TOP MILITARY BRASS FULLY BACKS GOVT’S ECONOMIC REVIVAL PLAN In partnership with
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Tuesday, 18 July, 2023 I 29 Zil Hajj, 1444
HUDDLE TAKES NOTE OF TTP SANCTUARIES IN ‘NEIGHBOURING COUNTRY’ IMPACTING PAKISTAN’S SECURITY
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ISLAMABAD
FORUM BRIEFED ON ARMY’S ROLE IN UPLIFTING AGRICULTURE, IT, MINING, MINERALS UNDER SIFC AMBIT
STAFF REPORT
HE Pakistan Army’s top brass on Monday vowed to fully support the strategic initiatives planned by the government of Pakistan for the revival of the economy by providing all possible technical and management support for the overall good of the people of Pakistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir presided over the 258th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) held at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, the military’s media wing said. “The sanctuaries and liberty of action available to the terrorists of proscribed TTP [Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan] and other groups of that ilk in a neighbouring country and availability of latest weapons to the terrorists were noted as major reasons impacting the security of Pakistan,” it added. The statement came a day after the Afghan Taliban spokesperson rejected
Pakistani allegations and insisted that TTP was not operating out of Afghan soil. The spokesperson also said that the Doha agreement was between the Afghan Taliban and US and Pakistan was not part of it. The Taliban denial of the presence of TTP is seen as astonishing as the interim government previously hosted talks between Pakistani officials and TTP leadership in Kabul.
Pakistan Refinery Limited, and Airlink make joint play for Shell g
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WHO ARE THESE TWO? WHY HAVE THEY COME TOGETHER? AND WHY DO THEY WANT SHELL? PROFIT
DANIYAL AHMAD
Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) and Air Link Communication have issued separate notifications to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), declaring their intention to acquire control of Shell Pakistan. The two companies have set their sights on jointly acquiring a staggering 77.42% – 165.7 million shares – through an agreement, and an additional 11.29% – which translates into 24.16 million shares – through a public offer. This translates into a total potential acquisition of 88.71%. In doing so, the two will have not only bought out Shell Petroleum’s share (the 77.42%) in Shell Pakistan but will have also bought out additional shareholders (the 11.29%) to consolidate their position. “This joint-venture is being spearheaded by PRL. Airlink is our partner, and they will also invest, albeit as junior partners. We have yet to determine the final allocation of the 77% share,” declares Zahid Mir, Managing Director and CEO of PRL. Does any of this mean that a deal is imminent? “Not at all,” clarified Habib Haider, Head External Relations & Corporate Affairs at Shell Pakistan. “This is merely an expression of interest, and is part of the process. You may see more local organisations expressing similar interest,” explains Haider. “PRL and Air Link are publicly listed, so even an intention to participate in an acquisition process requires such a disclosure to the PSX,” Haider adds. Who are Pakistan Refinery Limited, and Air Link? PRL is a hydro-skimming refinery that processes various crude oils into distilled petroleum products. It is one of five refineries operating in Pakistan, and is a subsidiary of the Pakistan State Oil Company (PSO). Air Link Communication, on the other hand, is a local smartphone distributor and manufacturer. The company has the rights to manufacture various smartphone brands in Pakistan, including Xiaomi, Redmi, MI, Xcell, Qmobile, Qsmart, Qtab, MAXX, Maxfone, Gionee, X Mobile, and Sparx phones. Additionally, Air Link Communication is the official distributor of Samsung, and Huawei phones in Pakistan.
Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 18 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
The new stance by the Afghan Taliban suggests a growing mistrust between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The TTP has emerged as a major stumbling block between the two countries. Despite Pakistan’s repeated requests, the Afghan Taliban were not willing to tackle the TTP. The lack of action and recent surge in terrorist attacks compelled the civil and military leadership to adopt more ag-
gressive stance against Kabul. The forum was apprised about the government’s economic revival plan and the role of the army in uplifting agriculture, IT, mining and mineral and defence production sectors under the ambit of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). The forum also paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifices persistently being offered by the valiant soldiers in the defence of their motherland against the threat of terrorism. According to ISPR, the participants were briefed in detail about the prevailing internal security environment. The forum deliberated in detail upon the operational preparedness and training aspects of the army. “Objective training remains the hallmark of our professionalism and we must always remain prepared to guard against any threat to our national security,” COAS was quoted as saying. The participants vowed to fully support the strategic initiatives planned by the government of Pakistan for the revival of the economy by providing all possible technical and management support for the overall good of the people of Pakistan.
Govt seeks SC’s full court hearing on pleas against military courts ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The federal government has once again requested the Supreme Court (SC) to form a full court for hearing pleas against trials of civilians in military courts. In its plea on Monday, the federal government stated that Army Act and Official Secret Act were present before the Constitution. “The actions under both the acts are in accordance with the law,” the plea added. The trial under the Army and Official Secret Acts give the right of fair trial to the accused. A full court should be formed to hear the pleas against the military courts as the matter is highly sensitive and important, the federal government pleaded with the SC. It may be noted that Supreme Court (SC) will take on the pleas challenging trials of civilians in the military courts on July 18 (Tuesday). A six-member bench headed by CJP Justice Umar Ata Bandial will take up the pleas. Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi,
Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, and Justice Ayesha Malik will be the other members of the bench. Notices had been served to the respondents for the hearing. On the last hearing, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial hoped that no civilians would be tried in military courts until the outcome of proceedings against them in the Supreme Court (SC). Earlier, the seven-member bench of the Supreme Court was dissolved after Justice Mansoor Ali Shah recused himself from hearing over the reservations raised by the federal government. During the month of May this year, the government decided to try the suspects accused of attacking military installations on May 9 under army laws. Violent clashes broke out across Pakistan after the former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf was arrested from the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on May 9. Army installations, Corps Commander’s house in Lahore and General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi came under attack during a protest by PTI workers.
Sharif holds phone call with Lankan president to discuss economic situation ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged in a telephone conversation with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday, focusing on matters pertaining to the current economic conditions of both nations. During the call, Sharif expressed his gratitude to the Sri Lankan president for the support extended to Pakistan regarding its agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He commended President Wickremesinghe for playing the role of a true friend and well-wisher to Pakistan, conveying his appreciation on behalf of the people of his country.
In addition, he acknowledged Sri Lanka’s efforts in promoting regional peace and development. He expressed optimism that both Pakistan and Sri Lanka would swiftly overcome their economic challenges. President Wickremesinghe, in turn, congratulated Prime Minister Sharif on the staff-level agreement reached with the IMF. The president also expressed his gratitude to Sharif for the good wishes extended to his own country. Furthermore, Wickremesinghe lauded the struggle and efforts of Sharif in navigating Pakistan through its challenging economic situation. Having experienced the difficulties resulting from default, the Sri Lankan president emphasized the importance of IMF assistance to help Pakistan avoid a similar predicament.
PTI chairman skips NAB appearance over ‘security concerns’ ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Chairman has skipped National Accountability Bureau (NAB) appearance in the Toshakhana case, citing security concerns. The graft-buster body has summoned the chairman of PTI to appear before its investigation team at 10 am on Monday (today) for a probe in the Toshakhana case. The former prime minister in his response submitted to NAB stated that due to security concerns he cannot appear before the bureau today (Monday). The PTI chief in his response said that he is scheduled to appear before a court in Islamabad on July 19 and asked the NAB to fix his appearance on the same day. The reference, which alleges that the former PM failed to share details of the gifts he retained from the Toshaskhana (during his time as the prime minister) was filed by lawmakers from the ruling coalition last year. The Toshakhana issue became a major sticking point in national politics after the Election Commission of Pakistan disqualified the PTI chief for making “false statements and incorrect declaration” last month.
PTI expresses concerns over ‘election reforms’, accuses PML-N of instability
MULTAN STAFF REPORT
Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the deputy chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), voiced the opposition party’s dissatisfaction on Monday, saying they were not being consulted on election reforms despite being a significant stakeholder. During a media talk at a district court in his hometown of Multan, Qureshi criticized Section 9 of the Election Act 2017, considering it to be vague and in need of clarification. The parliamentary committee on electoral reforms has recently intensified its efforts to amend election laws by reviewing 73 proposed certifications, according to a The News report published last week. However, Qureshi directed his criticism towards the leading coalition party, Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N), accusing them of suffering from instability. Qureshi also drew attention to the ongoing legal battles faced by former prime minister Imran Khan, mentioning that despite the government “fabricating cases” against him, the courts have granted relief to their party leader. Addressing the announcement made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif about dissolving the parliament before its designated term, Qureshi commented on the implications of such a decision. Prime Minister Sharif had said his government would step down before completing its tenure, paving the way for an interim government. By doing so, the government could potentially gain additional time before the upcoming elections, as per the constitutional provision that mandates elections within 90 days following the dissolution of assemblies. In contrast, if the assemblies complete their term, the Constitution stipulates that elections should be held within 60 days. Qureshi remarked: “It appears that the government is inclined towards 90-day elections. However, the election commission is responsible for determining the exact date of the election.”
‘Another flop’: Khattak launches breakaway faction of PTI CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
PESHAWAR
MIAN ABRAR
Another visible ‘flop show’ was staged on Monday to form a breakaway faction of the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) as party’s estranged leader Pervez Khattak launched his own faction by the name of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf- Parliamentarians (PTI-P). Khattak visibly failed to attract the PTI loyalists from the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) that is considered the heartland of the Imran Khan-led PTI. Only former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Mahmood Khan was a big name among those who joined Khattak while most of others mentioned in the handout refuted of Khattak’s claim. However, within minutes of the Khattak’s handout, at least ten of the party’s former lawmakers mentioned by Khattak’s
party distanced themselves from his faction, bringing a huge backlash for Khattak. Prominent figures including PTI leaders Muhammad Jan, Iftikhar Mashwani, Malik Shaukat, Taj Muhammad Khan, Pir Masoor Khan and Sajida Zulfikar have all denied being part of Khattak’s new party. Former MPA from Swat Azizullah Khan, former MPA from Abbottabad Qalandar Khan Lodhi, as well as former lawmaker from Lower Dir Azam Khan, have also refuted reports of joining PTI-P, stating their unwavering loyalty to the PTI and its chairman Imran Khan until their last breath. Observers argue that the initial dissenting messages from members are a clear indication that the party’s political manifesto does not hold much significance. According to a handout issued by the party, Khattak is the new party’s chief while “more than 57” ex-PTI MPAs also joined the
party with more inductions under way. “Formation of new party came due to differences and conflict within the PTI on May 9 tragedy,” the handout reads, adding that all political leaders joining the PTI-P held PTI Chairman Imran Khan responsible for the May 9 riots. “Imran Khan’s anti-national agenda was not only rejected by the public but the party’s own leadership. These patriotic politicians parted ways with the PTI over May 9’s events,” it further said. A PTI leader termed Khattak’s party as “another flop show” as the old man failed to woo most of PTI lawmakers despite worst tactics used to create what he called “the puppet party”. Interestingly, the name chosen by Khattak looks like a copy of another group carved out of Benazir Bhutto’s PPP – PPP Parliamentarians – which was actually formed just to confront a possible ban on PPP.
PTI RESPONDS: The PTI and what’s left of its leaders came out guns blazing against the new party in an official response. The party reacted to the development through metaphors, saying the “monsoon season is under way” and political parties were “springing up like weed”. “Attempts are being made to destroy the standing crop of democracy in the country with a locust horde of 14 parties,” the party spokesperson added in a statement. “In politics, the officials of the ‘Department of Agriculture’ are working hard day and night in the challenge of cultivating these new crops.” Taking a dig at the formation of the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) in Lahore, the PTI said: “That seed turned out rotten and was ground into the soil even before harvest.” Similarly, it said: “The seed in KP called ‘Parliamentarian’ will also be washed away in the first rain of public reaction.”
Nonetheless, the party said it was grateful to the “Department of Agriculture” and its staff for “exposing the dirty eggs involved in behind-the-scenes conspiracies and separating them from PTI”. Meanwhile, PTI leader Hammad Azhar said the faces of the new faction’s members showed disappointment. “All of them know that they are attending their own political funeral, not a new party [launch],” he said. PTI KP President Ali Amin Gandapur said no one’s departure would affect the party or its chairman Imran. He pilloried the lawmakers in the new party, asserting that they “should not forget that they are parliamentarians because of PTI and Imran Khan”. He asserted that the PTI’s voter base still stood intact and the party would defeat all others to form its government in the elections.
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