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PREMIER CALLS FOR STRICT ACTION AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING Thursday, 19 December, 2024 I 16 Jumada Al-Akhirah 1446
PM SHEHBAZ ORDERS IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION OF IBMS TO MONITOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS
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ISLAMABAD
Staff report
RIME MINISTER Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the authorities to launch vigorous action against human trafficking after the deaths of five Pakistani citizens in Greek shipwrecks last week. Chairing a meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday to discuss the death of Pakistani nationals and measures to curb human trafficking, the premier called for strict action against those involved in smuggling people to other countries. PM Shehbaz said that 262 Pakistani nationals lost their lives in another incident in the same area last year and expressed displeasure over inaction against those responsible. “The recurrence of such incidents is due to the sluggish actions against the people involved,” he added. The prime minister ordered the immediate implementation of the Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) to monitor international travellers. He also sought details on the public awareness campaign on human trafficking and tasked the FIA and foreign ministry to produce a report on incidents involving Pakistani nationals over the last year. PM Shehbaz also stressed the need to “enhance collaboration with international institutions to prevent the recurrence of
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such tragic incidents”. During the briefing, the prime minister was informed that 174 people accused of human trafficking were produced in court, with four of them receiving convictions. At least five migrants drowned after their wooden boat, carrying many Pakistanis, capsized off Greece’s southern island of Gavdos, the coastguard said on Saturday, with witnesses saying many were still missing as search operations continued. In separate incidents, a Maltaflagged cargo vessel rescued 47 migrants from a boat sailing about 40 nautical miles off Gavdos, while a tanker rescued another 88 migrants some 28 nautical miles off the tiny island in Greece’s
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STRESSES NEED FOR ENHANCING COLLABORATION WITH INT’L INSTITUTIONS TO PREVENT RECURRENCE OF SHIPWRECK TRAGEDY
ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday left for Egypt on a three-day official visit (Dec 18-20) to attend the 11th Developing Countries (D8) Summit in Cairo on the theme “Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs: Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy”. At the Summit, the prime minister will highlight the importance of investing in youth and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for a strong and inclusive economy based on employment generation, innovation and promoting local entrepreneurship,
Khadija Shah complains to CJP over ‘denied access’ to Imran’s cell in Adiala Jail ISLAMABAD
Staff CorreSpondent
Khadija Shah, a member of the Prisons Reform Committee formed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, has raised serious concerns regarding the restrictions and denial of visit to jail cell of former prime minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. However, the jail administration contradicted the claim, claiming that Imran Khan was busy with court hearing when the committee visited the jail. The court is not under control of jail administration, the officials said. In November this year, CJP Afridi had constituted a subcommittee composed of Justice (retd) Shabbar Raza Rizvi, Saima Amin Advocate, Senator Cheema, and Khadijah Shah to inspect the cells and barracks in jails across Punjab. The sub-committee was tasked to provide recommendations aimed at streamlining processes to address the high number of under-trial prisoners and promote alternative sentencing options, including community service and probation. In a letter written to the top judge on Wednesday, Khadija Shah informed the judge regarding the subcommittee’s yesterday visit to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. According to the letter, the sub-committee delegation met with the jail staff, including the superintendent, and toured the facility. “During our visit, we observed that all areas had been prepared for our arrival, presenting a sterile environment. A large contingent of jail staff accompanied us throughout the tour. We visited various quarters, including the hospital, women’s barracks, and areas designated for prisoners with mental health issues and substance abuse problems. We also visited the prisoners on death row,” the letter written to CJP read. The letter further argued that along with other political prisoners, feedback from PTI founder Imran Khan — who has been incarcerated for a year now — was crucial regarding the reforms required in terms of political prisoners. Khadija, in a letter, said, “When we requested to be taken to ex-PM Imran Khan’s quarters, we were denied access” despite your [Chief Justice Afridi] instruction to the jail administration that “the subcommittee will be given full access to all parts of the prison and all prisoners.”
Judge Nasir Javed Rana reserves decision after eight and a half hours hearing, to announce verdict on Dec 23 RAWALPINDI
Staff report
south. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) registered a case against four alleged human traffickers and reportedly
detained two suspects from Sialkot and Gujrat, as the number of Pakistani nationals killed rose to five a day ago.
according to a PM Office press release. He will demonstrate Pakistan’s strong commitment to cooperate and implement the fundamental principles laid down by the D-8 besides emphasizing the importance of partnerships for mutual benefit and development among the participating countries, as well as cooperation in agriculture, food security and tourism. Prime Minister Shehbaz will highlight the steps taken by the Government of Pakistan for the empowerment of youth and their economic development. He is also scheduled to attend the Special Session of D-8 on the Humanitarian Crisis and Reconstruction Chal-
lenges in Gaza and Lebanon to deliberate on the situation resulting from Israeli aggression in the Middle East. He will underline Pakistan’s principled position on the situation in Palestine and call for peace in the Middle East. Prime Minister Shehbaz will also hold bilateral meetings with the heads of various countries who have come to attend the summit on this occasion. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi will attend the conference along with the prime minister.
PM Shehbaz embarks on Egypt visit to attend D-8 Summit Staff report
Court reserves verdict in £190m Al-Qadir Trust reference against Imran Khan, wife
NA speaker ready to ‘play role’ in govt-PTI talks ISLAMABAD
Staff report
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Wednesday expressing willingness “to play a role” in facilitating talks between the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying his “office and residence open 24 hours”. On the other hand, PTI leader Asad Qaiser welcomed the National Assembly Speaker’s offer, emphasizing that he (speaker) should tell the government to be serious. The speaker’s comes a day after senior PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah invited the PTI to officially approach the government with a talk offer, terming the NA speaker’s office was a “neutral venue”. In a video message shared by his office, NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said: “I want to say that the speaker’s office and the speaker’s house is open 24 hours if the opposition and government want to come and have a dialogue together to end the bitterness.” “Whether we talk about improvements for the country, the law and order situation, climate issues or provincial autonomy, and numerous other matters on which we need to sit and have conversations. “We have the speaker’s office for all these issues. Until I am speaker, I will not let there be any deficit,” he added, reiterating that his house belongs to members of both the treasury and opposition. The NA speaker stressed his office was “for everyone” and its doors “were always open for the parliament members, regardless of whether there was a meeting or not”. He also clarified his absence from the House yesterday owing to a Saudi delegation visiting Pakistan. Last week, Imran constituted a five-member committee to hold negotiations with “anyone”. However, following his lawmakers’ softened stance in the parliament, he expressed his displeasure over the party leadership for adopting a “positive” posture. The NA witnessed relative civility on Tuesday, as lawmakers from the PML-N and the PTI agreed on the need for dialogue to settle their issues, though neither
side seemed willing to take the first step. The tone was set by a comment from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who, responding to Marwat’s reconciliatory note, said, “For the first time, a breath of fresh air came from the opposition.” However, Asif maintained that talks could not proceed “at gunpoint”. Marwat, in his speech just before Asif’s, abandoned his firebrand ways to propose the formation of a parliamentary committee to determine terms of reference (ToRs) for dialogue between the two sides. He also emphasised that any dialogue must involve all political forces and, once ToRs were finalised, the establishment could also be brought on board. While Sanaullah, the prime minister’s political advisor, seemed to welcome the offer, he was adamant that the party had not formally approached them for talks. “I request [Sher Afzal] Marwat sahib that if you have made this committee for talks with us — which you have not said a word about till this day — then officially come and say you have formed this committee for dialogue with the government or PML-N or allied parties,” he said. ASAD QAISER WELCOMES SPEAKER’S TALKS OFFER Meanwhile, talking to the media, PTI leader Asad Qaiser said that the government still didn’t reply about yesterday’s offer, nor it contacted with us. “The PTI will not come under any pressure, our two demands included release of prisoners and constitution of a judicial commission over May 09 and November 26 incidents,” Qaiser said. “Is it the government or the PTI, which one is responsible, should face consequences,” he said. He said the country is passing through economic crises, “We don’t want more hardships.” “The PTI’s founder has given positive response, wants to see the government’s action,” he said. He said the government has been still non-serious over talks. “If they think the PTI would come under pressure, it is their mistake,” Asad Qaiser said. “Life has been made miserable for PTI people in Punjab, as they are citizens of some other country,” Qaiser said. “Our 10 assembly members have been under pressure to resign in Pun-
The Accountability Court Rawalpindi on Wednesday reserved its verdict in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust corruption reference against former prime minister Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi. Judge Nasir Javed Rana reserved the verdict to be announced on December 23. The accountability court reserved it decision after the counsels of PTI founder Khan and his wife concluded final arguments in the case. The prosecution team had completed its arguments a day earlier. The court had indicted the incarcerated ex-premier and former first lady in the high-profile corruption case on February 27, 2024. During the one-year long trial, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) recorded testimonies of 35 witnesses, including former principal secretary Azam Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ex-chief minister Pervez Khattak and former federal minister Zubaida Jalal. During hearing held at Adiala Jail for eight and a half hours, Barrister Salman Safdar argued that the case was one of “political revenge”, adding that the defence had been proved innocent in previous cases. He said the case was one in which the matter involved PML-N President Nawaz Sharif’s son, Hassan Nawaz, as well and yet the latter was not included in proceedings. “The reference was made to target a specific couple. Before becoming the prime minister, the PTI founder was known as a social worker, collecting donations worth billions of rupees,” he said. Safdar also pointed out that half of the case revolved around Malik and yet he was not a part of the ongoing proceedings. “Political revenge has become so blind that social work has also been targeted. Not even a penny went into the pockets of the accused,” he maintained. The defence counsel also argued that NAB changed its position in the reference to now saying that it was a matter of conflict of interest.
ZAB case ‘dark chapter’ in judicial history of country: CJP Afridi ISLAMABAD
Staff report
Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi has raised concerns about significant lapses in the trial of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, terming the case a “dark chapter” in judicial history of the country. In an additional note, Justice Afridi partially agreed with Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s observations regarding the infamous trial. Justice Afridi noted that while he reviewed the opinions of former Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and other judges, he largely agreed with Justice Shah’s remarks. However, he emphasised that the Supreme Court’s advisory jurisdiction under Article 186 limits its scope in such matters. Referring to the trial’s flaws, the chief justice observed that both the trial court and appellate court had failed to uphold fair trial standards. He highlighted procedural breaches, stating that under Pakistan’s criminal procedure laws, a murder trial could not have been directly conducted in the high court. Afridi further pointed out that former Chief Justice Nasim Hasan Shah, now deceased, had admitted to external pressures influencing the verdict in the Bhutto case. He called this revelation a “regrettable chapter” in Pakistan’s judicial history, undermining public trust in the judiciary. The chief justice praised dissenting judges of the time, including Justices Dorab Patel, Mohammad Haleem, and Safdar Shah, for their courageous stand against the prevailing pressures. Although their dissenting notes did not alter the outcome, Afridi said they upheld the judiciary’s impartiality and underscored its critical role in maintaining the rule of law. Justice Afridi concluded that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto trial lacked due process, cautioning that failure to address such miscarriages of justice could continue to erode public confidence in the legal system. SC declares Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s rights were violated, trial lacked fairness In July, then Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa had declared Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto innocent, stating that he was sentenced to death by unconstitutional courts with insufficient evidence. In detailed remarks on the Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto reference issued, it was stated that an innocent person was executed without a fair trial, as reported by Express News on Monday.
US announces more sanctions on Pakistan’s missile program CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
ISLAMABAD
Staff report
The United States on Wednesday said it was imposing additional sanctions related to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, targeting four entities that it alleged were contributing to the proliferation or delivery of such weapons. “The four entities were being designated for sanctions pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 13382, which targeted proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery”, the US Department of State said in a statement. It said that the decision was taken “in light of the continuing proliferation threat of Pakistan’s long-range missile development”. “The United States will continue to act
against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern,” the US Department of State’s statement said. “Pakistan’s National Development Complex — which is responsible for Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme and has worked to acquire items to advance Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme — and Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise — which have worked to supply equipment and missile-applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, including its long-range missile programme — are being designated pursuant to EO 13382 Section 1(a)(ii) for having engaged, or attempted to engage, in activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a risk of materially contributing to, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery (including missiles capable of delivering such weapons), including any efforts to manufacture, acquire, possess, develop, transport, transfer or use such items by Pakistan,” the statement said. Earlier in September, the State Depart-
ment imposed sanctions on a Chinese research institute and several companies it claimed were involved in supplying Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme. Department spokesperson Matthew
Miller had said in a statement that the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry had worked with Pakistan to procure equipment for testing rocket motors for the Shaheen-3 and
Ababeel systems and potentially for larger systems. Washington had similarly targeted three China-based companies with sanctions in October 2023 for supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan.
WASHINGTON
true for Pakistan; it is true for every country in the world”. Miller also dismissed claims by India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that the US State Department was orchestrating targeted attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, calling the allegations “absurd” and “completely untrue.” The BJP had accused the U.S. of destabilizing India, citing reports by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) as part of this alleged agenda. Miller defended US support for press freedom, noting, “We provide professional
development training for journalists worldwide as part of our commitment to freedom of expression and press freedom. Associating this with undermining a close partner like India is absurd.” Addressing the ongoing investigation into Indian agents’ alleged involvement in a murder plot against a U.S. citizen, Miller confirmed that the U.S. has raised concerns with India at senior levels. “This is a matter we regularly raise with the Government of India. We’ve emphasized accountability and have been briefed on their commission of inquiry into this matter,” he said.
– calls for accountability of elections irregularities in Pakistan agenCieS
The United States (US) has urged for a thorough investigation into election irregularities in Pakistan, emphasizing that such issues must be addressed and resolved in accordance with the rule of law. Speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Press Center, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said that any election irregularities need to be fully investigated, answered, and dealt with consistent with the rule of law. “And that is