PM KAKAR SEES ELECTIONS IN 'THREE TO FOUR MONTHS' In partnership with
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thursday, 7 September, 2023 I 20 Safar, 1445
Says President Alvi 'could continue' in his office till next elections g Vows to come up with short and mid-term solutions to deal with challenges
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ISLAMABAD
Staff CoRReSpondent
ARETAKER Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said that he was “certain” about the general elections being held in the country within the next three to four months. The prime minister, asked in an interview with a private television channel, about his strategy if any future scenario demanded an extension in the caretaker setup, he said as per the legal arrangement, the government would move to the electoral process within three to four months. “I think within few months… few months can be translated into three, threeand-half or four … that needs to be seen …
this will conclude and we will go to the electoral process,” he commented. Asked again whether he expected the general elections to be held within four months, he replied, “I am not (just) hopeful
(rather) I am certain.” He said considering the limited time, his government was mulling to prioritize certain policy issues to at least lay a foundation for any future government to enable that to carry forward the journey. To a question, the prime minister explained that even after the expiry of the term, the President of Pakistan could continue in his office till the election of his replacement. However, the Senate chairman would fill the slot, in case he voluntarily gives up the office. Coming to the issue of electricity bills, the prime minister said the government was coming up with short and mid-term solutions including the planning to convert the oilbased power plants to run on local coal. Besides, the process for the privatization of one or two power Discos will also be fi-
Official Secrets Act, Army Act challenged in SC ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
The Sindh Bar Council (SBC) on Wednesday approached the Supreme Court against the trial of civilians in military courts. It has also challenged the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Act, 2023 and the Official Secrets (Amendment) Act, 2023. The development comes days after President Dr Arif Alvi stirred controversy by claiming that he had not signed the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, attributing the confusion to his staff’s actions. The revelation plunged the country into a state of chaos. In a social media post, the president vehemently denied giving his assent to the two bills. He admitted, however, that his staff failed to return the bills to parliament within the stipulated 10-day time frame mandated by Article 75 of the Constitution. He accused his staff of not only deceiving him but also undermining his authority, effectively concealing the fact that the bills had not been returned. The SBC, in its petition, stated that the charging the accused persons in relation to the various acts of violence during the May 9 and 10 attacks throughout Pakistan under the Official Secrets Act 1923 and the Pakistan Army Act
1952 is, apart from being unconstitutional, patently beyond the scope of the said acts and is a colourable exercise of power and without jurisdiction. The petitioner urged the court to declare that the trial of civilians under military laws and before military tribunals violates the Constitution and Pakistan’s international treaty and convention obligations and cannot be countenanced under any circumstances. The petition asked the top court to strike down Sections 2(d), 59 (4) and 94 of the Pakistan Army Act 1952 and Section 2 (dd), 71 (3) and 123 of the Pakistan Air Force Act 1953 and Section 2 (3), 78 (3) and 107 of the Pakistan Navy Ordinance 1961. “The purported Pakistan Army (Amendment) Act 2023 and
the purported Official Secrets (Amendment) Act, 2023 lack presidential assent under Article 75 (1) of the Constitution and are a nullity, and may not be accorded the status of law under Article 75 (3) of the Constitution,” it said. Alternatively, it urged the court to declare that the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Act 2023 and the Official Secrets (Amendment) Act, 2023 are “ultra vires” (beyond the powers) of the Constitution as they purport to further extend the reach of military laws and military tribunals over civilians (including retired military personnel) and to this extent are of no legal effect. OFFICIAL SECRETS ACT According to the Official Secrets (Amendment) Act, a person will be guilty of an offence if he intentionally creates a problem of
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Govt announces ‘crackdown’ against electricity thieves, those who don’t pay bills ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
The government announced plans on Wednesday to launch a crackdown on electricity theft, which federal ministers said lead to combined losses of hundreds of billions of rupees and higher bills for the common citizen. Power Minister Muhammad Ali and Information Minister Murtaza Solangi made the announcement and outlined the measures they would be taking during a press conference in Islamabad. It comes amid a “full force” crackdown planned against electricity theft across the country to tame mounting technical and commercial losses being faced by the power distribution companies. The interim government, facing the ire of agitated masses over inflated electricity bills in August, has been mulling its options — although limited — to placate the people who have been out on streets across the country. “The background is that in our country, some domestic consumers steal electricity and others don’t pay bills,” the power minister said in today’s news conference as Solangi looked on.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03 nalised soon which would help curb power theft through the introduction of new technology, and would also attract investment. Regarding the sugar price hike, Kakar said the government had asked the provinces to activate the price control committees and that the hoarders would be cracked down. The prime minister said through the legislation, the previous government had empowered the caretaker setup which necessitated them to act differently from the normal caretaker setup.
public order or acts against the state. In addition, if a person attacks or damages a prohibited place and the purpose of this is to directly or indirectly benefit the enemy, then it is also punishable. Under the said law, the accused will be tried in a special court and a decision will be taken after completing the hearing within 30 days. ARMY ACT The Army Act has provisions relating to retirement of military personnel. According to this law, no military personnel will be able to participate in any political activity for two years after retirement, resignation or dismissal, while military personnel or officers performing duties related to sensitive nature of duty shall not participate in political activities for five years after termination of service. A retired army officer found guilty of violating the Army Act will be punished with imprisonment for a term of up to two years. Also, if any serving or retired army personnel scandalises or ridicules the army on digital or social media, he will be punished under the Electronic Crimes Act. According to the said law, any serving or retired officer who causes defamation of the army or spreading hatred against it will be punished with imprisonment of two years and fine under the Army Act.
The prime minister told the interviewer that the Special Investment Facilitation Council had been formed as a forum to address the concerns impeding the investment projects. He said Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Bahrain had sent proposals and due diligence was being done which would follow the signing of formal agreements by November or December. To a question, the prime minister said the government and the military had a very comfortable working environment.
Pakistan successfully foils TTP terrorists’ incursion at Pak, Afghan border RAWALPINDI
Staff RepoRt
Pakistan’s valiant armed forces on Wednesday thwarted a terrorist incursion in Chitral on Pakistan, Afghan border, killing a dozen terrorist suspects of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Four brave soldiers also embraced martyrdom during the gunfight. “On 6 September 2023, a large group of terrorists equipped with latest weapons, attacked two Pakistani military posts located closer to Pakistan Afghanistan border in general area Kalash, District Chitral,” an official handout of military’s media wing, ISPR said. “Terrorists’ movement and concentration in Gawardesh, Pitigal, Barg-e-Matel and Batash areas of Nuristan and Kunar provinces of Afghanistan had already been picked up and were timely shared with Interim Afghan Government,” the statement said. “Owing to heightened threat environment, own posts were already on high alert. The valiant soldiers fought bravely and repulsed the attacks inflicting heavy casualties to the terrorists. During the fire exchange, twelve terrorists were sent to hell, while a large number has been critically injured,” the statement added. “However, during the intense exchange of fire, four brave soldiers, having fought gallantly, embraced Shahadat. Sanitization of the area is being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area,” the statement said. “Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our soldiers further strengthen our resolve. The brave people of Chitral also stand firmly with the security forces in not allowing the terrorists to ruin peace of the area,” said the statement, adding that the interim Afghan Government is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.
ATC grants police 2-day remand of Pervaiz Elahi in ‘newly emerged’ terror case ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
An Islamabad anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Wednesday granted the capital police twoday physical remand of PTI President Pervaiz Elahi in a newly emerged terror case dating back to March 18. The development comes a day after Elahi was re-arrested hours after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had suspended his detention under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance and directed his release. The PTI leader has now been arrested at least 11 times in various cases since the start of June and after a statewide crackdown was launched against the PTI in the aftermath of the May 9 violence. The posts on X (formerly Twitter) by the Islamabad police on Tuesday announcing Elahi’s release and his subsequent re-arrest had a time difference of a mere eight minutes. Police had said Elahi was detained in a case registered at the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) police station. The PTI had shared footage of the latest episode and criticised authorities for Elahi’s latest arrest. Earlier today, capital police presented the PTI leader before Duty Judge Shahrukh Arjumand at the Federal Judicial Complex (FJC). Footage of his arrival appeared to
Pervaiz Elahi’s re-arrest: LHC seeks reply from Punjab Police LAHORE
Staff RepoRt
Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday sought replies from Punjab police and Superintendent Jail regarding the re-arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Pervaiz Elahi. A hearing was held in the LHC regarding the re-arrest of the former Chief Minister (CM) Pervaiz Elahi. During the hearing, the Chief Police Officer (CPO) of Rawalpindi sought an apology from the court stating, “We want the apology from the court to be accepted.” The court, in a response, ordered “to bring response, and then we will decide, if the apology to be accepted.” The court then issued orders for the show Elahi holding onto someone’s hand for support. Advocate Sardar Abdur Razzaq and defence counsel Ali Bukhari appeared on Elahi’s behalf while Prosecutor Tahir Kazim was also present. During the hearing, the po-
District Police Officer (DPO) and the Central Police Officer (CPO) to submit their replies within seven days, implying that a thorough investigation was necessary before any decision could be made. Superintendent of Attock Jail was noticeably absent from the proceedings. In response to the court’s inquiry about his absence, Police officials cited security concerns surrounding Pervaiz Elahi in Attock Jail. “Chairman PTI is in jail, and his security was an issue,” Superintendent of Attock Jail stated before the court. The court question, “whether the security concerns had been resolved?” The court issued another directive to the jail superintendent to submit a response before the court.
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lice sought 14-day physical remand of the former Punjab chief minister while his lawyers opposed it and urged the court to discharge Elahi from the case. However, the court rejected the lawyer’s
plea and handed Elahi over to the police instead on two-day physical remand. During an informal conversation with reporters at the FJC, Elahi said, “I was kept at the Crime Investigation Agency police station the entire night”. “Why would anyone meet me? I am the one who doesn’t want to meet anyone,” he said while responding to reporters. When asked by a reporter if he planned to hold a press conference — an apparent reference to the manner in which dozens of PTI leaders quit the party following the May 9 incidents — Elahi replied, “Absolutely not”. The ATC today handed him over to the capital police on two-day physical remand. At the outset of the hearing, Elahi’s lawyers submitted a power of attorney. Razzaq informed the court that it was his client’s wish to go to the courtroom himself. The judge then directed that Elahi be seated, after which he came to the rostrum. Subsequently, the police urged the court to grant them 14-day physical remand of the PTI leader. Here, Razzaq began presenting his arguments to the court, opposing the police’s request. “A laughable case has been made against Pervaiz Elahi. He is being made the target of a political vendetta,” he argued. He lamented that his client was discharged in numerous cases but was then re-
arrested repeatedly. He also highlighted the IHC’s verdict of suspending Elahi’s detention under the MPO, as well as the LHC’s order preventing further arrest of the PTI leader. “The court ordered that Parvez Elahi be dropped off at his home with security,” Razzaq stated, adding that the Islamabad police had “abducted” his client. Recalling the LHC’s order from September 4, the lawyer said that it had ordered that Elahi be presented in court. “Citizens’ human rights are being violated,” he said. Razzaq further said that the IHC had written in its order that the arrest was in violation of the LHC verdict and read the IHC court order out loud.
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