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PM SHEHBAZ, PRESIDENT MIRZIYOYEV REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO EXPAND BILATERAL TRADE TO $2B Thursday, 27 February, 2025 | 28 Shaban ul Moazzam, 1446
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PM says they decided to cooperate in mine and minerals, discuss ‘potential of investing in each other’s economic zones’
Two leaders also discuss rail link through ‘Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway project’ signed in July 2023 Multiple MoUs and agreements signed, including a MoU between Tashkent and Lahore, a cooperation agreement between news agencies and on youth affairs
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TASHKENT/ISLAMABAD
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 233 | 8 Pages | Lahore Edition
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Modern state of Pakistan is our trusted partner, trusted by time, and a promising ally whose int’l reputation is steadily growing, says Uzbek president
Pakistan, Uzbekistan outline strategic vision for stronger bilateral ties TASHKENT/ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
SaleeM Jadoon
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met on Wednesday and reaffirmed their commitment to expand bilateral trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan to $2 billion. The development comes days after a similar agreement to boost investments was reached with Azerbaijan during Premier Shehbaz’s official visit to the country, which he concluded yesterday as he departed for Tashkent on a two-day state visit. Pakistan and Uzbekistan have strengthened ties through trade and economic cooperation with a $1 billion trade deal signed in 2023, and plans for further collaboration, including a roadmap for industrial cooperation, show the two sides’ commitment to boosting regional connectivity. PM Shehbaz and President Mirziyoyev held a bilateral meeting, which was followed by the signing of several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between the two countries in various areas. At a joint press conference after the meeting, PM Shehbaz, President Mirziyoyev said: “We came to the conclusions on different spheres and mutual trade turnover had exceeded $400 million and we have plans to increase that to $2bn.”
He termed the negotiations between them “very fruitful”, adding that there was a “new direction” for future goals. MAY BE AN IMAGE OF 4 PEOPLE, DAIS AND TEXT The Uzbek president said: “The modern state of Pakistan is our trusted partner, trusted by time, and a promising ally whose international reputation is steadily growing.” “Despite the current global challenges, the honourable prime minister is carrying out tremendous work to ensure peace and stability, improve the living standards of the population and accelerate economic growth.”
Congratulating the Pakistani government on those “achievements”, he noted that the relations between the two countries had been developing “dynamically”. President Mirziyoyev noted that joint ventures between Pakistan and Uzbekistan have reached 130 while trade houses had been opened in Karachi and Tashkent. “Air travel has been launched between Tashkent and Lahore,” he highlighted, adding that it was also agreed to open new routes, including flights between Samarkand, Bukhara and Karachi.
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Signaling a significant push to deepen cooperation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Uzbekistan visit saw him and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reaffirm their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, expanding trade, and enhancing regional connectivity. This focus suggests potential growth in economic partnerships and infrastructure development, promising increased trade and improved regional access for both nations. The specific agreements and projects that emerge from this commitment will be the key to watch. According to a joint declaration on the outcomes of the visit of PM Shehbaz Sharif to Uzbekistan issued on Wednesday, both leaders expressed satisfaction over the progress made in Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 33 years ago. During the talks, the two leaders discussed the ways and means to further strengthen the strategic partnership; exchange views on the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation in all spheres, and on issues of regional and international importance. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitent to further strengthen relations and
elevate cooperation to a qualitatively newlevel, that meets the fundamental interests of both countries and serves to ensure peace and stability in our regions. They noted the steady progress in bilateral relations and reiterated their dedication to the Strategic Partnership Declarations of July 16, 2021, and March 4, 2022. The two sides strongly determined to comprehensively develop and strengthen cooperation in order to support each other’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. They expressed their support for the development and expansion of regular political dialogue, including in the format of formal and informal summits. In this regard, they positively assessed the outcomes of the talks held within the framework of the Astana Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia on 13 October 2022 and the Baku COP-29 Summit on 12 November 2024. The two sides emphasized the importance of further expanding inter-parliamentary ties, which contribute to a steady enhancement of the potential of political, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as to the development of traditional ties of friendship between the peoples of the two countries.
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Despite different reasoning, all five judges rejected civilians’ military trial: Justice Mandokhail ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail said on Wednesday that all five judges of the Supreme Court were unanimous in their decision that civilians cannot be tried in military courts. He made these remarks during the hearing of an intra-court appeal challenging the trial of civilians in military courts. Justice Mandokhail is part of a seven-member constitutional bench overseeing the appeal, which also includes Justices Amin-ud-din Khan, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Hassan Azhar Rizvi, Musarat Hilali, Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Shahid Bilal Hassan. During the proceedings, Advocate Faisal Siddiqui argued that there had been three separate de-
cisions by a five-member bench regarding military courts. He pointed out that Justices Ayesha Malik, Muneeb Akhtar, and Yahya Afridi had written individual decisions, but all judges agreed on the core observations. Siddiqui emphasized that when judges’ decisions align but their reasoning differs, all the reasons are considered part of the overall decision. However, he maintained that all justices were in agreement on the key issue that civilians should not be tried under military jurisdiction. Siddiqui explained that when different judges write separate opinions in the same case, their reasoning collectively forms part of the final verdict. He dismissed arguments suggesting that the decisions were divided. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar pointed out that the
justices had written detailed rulings rather than supplementary notes. Justice Mandokhail reinforced the argument by stating that all five judges were in consensus against military trials for civilians. A key point of contention in the case is whether anti-terrorism courts (ATCs) had formally authorised the transfer of civilian suspects to military custody. Justice Naeem Afghan questioned whether there was an official court order permitting such transfers. Siddiqui responded that while some transfer orders existed, they did not include a clear justification. He further argued that a suspect could only be handed over to military authorities after formal charges had been framed against them.
Justice Shah cancels ‘planned’ KSA trip for ‘want of ex-Pakistan leave’ ISLAMABAD
MonitoRing RepoRt
Senior Supreme Court Puisne Judge Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah cancelled a planned visit to Saudi Arabia for attending two events at the arbitration for want of ex-Pakistan leave amid ongoing ‘cold war’ in the apex judiciary.’ According to reports, Justice Shah was invited to deliver key notes at two events at the Arbitration week in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia organised by the Al Baraka Forum and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation- Arbitration Center (OICAC). During the week, Justice Shah also wanted to perform Umrah before the start of the holy month of Ramazan. The senior puisne judge had requested Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi for ex-Pakistan leave well in time, which remained unanswered, com-
pelling Justice Mansoor to cancel his trip to Saudi Arabia as his leaves could not be sanctioned. It is to be noted that Justice Shah was the only Supreme Court judge from a Muslim country invited to the event sponsored by the Saudis in ‘Arbitration Week’ in Riyadh which is a high profile event. Lawyers believe that Arbitration is most significant for Pakistan, and Justice Shah’s presence in Riyadh would have helped build cooperation amongst the judiciaries of the Muslim countries. This could have led to developing a joint arbitration centre for Muslim countries and an international arbitration centre in Pakistan. They are also wondering as why the minutes of committee working under Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act 2023 are not being shared on SC website. The practice was stopped since
the incumbent CJP assumed his office. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah is also member of three members committee. Earlier, four justices, who opposed the elevation of high court judges to the apex court, have been removed from key administrative committees under CJP Yahya Afridi’s restructuring plan. CJP Afridi reconstituted several committees, replacing senior justices with junior ones. Those excluded from critical roles included Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Ayesha Malik, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Aqeel Ahmad Abbasi. Two judges, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Munib Akhtar, who formed the majority in the relevant committee, had ordered the constitution of a full court to hear the petitions in the first week of November. However, instead of listing the case, CJP Afridi convened a
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PTI founder seeks report on alleged corruption, KP cabinet’s performance RAWALPINDI
Staff RepoRt
meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) to select judges for the constitutional bench. The constitutional bench has yet to decide petitions against 26th constitutional amendment. Subsequently, a three-judge bench led by Justice Shah had raised question if the regular bench could be barred to adjudicate the matters related to the interpretation of law and Constitution after 26th Constitutional Amendment. However the case was withdrawn from that regular bench by the committees. A division bench of the apex court led by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah held that the members of both committees violated the judicial order and withdrew the case from regular bench. The bench remarked that committees’ members have committed the contempt; therefore, the full court should be constituted to initiate the proceedings.
Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Wednesday sought a report from the party’s accountability committee on alleged corruption and the performance of ministers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) by May. According to the party insiders, the PTI founder has requested a report regarding the ministers’ performance and the use of funds, prompting the Accountability Committee to begin summoning cabinet members. PTI accountability committee member Advocate Qazi Anwar said that the report on the performance of cabinet members will be presented in the first week of May. All ministers, advisors, and assistants will submit their reports to the committee, providing details about the use of funds and related information. Qazi Anwar added that this process will be completed in May, after which the report will be presented to PTI’s founder. The Food Minister has already submitted their performance report to the committee. Earlier, Imran Khan instructed party members holding government roles to step down from their positions within the party. The directive, communicated through PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, aims to give Junaid Akbar, the newly appointed president of PTI’s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chapter, a free hand in reorganising the party. Raja, speaking to journalists after visiting Khan in Adiala jail on Tuesday, assured that Khan is in good health despite concerns over his well-being.
Shehbaz Sharif set to expand cabinet with 20 new ministers and advisors ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
The federal government is expected to expand its cabinet with the induction of 15 to 20 new federal ministers and ministers of state. The oath-taking ceremony for the new members is scheduled to be held tomorrow at 5 PM at Aiwane-Sadar. Sources revealed that the final schedule will be announced after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returns from his visit to Uzbekistan. Notable figures expected to be included in the cabinet are Hanif Abbasi,
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, and Mustafa Kamal. Others under consideration include Barrister Aqeel, Huzaifa Rehman, Senator Talal Chaudhry, Afzal Khokhar, and Abdul Rehman Kanju. The cabinet expansion follows nearly a year of Shehbaz Sharif ’s tenure as prime minister. The newly inducted ministers are expected to take charge of various portfolios, including the Ministry of Railways, the Ministry of National Health Services, and the Ministry of Communications. After completing one year in office, Shehbaz Sharif has decided to expand the cabinet further, with new members primarily
from the ruling Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) and allied parties. Sources indicated that the oath-taking ceremony is expected to take place before the weekend, on February 27 or 28. According to reports, those likely to be appointed as federal ministers and ministers of state include Hanif Abbasi, Dr. Tariq Fazal, Barrister Aqeel, Huzaifa Rehman, Talal Chaudhry, Afzal Khokhar, Abdul Rehman Kanju, Sardar Yousaf, Nosheen Iftikhar, Romina Khurshid Alam, Reza Hayat Hiraj, and Chaudhry Riaz. Mustafa Kamal from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) is expected to be appointed as
Minister for Science and Technology, while Khalid Magsi from the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) is likely to be assigned the Ministry of Communications. Other names being considered for cabinet positions include Ali Zahid Chaudhry, Junaid Rana, Mubashir Iqbal, and Bilal Azhar Kayani. Additionally, former bureaucrat Dr. Tauqir Hussain Shah, a close associate of Shehbaz Sharif, is set to be appointed as an adviser. Dr. Shah previously served as Shehbaz’s principal secretary before taking up a position at the World Bank. He recently resigned from his role there to return to government service.
While the official announcement regarding the ministerial portfolios will be made after the oath-taking ceremony, sources suggest that Hanif Abbasi is expected to be given charge of the Ministry of Railways, while Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry is likely to oversee the Ministry of National Health Services. Currently, the federal cabinet comprises 19 ministers, two ministers of state, and one adviser. There is also one special assistant to the prime minister with the status of a minister of state, along with six coordinators to the prime minister. With the new appointments, the cabinet is set to expand significantly.