We’re back with our list of the top newsmakers of the week. Read on to find out who made headlines and why!
Khadim Hussain Rizvi Arrested
After weeks of public pressure to arrest Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the government finally took action and arrested the cleric.
Khadim Hussain Rizvi has been arrested by Punjab Police pic.twitter.com/StIms0VybK
— Adeel Raja (@adeelraja) November 23, 2018
Rizvi had been the face of violent protests across Pakistan last month following the acquittal of Aasia Bibi in a decade old blasphemy case. On Khadim Rizvi’s call, TLP followers had taken to the streets bringing the entire country to a standstill for three whole days, causing considerable damage to life and public property. TLP leaders had also made very public calls for murder of and mutiny against top judges, military officials and political leaders who had supported Bibi’s acquittal.
Read: Pakistanis Have Come Out In Huge Numbers To Support The Government For Khadim Rizvi’s Arrest
Similar rioting was expected after the news of Rizvi’s arrest became public. However, after 48 hours having passed since he was taken into custody, Pakistan has remained peaceful at large with minor skirmishes reported between law enforcers and the protesters in some parts of the country.
A session court in Lahore has reserved the judgment on a sedition case against the cleric.
Chinese Consulate Attack: Suhai Aziz Talpur led a successful operation against terrorists
The Chinese Consulate in Karachi was attacked by a group of three terrorists on Friday, 23 November. In the line of duty two police officers, Assistant Sub Inspector Ashraf Dawood and Constable Amir embraced martydom while a provate security guard, private security guard, Muhammad Juman sustained injuries. Two civilians, Zahir Shah and Abdul Karim (who were father and son) also lost their lives in the terrorist attack. All three terrorists were killed.
Assistant Superintendent of Police, Suhai Aziz Talpur led the successful operation against the terrorists, overpowering the attackers before they could cause further damage to life and property.
Suhai was widely hailed by social media users as well as the media and the government. She has since emerged as an icon, proving that women are fast taking control of leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated vocations.
Leading from the front ASP Suhai Aziz .. IGP Sindh Dr. Syed Kaleem Imam has recommended for awarding Quaid-i-Azam Police medal for ASP Clifton, Sohai Aziz for bravery she demonstrated in foiling terrorist attack on the Chinese Consulate.#ChineseConsulateKarachiAttack #Karachi pic.twitter.com/E7yABtTcSg
— SSH (@SSH_717) November 23, 2018
Pakistan is proud of all it's brave daugters like SP Suhai Aziz. She was among the first to reach the Chinese Consulate and successfully lead the operation that thwarted the terrorist attack in Karachi today. pic.twitter.com/OBq5nbnqjI
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) November 23, 2018
IG Sindh has recommended SP Suhai Talpur’s name for the Quaid-e-Azam police medal.
Chinese Consulate Attack: Faisal Vawda Left Law Enforcers Red Faced
To all those who still don’t have anything better to do than finding out why a Federal Minister was there 👇 pic.twitter.com/QQpbB77x1f
— Senator Faisal Vawda (@FaisalVawdaPTI) November 24, 2018
While ASP Suhai was being lauded by all and sundry for foiling the terrorist attack on the Chinese Consulate, PTI’s State Minister for Water Resources, Faisal Vawda became the target of scathing criticism when pictures and videos of him draped in a bulletproof vest, and holding a gun went viral from the scene of the attack.
Vawda was criticized for trying to steal credit from Sindh police and the rangers, who had been in the eye of the storm, facing the terrorists with valor.
https://twitter.com/ShayanSumar/status/1065925205443452933
Vawda did not take the criticism in a stride and countered his critics with this tweet.
I was informed as I was in the vicinity & I further informed the concerned agencies. As a Pakistani I didn’t shy away, it’s my right to use my licensed weapon for self defence. At least I’m not a coward like many hiding behind keyboards and bullshitting.
— Senator Faisal Vawda (@FaisalVawdaPTI) November 23, 2018
At least I was there from the start till the end. Ask any media reporter present there. Feel sorry for those ducks criticising who are only liability to their parents and country
— Senator Faisal Vawda (@FaisalVawdaPTI) November 23, 2018
Nevertheless, Twittarti had a field day posting bone-tickling memes at the expense of the state minister.
Orakzai Attack Cast A Cloud of Gloom Over Pakistan
Strongly condemn the terrorist attacks against Chinese Consulate in Karachi & in Orakzai tribal area. My prayers go to the victims & their families. Salute the brave security/police personnel who gave their lives & denied success to terrorists in the mission ag Chinese Consulate.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 23, 2018
Friday proved to be an extremely sad day for Pakistan. Not only did the day begin with the attack on the Chinese Consulate but it was followed by a deadly bombing in Orakzai Agency claiming more than 30 innocent lives and leaving 31 others injured. The suicide bomber exploded himself outside an imam bargah, which indicated that the motivation of the bomber was clearly to target the Shia community.
Pakistan, which has seen a considerable reduction in terrorist activity over the last few years was sent into a state of shock following the Orakzai tragedy.