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Saturday, 27 May, 2023 I 6 Zilqad, 1444
Rs 15.00 | Vol XIII No 327 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
‘Interference in PAKISTAN TO PUNISH MAY 9 ARSONISTS judiciary’s affairs’: SC Audio leaks AS US DID TO CAPITOL RIOTERS, SAYS PM suspends commission notification �
� SAYS COALITION GOVERNMENT CALLS DESECRATION OF MARTYRS MEMORIALS, INSTALLATIONS DARKEST CHAPTER IN NATION’S HISTORY COPED WITH HUGE CHALLENGES
KARACHI
P
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that no one should object if the government of Pakistan punished the arsonists of May 9 as per law, the way the United States had done to its citizens for storming the Capitol building on January 6, 2021. “Today, in the city of Quaid, we all are ashamed of what happened on May 9 in Lahore. Justice requires to punish the perpetrators like the rioters of the Capitol building on January 6, 2021. If that punishment was legal, then no one should object if we do so under our law for the desecration of our martyrs,” the PM said. Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony of K-IV water supply project here, the PM said the politics of political chaos culminated on May 9 in the form of the desecration of the nation’s martyrs, Ghazis and security installations. He said the strings of the May 9 riots were attached to abroad and that the desecration of martyrs and installations on the instigation of Imran Khan was the darkest chapter in the nation’s history. Recalling his recent interaction with the family members of martyrs, the PM said their dear ones had rendered sacrifices for the country but the arsonists desecrated their monuments. The prime minister said the person who always blamed others for plunders had resorted to arsons when arrested on charges of corruption. “What kind of politics is this,” he questioned and said no political leader in the past ever instigated an attack on Jin-
nah House or military installations, despite having faced many difficulties. He said the leaders of MQM and PPP – both representing Sindh – gave a message of national unity which was a must
for national development. He said the coalition government coped with huge challenges through collective wisdom, including floods, inflation, IMF and also the nefarious designs
of chaotic politics which culminated on the darkest day of May 9. Committing to revive Pakistan’s lost grandeur, the prime minister lamented the unnecessary delay in the K-IV project that was meant to provide drinking water to millions of the Karachi people. Prime Minister Shehbaz asked the relevant ministries to provide uninterrupted funding to ensure project’s completion without further delay. He said the project was “most important” for him because the people of Quaid’s city, were deprived of the drinking water, despite it being a city with the highest revenue generation and taxation. The prime minister assured that he would put the project at top priority in the upcoming budget and provide maximum funds for its early completion. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the prime minister was keenly focusing the development of Sindh, particularly Karachi.
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Imran can be tried in military courts: Sanaullah ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said Friday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s possible trial in connection with the May 9 mayhem falls under the jurisdiction of military courts. In a presser, he said the Pakistan Army Act was applicable to all those who entered, sent other people, or abetted those who entered restricted areas. Sanaullah said the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act were applicable to activities in military areas. “The Jinnah House is the residence of the [Lahore] corps commander and his camp office. Many sensitive items were also present in Jinnah House.” The minister was referring to the attack on the Jinnah
Jahangir Tareen decides to establish new political party LAHORE STAFF REPORT
After remaining out of the scene, Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf’s (PTI) estranged leader Jahangir Khan Tareen has decided to form a new national-level political party”, sources privy to the development told. According to the sources, PTI leaders upset with the party are also expected to join the new setup. Apart from those, many political families from Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Muzzafargarh, Lodhran and Multan are expected to join hands with Tareen. The sources claimed that many “important leaders” from Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have also contacted the former PTI leader. Sources shared that Tareen will be patron-in-chief of the party. Tareen was the secretary general of the PTI before he was ousted from politics in 2017 after the Supreme Court disqualified him for being “dishonest” on a petition filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) leader Hanif Abbasi. Abbasi had approached the Supreme Court seeking the disqualification of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, and Tareen. However, despite the disqualification, Tareen remained part of PTI and was crucial in wooing independent lawmakers to join the Imran Khan-led party after the 2018 elections. His efforts proved critical as they helped Khan secure the prime ministership in 2018. But after coming to power Tareen and PTI leader Aleem Khan’s relationship with the PTI turned sour. In May 2022, the former prime minister revealed the reason behind his differences with both leaders and said that both were seeking “illegal benefits from him.” Speaking during a podcast, Khan claimed that differences with both estranged leaders developed when he refused to entertain their requests. “Aleem Khan expected me to legalise his 300-acre land near Ravi”, Khan said, adding “from then onwards, I developed differences with him.” While talking about Tareen, Khan said: “Tareen stood with those who are the biggest dacoits in the country. When I ordered a probe into the matter [sugar scandal], differences developed with Tareen.”
House by enraged PTI workers on May 9 following Khan’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case. During the days-long protest, private and public properties were vandalised in cities across the country and PTI workers also attacked military installations, including the Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) entrance. The military has dubbed May 9 a “Black Day” and insisted that all those involved in the vandalism of military installations would be tried under the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act. Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir has said the legal process in this regard has been started.
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Trials under Army Act justified as May 9 riots planned, not spontaneous: Defence Minister ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has defended the government’s decision to try civilians in military courts, calling their alleged attacks on state installations during May 9 protests an “act of rebellion against the state”. In an interview with Al Jazeera on Wednesday, Asif said that the arrests of thousands of civilians over protests sparked in the aftermath of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s arrest were justified. He alleged that army installations were intentionally targeted. “These people attacked their [the military’s] offices. They attacked their houses. They attacked their installations, such as air bases,” Asif said in an interview on Wednesday. “They planned it. It was not spontaneous. You must understand the gravity of the offence, the gravity of events which took place.” Violent protests sparked across the country on May 9 after former premier Imran Khan was arrested from the premises of the federal capital’s high court. The government later launched a massive crackdown against PTI leaders and workers, and rounded up thousands of people on charges of attacking civil and military installations. As the crackdown intensified,
dozens of PTI leaders – including close confidants of Imran Khan – started jumping ship in what was described by the PTI chief as “forced divorces.” Later, the country’s civil and military leaders on May 17 endorsed a decision made a day earlier during a meeting of corps commanders to invoke the Pakistan Army Act, 1952 and the Official Secrets Act, 1923 against people involved in the May 9 riots. On May 20, the federal cabinet also approved the decision to try the rioters under the Army Act and the Official Secrets Act. However, the government has come under fire as human rights groups have been outraged by the decision to hand over civilians to military courts. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) strongly opposed the use of military laws to try civilians saying that “while those responsible for arson and damaging public and private property during the recent protests should be held to account, they remain entitled to due process”. When passed in 1952, the Army Act was primarily used to put military personnel on trial before military courts. Later amendments also allowed civilians accused of certain offences to be tried by military courts. If convicted by a military court, defendants have the right to file an appeal within 40 days be-
fore a military court of appeal. If the defendants still think they did not receive a fair trial, they may appeal to the high court in the jurisdiction in which they were tried. Decision to ban PTI will be made in parliament: On the other hand, Federal Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said that PTI rioters crossed “red lines” on May 9 in a way that was never seen before in the history of Pakistan. Talking to the media on the occasion of his visit to Lahore Corpse Commander House (Jinnah House), he said the events that happened on May 9 across the country have suggested that it was a kind of coup. Khawaja Asif reiterated the decision to ban the PTI would be made in parliament after consultation with coalition parties. Asif doubted that the public reaction always ensues spontaneously. He said that it was a “planned attack” on military installations. “It was a revolt against the state. There was no response to when someone attempted to murder Imran Khan.” Across the worlds, there have been instances of attacks on civilian installations, but never has it happened that you attack and disrespect your martyrs’ memorials,” he maintained. He questioned that there was no such reaction when Imran Khan was shot, so why did it happen upon his arrest?
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday stopped the proceedings of the judicial commission constituted to probe audio leaks and suspended the notification issued by the federal government regarding the judicial commission. The Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial observed that formation of the government-appointed judicial commission to probe audio leaks, surfaced on social media over the last few months, “interfered in the judiciary’s internal matters”. The top judge passed these remarks as a five-judge bench heard a set of four petitions moved by Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Abid Shahid Zuberi, SCBA Secretary Muqtedir Akhtar Shabbir, PTI Chairman Imran Khan and Advocate Riaz Hanif Rahi, seeking to declare the constitution of the audio commission illegal. The bench comprised CJP Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Shahid Waheed. The commission, headed by Justice Qazi Faez Isa, was formed on May 20 under Section 3 of the Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Act 2017 and is required to conclude the task within a month. Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq are also included in the commission which will have “all the power to fix responsibility against the delinquents for their alleged role behind phone tapping and could exercise authority to constitute special teams consisting of experts, or form an international team and seek international cooperation or exercise powers” under the Criminal Code of Procedure. In its ruling, the top court stopped the proceedings of the audio leak commission and issued notices to the parties. The top court will resume the hearing of the petitions on May 31, the written verdict read. The notification regarding the audio leak commission issued on May 19 was also suspended by the SC. The order read that the constitution of the inquiry commission was challenged in four petitions filed in the Supreme Court. During the hearing, the attorney general raised objections to the bench’s constitution in the initial arguments. The attorney general also raised objections to the inclusion of the chief justice in the bench. The order read that it is a constitutional requirement to seek permission from the chief justice prior to acquiring the services of a judge. It further stated that two judges included in the inquiry commission were chief justices of high courts. The federal government constitution the commission without seeking permission from the chief justice and violated the constitutional principle, whereas, the constitution process was also suspicious. Earlier in the day, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) sent transcripts of nine alleged audio leaks to the judicial commission for investigation. During the hearing, the CJP said that there were errors in the notification issued by the government for the formation of the commission. “The Constitution gives complete freedom to the judiciary,” he remarked. “The investigation that was supposed to be conducted by the institutions was entrusted to judges.” Justice Bandial further said, “We have no other structure but the power of morality and justice.” After two-hour-long proceedings, the court reserved its verdict on the petitions and said that an appropriate order would be issued today. The hearing Babar Awan appeared on behalf of the PTI chairman while SCBA President Abid Shahid Zuberi and Secretary Muqtedir Akhtar Shabbir were also present alongside Advocate Riaz Hanif Rahi. At the outset of the proceedings, AGP Awan came to the rostrum and objected to the five-member larger bench hearing the case. At this, the CJP remarked, “How can the government select judges of the Supreme Court [to serve] its own purpose?” “Attorney general sahib, this is a matter concerning the judiciary’s independence. Enough is enough attorney general sahib, take a seat,” CJP Bandial said. He said that the government cannot have judges included in benches “as per its wishes”. He further said that because of the events of May 9, when violent protests broke out in the country following the arrest of the PTI chief, statements that were critical of the judiciary had stopped. “Don’t interfere with our administrative powers,” Justice Bandial told the AGP. “We have complete respect for the government,” he said, adding that the judiciary was the protector of basic human rights.
No let-up in sight as Abrarul Haq, Saifullah Nyazee, Raas also quit PTI LAHORE/ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continues to suffer the fallout of events unfolded after May 9 as on Friday more top leaders including Abrarul Haq, Saifullah Nyazee, Murad Raas and Firdous Ashiq announced their decision to part ways with the party. During a press conference, Abrarul Haq stated that his upbringing was rooted in both political and military households, where reciting the Quran and studying Iqbal’s “Bang-e-Dara” and “Bal-e-Jibrail” were essential. He mentioned that Rashid Minhas Shaheed and Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed were his heroes. He emphasised the emotional connection he has with the armed forces and martyrs. “When I went to the Kaaba for Hajj, instead of praying for something else, I prayed for martyrdom. The passion to do
something for Pakistan has always been with me,” he added. Haq stated that everyone condemned the May 9 incident, and his colleagues can testify that he strongly criticised the events on the same day of the riots. He explained that the purpose of entering politics was to carry out significant social work that would benefit the people. However, he added that the dream of doing social work in politics seemed unattainable now. “Why waste more time if it doesn’t contribute to serving the people effectively? Social work is so important to me that I am willing to leave politics for it.” He emphasised that every Pakistani should prioritise Pakistan above all else. “This country is full of resources, and there is much we need to do. I hereby announce my complete detachment from all forms of politics,” he added. He demanded the immediate release of
innocent workers and appropriate punishment for the wrongdoers. During the press conference, Abrarul Haq also sang a patriotic song in support of the Pakistan Army. Meanwhile, in a separate press conference, another PTI leader Senator Saifullah Nyazee also announced that he was leaving the former ruling party. “Today, I am announcing my departure from PTI. I need to focus on my health,” he said, condemning the events of May 9. Nyazee further said that Islam does not permit causing harm to public properties. Violent protests sparked across the country on May 9 after the former premier was arrested from the premises of the federal capital’s high court. The government later launched a massive crackdown against PTI leaders and workers, and rounded up thousands of people on charges of attacking civil and military installations. On the other hand, addressing a press
conference in Lahore on Friday, Raas said no amount of condemnation was enough for what happened on May 9. “We never thought we would part ways with the party,” he said alongside other leaders, including Pir Ahmad Khagga, Raja Yawar Kamal and Chaudhry Adnan. He laid the blame for the party’s current predicament — facing intense criticism with scores of leaders and thousands of workers arrested across the country following the riots — on Khan’s advisers in Lahore. “We do not believe in the PTI’s politics of violence,” the former provincial minister said. Raas said he and other politicians present at the press conference had decided to form a group so work on Pakistan’s progress could continue. Earlier today, another PTI leader and former special assistant to Punjab chief minister Firdous Ashiq Awan also announced her exit from the party. Firdous Ashiq Awan became the latest
senior PTI leader to announce her decision to distance herself from the party, adding her name to the long list of members who have deserted the former ruling party post-May 9. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, she cheekily said “good to see you”, saying that the phrase had become the talk of the town. She told reporters that she had decided to leave the party under the pretenses that PTI chief Imran Khan’s agenda had become “detrimental for the nation”. “My politics centres around serving humanity,” she said adding that “this was the reason I had joined the PTI”. “I took on a responsibility to work for the betterment of this country,” she continued. EX-MNA SH KHURRAM SHAHZAD PARTS WAYS WITH PTI: Former MNA Sheikh Khurram Shahzad also announced quitting the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) here on Friday.
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