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PM SAYS READY TO FACE REMOVAL BUT WILL NEVER HURT PARLIAMENT’S TRUST Friday, 28 April, 2023 I 7 Shawwal, 1444
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Says it ’s Parliament ’s right to prerogative to frame, amend Constitution and court has no power to rewrite it
down,” the prime minister resolved as the members thumped their desks. He said it was not possible that the court granted a stay on a law passed by the Parliament even before its finalization. “The framing and amendment of the Constitution is the Parliament’s right. The court has no power to rewrite the Constitu-
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Says no one can grab Parliament ’s dignity and its Constitutional powers
tion… If the Parliament raises its voice… the threat of contempt is given,” he remarked. He reiterated that the coalition government would only accept the 4-3 verdict of the Supreme Court bench. Referring to the Parliament’s decisions on elections, the prime minister said he as well as the government were bound to re-
Shehbaz gets confidence vote ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday categorically said he was ready to face the ouster for respecting the Parliament’s decisions, but would never undermine the trust it had reposed in him. The prime minister, after voluntarily getting the vote of confidence of 180 members of the National Assembly, said it was his duty to respect the Parliament’s decisions. The resolution for vote of confidence was moved by Foreign Minister Bilawal
Bhutto Zardari saying, “The National Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan reposes its full confidence in the leadership of Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, as the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.” Consequently, 180 MNAs arose from their seats to support the resolution. “Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was unjustly martyred, Nawaz Sharif was disqualified, Yusuf Raza Gilani was disqualified. Today the Parliament has given me the vote of confidence. By God, if they oust me in response to this vote of confidence, I am ready to go back thousands of time but will not let them
Pakistan, China to step up cooperation for regional peace, stability ISLAMABAD
The prime minister won a vote of confidence from parliament on Saturday, securing 180 votes, against the 172 required to win confidence, the speaker announced. Shehbaz Sharif had convened parliament — which is currently being boycotted by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), the nation’s largest opposition political party — to prove his majority, after the Supreme Court cast doubt on his support. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari moved a resolution, declaring: “The National Assembly […] reposes its full confidence in the leadership of Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, as the Prime Minister of […] Pakistan.” The confidence motion was passed by a simple voice vote with lawmakers rising from their seats to express their support. Officials confirmed to the media that Sharif came to this decision after holding consultations with MPs from the ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) coalition. He had a meeting with them at a luncheon earlier in the day. According to The News, Sharif was supposed to hold the vote
Coalition govt, PTI resume talks on polls date today
Staff RepoRt
Members of the committee, representing the ruling coalition and opposition PTI, on Thursday agreed to resume talks on elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday (tomorrow) at the Parliament House, after an hour-long first round held inside Senate Chairman’s chamber. Earlier, a committee of leaders representing the coalition parties and a team of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leaders initiated highly-anticipated negotiations at the Parliament House in an effort to build consensus on holding elections for the national and provincial assemblies on same day. The government nominated Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leaders – Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, Law Minister Azam Tarar, and Ayaz Sadiq and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders – Yousaf Raza Gillani and Syed Naveed Qamar as members of the committee. The MQM-P’s Kishwar Zehra was also a part of the government-nominated committee. Meanwhile, PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Barrister Ali Zafar and senior leader Fawad Chaudhry represented the opposition Pakistan Tehreeki-Insaf while Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) skipped the talks. Both the sides will meet on Friday at 3pm to continue the negotiation process after the first round of talks concluded. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Gillani said that PTI will present its demands before the government negotiating committee on (Friday). “Today’s discussions were held in a positive atmosphere,” he said. He also mentioned that the government has no specific demands and will present PTI’s demands to the coalition leadership. Finance Minister Dar said the government committee had taken a principled stance to handle the matter within constitutional limits. He emphasised the importance of taking into account the interest of the state and the people.
He said that both committees will consult with their leadership after the meeting. Furthermore, he said that there will be a detailed meeting tomorrow (Friday) at 3pm to discuss the matter further. The development comes hours after Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani wrote separate letters to the leader of the house and the opposition to nominate members from both the benches to constitute a special committee for holding “political dialogue.” In the letter, the Senate chairman said that both leaders, Senator Ishaq Dar and Dr Shahzad Waseem, are requested to provide the names of four members for inclusion in the special committee within two days. Sanjrani stated that the Senate of Pakistan, House of Federation, being a stabilising factor of the federation is constitutionally bestowed with the responsibility of protecting the national and political harmony vis-a-vis the national and public interest. “By assuming this responsibility and taking note that the Parliament is the right and the only forum for the resolution of political issues, given the prevailing political and economic situation, a committee comprising of members of the Senate belonging to both sides of the aisle has been proposed to address the ongoing political and economic crisis, including the holding of general elections,” he furthered.
ECC approves grant of production lease to United Energy Pakistan Beta
Petroleum division taking fast-track measures where exploration and development activities are underway ISLAMABAD
Shahzad paRacha
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet has approved granting of Development and Production Lease (D&PL) over Fazil Discovery (Mubarik Block) to United Energy Pakistan (UEP) Beta for a period of five years with effect from June 8, 2022. Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Ishaq Dar presided over the meeting of ECC. The approval comes in light of the ever growing energy demand in the country. Pakistan is currently facing energy shortage due to expanding population, natural depletion of major oil and gas fields, increase in demand and dearth of new big discoveries and economic growth.
Court not forcing govt to negotiations, only wants implementation of constitution: CJP ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and China’s Premier Li Qiang spoke over the telephone on Thursday, pledging to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all spheres to benefit their people and contribute to regional peace, prosperity, and stability. The conversation was marked by the traditional warmth and cordiality that characterizes the “Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Sharif congratulated Qiang on his election to office and remarked on China’s peaceful development as a positive factor for international peace and stability. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for China on its core issues — including the “One China” policy, Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea. The One China principle is a belief held by the leaders of China and its ruling party, the Communist Party of China (CPC). According to this principle, there is only one official country called China, and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is the only rightful government of that country. This means that Taiwan, which is officially called the Republic of China, is seen as a part of China and not an independent country. Sharif also expressed Pakistan’s gratitude for China’s principled position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and support for Islamabad on other core issues. The Chinese Premier appreciated Pakistan’s support and reaffirmed China’s continuing support for Pakistan’s national development, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. As an AllWeather Friend, China would continue to stand with Pakistan at all times, he pledged. The two leaders took stock of bilateral cooperation in key areas, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), recalling Sharif’s visit to China in November 2022 and his wide-ranging conversations with President Xi Jinping and the Chinese leadership. Pakistan and China’s enduring relationship continues to thrive, and both countries remain committed to enhancing cooperation for mutual benefit and regional stability.
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on Wednesday afternoon but deferred it until today. The development comes days after the information minister denied reports that Sharif has decided to seek a vote of confidence. Marriyum Aurangzeb tweeted there had been no consultation on the topic and that there was no need for it, as the prime minister was “unanimously elected” as the Leader of the House in the National Assembly in April of last year. Geo News claimed that members of the opposition could participate in the vote of confidence. PM thanks PML-N Parliamentary Party, coalition parties for their trust over him. Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to the PML-N Parliamentary Party and the leadership and legislators of coalition parties for their continued trust over him. In a tweet on Thursday, he said coalition politics is a unique experience in Pakistan’s democratic evolution and we are united in strengthening Parliament. The National Assembly on Thursday reposed ‘complete’ confidence in Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership. Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party and the Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, tabled the resolution, on which 180 Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) voted yes, as opposed to 174 when Shehbaz was elected as the prime minister in April last year.
ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
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spect the same. “The Parliament’s dignity and constitutional status is being challenged. No one can grab the Parliament dignity and its constitutional powers…Insha Allah, I stand by you and will continue to do so,” he assured.
Sources said that the petroleum division is taking measures, which includes the grant of D&DL on a fast track basis where various exploration and development activities are underway. The leases are granted to ensure the smooth running of development operations and to enable the petroleum right holders to carry out their efforts for producing hydrocarbon reserves in the lease area. Petroleum division has received an application from UEP Beta gmbH for approval of the government for Declaration of Commericality (DOC), Field Development Plan (FDL) and grant of a D&PL over Fazil discovery. Sources said that UEP Beta has estimated 28 to 5 GIIP (bcf) reserves up and down side ranging from 4 to 9.8 area sq km. The ECC also approved ex-
tension in renewal of Bhal Syedan Development and Production Lease (D&PL) covering an area of 16 sq km located in Attock disctrict of Punjab with effect from Januray 1, 2020 to April 10, 2024 in favour of Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDCL). The forum has also given approval to grant a five years renewal to Pariwali Development and Production Lease (D&PL) field covering an area of 122 sq km also located in the Attock disctrict with effect from July 1, 2022. Furthermore, the ECC on another summary of Ministry of Petroleum granted five years renewal over Minwal Development and Production Lease (D&PL), covering an area of 19 sq kms located in district Chakwal of Punjab with effect from April 1, 2023.
The ECC also approved Rs. 284.5 million Technical Supplementary Grants/Supplementary Grants in favour of Ministry of Interior for disbursement of amount as financial assistance to the Shuhada and injured persons of terrorism incident occurred in Peshawar on 31st January, 2023, in which 84 persons embraced martyrdom and 233 persons were injured. OTHER APPROVALS: The chair also approved Rs 67 million in favor of Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination as a rupee cover for USD 0.4 million committed by the World Bank to utilize IDA loan under “Pandemic Response Effectiveness in Pakistan (PREP)” initiative for financial year 2022-23. Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) worth Rs 61 million in favor of Ministry of Law and Justice for Federal Shariah Court to meet the shortfall being faced by FSC in current Financial Year 2022-23 and Rs 500 million in favour of Ministry of Poverty Alleviation & Social Safety for Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) Nashonuma project was also approved.
Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial said on Thursday the Supreme Court could not compel the government or coalition parties to negotiate with the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), as a three-judge bench resumed hearing the election delay case. The bench, led by the chief justice and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar, adjourned the hearing within an hour, with Justice Bandial announcing that a detailed order would be released later. Ahead of the hearing, several politicians and lawyers — including Shah Mahmood Qureshi of PTI, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Mian Aslam Iqbal of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUIF), and Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan — were present. At the previous hearing, the court had urged political parties to conduct talks by April 26 and respond by April 27 in hopes of reaching a consensus to avoid further delays to the May 14 election date. The court emphasised that the order was binding on all authorities, and the parties were asked to promptly resolve the matter. However, the government failed to comply with the April 4 directive, and no talks were held. National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf wrote a letter to the chief justice, saying that “it is best to leave the resolution of political matters to parliament and political parties.” AGP Awan updated the court on the progress of negotiations between the government and opposition parties. According to him, the first contact between the government and the opposition took place on April 19, and it was decided that a meeting would be held on April 26. The AGP explained that a committee for political dialogue was formed by Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjarani and both sides were asked to nominate four representatives each. However, the chief justice questioned the legitimacy of the Senate chairman’s role in the negotiations, noting that he was not a representative of either the government or the opposition.
Kh Saad suspects foul play as seven killed in Karachi Express fire
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KARACHI
Staff RepoRt
Seven people were killed and several others injured when a business-class cabin of Lahore-bound Karachi Express caught fire near Tando Masti Khan in Khairpur district in the wee hours of Thursday. The tragedy occurred near Tando Masti Khan, with Pakistan Railways’ District Coordination Officer Mohsin Siyal confirming the death toll. Of the six bodies recovered, police surgeon Dr Abu Talib said they were unidentifiable and would require DNA testing before being returned to their families. The cause of the fire remains unknown. According to a press statement by Pakistan Railways, the train, Karachi Express, was traveling from Karachi to Lahore when an alert was received that the air-conditioned business coach had caught fire at around 12:30 am. The train was stopped near Tando Masti Khan station, and the fire brigade arrived around 1:50 am to extinguish the fire, which took 40 minutes. The statement added the affected carriage was disconnected, and the train resumed its journey at 6:45 am. A 70-year-old woman was gravely injured while attempting to escape the burning carriage and later died from her injuries. The Sukkur district commissioner, district coordination officer, and railway officials were present at the scene and managing the situation.
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