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The Senate has opened a crucial session under Presiding Officer Manzoor Kakar, where Defense Minister Khawaja Asif is set to present amendments to the Army, Air Force, and Navy laws. Lawmakers also debated unanswered questions on Finance Ministry officers’ privileges.

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has dismissed accusations of ordering violence against protesters, describing her ongoing trial as politically motivated. Speaking in her first interview since leaving Bangladesh, she warned that the verdict against her is already predetermined.

The BBC has apologized to US President Donald Trump for editing his January 6 speech in a Panorama program, but rejected his demand for $1 billion in damages. The controversy has already led to high‑level resignations within the organization.

In Islamabad, the National Assembly passed important amendments to the Army Act, Air Force Act, and Navy Ordinance. Under the new laws, the Army Chief will also serve as the Chief of Defense Forces for the next five years.

The President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, approved the appointment based on the advice of the Prime Minister.

“This moment demands leadership from you, as this amendment has been proposed without consultation with the higher judiciary.”

Two senior judges of Pakistan’s Supreme Court Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah have resigned in protest against the 27th Constitutional Amendment, citing concerns over judicial independence and the amendment’s impact on the Supreme Court.

Nusrat Javed has stated that the government’s new amendment strengthens Article 6, making it clear that no judicial forum can legitimize a military takeover. He added that given the nature of current parliamentary members, martial law is not a threat.

Indian analyst Ashok Swain ridiculed Indian media for spreading false reports about veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra’s death, drawing parallels with earlier misleading claims of Indian forces “capturing Islamabad.”

Hamid Mir has described the KP Assembly peace jirga as a positive development, noting that parties who clashed in the National Assembly sat together to seek solutions. Ikhtiar Wali Khan added that while PTI hosted the jirga, they should also attend national security meetings when invited.