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alerts power GOVT RULES OUT RELEASE AS IMRAN SECURES NEPRA division: Fuel costs may surge under winter BAIL IN TOSHAKHANA 2.0 CASE electricity package Thursday, 21 November, 2024 I | 18 Jamadi ul Awwal, 1446
Justice Miangul Hassan cautions petitioner against absence from trial court hearing
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ISLAMABAD
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Imran can’t be released since he doesn’t have bail in eight cases related to May 9: Tarar
– States that increased electricity consumption under the scheme could including a necklace, earrings, bracelets, and rings — at push fuel charges beyond Rs26 per unit
STAFF REPORT
HE Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday granted bail to incarcerated former premier Imran Khan in the Toshakhana 2.0 while the government ruled out his release due to bail pending in cases against him. IHC’s Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb presided over the hearing on Imran’s bail petition on Wednesday. The court, in its short order, said Imran’s petition was accepted and post-arrest bail was granted subject to bail bonds worth Rs1 million with two sureties in the like amount to the satisfaction of the learned trial court. “The petitioner is cautioned not to misuse the concession of bail and appear before the learned trial court on each and every date of hearing unless a specific exemption is granted by the said court. In the event, the petitioner misuses the concession of bail, it goes without saying that the prosecution can apply for the recall of the bail granting order,” the order warned. Imran and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were apprehended
in the case on July 13, following their acquittal in the Iddat case the same day. While Bushra Bibi had been release from jail after securing bail in the case from the IHC last month, the PTI founder has been in jail since his arrest on August 5 last year in the new Toshakhana case. In the most recent case, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) accused the couple of retaining an expensive Bulgari jewellery set gifted by a foreign leader —
LHC rejects Imran’s plea seeking interim bail in all cases LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday turned down PRI Founder Imran Khan’s plea for interim bail in the cases registered against him. LHC’s Justice Farooq Haider presided over the hearing of a petition filed by Imran Khan’s sister, Noreen Niazi, requesting the court to grant interim bail in all the cases against him. Justice Haider announced the verdict after reviewing reports presented by the Punjab Home Department and
the federal government. The court rejected the plea for interim bail, emphasizing the accused must appear before the court in person for pre-arrest bail. He added that if any cases were being withheld or concealed, action would be taken against the concerned District Police Officer (DPO) for contempt of court. Following the hearing, the court dismissed the petition based on the information provided in the reports. During the hearing, the Punjab Home Department informed the court that no cases had been registered against Imran Khan in the province.
SC sets aside IHC’s verdict on plot allotment to judges and bureaucrats ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Supreme Court on Wednesday set aside the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) verdict on the allotment of plots to judges and bureaucrats in sectors F-14 and F-15 of Islamabad. The apex court announced the judgment on the case, which was reserved earlier, accepting the appeal of the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority. The court also directed the Islamabad High Court to review the matter again. A three-member bench, led by Justice Muneeb Akhtar, had reserved the judgment on May 21. Justice Ayesha Malik, a member of the bench, delivered the brief reserved judgment. In its verdict, the Islamabad High Court had declared the plot allotment scheme for retired judges and senior bureaucrats in sectors F-14 and F-15 unconstitutional. In May, the Supreme Court reserved its judgment on petitions challenging the IHC verdict that annulled the new policy of allotting government plots to civil servants, generals, and journalists in sectors F-14 and F-15 of the federal capital. The court also allowed parties to submit written submissions within the next three weeks, if desired. Around 35 serving and retired government employees had appealed the IHC’s ruling.
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a low price, saying it caused significant loss to the exchequer. In September, Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand had set the couple’s indictment in the case for October 2. However, it was deferred to October 5 on the defence counsel’s request for more time. A day prior to that, Judge Arjumand had rejected their post-arrest bail petitions. On Oct 24, a day after the IHC approved her bail plea in the case, Bushra was released from Adiala Jail. FIA Prosecutor Umair Majeed Malik said in today’s hearing that the media was already reporting that bail would be granted no matter what the court decided to which Justice Aurangzeb told him to distance himself from what the media said. As Imran’s counsel Barrister Salman Safdar briefed the court on the Bulgari set, he was asked how the price of the jewellery set was estimated to which the lawyer said that the prosecution would inform about this in court.
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Bail not a ticket to freedom for Imran Khan, Tarar says ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
In a decisive statement on Wednesday, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar announced that despite securing bail in the new Toshakhana case, former Prime Minister Imran Khan is unlikely to be released from custody due to multiple pending cases against him. Speaking to Geo News, Tarar emphasized, “There is no chance of the PTI founder’s release,” underscoring the gravity of the allegations and the ongoing legal proceedings.
Tarar highlighted that although the Islamabad High Court granted Khan bail earlier in the day, the trial concerning the sale of state gifts continues in the trial court with “sufficient evidence” presented against him. “The trial is yet to be concluded,” he added, pointing out that bail could be revoked if Khan fails to cooperate, similar to past behaviors noted in his wife, Bushra Bibi. The minister also touched on the broader legal challenges Khan faces, including his lack of bail in eight FIRs connected to incidents on May 9, where his party allegedly targeted defense structures and monuments.
COAS says has a firm belief in Pakistan’s bright and stable future KARACHI/RAWALPINDI STAFF REPORT
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday expressed optimism about the country’s economic progress, saying that he has a firm belief in Pakistan’s bright and stable future “During the previous meeting with the business community, I had told everyone that “hopelessness is forbidden,” COAS Gen Syed Asim Munir stated while addressing the business community in Karachi on Wednesday. He said that the country’s economic indicators turned positive which he said would further improve next year “while those who made claims about the country’s default are nowhere to be seen”. He called for accountability of those elements who spread disappointment amongst the masses. “Nothing, including politics, is superior to our country and we also should prioritise the country over personal gains,” said the army chief, adding that the people should ask about the importance of a state from the people of Libya, Iraq, and Palestine. He asked the masses to make united efforts to bring the country out of crisis. “Only Pakistanis could bring economic stability in Pakistan,” emphasized Gen Munir, urging overseas Pak-
istanis to bring investments in their home country to play their role in the country’s development and prosperity. He said that those running illegitimate businesses were backing terrorism with ulterior motives. Earlier, COAS Gen Syed Asim Munir visited the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS2024) at the Karachi Expo Centre, according to the military’s media wing. During the visit, the COAS commended the active participation of defense manufacturers from friendly nations and observed an impressive display of arms and equipment by both domestic and international exhibitors, said a statement issued by the ISPR. A total of 557 exhibitors are participating in the exhibition of which 333 are international exhibitors while 224 are domestic exhibitors. 36 countries established exhibitors’ stalls of which 17 countries are participating for the first time, it added. Over 300 foreign delegates from 53 countries attended the event and showed full confidence in the exhibition and the defence industry of Pakistan. At the exhibition, the COAS also engaged in meaningful interactions with foreign military officials and defense delegates attending the event. A significant highlight of the occasion was the inauguration of the Shahpar-III, a state-of-the-art combat Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) developed by Global Industrial Defence Solutions (GIDS) Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD
AHMAD AHMADANI
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has issued a warning to the Power Division, cautioning that the recently announced winter electricity package could lead to higher fuel costs for consumers. NEPRA stated that increased electricity consumption under the scheme could push fuel charges beyond Rs. 26 per unit. In a letter to the Power Division, the NEPRA highlighted that the decrease in electricity demand by 8 percent forced the government to introduce the winter package. The initiative encourages consumers to use additional electricity at reduced rates. However, NEPRA has expressed concerns that the increased reliance on expensive fuel sources could burden consumers with higher costs. According to NEPRA, the Power Division plans to import 34 LNG cargoes between December and February to meet energy requirements. During December, an average daily supply of 385 million cubic feet (MMCF) of re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) is anticipated for the power sector, while in January and February, this figure is expected to decrease slightly to 320 MMCF per day. The regulator (NEPRA) pointed out that reduced hydropower generation during the winter months would necessitate a greater dependency on RLNG, which is significantly more expensive. This could increase the overall cost of electricity production, potentially offsetting the benefits of the winter package for consumers. NEPRA warned that the higher reliance on RLNG for electricity generation might lead to a substantial rise in fuel costs, especially as LNG prices remain elevated in the global market. Additionally, it urged the Power Division to remain vigilant during the implementation of the package and to communicate potential financial impacts to consumers transparently. The winter package, designed to boost electricity consumption during the low-demand season, provides incentives to consumers for using additional electricity. However, NEPRA’s analysis suggests that the financial implications of higher fuel costs might outweigh the benefits of the scheme. The regulator (NEPRA) also advised the Power Division to adopt efficient fuel management strategies and maximize the use of low-cost energy sources to minimize the financial burden. NEPRA emphasized the importance of balancing affordability for consumers with the operational costs of the power sector. With the anticipated supply of LNG over the winter months and the limited availability of hydropower, NEPRA urged the government to prioritize energy planning to prevent unnecessary financial strain on consumers and the energy sector. According to available copies of documents, a high-level Zoom meeting was held on September 1, 2024, between officials from the Ministry of Energy (Power & Petroleum Division) and representatives from National Power Control Center (NPCC),Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA), Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Company Limited (SNGPL), Sui Southern Gas Pipeline Limited (SSGCL), and Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL). The discussion focused on allocating re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) to the power sector for implementing the Winter Electricity Package for FY 2025. The Power Division outlined the RLNG requirements, emphasizing both average demand and flexible demand for the winter months. Flexible demand refers to the supply of RLNG on an “as-and-whenrequired” basis without a firm commitment. The firm demand beyond December 2024 will be determined monthly as per standard practices. The RLNG demand figures shared by the Power Di-