikey Peres

-

November 7, 2024

Trump Starts Drafting First Executive Orders, Assembling Potential White House Team

Washington DC (DT) – US President-elect Donald Trump has started preparing executive orders, including one on immigration that he intends to sign on his first day in office, with his campaign discussing potential appointments for the White House team.

According to The Washington Post and Politico on Thursday, Trump’s campaign has entered the transition phase following Tuesday’s election, in which he secured a second term set to officially begin on Jan. 20.

Trump plans “executive action on day one” to close the US-Mexico border and promote oil drilling to lower fuel prices, Trump senior adviser Jason Miller told Politico.

“All of the secure border policies that we had in place with President Trump (in 2017-2021), he can simply flip the switch and put those back in place just like they were before,” Miller told NBC news.

However, Miller did not provide specific details on the planned border closure, which would impact the over 3,000-kilometer border with Mexico.

The proposed border closure has raised concerns within President Joe Biden’s administration that it might lead to a surge in migrant attempts to cross the southern border before the transition, NBC News reported.

Earlier this week, Trump warned that he would impose a 25 percent tariff on all Mexican imports if Mexico does not curb the flow of drugs and criminal activity into the US.

Trump’s stance on fossil fuels has also alarmed climate advocates, who are pushing for a transition to green energy to address the climate crisis.

Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign has started discussing potential cabinet members, with Republican Senator Marco Rubio reportedly among the favorites for Secretary of State, according to The Washington Post.

Rubio, a Hispanic senator from Florida of Cuban descent, held significant influence over Latin American policy during Trump’s first term due to his role on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Other possible candidates for Secretary of State include former Director of National Intelligence Rick Grenell and Senator Bill Hagerty.

For Treasury Secretary, the leading candidates reportedly include billionaire investor John Paulson and Scott Bessent, Trump’s current economic adviser, according to The Washington Post.

Republican Senator Tom Cotton is being considered for Secretary of Defense, while independent candidate Robert Kennedy may take a role related to health or the regulation of food and drug policies.

With a Republican majority in the Senate, the confirmation of cabinet nominees is expected to face minimal opposition.

Donald Trump declares ‘incredible’ victory in US election 2024

-

November 6, 2024

0

Donald Trump declares ‘incredible’ victory in US election 2024

West Palm Beach, US (DT)- Republican Donald Trump claimed victory in the US presidential election on Tuesday, with results yet to be finalized and Vice President Kamala Harris still to concede.

“We’ve achieved the most incredible political thing, political victory, that our country has never seen before – nothing like this,” the former president, poised for a decisive win, told supporters at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

“I want to thank the American people for the extraordinary honor of being elected your 47th president, and your 45th president.”

For now, only the conservative Fox News network has declared his victory, which is expected to be resounding, since he has obtained 267 of the 270 electoral votes needed, and which he can get from winning the conservative state of Alaska or any of the four remaining swing states where he also looks to be leading.

ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw== — *People attend the Nevada Republican Party watch party at the Ahern Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, 05 November 2024. EFE/EPA/CAROLINE BREHMAN*

Accompanied by his wife Melania, his children and his campaign staff, Trump pledged to “make America great again,” to roars from the crowd following victories in the key states of North Carolina and Georgia, and the good partial results in the crucial state of Pennsylvania.

In a relaxed speech, he assured that he will “fight” for the constituents, their families and their future.

“Every single day I will be fighting for you and with every breath in my body, I will not rest until we have delivered the strong, safe and prosperous America that our children deserve and that you deserve,” he said.

“This will truly be the golden age of America.”

He highlighted his victory in North Carolina and the promising results in the key states of Georgia, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Democrat Harris has not yet conceded, but did cancel her speech at Howard University, her campaign headquarters in northwest Washington.

Republican spokesperson Jaime Florez told EFE that it would be monumental to win, for example, the key state of Michigan, and stressed that the campaign had been cautious from the early hours as they saw upward trends in the polls for Trump.

He said that in the two previous elections, in 2016 against Hillary Clinton and in 2020 against incumbent President Joe Biden, the polls significantly underestimated Trump.

In that sense, he specified that in some way it happened again with the polls during this campaign, but on a smaller scale.

In this regard, Trump highlighted the work of his campaign and the nearly 900 rallies it called and thanked voters for their participation, promising to “not let you down.”

Putin ends BRICS summit that sought to expand Russia’s global clout but was shadowed by Ukraine

World

Diplomat Times

-

October 26, 2024

0

Putin ends BRICS summit that sought to expand Russia’s global clout but was shadowed by Ukraine

Kazan, Russia (DT) — Russian President Vladimir Putin closed a summit of the BRICS bloc of developing economies on Thursday, praising its role as a counterbalance to what he called the West’s “perverse methods.”

The three-day summit in the city of Kazan was attended by leaders or representatives of 36 countries, highlighting the failure of United States-led efforts to isolate Russia over its actions in Ukraine.

The conflict came up repeatedly at the meeting, which saw the first visit to Russia from United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in more than two years and drew an angry reaction from Kyiv. Guterres called for “a just peace” in Ukraine, in line with the U.N. Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions. He also urged an immediate end to the fighting in Gaza, Lebanon and Sudan.

At a news conference Thursday night, Putin was asked about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s promise to end the fighting in Ukraine.

“What Mr. Trump said recently, what I heard, (is) he spoke about the desire to do everything to end the conflict in Ukraine,” Putin said. “It seems to me that he said it sincerely. We certainly welcome statements of this kind, no matter who makes them.”

Putin also was asked about whether any North Korean troops were in Russia, which he neither confirmed nor denied. The U.S. said Wednesday that 3,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia and are training at several locations.

“Images are a serious thing, if there are images, then they reflect something,” he said when asked about satellite photos of troops.

Putin noted that lawmakers in Moscow earlier in the day ratified a pact with North Korea on mutual military assistance as part of a “strategic partnership” with Pyongyang.

“We have never doubted that the North Korean leadership takes our agreements seriously. What and how we will do within the framework of this article (of the agreement) is our business,” he said.

The summit covered the deepening of financial cooperation, including the development of alternatives to Western-dominated payment systems, efforts to settle regional conflicts and expansion of the BRICS group of nations.

The alliance that initially included Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa when it was founded in 2009 has expanded to embrace Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Turkey, Azerbaijan and Malaysia have formally applied to become members, and several other countries have expressed interest in joining.

The Kremlin touted the summit as “the largest foreign policy event ever held” by Russia.

Speaking at what was dubbed the “BRICS Plus” session, which included countries that are considering joining the bloc, Putin accused the West of trying to stem the growing power of the Global South with “illegal unilateral sanctions, blatant protectionism, manipulation of currency and stock markets, and relentless foreign influence ostensibly promoting democracy, human rights, and the climate change agenda.”

“Such perverse methods and approaches — to put it bluntly — lead to the emergence of new conflicts and the aggravation of old disagreements,” Putin said. “One example of this is Ukraine, which is being used to create critical threats to Russia’s security, while ignoring our vital interests, our just concerns, and the infringement of the rights of Russian-speaking people.”

Russia has specifically pushed for the creation of a new payment system that would offer an alternative to the global bank messaging network SWIFT and allow Moscow to dodge Western sanctions and trade with partners.

In a joint declaration Wednesday, participants voiced concern about “the disruptive effect of unlawful unilateral coercive measures, including illegal sanctions” and reiterated their commitment to enhancing financial cooperation within BRICS. They noted the benefits of “faster, low-cost, more efficient, transparent, safe and inclusive cross-border payment instruments built upon the principle of minimizing trade barriers and non-discriminatory access.”

Addressing the BRICS Plus session, Guterres urged an immediate end to the fighting in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine and Sudan. “We need peace in Ukraine, a just peace in line with the U.N. Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions,” he said.

Russia’s Kremlin-controlled media touted the summit as a massive policy coup that left the West fearing the loss of its global clout. State TV shows and news bulletins underscored that BRICS countries account for about half the world’s population comprising the “global majority” and challenging Western “hegemony.”

TV hosts elaborately quoted Western media reports saying that the summit highlighted the failure to isolate Moscow. “The West, the U.S., Washington, Brussels, London ended up isolating themselves,” said Yevgeny Popov, host of a popular political talk show on state channel Rossiya 1.

EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar Holds Wide-Ranging Talks with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock

Shasi Kumar

-

October 26, 2024

0

EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar Holds Wide-Ranging Talks with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock

New Delhi, India (DT) — India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock today on the sidelines of the 7th India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC), engaging in wide-ranging discussions on regional and global issues.

In a social media post, Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the depth of their talks, emphasizing the growing India-Germany strategic partnership as it enters its 25th year.

Delighted to meet FM @ABaerbock of Germany, after a successful IGC meeting earlier today.

Held wide – ranging discussions on a number of regional and global issues. Our strategic partnership continues to deepen as it enters its 25th year.

🇮🇳 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/dswoMpt6bp
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 25, 2024

The discussions between Dr. Jaishankar and Minister Baerbock covered crucial topics, including clean energy collaboration, digital technology, and regional security, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing both nations’ environmental and economic goals.

The ministers reviewed security challenges in Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific, underscoring the importance of diplomacy and a rules-based international order.

Dr. Jaishankar also held talks with German Vice Chancellor and Economic Affairs and Climate Action Minister Robert Habeck, where they exchanged views on contemporary global challenges with strategic and economic implications. Both leaders discussed aligning Germany’s expertise in green technology with India’s sustainable development ambitions, particularly in green hydrogen and renewable energy.

The meetings mark significant progress in the India-Germany partnership, as both countries continue to strengthen collaboration in areas critical to global stability and sustainable growth.

German Chancellor Scholz Embarks on Strategic Visit to India: Trade, Technology, and Peace on the Agenda

Shasi Kumar

-

October 26, 2024

0

German Chancellor Scholz Embarks on Strategic Visit to India: Trade, Technology, and Peace on the Agenda

New Delhi, India (DT) — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, on a high-level visit to India, underscored the critical need for political solutions to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, warning that unresolved tensions could threaten global economic stability. Scholz, accompanied by a delegation of ministers and business leaders, met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, stressing the importance of cooperation in an evolving global landscape.

At the 18th Asia-Pacific German Business Conference (APK 2024), an event attended by political and business leaders from Germany and the Indo-Pacific, Scholz addressed Germany’s stance on global security concerns. “If Russia succeeds in its brutal, illegal war against Ukraine, the repercussions will extend far beyond Europe’s borders, endangering global security and prosperity,” Scholz remarked. He also highlighted the continuous instability in the Middle East, emphasizing the human costs of prolonged conflicts and the necessity of political solutions.

Scholz emphasized that resolving these conflicts was not only “an ethical and political obligation” but also “imperative” to safeguard economic stability and cooperation. Modi echoed these sentiments, stating, “War cannot solve any problem.” Both leaders expressed concern over the outdated frameworks of 20th-century global institutions, calling for reforms within bodies like the United Nations Security Council. Modi affirmed India and Germany’s shared commitment to active cooperation in achieving these reforms.

In addition to global security discussions, Scholz and Modi engaged in talks on deepening economic ties, with Scholz pointing out India’s role as a critical partner in the Indo-Pacific. The two leaders agreed on the importance of finalizing a long-pending free trade agreement between the European Union and India, as well as enhancing bilateral defense and security collaboration.

Chancellor Scholz also highlighted Germany’s interest in attracting skilled Indian workers, noting a growth of over 23,000 qualified Indian employees in Germany last year. This aligns with Germany’s long-term strategy of bolstering workforce expertise through skilled migration.

Several key agreements were signed during the visit, including partnerships in defense, information technology, clean energy, skill development, and artificial intelligence. Modi stated that the newly inked agreements in defense, particularly the exchange of classified information, were testament to the deep mutual trust between India and Germany. The signing of a legal assistance treaty was also significant, with Modi noting it as an important step in joint efforts to combat terrorism and separatist threats.

Scholz praised India’s balanced approach to diplomacy, noting its potential role in mediating conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Although India has refrained from condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine, it has consistently advocated for diplomatic resolutions, positioning itself as a potential peace broker.

The visit, part of the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations between Germany and India, serves as a platform for both countries’ ministers to report on ongoing negotiations. Scholz’s agenda will conclude in Goa, where he will visit the German naval frigate Baden-Wuerttemberg and combat support ship Frankfurt am Main, which are currently deployed in the Indo-Pacific.

This marks Scholz’s third visit to New Delhi in two years, following his state visit in February and attendance at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September, signaling a period of intensified diplomatic engagement between Germany and India.

Spanish PM Sanchez Embarks on Action-Packed Trip to India: Bollywood, Business, and Airbus Deals

Shasi Kumar

-

October 25, 2024

0

Spanish PM Sanchez Embarks on Action-Packed Trip to India: Bollywood, Business, and Airbus Deals

Madrid, Spain (DT) – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will visit India next week to inaugurate an Airbus plant with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, engage in business forums, and tour Bollywood studios as part of an agenda to deepen bilateral economic and cultural ties.

Sánchez will begin his visit on Sunday, with stops in Vadodara in Gujarat and Indian commerical and entertainment capital Mumbai, accompanied by a delegation of business leaders invested in expanding commercial relations with India.

His wife, Begoña Gómez, will also join him, with plans for a separate visit to a foundation run by Nita Ambani, wife of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani.

In Vadodara, which lies in Modi’s homestate of Gujrata, Sánchez and Modi will inaugurate an Airbus factory, where 40 of the 56 C295 aircraft ordered by the Indian Air Force will be produced.

The factory reflects Spain’s industrial stake in India and supports shared defense goals.

Mumbai will be the trip’s second stage, featuring a business forum with Indian and Spanish business representatives, a visit to a Tata technology center, and a tour of Bollywood studios.

Sánchez aims to boost cultural collaboration and showcase Spain’s bid to become a leading European audiovisual hub, with aspirations for more Indian productions filmed in Spain and potential studios established on Spanish soil.

Sánchez’s first trip to India marks a fresh start for bilateral relations, underscoring India’s increasing global influence as the world’s most populous democracy and a pivotal partner in addressing global challenges, including climate change.

Bollywood Engagement: A Cultural Celebration On his itinerary, PM Sanchez is set to meet with leading figures in Bollywood, including prominent directors and producers, to discuss cross-cultural projects aimed at enhancing Spain’s presence in the Indian entertainment market. Spain, with its picturesque locales, has long been a favorite for Bollywood shoots, and Sanchez hopes to foster additional co-productions and explore opportunities for Spain to play a bigger role in the global film industry.

Airbus Deal to Enhance Defense Ties One of the most anticipated points of Sanchez’s visit is a meeting on defense cooperation, particularly focusing on an Airbus manufacturing collaboration. Airbus, with a strong presence in both nations, is expected to finalize agreements to manufacture defense and civilian aircraft components in India. This deal not only promises a significant boost to India’s “Make in India” initiative but also symbolizes a robust Spain-India partnership in defense technology.

The visit is poised to deepen Spain-India relations on all fronts, from fostering cultural exchange to securing critical defense and business partnerships.

Three journalists killed in Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, media report

Middle East

Diplomat Times

-

October 25, 2024

0

Three journalists killed in Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, media report

Beirut, Lebanon (DT) – An Israeli strike early on Friday morning killed at least three journalists as they slept in a guesthouse in Hasbaya in southern Lebanon, Lebanese media reported.

Those killed included cameraman Ghassan Najjar and engineer Mohamed Reda who worked for pro-Iranian news outlet Al-Mayadeen and one cameraman who worked for Hezbollah’s Al-Manar, Al-Mayadeen reported.

Reporters at the scene said the bungalow where the men were sleeping was directly targeted.

“The occupation’s targeting of the journalists’ residence was deliberate, and there are injured journalists from other Arab channels,” Ghassan bin Jiddo, the director of Al-Mayadeen, said on the channel’s X account.

“We hold the occupation fully responsible for this war crime, in which journalist crews, including the Al-Mayadeen team, were targeted.”

The killings come 24 hours after an Israeli strike hit an office used by Al-Mayadeen in Beirut’s southern suburbs.

Lebanon’s health ministry said one person was killed and five others, including a child, were wounded in that strike.

Lebanese authorities say the Israeli military campaign has killed more than 2,500 people and displaced more than 1 million people, spawning a humanitarian crisis.

On Thursday, an Israeli strike killed three Lebanese soldiers as they tried to evacuate wounded people from the border village of Yater, the Lebanese army said. There was no comment from the Israeli military.

The U.S. has said Israel should take steps to avoid civilian casualties and not endanger U.N. peacekeepers or Lebanese army troops in its attacks in Gaza and Lebanon.

Israel, which has been criticised for shelling hospitals and schools, has said it precisely targets Hamas and Hezbollah militants, accusing them of using civilians as shields.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said that as of Oct. 24, its preliminary investigations showed at least 128 journalists and media workers had been killed since the start of the Gaza war, making it the deadliest period for journalists since CPJ began gathering data in 1992.

It said the overwhelming majority were Palestinian media workers, 123 Palestinian, two Israeli, and three Lebanese.

At least five journalists have been killed over the past year of conflict in Lebanon, including a Reuters visuals journalist.

India hands over first tranche of humanitarian assistance to Lebanon

Diplomacy

Diplomat Times

-

October 25, 2024

0

India hands over first tranche of humanitarian assistance to Lebanon

Beirut, Lebanon (DT) – India’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Noor Rahman Sheikh, on Thursday, handed over the first tranche of humanitarian assistance sent by India to Lebanon. Lebanon’s Health Minister Firas Abiad received the consignment of medicines. Indian Embassy in Lebanon expressed India’s commitment to strengthening close ties with Lebanon.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Lebanon stated, “First tranche of India’s humanitarian assistance arrives in Beirut. Lebanon’s Health Minister HE Dr Firas Abiad received the consignment of medicines in the presence of Amb @NoorRahman_IFS. India stands committed to strengthening close ties with Lebanon.”

On October 18, India had dispatched the first tranche of 11 tons of medical supplies to Lebanon as part of a humanitarian effort to support the nation amid rising tensions and the ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon. A total of 33 tons of medical supplies are being sent.

In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “India sends humanitarian assistance to Lebanon. A total of 33 tons of medical supplies are being sent. The first tranche of 11 tons of medical supplies was dispatched today. The consignment comprises of a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including cardiovascular medications, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics and anaesthetics.”

Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Ambassador to India, Rabie Narsh, highlighted India’s swift humanitarian aid to Lebanon amid the escalating tension in West Asia.

While addressing a press conference on the war on October 18, Narsh stated, “The humanitarian aid has flooded Lebanon since the aggression started. We have, thankfully, great friends in the world. On top of them is India. India is our good friend. We enjoyed very good relations, excellent relations since maybe the independence of both countries dated 70 or more than 80 years back.”

He further emphasised India’s proactive support. He said, “India, even before asking, has rushed to propose humanitarian aid. India has offered about 30 tonnes of medicines. India has already been supporting us. We have been exchanging good relations in the international arena.”

The Lebanese envoy expressed concerns about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for the United States to reassess its support for Israel. He said that the US, as Israel’s strongest ally and sponsor, has the power to stop Israel’s aggression and bring an end to the violence.

“The US is funding Israel, providing them with the latest technology, latest weapons, and even nuclear weapons,” Narsh said. “But then you hear US officials say they cannot control Netanyahu. You can. If you want, you can,” he said.

“Netanyahu is a war criminal, and I’m not saying this emotionally. The International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court have issued a warrant against Netanyahu because they said they have credible proof that he committed war crimes. So he is a war criminal, but still, he is the spoiled child of the United States, of the administration,” the envoy added.

Canada will reduce immigration targets as Trudeau acknowledges his policy failed

World

Diplomat Times

-

October 25, 2024

0

Canada will reduce immigration targets as Trudeau acknowledges his policy failed

Toronto, Canada (DT) — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday that Canada will significantly reduce the number of new immigrants it allows into the country after acknowledging that his government failed to get the balance right coming out of the pandemic.

Trudeau’s Liberal government was criticized for its plan to allow 500,000 new permanent residents into the country in each of the next two years. On Thursday, he said next year’s target will now be 395,000 new permanent residents and that the figure will drop to 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027.

“In the tumultuous times as we emerged from the pandemic, between addressing labor needs and maintaining population growth, we didn’t get the balance right,” Trudeau said.

“Immigration is essential for Canada’s future, but it must be controlled and it must be sustainable.”

Trudeau, who is facing calls from within his own party not to seek a fourth term, has endured mounting criticism over his immigration policies and the negative impact that population growth has had on housing affordability.

He said his government will reduce the number of immigrants Canada brings in over the next three years, and that this will freeze population growth over the next two years. Canada reached 41 million people in April. The population was 37.5 million in 2019.

“Even Justin Trudeau wants to close Canada’s Borders,” Donald Trump wrote Thursday on social media while arguing for tougher border measures in the U.S.

Trudeau said Canada needs to stabilize its population growth to allow all levels of government to make necessary changes to health care, housing and social services so that it can accommodate more people in the future.

“Far too many corporations have chosen to abuse our temporary measures, exploiting foreign workers while refusing to hire Canadians for a fair wage,” Trudeau said. “All while under the watch of provinces, some colleges and universities are bringing in more international students than communities can accommodate, treating them as an expendable means to line their own pockets. That’s unacceptable, and it needs to change.”

Immigration Minister Marc Miller said the lower immigration numbers will help with the country’s housing shortage.

He also acknowledged the change in public opinion about immigration.

“That volume that we have put forward is of concern,” Miller said.

Miller said the government sees the pressures facing Canadians, and that it must adapt its policies accordingly.

“We are an open country, but not everyone can come to this country,” he said, noting that Canada will continue to welcome outsiders and that the government’s immigration targets remain ambitious.

Trudeau’s government has long touted Canada’s immigration policy and how Canada is better than peer countries in welcoming newcomers and integrating them into the economy.

Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the opposition Conservative Party, accused Trudeau of destroying the national consensus on immigration.

“He has destroyed our immigration system through his own personal incompetence and destroyed 150 years of common sense consensus with the Liberals and Conservatives on that subject,” Poilievre said.

“He cannot fix what he broke on immigration and housing or anything else because he is busy fighting his own caucus,” he added.

Poilievre was referring to calls by some lawmakers from Trudeau’s own party to not run for a fourth term. Those calls represent one of the biggest tests of Trudeau’s political career, but he said Thursday that he intends to stay on through the next election.

Nelson Wiseman, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Toronto, said the Trudeau government messed up badly on immigration.

“The government’s logic — to grow the economy and sustain an aging Canadian population by bringing in more young immigrants — was sound. But Ottawa has little control over meeting the housing, health, education, and other welfare needs of residents, whether they are citizens or immigrants,” Wiseman said.

“These are all provincial government responsibilities, and there was little cooperation or coordination between the two levels of government,” he said.

A certain percentage of Canadians have always been xenophobic, but much less so than in some other countries, Wiseman said.

“Many Canadians have turned against the recent growing immigrant and temporary worker/student influx because of the growing housing, health, education, and other welfare challenges. Ottawa has read the polls and is responding accordingly,” he said.

Pakistan’s imprisoned former PM Imran Khan’s wife freed on bail

Diplomat Times

-

October 24, 2024

0

Pakistan’s imprisoned former PM Imran Khan’s wife freed on bail

Islamabad, Pakistan (DT) — The wife of Pakistan’s imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan was released from a high-security prison in the garrison city of Rawalpindi on Thursday, a day after a court granted her bail in a graft case, her lawyers said.

The release of Bushra Bibi came six months after an appeals court suspended a 14-year sentence the couple received after being found guilty of retaining and selling state gifts in violation of government rules when Khan was in power.

But Khan and Bibi, who is his third wife, were charged in July with new counts of retaining state gifts and kept in detention pending trial. Both have denied any wrongdoing.

Khan has been embroiled in more than 150 legal cases since 2022, when he was ousted in a no-confidence vote in parliament.

Khan, who remains a popular opposition leader, has been convicted and sentenced in several cases that were later overturned or suspended in appeals.

Bibi was freed from Adiala prison on Thursday, according to her lawyer Salman Safdar and Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. Local TV stations showed her arriving at home in Islamabad on Thursday afternoon.

Khan’s legal team has filed a petition before a court seeking bail in same graft case.

The latest development came a day after dozens of Congressmen wrote a letter to the President Joe Biden, urging him to play his role for the release of all political prisoners, including Khan.

In June, a U.S. congressional resolution called for an independent investigation into allegations that Pakistan’s parliamentary elections were rigged, a charge which Pakistan denied.

Khan’s PTI party won the most seats in the Feb. 8 vote but fell short of a majority, paving the way for its rivals to form a coalition government.

Welcome to Diplomat Times

Welcome to Diplomat Times

Liberty Case

Topics

Read more

Topics

Read more

Welcome to Diplomat Times

Explore

Follow us

Search By Month