GOVT, PTI ATTEMPT TO WOO BACK MENGAL TO ACT AS ‘BALOCHISTAN’S VOICE’ IN NA In partnership with
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Thursday, 5 September, 2024 I 30 Safar, 1446
Sanaullah meets veteran politician, expresses hope he would withdraw his resignation as MNA
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ISLAMABAD
PTI alleges govt has made assembly a ‘rubber stamp’ subjected to censorship
staff report
HE government and the PTI delegations attempted to beseech Balochistan National Party-Mengal chief Akhtar Mengal to withdraw his resignation as an MNA and remain a voice for Balochistan in the National Assembly. Mengal announced his resignation from the National Assembly a day ago citing frustration and lack of freedom in Parliament and the apathy of lawmakers towards insecurity faced by the people of Balochistan. He was elected as an MNA from Khuzdar (NA-256) in the February 8 elections. He was also elected as an MNA in 2018 and had served as the chief minister of Balochistan. The government delegation led by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs and Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah visited Mengal at the Parliament Lodges to convince him to take back his resignation. Later speaking to the media after the meeting, Sanaullah said: “We requested him to remain a part of Parliament and to continue his struggle in the same way as he always has in the ambit of the law and the Constitution to talk about Balochistan’s rights and deprivation and the bravery with which he has fought the case of the people of Balochistan. Sanaullah said Mengal had “registered out review petition” and hoped that it would be accepted by the veteran politician. “We respect him immensely and he has a very powerful and strong voice and role for
Balochistan’s rights and deprivation and it should remain present in Parliament.” Sanaullah said the concerns that Mengal had expressed were a “keepsake” with the delegation and would be forwarded to the “concerned quarters”. ‘NOTHING MORE TO SAY NOW’ Meanwhile, Mengal himself had a different view about the meeting. Questioned on whether the government delegation convinced him to review his resignation, he said: “They tried to convince me but I think I convinced them. I have no intention [of taking back my resignation].” Reiterating his concerns, he said he had raised the issues of injustices in Balochistan such as missing persons, resources, violence
Court issues non-bailable arrest warrant for KP CM Gandapur in Liquor and Arms Case ISLAMABAD
staff report
A District and Session Court in Islamabad issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur in Arms and Liquor recovery case. At the outset of the hearing, Civil Judge Shaista Khan Kundi rejected Gandapur’s plea for exemption from appearance on medical grounds. The judge ordered the Bhara Kahu Police SHO to arrest Gandapur and present him before the court on Thursday (tomorrow). Earlier, the court summoned KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur in the Arms and Liquor recovery case. The court also sought replies to nine questions from Ali Amin Gandapur, directing him to appear before the court in person. It is important to note here that the police claimed to have recovered weapons and liquor from Ali Amin Gandapur’s car on 30th October 2016. According to the police, Ali Amin Gandapur’s car was stopped and searched at a check-post on Rukhsana Bangash Road when he was going to the residence of Imran Khan in Bani Gala. The police searched the car and claimed to have recovered the weapons and ammunition from the vehicle. The weapons were displayed at Bara Kahu police station of Islamabad, which included four Kalashnikovs, ammunition, tear-gas fire gun and bullet proof vests. ATC POSTPONES HEARING ON PRE-ARREST BAIL PLEA In a related development, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has postponed the hearing of Gandapur’s pre-arrest bail plea in a terrorism case until September 10. The hearing, presided over by Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, was adjourned without any proceedings. Gandapur’s counsel Raja Zahoorul Hasan submitted a medical certificate to the ATC, citing the Chief Minister’s health issues, including leg pain due to a recent slip during a flood relief tour in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The defense requested a postponement, stating that Gandapur was unable to attend the court proceeding due to his medical condition. The court accepted the request and adjourned the hearing until September 21.
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and dead bodies with “every government and its allies but they can’t seem to understand” despite his plain and clear language. He said he had nothing more to say now. PTI leaders ask Mengal to rejoin struggle within Parliament Meanwhile, a PTI delegation led by Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub also visited Mengal to convince him rescind his resignation. Expressing serious concern over the current situation in Balochistan, the PTI leaders asked Mengal to rejoin the struggle within Parliament. The delegation alleged that the government had made the current National Assembly a “rubber stamp” that was subject to
censorship and did not show any seriousness despite repeated discussion of Balochistan’s problems. “The people of Balochistan will not be left alone in this hour of difficulty,” Ayub said. The delegation led by Omar Ayub Khan, included Asad Qaiser, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Akhundzada Hussain Yousafzai, Amir Dogar and Rauf Hassan. The PTI delegation requested Sardar Akhtar Mengal to withdraw his resignation, urging him review the decision on the resignation from the National Assembly. He said the government repeatedly talked about the issues of Balochistan but did not show any seriousness on the part of the government. Omar Ayub regretted that the situation in Balochistan was serious, but no one wants to understand the real problems of Balochistan. On the other hand, Veteran PPP politician Raza Rabbani in a statement termed the Mengal’s resignation a “distress signal” from Balochistan. “It is yet another reminder that Balochistan, rich in resources but impoverished by neglect continues to be marginalised and ignored. “The nationalist leaders like Mengal, chose the path of mainstream politics over separatism, hoping that their participation in the parliamentary process, brings the plight of their people to the attention of the federation.” He called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to bring Mengal back to Parliament as a “priority”. “The state must listen to him and other nationalist leaders who have chosen the path of dialogue over violence. “The issues that have pushed the Balochistan to the brink must be addressed
Fazl counts on parliament’s role to rein in Balochistan, KP security challenges ISLAMABAD
staff report
Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday said that Pakistan has become a “battleground for the proxy war between the United States and China,” urging parliament to hold a dialogue with “people of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” to address their security concerns. Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly today, Fazl emphasized he still believes if the parliament is requested to step forward and talk to the people of Balochistan and KP, then the situation can be normalised. Highlighting that there were now “obstacles to completing the megaprojects” planned under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Fazl claimed that “no development work was possible anymore in the entire region from Dera Ismail Khan to Balochistan”. He pointed out that the “government’s writ in Balochistan and KP had ended due to unrest” and that “armed elements are ruling there and collecting taxes”.“They are visiting the villages, patrolling the streets, and are armed with rocket launchers and special equipment,” he added. The senior politician called upon the Parliament to “take action after taking the opposition into confidence and hold a dialogue to end the restlessness” caused by terrorism. Referring to the August 26 attacks, the JUI-F chief said the parliament was “not taking matters seriously” and went on to criticise the treasury and opposition benches for their frequent heated exchanges.
immediately. “A political solution to the Balochistan issue is all the more important in order to neutralise the threat pushed by militant organisations that seek to destabilise the country,” Rabbani said. Govt refuses Mengal’s resignation, sets up committee to meet him Earlier, the government decided not to accept the resignation of Balochistan National Party (BNP) leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal from his position as a member of the National Assembly. Addressing a presser, Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture Attaullah Tarar on Wednesday informed the National Assembly that a committee has been constituted to convince Sardar Akhtar Mengal for withdrawal of resignation. “The committee will meet Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) chief Akhtar Mengal and convince him to withdraw resignation from the National Assembly”, Atta Tarar said while speaking on the floor of the National Assembly. He stated that the three-member committee comprising Rana Sana Ullah Khan, Mohammad Usman Badini, and Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani has been given task to persuade Sardar Akhtar Mengal to settle the issue through negotiations. Attaullah Tarar acknowledged the significant contributions of Sardar Akhtar Mengal’s father for development of Pakistan. Responding to concerns raised by an MNA from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he said that it was agreed with the Chief Minister to resolve differences through dialogue.
US again warns Pakistan against potential ramifications of business deals with Iran PROFIT
staff report
Over the last two weeks, Fazl has met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and a PTI delegation as both sides attempt to win over support of the senior politician. “One party (opposition) goes to the extent that they start talking about separation [from Parliament]. On the other side as well (government), they made statements such as ‘we are ready to deal with them with force and we are ready to go to every extent for the state’s protection’,” Fazl said. “The importance of politicians is being eliminated today. Renowned, knowledgeable, experienced, and senior [political] leadership is being sidelined,” he said, adding that new politicians replacing them have no experience. “Empower politicians. Hand over matters to them,” the JUI-F leader remarked. “Becoming Faisalabad’s clocktower and Amrat Dhara (cureall) yourself can perhaps be a wish but never the solution to the issue,” Fazl quipped.
The United States has once again issued a warning to Pakistan regarding the potential ramifications of engaging in business deals with Iran, particularly initiating work on the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller in a media briefing emphasized that Washington will continue to enforce sanctions against Iran and advised Pakistan to consider the consequences of any such agreements. Responding to a query about the mega gas pipeline project, Miller said, “We will continue to enforce our sanctions against Iran. And as a matter of course, we also advise anyone considering business deals with Iran to be aware of the potential ramifications of those deals.” The US official also reiterated that addressing Pakistan’s energy shortages remains a priority for Washington. “At the same time, helping Pakistan address its energy shortage is a priority for the United States, and we continue to discuss energy security with the Government of Pakistan,” Miller added. The IP gas project has been facing a decade-long delay due to concerns over potential US sanctions. In April 2023, the Ministry of Energy initiated work on the long-delayed pipeline project to complete its 80-kilometer stretch from Gwadar to the Iranian border. Iran extended a 180-day deadline for Pakistan to meet its obligations, which is set to expire in September 2024. However, Pakistan has yet to make progress on the pipeline. Read This: Iran issues final notice, warns of legal action over delayed IP Gas Pipeline.
Opposition alliance seeks convening of APC over deteriorating law, order in Balochistan ISLAMABAD
staff report
The Opposition Grand Alliance – Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) – has called for an All Parties Conference (APC) to address the worsening security situation in Balochistan, expressing deep concern over the province’s current state of affairs. During a press conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, PTI leader Asad Qaiser stated, “Our alliance is seriously concerned about the situation in Balochistan. We will meet with the National Assembly speaker and urge him to take action, including convening an APC on Balochistan.” Qaiser emphasised the need to address the grievances of “our estranged Baloch brothers,” noting that despite raising the issue in the assembly, the government has shown little interest. He also lamented Akhtar Mengal’s resignation from the National Assembly, calling it “a regrettable development.” He stressed the importance of a serious
discussion on Balochistan, warning, “Our enemies are exploiting this situation. We are planning nationwide protests and rallies, including a day of countrywide demonstrations.” Latif Khosa criticised the government’s economic policies and attempts to amend the Constitution, which he said have caused widespread public concern. “They don’t have the two-thirds majority to amend the Constitution, so they should stop this talk,” Khosa said. Khosa also commented on the Mubarak Sani case, calling the verdict a “grave mistake” and explaining that it forced them to postpone their rally. “But our rally on September 8 is final,” he said, adding that the Pakistani people will show their support for Imran Khan. A committee, headed by Sahibzada Hamid Raza and including Khosa, has been formed to coordinate the APC. “We want to resolve these issues through an APC,” Khosa said, adding that the opposition aims to save Pakistan and uphold the rule of law. Mahmood Khan Achakzai echoed
Khosa’s sentiments, calling it a positive sign that all parties believe in the supremacy of the Constitution. He announced the formation of a committee that will start working immediately to arrange the APC. “If our demands are not met, we will launch nationwide protests,” Achakzai warned, but added that if the APC is held, “we won’t need to resort to protests.” He also assigned Asad Qaiser the task of meeting with Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. Achakzai criticised the indifference towards the crisis in Balochistan, saying, “We are laughing while Balochistan burns. All parties must agree to remove the entrenched elite families.” Raoof Hasan reiterated that their rally would go ahead as planned, regardless of any obstacles posed by the administration. “Hamid Raza will lead the rally,” Hassan said, adding that the APC will also address other national issues. He called Akhtar Mengal’s resignation “alarming” and “disappointing,” noting that another delegation will meet Mengal in an effort to resolve the matter within parliament.
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