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PM SHEHBAZ ‘CONFERS’ WITH SENIOR CABINET MEMBERS ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDS Saturday, 19 October, 2024 | 15 Rabi ul Sani, 1446
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 102 I 8 Pages I Karachi Edition
Law Minister and Attorney General brief the participants on critical constitutional and legal matters
Govt puts off Senate, NA sessions without tabling 26th Amendment ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Amid tall claims and hectic efforts, the government on Friday failed to table the 26th Constitutional Amendments for approval in both the Senate and National Assembly on Friday, and adjourned the both the houses till Saturday (tomorrow) as discussions over the proposed amendments remained inconclusive. The Senate, chaired by Yousaf Raza Gilani, was expected to take up the amendment for consideration. However, the ses-
sion was largely procedural, with Senator Saleem Mandviwala moving a resolution to defer the question period, which was accepted. The Senate also offered prayers for the victims of the Karsaz bombing. At one point, Chairman Gilani proposed adjourning the session for an hour due to an ongoing meeting and a cabinet session, a suggestion supported by Senator Irfan Siddiqui. “A meeting is underway, and the cabinet is also in session. If appropriate, we can postpone for an hour,” Gilani stated.
Govt establishes ‘PM’s relief fund for Palestine, Lebanon ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif announced that the federal government has established the ‘Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for Palestine and Lebanon’ to support victims of the ongoing brutalities by Israeli forces. While chairing a review meeting in Islamabad regarding the government’s relief efforts for the people of Gaza, the prime minister emphasized that Pakistan will not abandon the Muslims of Palestine and Lebanon during their time of adversity. He appealed to the public to assist their Palestinian brothers and sisters, especially urging affluent individuals to generously contribute to the relief fund. The prime minister announced that Pakistanis, both inside the country and abroad, can deposit donations into the designated account for the relief of Palestinian and Lebanese brothers and sisters. With winter approaching, the prime minister highlighted that Pakistan will dispatch additional tents and blankets to those affected by Israeli atrocities and aggression in Palestine, Gaza, and Lebanon. Specifically, an additional 3,000 tents and 12,000 blankets will be sent to aid the victims in these regions. PM Shehbaz directed Pakistan’s ambassadors in neighboring countries to report on the required number of tents and blankets. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to also send food and medical supplies to those facing Israeli oppression. Furthermore, the prime minister condemned Israel’s continued obstruction of humanitarian aid to Palestinians. During the meeting, the prime minister praised the contributions of NGOs working in coordination with the government’s relief efforts for Palestinians and Lebanese. He also emphasized that there should be no compromise on the quality of the relief items being sent, including ensuring that the tents are fireproof. Pakistani diplomats in neighboring countries were instructed to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of all relief goods. PM Shehbaz expressed grave concern over the growing Israeli aggression, warning that it threatens to engulf the entire region. He called upon global powers to take immediate action to halt what he described as genocide being committed against unarmed civilians.
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RIME Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Friday consulted his senior cabinet ministers regarding the proposed constitutional amendment and its approval. Reportedly, PM Sharif in his informal consultation with the senior member of his cabinet discussed the drafts of the constitutional amendment finalised by the two main coalition partners – the Pakistan People’s Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. The meeting took place between PM Shehbaz Sharif and the cabinet members, including Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar and the Attorney General, who briefed the participants on critical constitutional and legal matters. PM Sharif during the discussion shared details of his late-night meeting with JUI-F Chief Fazlur Rehman and also reviewed the drafts of the constitutional amendments presented by the PPP and the PML-N. According to sources privy to the developments taking place in the power corridors, the coalition partners have been hectic efforts to develop consensus on a unified draft with input from all partners. The government also eyed reserved seats through the Election Commission of Pakistan, despite the Supreme Court clear direction on the July 12 decision.
The meeting decided to introduce the constitutional amendment draft with the consultation of the allied parties. Earlier, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman warned of halting talks with the government on the proposed constitutional amendment draft amid ‘pressure’ on their members.
Talking to the media along with PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan and other party leaders in Islamabad late on Thursday, the JUI-F chief said: “We are engaging with the government with absolute open-heartedness.” Sadly, we are receiving reports of pressure being exerted on their members, and both PTI and BNP members are being intimidated.
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and we hoped we would reach a consensus yesterday. Today, we met Maulana sahib to reach that consensus,” he continued. “We were in the middle of talks when the special committee announced it reached a consensus on the 26th Amendment. We received the fourth draft and talks are underway.” He said the draft on which consensus was achieved in the special parliamentary committee was the same one under discussion with the JUI-F. The PTI chairman added that the party would submit a request to meet Imran tomorrow so he could approve the final draft. “We have not been allowed to meet Imran for two weeks,” Gohar said, adding that PTI doctors had not been allowed access to the incarcerated party founder either.
PTI nears consensus with JUI-F on draft constitutional package: Barrister Gohar STAFF REPORT
PTI Chairman Barrister Ali Gohar on Friday claimed the party had almost reached a consensus on a draft of the much-touted constitutional package after talks with Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Talking to media after meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, he said the party was close to reaching a consensus with the JUI-F, adding that the PTI aimed to present a draft to founder Imran Khan for his approval. “We have almost reached a consensus with Maulana sahib. When Imran Khan provides his input tomorrow, we will present that draft,” Gohar said. “On Imran Khan’s request, we have had meetings with Maulana sahib
SC reaffirms amended Elections Act can’t undermine July 12 verdict retrospectively ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday reiterated that amendments introduced to the Elections Act cannot be applied retroactively to alter its July 12 ruling. In a detailed clarification issued by eight judges on Friday, the court responded to applications from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), both seeking clarification on the impact of recent amendments made to the law governing elections. The clarification was made in light of the ECP’s query regarding the legal effect of the Elections (Second Amendment) Act, 2024. The ECP argued that amendments to Sections 66 and 104, along with the addition of Section 104-A, had altered the legal landscape and sought the top court’s guidance on whether its July 12 judgment—delivered before the amendments—still held force. PTI, in a separate application, contended that the Supreme Court’s judgment was based on constitutional principles and should not be overridden by legislative changes. It argued that the amendments could not retroactively affect the judgment, particularly concerning the allocation of reserved seats in parliament. The Supreme Court had earlier ruled on a case concerning the allocation of reserved seats for women and minorities. The court’s July 12 judgment emphasised proportional representation for political parties in line with the number of general seats won, under Articles 51 and 106 of the Constitution. The amendments made by parliament were seen as an attempt to adjust this allocation process, prompting the ECP’s request for clarification. In its latest response, the Supreme Court reaffirmed its original stance, making it clear that the amendments could not undermine the judgment retrospectively. “The effect of the amendment made in the Elections Act cannot undo our judgment with retrospective effect,” the judges stated in the two-page clarification. The court explained that its original ruling had provided a “window” for parties to seek clarification, should any misunderstanding arise before the release
In letter to US President, PM seeks clemency for Aafia Siddiqui ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has written a formal letter to US President Joe Biden, urging him to pardon and release Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. Dr. Siddiqui has been imprisoned in the US since 2010, serving an 86-year sentence issued by the American District Court. In his letter, PM Shehbaz highlighted his previous interactions with Biden, recalling their meetings in the US and Lahore. He referred to Biden as a long-time friend of Pakistan, mentioning his role in passing the Kerry-LugarBerman Bill 15 years ago. Shehbaz’s appeal centers on the humanitarian aspect of the case. He noted that Dr. Siddiqui, currently held at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Carswell, has already spent 16 years behind bars. Pakistani officials who visited her expressed deep concerns about her declining mental and physical health, with fears that she may take her own life due to her dire condition. Emphasizing his responsibility as Prime Minister, Shehbaz urged Biden to use his constitutional authority to release Dr. Aafia Siddiqui on humanitarian grounds. He concluded by stating that her family, along with millions of Pakistanis, are awaiting Biden’s compassionate intervention.
of the detailed reasons. However, with the detailed reasons now issued, the apex court said there was no need for further clarification. “The judgment of this court has binding effect in terms of Article 189 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, and should have been implemented,” the clarification read. It emphasised that the amendments made after the July 12 decision had “no bearing” on the ruling and that the ECP was legally bound to implement it in full. The court granted the original relief to uphold the right of political parties to proportional representation in reserved seats, which it deemed a constitutional requirement. “The commission [ECP] is bound to implement the judgment passed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, in its letter and spirit, without seeking any further clarification.” The clarification was signed by eight of the Supreme Court’s senior judges, including Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Ayesha A. Malik, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Shahid Waheed, and Justice Irfan Saadat Khan. Previously, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Ayaz Sadiq had issued a forceful letter to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), urging it to respect parliamentary sovereignty in the allocation of reserved seats to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The letter comes on the heels of a Supreme Court judgment that had ruled that independent candidates, after winning elections, could join political parties and alter their political allegiance followed up by a note released by eight SC judges directing ECP to implement the judgment at the earliest. On July 12, the Supreme Court declared PTI a parliamentary party and held that PTI was eligible to get reserved seats that were earlier distributed among other parties in the national and provincial assemblies. However, in response, parliament passed the Elections (Second Amendment) Act, 2024, which imposes new restrictions on party-switching by independent candidates and overrides the Supreme Court’s ruling.
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Crucial ECP huddle on reserved seats concludes inconclusively ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
A crucial meeting of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on reserved seats concluded inconclusive following another clarification from the majority eight judge of the apex court, reiterating that the amended Election Act can’t undermine its July 12 verdict retroactively. The ECP meeting, also attended by the National Assembly Secretary, was expected to lead to a significant development regarding reserved seats on Friday. However, it failed to make any headway apparently due to the absence of the Punjab member. The National Assembly Secretary was present at the ECP for the meeting. It was anticipated that the decision made during this session would clarify whether the reserved seats would go to the ruling coalition or to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as per the Supreme Court’s decision. The government and its allied parties had summoned the notified members for additional reserved seats to the federal capital. Meanwhile, the Speaker of the National Assembly had sent a letter to the Election Commission requesting these seats be allocated to other parties. It is noteworthy that the Election Commission has suspended the members holding additional reserved seats based on the Supreme Court’s ruling. If the Election Commission decides to allocate these seats to the ruling coalition and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), they will secure a two-thirds majority. Furthermore, the Election Commission has also filed a review petition regarding the Supreme Court’s decision on reserved seats. Previously, the Supreme Court of Pakistan had issued a detailed 70-page verdict declaring the ECP decision on reserved seats unconstitutional. The judgment, written by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, also annulled a previous ruling by the Peshawar High Court (PHC), affirming that the reserved seats should be allocated to the PTI. The verdict was delivered by an 8-5 majority of a full bench led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. Judges like Justices Yahya Afridi, Aminuddin Khan, Jamal Khan Mandokhail, and Naeem Akhtar Afghan dissented, emphasising the importance of proportional representation.
Hamas confirms death of Yahya Sinwar, says will not release hostages until conflict ends GAZA
AGENCIES
Hamas on Friday confirmed the death of its leader, Yahya Sinwar, with Khalil Al-Hayya, one of its senior officials, saying the death will only strengthen the group. In a video statement published on Friday, AlHayya, deputy Gaza Hamas chief and the group’s chief negotiator, said Sinwar died in combat, and his death will turn into a curse on “the occupiers.” The Israeli military stated on Thursday that Sinwar was killed in an operation in southern Gaza. Sinwar, also the architect of the Hamas October 7 attack on Israel, succeeded Ismail Haniyeh as the leader of Hamas after the latter was assassinated in a suspected Israeli strike in Tehran in late July. Israeli hostages in Gaza will not return until “the aggression” on the besieged Palestinian enclave stops and Israeli forces withdraw, Al-Hayya said on Friday, adding that Hamas is continuing its path until achieving Palestinian people’s ambitions. Hezbollah says it will escalate war with Israel after Hamas leader killed Lebanon’s Hezbollah
group said on Friday it was moving to a new and escalating phase in its war against Israel while Iran said “the spirit of resistance will be strengthened” after the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Sinwar, a mastermind of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered the Gaza war, was killed during an operation by Israeli soldiers in the Palestinian enclave on Wednesday, a pivotal event in the yearlong conflict.
Western leaders said his death offered an opportunity for the conflict to end, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war would go on until the hostages seized by Hamas were returned. “Today we have settled the score. Today evil has been dealt a blow but our task has still not been completed,” Netanyahu said in a recorded video statement after the death was confirmed on Thursday. “To the dear hostage families, I say: This is an important moment in the war. We will continue full force until all your loved ones, our loved ones, are home.” Sinwar, who was named as Hamas’ overall leader following the assassination of political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July, was believed to have been hiding in the warren of tunnels Hamas has built under Gaza over the past two decades. He was killed during a gun battle in southern Gaza on Wednesday by Israeli troops who were initially unaware that they had caught their country’s number one enemy, Israeli officials said. The military released drone video of what it said was Sinwar, sitting on an armchair and covered in dust inside a destroyed building.