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WILL INAUGURATE PAK-CHINA BUSINESS CONFERENCE TO SUPPORT, PROMOTE AND LEAD COLLABORATION
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VISIT UNDERSCORES COMMITMENT TO DEEPENING TIES, LAUNCH NEXT PHASE OF CPEC, INCLUDES PIVOTAL PROJECTS
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reached China on a five-day official visit, scheduled from June 4 to June 8, with investment to be high on the agenda. “PM Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Shenzhen, China on an official visit,” a statement from Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said. “Upon arrival he was welcomed by Vice Mayor of Shenzhen city of China Mr Luo Huanghao.” His visit comes at the invitation of Li Qiang, China’s Premier, who is hosting Sharif for the first time since the latter’s assumption of office earlier this year. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and other senior Ministers of the Cabinet are accompanying the Prime Minister in his first official visit to China since assuming office. Shenzhen is the first stop during the Prime Minister’s official visit to China. During his two-day stay in Shenzhen, the Prime Minister and his delegation will meet the leadership of the Guangdong Province and Shenzhen Municipal Government as well as leading Chinese companies in innovation and high-tech sectors. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Pakistan-China Business Conference in line with his vision to support,
promote and lead collaboration between the businessmen of the two countries. A business delegation of leading Pakistani businesspersons will attend the Conference for collaboration with the influential Chinese counterparts. Shenzhen is the hub of China’s innovation, technology and research led companies and enterprises. The visit to Shenzhen aims to bolster economic cooperation in export-oriented innovation-led advanced technologies, high-tech development and Information and Communication Technologies. Additionally, Sharif will address the
IHC stays execution of 5 court-martialled former Navy officials ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has stayed the execution of five ex-Navy officers who were previously sentenced to death through a general court martial decree, it emerged on Tuesday. IHC’s Justice Babar Sattar issued a written order for Monday’s hearing on the request of Navy officers who said they were not provided legal assistance during the general court martial order. The court order said the counsels for the petitioners argued that the documents permissible to be shared with their clients, such as the abstract of evidence and court of inquiry, were also not shared with them. The lawyers asserted that an appeal was filed against the death sentence without access to these documents and was dismissed, adding that the reasons for the appeal court upholding the sentence were not shared with the petitioners. Furthermore, the lawyers said that they were given limited access to documents despite a court order and this prevented the petitioners from defending their rights. Meanwhile, Assistant Attorney General (AAG) Akeel Akhtar Raja said that Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf had the authority to access the documents and according to rule 193 of the Pakistan Navy Rules, 1961, discretion was vested with him to form “an opinion that supply of any proceedings may be prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state”. The AAG that in terms of the above rule, the naval chief had formed an opinion in the cases that sharing details of the proceedings, including the findings recorded by the general court martial and the order passed in appeal upholding the death penalty, “would be detrimental to the safety or the interests of the state”. When asked as to whether the naval chief’s opinion was placed on file, the AAG replied in the negative and Deputy Judge Advocate General Hamid Hayat said that it would be available with the Pakistan Navy headquarters.
Business-to-Business Forum. This forum will serve as a platform for dialogue between representatives of 79 Pakistani businesses and their Chinese counterparts, focusing on reinforcing the strategic cooperative partnership that has flourished over the years through initiatives like the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This visit underscores the ongoing commitment to deepening ties, with both nations poised to launch the next phase of the CPEC. This includes pivotal projects such as the upgrade of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway, further development of Gwadar Port, and improvements
to the Karakoram Highway. Since the inception of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), substantial achievements have been recorded under CPEC, with investments totaling $25.4 billion. These projects have not only generated 236,000 jobs but have also developed significant infrastructure including highways, power generation facilities, and a core transmission network which collectively bolster Pakistan’s socio-economic landscape. Furthermore, the Chinese diplomatic representative emphasised the transformative impact of these initiatives, noting the completion and operational success of numerous projects that contribute significantly to the regional development. Looking ahead, Sharif’s visit is set to enhance collaboration across various sectors including industry, agriculture, mining, energy, and information technology, while also promoting trade liberalisation. In preparation for this visit, Prime Minister Sharif conducted a strategic meeting last week, focusing on optimising the outcomes of the upcoming business engagements with China. He directed officials to devise strategies to attract Chinese industries to Pakistan, promising full governmental support and facilitation. Additionally, he has called upon Pakistan’s ambassador to China to ensure comprehensive support for the Pakistani delegates during their interactions in China.
PTI lost party symbol due to ECP errors, Justice Akhter on SIC reserve seats case KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
Justice Munib Akhtar Akhtar during the full court hearing on reserved seats case highlighted a string of legal mistakes made by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) that compelled PTIbacked candidates to contest elections as independents. He further stated that the issue regarding reserved seats came down to whether these candidates should be “denied those reserved seats simply because now they have taken shelter under [the Sunni Ittehad Council].” These remarks were made as the full bench of the apex court resumed hearing the SIC’s plea o Tuesday against the denial of reserved seats in assemblies for women and minorities. A 13-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justices Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Munib Akhtar, Yahya Afridi, Aminuddin Khan, Mandokhail, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Ayesha Malik, Athar Minallah, Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Shahid Waheed, Irfan Saadat Khan and Naeem Akhtar Afghan, resumed the hearing today. SIC’s lawyer, Advocate Faisal Siddiqui, asserted that although the
SIC didn’t participate in the elections as a party, independent candidates did indeed take part. He further emphasized that the SIC did provide a list of its candidates, but the ECP rejected it, claiming that the party hadn’t contested the elections. CJP Isa pointed out that the SIC had identified itself as a parliamentary political party twice and as a political party once. In response, Advocate Siddiqui argued that a political party could also be a parliamentary political party. “The Constitution makes a distinction between a parliamentary political party and a political party,” noted the chief justice. “We were a political party before the February 8 elections and became a parliamentary political party after [winning] independent candidates joined us,” the SIC lawyer replied, emphasizing that the Constitution doesn’t include the term “parliamentary party” except in Article 63A. Responding to the SIC lawyer’s argument that there wouldn’t have been any issue if the apex court had clarified its verdict on the bat symbol, the chief justice stated that the matter of reserved seats would not exist if the PTI had conducted its intra-party elections.
“Don’t attribute everything to the SC,” he emphasized. “The PTI deprived its people of democratic rights […] if the elections had been held, PTI members themselves would have benefited. “If you want to talk about democracy, then adhere to it strictly,” the chief judge remarked. Meanwhile, Justice Akhtar, recalling that the independent candidates had indicated their affiliation with the PTI, and that their nomination papers were accepted and they won the elections, stated that a candidate who presents themselves as part of a party will be considered affiliated with it. He remarked, “Only those will be considered as independent candidates who submit an affidavit that he is not affiliated with any political party.” “How can the ECP’s law could declare PTI’s candidates as independents,” Justice Akhtar noted. Responding to Justice Akhtar’s comments that the controversy arose after a political party was deprived of its electoral symbol, the chief justice questioned why the PTI didn’t challenge the court’s orders in this regard. “Why did you not ask for the bat as an independent candidate,” the CJP asked Advocate Siddiqui.
‘Contempt Proceedings’: Vawda unfazed as Kamal tenders apology to SC KARACHI/ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal on Tuesday tendered an unconditional apology to the Supreme Court for his recent remarks against the top judiciary while Senator Faisal Vawda refused to tender an apology and submitted a reply to the contempt of court notice. The Supreme Court (SC) had issued contempt of court notices to independent Senator Faisal Vawda and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) MNA Mustafa Kamal over anti-judiciary rhetoric. The apex took suo moto notice of press conferences held by Senator Faisal Vawda and Kamal wherein they demanded evidence of interference in the judiciary. The top court then issued notices to both leaders and asked them to submit their response before the court. Kamal on Tuesday submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court Karachi Registry in response to the notice. In his affidavit, Kamal stated that he holds the highest respect for the judges of the top court and could not even imagine undermining the authority and reputation of the judiciary. “I apology unconditionally for my statement regarding the judiciary, especially at the press conference on May 15. I seek forgiveness from the honourable court and leave myself at the mercy of the court,” he stated in the affidavit. Vawda submits reply in Supreme Court On the other hand, Senator Faisal Vawda submitted reply in the Supreme Court over a contempt of court notice and refused to tender an unconditional apology over a press conference on May 15. “The press conference was not aimed at insulting the judiciary and it was meant for the betterment of the country,” Faisal Vawda said in his reply to the court. In his reply, Senator Vawda asked the court to observe restraint over moving forward the contempt proceedings. He also requested to withdraw the contempt of court notice, issued to him. Faisal Vawda has also submitted transcripts of the speeches of PTI’s Raoof Hassan, Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with his reply. In their pressers, Senator Faisal Vawda and Kamal had allegedly critisised the Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges. “Accusing someone will not work, the evidence will have to be given in the court,” Fasisal Vawda had said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Wednesday. The former federal minister asked the IHC judge Babar Sattar to bring evidence of interference and. He also demanded the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) to interfere in this matter. A day after Vawda’s presser, Kamal also addressed a press wherein he demanded the implementation of dual citizenship law across all institutions of the country.
Court fixes Bushra Bibi’s plea against Iddat case for June 7 ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Bushra Bibi, the wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, Tuesday moved a district and sessions court in the federal capital, seeking an early hearing of her appeals filed against her conviction in the iddat case. In her petition, the former first lady argued that the appeals against conviction are scheduled for hearing in the local court, requesting it to fix the appeals for hearing this week. Following her appeal, the court fixed the hearing of the appeals on June 7, seeking arguments on the case. The plea by Bushra has been filed a day after the Islamabad High Court accepted District and Sessions Judge Shahrukh Arjumand’s request seeking transfer of the iddat case to another court. The IHC’s decision came days after the judge wrote a letter to its registrar, stating it would not be appropriate for him to announce the verdict in the aforementioned case due to reservations raised by Bushra’s former husband and petitioner Khawar Maneka. Following the judge’s request, the IHC transferred the case to the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majuka. Bushra Bibi’s lawyers, Salman Safdar and Khalid Yusuf, appeared in Judge Majuka’s court, requesting the suspension of the sentence which has been pending since March 11.
India’s Modi set to win historic third term but with surprisingly slim majority NEW DELHI
AGENCIES
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi looked set on Tuesday to retain power at the head of a ruling coalition, but his Hindu nationalist party lost its outright majority for the first time in a decade as voters defied predictions of another landslide. The outcome spooked investors, with stocks falling steeply as emerging results showed that Modi would, for the first time since sweeping to power in 2014, depend on at least three disparate regional parties whose political loyalties have wavered over the years. This, analysts say, could introduce some uncertainty into policymaking after a decade in which Modi has ruled with an authoritative hold. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won a majority on its own in 2014, ending India’s era of unstable coalition governments, and repeated the feat in 2019. Modi said people had placed their faith in the BJP-led coalition for a third time and it was historic, in his first comments since counting of votes began.
“I bow to the people for this affection and assure them that we will continue the good work done in the last decade to keep fulfilling the aspirations of people,” he posted on X. He also thanked BJP members, saying “words will never do justice to their exceptional efforts”. The blue-chip NIFTY 50 (.NSEI) sank 5.9% and the S&P BSE Sensex (.BSESN) tumbled 5.7%, posting their steepest decline on an election outcome day since 2004, when a BJP-led coalition lost power. The rupee also fell sharply against the dollar and benchmark bond yields were up. Markets had soared on Monday after exit polls on June 1 projected Modi and BJP would register a big victory, and the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was seen getting a two-thirds majority and more. At 1430 GMT, TV channels showed the NDA was ahead in about 290 of the 543 elective seats in the lower house of parliament, where 272 is an overall majority, with counting nearing its end. Full results are likely later on Tuesday evening. They showed BJP accounted for around 240 of the seats in which the NDA was lead-
ing, compared with the 303 it won in 2019. Poor showing “The NDA will form the government for the third time. PM Modi will be sworn-in for the third time. Congress will sit in opposition for the third time,” BJP spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill said, referring to the main opposition Congress party. “Introspection about the slide and the decrease in the seats will be done threadbare. We will put our ear to the ground,” he said. Two key regional allies in the NDA endorsed Modi as the next prime minister, rejecting local media speculation that they could be wavering in their support or possibly switch sides. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) said their pre-poll alliance with BJP was intact and they would form the next government. The BJP’s numbers were likely pulled down by the party’s poor showing in the country’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, which also sends 80 lawmakers to parliament. The party was leading in 33 seats in the state, down from the 62 it won there in 2019, with analysts saying bread-and-butter issues had overshadowed the BJP’s appeal to the
Hindu majority. A grand temple to Hindu god-king Lord Ram that Modi inaugurated in January had not boosted the BJP’s fortunes as it was expected to, they said. The opposition INDIA alliance led by Rahul Gandhi’s centrist Congress party, was leading in over 230 seats, higher than expected. Congress alone was leading in nearly 100 seats, almost double the 52 it won in
2019 – a surprise jump that is expected to boost Gandhi’s standing. “The country has unanimously and clearly stated, we do not want Narendra Modi and Amit Shah to be involved in the running of this country, we do not like the way they have run this country,” Gandhi told reporters, referring to Modi’s powerful number two, Home Minister Shah. “That is a huge message.”