PROPONENTS OF NEW ELECTIONS NOT LOYAL TO NATION, SAYS JI CHIEF In partnership with
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Saturday, 27 July, 2024 I 20 Muharram, 1446
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ISLAMABAD
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AMAAT-E-ISLAMI (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Friday declared that there is no need for new elections in the country and that anyone demanding them might be an agent of someone but is not loyal to the nation. "Talks of new elections are ongoing, but we oppose this and demand that the government be given to those who have the mandate according to Form 45," Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said at a JI sit-in at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi on Friday. Proposing a judicial commission based on the evidence from Form 45, the JI chief said that those with the public mandate should be given governance, and those imposed via Form 47 should be removed. "Those imposed on us through Form 47 have caused a dire situation where brothers are killing each other over electricity bills," he regretted. He criticised those advocating for new elections, whether from the PML-N, PPP, or PTI, accusing them of being agents and not loyal to the country. "They are seeking a share in the spoils of a new election." Hafiz Naeem claimed that some parties are clamouring for new elections because they feel they have not received their share and now want a part of the new election process. He also demanded the government end the IPP business and reduce its expenses to provide relief to the public. "More than 80% of IPPs are owned by government personalities, and over 500 billion rupees are being paid to them from our pockets." He criticised the privileges given to a specific class, including free petrol, electricity, housing, and gas, which are funded by the poor. "Payments to IPPs are also extracted from the public through electricity bills." The JI chief vowed to continue the sit-in until the privileges given to bureaucrats, military personnel, and judges are ended and agreements with IPPs are terminated. He called for quality education for every child if the government collects taxes. Hafiz Naeem highlighted the tax disparity, noting that salaried individuals paid Rs375 billion in income tax last year, while large landowners paid less than five billion. "Tax the landlords and remove taxes from salaries and electricity bills."
Proposes judicial commission based on evidence from Form 45, to remove those imposed via Form 47
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Demands govt shows seriousness for talks by ‘immediately ’ releasing detained protesters
PTI postpones protest
Decision comes after IHC decided to reserve its decision following implementation of Section 144 ISLAMABAD
staff report
Desponding to to govt’s talks offer, the JI chief demanded that the government show its seriousness for talks with the party by releasing protesters detained on Friday. The JI chief was addressing the party’s sit-in at Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh after the party put out the call for all its protesters and supporters in the twin cities to head to the venue for Rehman to announce the next plan of action as it took out its protest against inflation. The federal government earlier offered talks to the party. Yesterday, both the Islamabad administration and the Punjab government imposed Section 144, apparently to prevent the PTI and Jamaat-e-Islami planned protests. The Punjab government has imposed legal provision empowers district administrations to prohibit an assembly of four or more people across the province from July 26 to 29. The restrictions had come as the capital braced for another political showdown, as JI announced a sit-in at D-Chowk to protest price hikes, high electricity bills, and increased income tax. Meanwhile,
Gandapur vows to make own decisions, not allow any operation in KP Criticises decisions of past govts during address to peace procession in Bannu BANNU
staff report
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the PTI-led opposition alliance, TTAP, called for nationwide protests against alleged political victimization and demanded the release of former premier Imran Khan. Despite the restrictions, JI began its protests in Islamabad in the evening and claimed that the Islamabad police arrested more than a dozen of its activists and local office-bearers. In retaliation to the alleged arrests, the party announced that it had decided to hold rallies across three key points in Islamabad after being faced with obstructions and arrests. “The JI has revealed its Plan B. After facing obstacles and arrests, the JI hold sit-in across three points [across the federal capital],” the party announced on the X platform. It added that Rehman would lead the protest at Islamabad’s Zero Point, Secretary General Amirul Azim would lead a demonstration at Rawalpindi’s Murree Road, while a third rally would be held at the federal capital’s 26 Number Chungi.
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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) postponed its protest on Friday in the federal capital following the Islamabad High Court's (IHC) decision to reserve its judgment on PTI's petition seeking permission to hold the protest. On Monday, PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan called on everyone to "fully participate" in the peaceful protest across the country. He stated the party's three demands would be the immediate release of incarcerated PTI leaders and supporters, maintaining peace in the country, and protesting against growing inflation. Justice Saman Rifat presided over the hearing of the petition submitted by PTI leader Amir Mughal. The party's request for a protest on 26 July had been denied by the Islamabad administration. The state counsel informed the court that the federal capital's administration had refused all political parties' requests for rallies, highlighting the tense security situation. Justice Saman inquired about the permission for the PTI protest, suggesting that it be allowed on Monday. She questioned whether the district administration had granted permission to Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) for their protest. AG Shaukat responded that permission was not granted to JI either and, given the imposition of Section 144 in Islamabad, they could not grant permission to PTI. He added that due to the JI protest, the entire city was effectively closed. Justice Saman further questioned the relevance of the JI sit-in to the PTI protest and why PTI could not receive permission. She noted that the F9 area does not fall under Section 144, to which AG Shaukat replied that Section 144 had been imposed across the whole of Islamabad. Justice Suman remarked, "You might as well declare that you never want to allow PTI to protest" AG Shaukat reiterated that permission had not been granted, mentioning previous instances such as the TLP sitting during Ashura. Further addressing the uncertainty, AG responded, "We do not know what the situation will be on Monday."
Court puts off £190m case against Imran, his spouse until July 30 g
No proceedings conducted as neither defendants nor their lawyers appeared in court ISLAMABAD
China and Saudi Arabia to extend $9 billion debt rollover for Pakistan
staff report
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur criticised the decision of the successive governments, asserting that his administration will make its own decisions and will not allow any operations in the province. Addressing a peace procession in Bannu on Friday, Gandapur highlighted the historical significance of the Pashtun people in the province, emphasising their crucial role in Pakistan's independence. He stated, "We have shed blood and made sacrifices. We have suffered due to flawed policies influenced by America's wrong strategies." Gandapur firmly declared that as the Chief Minister, he would not permit any operations in the province. He remarked, "Dollars have been taken in our name, but sacrifice is in our blood, and we will continue to sacrifice for this country." He paid tribute to the people of Bannu for their sacrifices and commended the administration for its efforts. "We will make our own decisions. I salute the sacrifices of the people of Bannu, and the administration has played a significant role. We have followed your wishes in the Apex Committee." CM also addressed misinformation prevalent in society, stating, "Some elements distort facts. The children of madrassas are dear to us. Madrassas' children have a share in the budget, and we will provide all facilities, including education, to the children of mosques."During his speech, he emphasised the importance of self-improvement, warning that those who do not reform will face the consequences. He reassured, "No armed groups are visible to me. My people are my responsibility, and no one will unjustly target them." He further urged, "Identify and fight against corruption and drugs, and I will stand with you." Gandapur underscored the importance of national duty, adding, "We may disagree individually, but no one will be allowed to insult or hurt the martyrs.
The Accountability Court Islamabad on Friday put off the hearing of the 190 million pounds reference against Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi until July 30, due to the absence of both the defendants and their lawyers. Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Ali Warraich presided over the case hearing at Adiala Jail. However, neither the defendants nor their lawyers appeared in court at the scheduled time. The defense lawyers were absent during the initial hearing, leading to a one-hour delay. Assistant Lawyer Khalid Yusuf Chaudhry later informed the court that senior lawyers were on the way and would arrive shortly. The court issued a final warning to the defense lawyers and adjourned the hearing without action until July 30. So far, statements of 34 witnesses have been recorded while cross-examinations of 33 witnesses completed. Among those who testified was former federal minister Per-
Pakistan is also seeking funds for the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project ISLAMABAD
vez Khattak, who on July 10 recounted that Shehzad Akbar informed the cabinet about funds illegally transferred from Pakistan and confiscated in Britain, which were then set to be returned to Pakistan. Khattak revealed that this topic was added to the cabinet’s agenda as an additional item, with documents presented in sealed envelopes. Imran Khan, responding to Khattak’s testimony, asserted, “Nawaz Sharif’s flats in London must be handed over to Pakistan.” Earlier on May 15, a divisional bench of the Islamabad High Court, comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice
Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri had granted bail to both Imran Khan in the case. On July 2, Judge Muhammad Ali Warraich also approved Bushra Bibi’s bail plea in the case. Last year, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had filed the corruption reference against the former Prime Minister, his spouse, and others. The charges allege that they received land worth millions of dollars as a bribe through the Al-Qadir Trust. This case, which has garnered substantial public attention, involves allegations of corruption related to the Al-Qadir Trust.
Pakistan shrugs off Modi’s terror slur g
FO spokesperson says such bravado and jingoism undermine regional peace, counter-productive for resolution of long-standing disputes ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan has denounced Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s confrontational remarks made in Ladakh, asserting that such statements damage regional peace and impede the resolution of the Kashmir conflict. Modi said that Pakistan was trying to stay relevant through “terrorism” and “proxy war” but such a strategy would never succeed.
Modi spoke at an event to mark the 25th anniversary of the Kargil war. Modi said Pakistan had been unsuccessful whenever it tried to further its plans but had “not learned anything from its history”. “I want to tell these patrons of terrorism that their unholy plans will never be successful…Our brave (forces) will squash terrorism, the enemy will be given a befitting reply,” he said. The Foreign Office spokesperson in a statement said bravado and jingoism undermine regional peace, and are to-
tally counter-productive for resolution of long-standing disputes between Pakistan and India, especially the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian leaders’ rhetorical statements cannot deflect international attention from India’s heavy-handed approach to suppress the Kashmiri people’s just struggle for realisation of their fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly their inalienable right to selfdetermination. Instead of maligning others for terror-
ism, India should reflect on its own campaign of orchestrating targeted assassinations, subversion and terrorism in foreign territories. Pakistan stands resolute in its intent and ability to safeguard its sovereignty against any aggression, as exemplified by its robust response to India’s reckless incursion in February 2019. While Pakistan is ready to counter India’s aggressive actions, it remains committed to promoting peace and stability in the region.
staff report
Pakistan is set to receive a rollover of $9 billion in debt from China and Saudi Arabia for the fiscal year 2024-25. In addition to this rollover, Pakistan is seeking funds for the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project. The Ministry of Economic Affairs has indicated that Pakistan anticipates a $500 million facility from the Islamic Development Bank to support oil and commodities. However, no extension is expected for the current oil credit facility from Saudi Arabia. The ministry also reported that Pakistan faces over $20.8 billion in payments this year. Although the Geneva Donor Conference in 2023 pledged $10.7 billion, only $3 billion has been received to date. Pakistan is actively working to secure additional funding in line with commitments from donor conferences. Additionally, Pakistan expects a $1 billion loan from the World Bank for the Dasu Hydropower Project.