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ANY DECISION TO BAN PTI AFTER CONSULTATION WITH LEADERSHIP, ALLIES: DEPUTY PM Wednesday, 17 July, 2024 I | 10 Muharram, 1446
JAVED LATIF OBJECTS TO RESTRICTIONS ON POLITICAL PARTIES, TERMING POLITICAL ENTITIES ASSETS TO COUNTRY
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LAHORE
MARRI AND SHERRY REHMAN VOICE CONCERNS, SAY COALITION PARTNER DID NOT TAKEN INTO CONFIDENCE
SALEEM JADOON
EPUTY Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated on Tuesday that no definitive decision has been made regarding a ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, emphasizing that such a decision would be taken only after consultation with coalition partners. In a move seen as an effort to curb PTI’s influence, the federal government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, announced on Monday its intention to ban the party and initiate Article 6 proceedings against its founder Imran Khan, former president Dr. Arif Alvi, and former National Assembly deputy speaker Qasim Suri. This announcement followed the
Supreme Court’s verdict declaring the PTI eligible for reserved seats and Imran Khan
Fazl blames military interference; Asfandyar dubs govt’s decision ‘undemocratic’ PESHAWAR
STAFF REPORT
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Fazlur Rehman on Tuesday termed constant interference of military institutions one of the major reasons for instability, asserting that powerful circles must understand that their interference in politics is detrimental to the country. Speaking at the JUI’s provincial council session on Tuesday, Maulana Fazl said pointed out that the results of the 2018 and 2024 elections have exposed widespread interference by institutions. The JUI-F leader further stressed that Operation Azm-e-Istehkam will exacerbate unrest across the country, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
During the council session, discussions were held on the overall national situation, and crucial decisions were made regarding tackling inflation, deteriorating security conditions, and other issues. Plans were also prepared for upcoming events including a farmers’ convention in Mardan on August 10, a traders’ convention in Peshawar on August 11, and a peace rally in Lucky Marwat on August 18. Meanwhile, ANP leader Asfandyar Wali Khan criticised the government’s decision to impose a ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), calling it irrational and emotional.
PTI signals potential alliance with PPP for no-confidence motion against PML-N ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expressed readiness to engage in discussions with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to initiate a noconfidence motion against the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government. Speaking on a local TV show, PTI leader Latif Khosa stated that they are prepared to reach out to the PPP regarding the noconfidence initiative. He also raised concerns about complaints related to Form 47, primarily from PML-N and MQM. Khosa emphasized the legitimacy of PTI’s position, citing that 11 judges of the Supreme Court have affirmed PTI’s status as a political party. He indicated that the revision petition for specific seats will be presented before the same judges, noting that the likelihood of acceptance is very low. This development marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s political landscape as PTI seeks to consolidate opposition forces against the current government.
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 17 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
and spouse’s acquittal in Iddat case, which seemed poised to bolster the party’s stand-
ing in the National Assembly. The proposed ban has sparked widespread criticism, with various political factions labeling the move as undemocratic and potentially having severe consequences. Critics include leaders from PTI, PPP, Awami National Party, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, and Jamaat-i-Islami. Addressing the media in Lahore, DPM Dar clarified, “The information minister has stated that the decision [to ban PTI] will be made by the leadership after consulting our allies.” Dar asserted that the Election Commission of Pakistan had irrefutable evidence that PTI was a “foreign-funded party,” a reality that, in his view, cannot be denied.
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Military interference, not political parties should be banned: ANP chief ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Awami National Party (ANP) President Aimal Wali Khan has voiced his opposition to the government’s decision to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), despite political and ideological differences. “We oppose the ban on PTI. Our history shows that we have never supported undemocratic and dictatorial measures,” Wali Khan lamented on Tuesday. He recalled that the precedent for banning political parties in Pakistan was set by military dictator General Ayub Khan, adding that lessons from history are often ignored in the country. It has emerged that the PML-N-led government did not take all coalition
partners on board before announcing the ban on PTI on Monday. Earlier, Central Secretary Information of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Shazia Marri, reacted to the decision to ban Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating that PPP was not taken into confidence regarding this decision, adding that the party will discuss the government’s decision internally. ANP’s leader criticized the shifting allegiances towards military leadership depending on political power. “In power, the army chief is treated like a father, but once out of office, the same figure is branded as a traitor,” he remarked.
PTI rejects ad-hoc judges’ appointment; calls it a ploy to ‘fix bench’
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ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday categorically declared that the party would resist all attempts to covert the Supreme Court (SC) into a “one-man show,” saying the nation would not accept any effort to conquer the judiciary through ‘Trojan Horses’. PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan termed the appointment of ad-hoc judges by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa nothing but a ‘ploy to ‘fix’ the bench’, urging the nominated judges to decline the offer or else the nation would remember them as ‘rubber stamps’. In a statement, the leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly said that CJP Qazi Isa’s new ploy to appoint ad-hoc Judges was nothing but a ploy to ‘fix’ the bench. “There is a backlog of 56,000 cases in the Supreme Court and the ad-hoc judges will not be able to even make a noticeable dent in the back log. Using the ‘backlog’ is just an excuse and the target is something else,” he added.
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Omar Ayub advised that the proposed ad-hoc judges should decline the offer themselves if they want to leave behind a positive legacy. Otherwise, the nation will remember them as ‘rubber stamps’. Meanwhile, a PTI spokesper-
son called the plan a result of a “match-fixing” between the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) and the ‘mandate thief’ government, calling the appointment of ad hoc judges in the apex court unnecessary, and against justice.
ISLAMABAD
discouraging,” the letter read. “In the current circumstances, I regret that I am unable to serve as an ad-hoc judge,” he conveyed. Yesterday, Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa proposed four retired judges for appointment as ad-hoc judges for three years in the apex court. The nominees included Mushir Alam, Mazhar Alam Miankhel, Maqbool Baqar, and Sardar Tariq Masood. To consider the nominees, the chief justice summoned the JCP meeting on July 19. The summary, sent by CJP Isa to all JCP members, stated that after reviewing the Registrar’s note and the statistics about the pendency of cases, it was evident that despite our best efforts, cases continue to accumulate.
Justice Mushir Alam declines SC offer STAFF REPORT
Former Supreme Court Judge, Justice (Retired) Mushir Alam, has declined the appointment as an ad-hoc judge through a letter sent to the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) on Tuesday. Expressing his gratitude, Justice Alam wrote, “God has honoured me beyond my position… I am thankful to the Judicial Commission for the honour of being reappointed as an ad-hoc judge.” Justice Alam cited disappointment with the social media campaign that emerged following his nomination as a significant reason for his decision. “The campaign on social media after the nomination of ad-hoc judges has been deeply
HOLIDAY NOTICE The offices of Pakistan Today will remain closed on July 17, 2024 (Wednesday)on account of Ashura-eMuharram. Hence, the paper will not be published on July 18, 2024 (Thursday). The Pakistan Today office will reopen on July 18, 2024 (Thursday).
Four Pakistanis killed in shooting near Oman mosque MUSCAT
NEWS DESK
Four Pakistanis were shot and killed near a mosque in Muscat, the capital of Oman, according to an announcement by the Omani police on Tuesday. This incident marks an unusual breach of security in one of the Middle East’s most stable nations. Additionally, 30 more Pakistanis sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment in local hospitals, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “The Royal Oman Police responded to a shooting incident that occurred in the vicinity of a mosque in the Al-Wadi Al-Kabir area,” stated the police. Law enforcement officials have implemented all necessary security measures to address the situation, with ongoing procedures to collect evidence and investigate the attack. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Oman, Imran Chaudhry, confirmed that the Omani government has verified four deaths, including two Pakistanis. “I was present with the diplomatic staff at night,” said Imran, noting that the Omani authorities are actively investigating the incident. According to the Embassy of Pakistan, the attack took place on July 15 in the Wadi Kabir Muscat area, perpetrated by unknown assailants. The embassy noted that the authorities have cordoned off the area and are conducting drone surveillance. The operation by Omani authorities began at 2:30 am Muscat time following an evacuation. “The government has issued a high alert and declared a state of emergency, with some injured individuals being transported to nearby hospitals,” said the embassy. It has also established an Emergency Response Centre and teams in contact with patients and their families. Ambassador Ali from the Pakistani embassy has visited the hospitals to meet with the affected Pakistani families.
Four rescued, search for six continues as boat capsizes in Khushab: PDMA KHUSHAB
STAFF REPORT
Four teenagers were rescued and the search for six others is continued after a boat capsized in Noorpur Thal tehsil of Khushab on Tuesday, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) stated. In statement, a spokesperson for the Punjab PDMA said the rescue team immediately rushed to the location and began searching for the teenagers, who were all said to be between 14 and 16 years old. According to a PDMA spokesperson, the incident occurred in Tehsil Noorpur Thal where 10 children drowned in water after a boat capsized. “Four youths have been rescued and the search for the rest is on,” the statement said. All of the teenagers belonged to the rural village of Pelowaince. Among the drowned teenagers were two siblings: Samiullah, Azizullah, and Aftab, Waqas, Asad Ali and Shoaib Akram. It added that Punjab PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia also contacted Khushab Deputy Commissioner Zeeshan Shabbir Rana and directed the district administration to speed up the operation. “Strict legal action should be taken against those who put youth on the boat without life jackets,” the statement quoted DG Kathia as saying. In April, eight persons drowned when a boat capsized in the Indus River near Kund Park in the Nowshera district on the second day of Eidul Fitr.
Eight security officials martyred in suicide blast targetting Bannu Cantt: ISPR
A terrorist attack targeting Bannu Cantonment on Monday martyred eight members of the security forces, while a retaliatory operation killed 10 terrorists, according to the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR). A press release issued by the military’s media wing today stated that an attempt by 10 terrorists to enter Bannu Cantonment in the early hours of Monday was “effectively thwarted” by security forces personnel, “which forced the terrorists to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter
wall of the cantonment.” The suicide blast caused a portion of the wall to collapse and damaged infrastructure, resulting in the martyrdom of eight security personnel, the statement said. The martyrs were identified as Naib Subedar Muhammad Shehzad, 44; Havildar Zil-e-Hussain, 39; Havildar Shahzad Ahmed, 28; Sepoy Ashfaq Hussain Khan, 30; Sepoy Sobhan Majeed, 22; Sepoy Imtiaz Khan, 30; Sepoy Arsalan Aslam, 26, of the Pakistan Army, and Lance Naik Sabz Ali, 34, of the Frontier Constabulary. “In the ensuing operation, our troops effectively engaged the terror-
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while commenting on military operations against terrorism on Tuesday praised the security forces for thwarting a major terrorist attack on Bannu cantonment, adding that the entire nation stands with the security forces in the war against terrorism. Condemning the terrorist attack, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the soldiers of the Pakistan Army and Frontier Constabulary who were martyred in the incident.
He acknowledged the security forces’ courage in confronting and decisively eliminating ten terrorists, emphasizing his unwavering resolve to eradicate terrorism from the country. Expressing his condolences to the bereaved families, the Prime Minister prayed for the elevation of ranks in paradise for the martyred soldiers of the Pakistan Army, which included Naib Subedar Muhammad Shehzad, Hawaldar Zil-e-Hussain, Havaldar Shehzad Ahmed, Lance
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
PM praises forces for foiling Bannu attack
Naik Sabz Ali, Sepoy Ashfaq Hussain Khan, Sepoy Sobhan Majeed, Sepoy Imtiaz Khan, and Sepoy Arsalan Aslam. “We honor the bravery of our security personnel,” he stated. Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the significant sacrifices made by the armed forces and other security agencies in the fight against terrorism. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to eradicating the menace of terrorism. STAFF REPORT
ists, resulting in all ten terrorists being sent to hell,” the statement said. “This timely and effective response by the security forces prevented a major catastrophe, saving precious innocent lives. “The gallant and selfless action of the security forces is a testament to their unrelenting resolve in the fight against terrorism.” The ISPR attributed the “heinous act of terrorism” to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, “which operates from Afghanistan and has used Afghan soil to orchestrate acts of terrorism inside Pakistan in the past as well.” Pakistan has consistently raised its concerns with the Interim Afghan
Government, asking them to deny persistent use of Afghan soil by terrorists and take effective action against such elements, the statement read. “Pakistan Armed Forces will continue defending the motherland and its people against the menace of terrorism and will take all necessary measures as deemed appropriate against these threats emanating from Afghanistan.” A day ago, officials told Dawn that militants stormed a check post adjacent to a supply depot, adding that bombers hit the boundary wall of the cantonment near the depot in their attempt to force their entry, but security forces besieged them.
“On the night between July 15 and 16, terrorists carried out a cowardly attack on the Rural Health Center (RHC) in Kirri Shamozai, Dera Ismail Khan District, and opened indiscriminate fire on RHC staff,” the ISPR stated after the incident. Security forces in the vicinity were immediately mobilized for a clearance operation. During the ensuing exchange of fire, troops effectively engaged the terrorists, resulting in the deaths of three attackers. The security personnel who were
martyred during the intense firefight were identified as Naib Subedar Muhammad Farooq, 44, and Sepoy Muhammad Javed Iqbal, 23. The military’s media wing also mentioned that a sanitization operation is underway to eliminate any remaining terrorists in the area. “The perpetrators of this heinous and cowardly act targeting innocent civilians, especially women and children, will be brought to justice,” the statement added.. STAFF REPORT
Two soldiers, five civilians martyred in DI Khan attack
ISLAMABAD: Seven people, including two security personnel and five civilians, were martyred in a terrorist attack on the Rural Health Center (RHC) in the Kirri Shamozai area of Dera Ismail Khan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) reported on Tuesday. According to the military’s media wing, the civilian casualties included RHC staff members, two lady health workers, a watchman, and two minors.