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Govt decides to ban Pti, tRy ex-PM alonG with ex-PResident foR tReason: taRaR Tuesday, 16 July, 2024 I | 9 Muharram, 1446
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INFO MINISTER PLAYS AUDIO AND VIDEO CLIPS ALLEGEDLY SHOWING INVOLVEMENT OF PARTY’S LEADERSHIP IN ‘ANTI-STATE’ ACTIVITIES
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ISLAMABAD
SALEEM JADOON
INISTER for Information, Broadcasting, Culture, and National Heritage Attaullah Tarar on Monday announced four major decisions of the federal government of banning Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, filing of review petition in reserved seats case, references against PTI founder and others for subverting the Constitution and strict legal action against a handful of overseas Pakistanis for anti-state activities. He announced the decision at a press conference which mainly highlighted the activities of the PTI and its leadership to weaken sovereignty of the country and harm its integrity at the international level. The press conference also featured audio and video clips that allegedly showed involvement of the PTI and its leadership in the ‘anti-state’ activities. The minister said: “This is a fact and on the record that the PTI has been involved in the anti-state activities and to
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JUSTIFIES ACTION AGAINST PTI, SAYING PARTY ALLEGEDLY OBTAINED FOREIGN FUNDING TO ATTACK STATE INSTITUTIONS, TRIED TO SABOTAGE DEAL WITH IMF
PTI strongly reacts to govt decision ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) have responded to the government’s decision to ban the party. PTI leader Barrister Ali Zafar, speaking to a private news channel stated that no court, including the Supreme Court, would accept the ban on their party. He urged the Supreme Court to take immediate notice of political vendettas. He also mentioned that he expected the Sunni Ittehad Council to regain their seats, but the Supreme Court’s decision
this end, the government and its allies have decided to initiated legal proceedings to ban the PTI under Article 17 of the Constitution which empowers the federal government to ban any such a party.” Tarar justified the action of the government against the PTI which, he alleged, obtained foreign funding to attack
the state institutions on May 9, default the economy by sabotaging Pakistan’s negotiation with the International Mon-
questions regarding the “possible restrictions on PTI.” He stated that the US has observed governmental statements imposing restrictions on political parties, which raises concerns that such actions could mark the beginning of a political crackdown. He said that the US will closely monitor these internal developments and decisions.
Miller added that any restrictions on political parties are worrisome because they contradict human rights, freedom of expression, constitutional, and democratic principles. He emphasised that the United States has always supported actions promoting justice, including adherence to democratic practices and broader principles and laws.
US expresses concern over govt’s decision to ‘ban’ PTI WASHINGTON
STAFF REPORT
The United States expressed concern over the government’s decision to potentially restrict the Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) party. During a press briefing on Monday, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller responded to
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to return PTI’s seats came as a surprise. Barrister Ali Zafar remarked that those who left PTI to join other parties would see their political careers end. He also mentioned that Imran Khan had refused to form a government with any party, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Imran Khan’s sole demand is for new elections or the return of the full mandate. He stated that Imran Khan’s release is now a matter of days. While it is the government’s right to file a review petition, the decision will be implemented regardless. Those who left PTI will see their political careers end.
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etary Fund, resettle the terrorists in the country and hire lobbying firms to get a resolution passed against the country in a foreign country’s Parliament. All these activities of the PTI were established, he said, adding “in view of the foreign funding case, May 9 riots, and the cipher episode as well as the resolution passed in the US, we believe that there is very credible evidence present to have the PTI banned.” He said a series of events that set off in a form of chain, gave a clear understanding of the anti-state agenda of the PTI which first brought terrorist back into the country and then attacked on the state institution to undermine its sovereignty.
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Petrol price increases by Rs9.99, diesel by Rs6.18 per litre g
OGRA ADJUSTS PRICES BASED ON INTERNATIONAL MARKET TRENDS, SAYS FINANCE DIVISION PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
The federal government on Monday night increased the prices of petroleum products by Rs9.99 for next fortnightly till July 31, 2024. According to a notification from the Finance Division, the price of petrol has been increased by Rs9.99, setting the new rate at Rs275.60 per litre. While price of high-speed diesel (HSD) has been raised by Rs6.18 per litre, bringing it to Rs283.63 per litre. “The Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has adjusted these prices based on international market trends,” read the notification. The new prices take effect from July 16, 2024. “There will be no change in the applicable duties/levies, which will remain at the existing level,” the notification added. In the previous review, the government had increased the petrol price by Rs7.45 per litre and the diesel price by Rs9.56 per litre. Earlier, it was reported that petroleum prices are expected to increase by up to Rs 7.67 for the second half of July 2024. This price hike is based on factors such as global oil prices, currency exchange rates, and financial considerations for the energy sector.