Imran Khan’s party to rally on arrest anniversary
ISLAMABAD, Aug 4: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) plans nationwide protests on the second anniversary of the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan. Khan was arrested on August 5, 2023, from his residence in Lahore after being convicted in a corruption case. The party will stage protests constituency-wise, demanding the rule of law. The PTI, under the auspices of the opposition parties’ alliance, the Tehreek Tahaffuz Ain-e-Pakistan (TTAP), will launch its protest movement against Khan’s “illegal” detention. The protest will be held under the flags of Pakistan, the PTI, and the white flag of peace. The movement will remain within the constitutional and legal framework and will be conducted peacefully. The PTI has finalized its plan of action for the protest, which will be held in every district. Members of the National Assembly, the K-P Assembly, and ticket holders have been instructed to record videos of their gatherings from their residences or starting points and submit them to their respective district organizations. (PTI)
NZ woman arrested after toddler found in bus luggage
WELLINGTON, Aug 4: A New Zealand woman was arrested on a child neglect charge after a 2-year-old girl was found alive inside a suitcase in a bus’s luggage compartment. The discovery was made during a stop in Kaiwaka, north of Auckland, when a passenger requested access to the baggage area. The bus driver noticed movement in a suitcase and found the child inside, overheated but otherwise unharmed, according to Detective Inspector Simon Harrison. The child was taken to hospital and remained there Sunday night. Authorities have not disclosed how long she was in the compartment or the bus route. The woman, whose identity has not been released, is due in court Monday. InterCity, the bus company involved, confirmed the incident, noting children under 3 travel free on an adult’s lap. (AP)
Severe storm halts trains, events across Scotland
LONDON, Aug 4: Scotland has cancelled trains, closed parks, and warned people to tie down backyard trampolines due to a rare summer storm bringing potentially destructive winds to northern Britain. The UK’s Meteorological Office issued an “amber” wind warning for Storm Floris, posing a risk to lives and property, especially from large waves in coastal areas. Wind gusts could reach 137 kmph, accompanied by heavy rain. The storm is hitting at the busiest time of year for tourism, with hundreds of thousands of people flocking to the Edinburgh Fringe and other arts festivals. Train companies cancelled services across much of Scotland, and some ferry crossings were scrapped. The storm could also hit parts of Northern Ireland, Wales, and northern England. Scottish government minister Angela Constance urged people to be careful if travelling and to ensure they have warm clothes, food, water, fuel, and a charged mobile phone. (AP)