In partnership with
Profit
Balochistan govt says TARAR HOPES ‘FRUITFUL TALKS’ AS JI WARNS ‘unconfirmed rumours of firing by security NATIONWIDE PROTEST IF DEMANDS NOT MET forces’ in Mastung Sunday, 28 July, 2024 I | 21 Muharram, 1446
BOTH SIDES AGREE TO TALKS TO ADDRESS g HAFIZ NAEEM CRITICIZES GOVT’S HEAVY JI’S DEMANDS WHILE JAMAAT FORMS HANDED TACTICS, INCLUDING ERECTION COMMITTEE FOR NEGOTIATION OF BARRIERS AND USE OF FORCE
M g
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 28 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
RAWALPINDI
SALEEM JADOON
INISTER for Information, Broadcasting, Culture and National Heritage Attaullah Tarar Saturday night hoped for a productive talk with the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) which has formed a committee for negotiation with the government’s delegation that arrived in the party’s sit-in at Liauqat Bagh. According to a news statement issued late Saturday, the minister had arrived in the sit-in of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) at Liaquat Bagh along with a delegation of the government. The government’s committee comprises of the Minister for Information, Minister for Kashmir Affairs and GilgitBaltistan Amir Muqam and PML-N Sen-
ior Leader Tariq Fazal while the administration of Rawalpindi, including the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Regional Police Officer and others were also present on the occasion. The government delegation had held
a meeting with JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman in an amicable environment following which the JI announced a negotiation committee which would be headed by Liaquat Baloch. Both sides agreed on a table talk to
ISLAMABAD: The All-Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran (APAT) and the Traders Action Committee on Saturday threatened to launch countrywide protest against the government’s new tax scheme, labelling it as “anti-trader.” Ajmal Baloch, President of APAT and the Traders Action Committee Islamabad, claimed that directives had been issued to traders across the country to prepare for the protests. Mr Baloch declared that the trader community across the country had categorically rejected the government’s newly introduced trader-friendly tax scheme, describing it as “anti-trader.” He called on the Federal Board of Rev-
enue (FBR) to withdraw the SRO immediately and engage in negotiations based on traders’ suggestions. “The valuation table set by the FBR is impractical and unjust to various markets in smaller cities, as well as in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Quetta, Peshawar, and Faisalabad,” Baloch said. “What is the fault of the old taxpayers who are also included in this scheme? Expanding the tax net is necessary, but the question lies in FBR’s capacity.” Baloch emphasised that traders across the country have been advised to prepare for protests and shutdowns, declaring that the trader-friendly scheme will not be implemented under any circumstances. STAFF REPORT
ISLAMABAD: The government has extended an offer of negotiations to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Federal Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik stated, “We propose to sit together, discuss, and resolve the issues.” During a press conference in Islamabad, Federal Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik emphasized that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has three main priorities: providing employment for the children of the poor, alleviating the burden of inflation, and eradicating poverty. He stated, “The public knows who has done what. Have you ever heard anyone explain how to eliminate infla-
Traders threaten countrywide protests against new tax scheme
Govt constitutes JIT under PECA 2016 to probe culprits behind ‘malicious’ social media campaign ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The federal government has established a Joint Investigation Committee (JIT) to investigate individuals allegedly creating “chaos and disorder” in the country through “malicious social media campaigns,” as announced on Saturday. This development follows the interior ministry’s recent announcement of forming a JIT to probe suspicions of PTI’s alleged involvement in “anti-state propaganda,” though the notification does not specifically mention the party. Raoof Hasan, PTI’s information secretary, was arrested on Monday during a raid by Islamabad police and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) at the party’s Central Office. The FIA’s cybercrime wing subsequently charged Hasan and 11 others under Sections 9 (glorification of an offence), 10 (cyberterrorism), and 11 (electronic forgery) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA). On Thursday, Hasan and eight others had their physical remand extended until the following day, while two women involved in the case were placed in judicial custody. PTI MNA Gohar Khan suggested the action against his party was linked to the Supreme Court’s decision in the reserved seats case, positioning PTI as the largest party in the National Assembly. According to a notification issued on Friday, the interior ministry formed the JIT under Section 30 (warrant for search or seizure) of PECA. Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi will lead the JIT, which includes the FIA’s cybercrime director, FIA’s Counter Terrorism Wing director, Islamabad Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police (Investigation), and the Counter-Terrorism Department’s Senior Superintendent of Police. The notification stated that additional members could be co-opted into the JIT. The committee is tasked with “investigating and determining the organised objectives of the accused and their accomplices who have created chaos and disorder in Pakistan through malicious social media campaigns.”
address the JI’s demands. The information minister, on the occasion, said the JI is a peaceful political party. Earlier, Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman issued a stern warning to the government, stating that the party may intensify it protest movement if their captives are not released and other demands not accepted. “Don’t think Jamaat-e-Islami will limit its protest to Murree Road,” he declared while addressing a press conference. The JI Emir said that the party’s demands were legitimate, and if they were not met, this sit-in would not be confined to Liaquat Bagh rather spread to the entire country. “The people have placed their hopes in me, and I cannot let them down. Tomorrow, we will hold a historic rally on Murree Road,” he stated.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
Govt extends negotiation offer to PTI; proposes ‘working together’ to resolve issues
tion? The captain said the military should be neutral; his followers echoed this. The captain vowed to pursue until the grave, and on May 9th, his followers executed the plan.” The Federal Minister added that those engaging in politics of chaos are not well-wishers of the country. “Recently, a trend emerged: ‘If not the captain, then no Pakistan.’ The captain claimed that the USA was conspiring and waved a cipher. People echoed that the USA was against our country, violating our constitution and nation, calling for the military to save us.” STAFF REPORT
FPCCI, ex-interim minister announce moving SC, SIFC against IPPs LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
Former caretaker prime minister Anwarul Haq Kakar said that the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) issue is the problem of the entire nation alongside the business community, underscoring the need for a viable solution to the simmering issue instead of point scoring. Addressing a business conference organized by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Conference and Industry (FPPCI) in Lahore as President of FPCCI’s
Economic Policy Business Development Think Tank, Kakar said that the issue of IPPs had been discussed in the Senate, reiterating, “We fought for people’s rights before, will fight this battle too and those spreading despair about the country’s future on social media should know that the country’s future is bright.” Former caretaker federal minister for commerce and interior Dr Gohar Ejaz, who also holds the portfolio of Chairman of FPCCI’s Economic Policy Business Development Think Tank, said that the
government’s negligence towards IPPs was being borne by the people, emphasizing that an audit of IPPs should be conducted. “The entire nation clamouring for cure for the wounds and agony inflicted by the IPPs and we need to find a solution to end the IPPs agreements”, he stressed. “We never want our country to face any crisis but the policies should be devised to move Pakistan forward. There was electricity, but the problem was the cost of electricity. How can we compete with the world with expensive electricity,” he questioned.
MASTUNG
STAFF REPORT
The Balochistan government on Saturday said there were “unconfirmed rumours of firing by security forces” in Mastung as a hospital official confirmed that 14 people were injured. According to a media report, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) is set to hold a gathering in Gwadar on Sunday, where leaders of different political parties and rights activists from across the country are expected to attend and discuss the issue of enforced disappearances. The organisation posted updates since early in the morning today about supporters departing from various parts to head towards Gwadar. A statement issued from the Balochistan government spokesperson today about an incident in Mastung said: “There are rumours related to firing in Mustang. Reports of firing by security forces are unconfirmed. The law and order situation in Balochistan is being deliberately pushed towards deterioration.” It said no one was exempt from the law and action would be taken against those who disturbed the peace, adding that “the intentions behind the demonstration in Gwadar are clear.” “Peaceful protest is everyone’s right, however, law cannot be allowed to be taken into one’s hands. The BYC has been invited to resolve the issues through dialogue,” it said. The statement added that the government recognised the right to a peaceful protest but the BYC should also acknowledge the local administration’s right and responsibility to choose the site for the demonstration. The statement reiterated an offer for talks with the BYC. Meanwhile, the BYC posted various alleged videos from Mastung, claiming that security forces had opened fire at and broken the windows of buses and vehicles moving towards Gwadar, leaving people injured. It further alleged that “hundreds of innocent civilians” were abducted, mobile and network services were blocked and homes were being raided. Shaheed Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital CEO Dr Saeed Ahmed told Dawn.com that 14 people injured by firing in Mastung were brought to the hospital, out of which five critically injured were moved to Quetta for treatment. BYC member Bebarg Baloch said the people at Mastung were now staging a demonstration there and vowed to reach Gwadar. A Dawn.com correspondent also reported that protesters blocked and shut down Quetta’s Sariab Road to demonstrate against the alleged Mastung incident. BYC organiser Dr Mahrang Baloch appealed to human rights organisations to take immediate notice of the incident and called on the Baloch community to stage peaceful demonstrations wherever they were stopped. “We will shut down entire Balochistan indefinitely against this barbarity,” she said. Meanwhile, lawyer and activist Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir warned that “the entire Balochistan will come out on the streets against this oppression and brutality of the state. This state is making a huge blunder which will have far-reaching consequences.” Senior journalist Hamid Mir called on PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari, whose party forms the government in the province, to answer for the incident and “who ordered it?” The alleged incident also drew international attention as British MP John McDonnell said there were “worrying reports of Pakistani security forces attacking people travelling peacefully to the Baloch National Gathering.
Around 170 killed in day-long Israeli operation in Khan Younis: Civil defense PM urges world to hold Israel JERUSALEM AGENCIES
Gaza’s civil defense agency said Saturday that Israel’s military operation around Khan Younis has killed about 170 people and wounded hundreds since it started on Monday. “Since the beginning of the Israeli military operation in the Khan Younis area, we are talking of approximately 170 martyrs and hundreds of wounded,” agency spokesman Mahmoud Bassal told AFP. He said many people had been displaced again on Saturday as the Israeli operation continued. “The questions is where will these residents go?” Bassal said. “Anyone who sees the situation in Khan Younis will witness thousands of people spread out on the ground, on the roads, in areas that unfortunately are not suitable for living.” “With no other options available,
they are exposing themselves to death.” Earlier on Saturday the military issued new evacuation orders for residents of the southern city, after retrieving the bodies of five Israelis and warning of new operations. The United Nations said more than 180,000 Palestinians have fled Khan Younis since the Israeli operation began on Monday. The evacuation orders and “intensified hostilities” have “significantly destabilized aid operations,” it added, reporting “dire water, hygiene and sanitation conditions” across the Palestinian territory. The Israeli military said it launched the operation to halt rocket fire from the area, which already saw heavy fighting earlier this year. On Wednesday, it said troops had retrieved the bodies of five Israelis from the area. They had been killed during the Hamas attacks of October 7 and their bodies taken back to Gaza, the military said.
accountable for war crimes
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes and bring it to justice. In a statement on Saturday, he strongly denounced the ongoing Israeli atrocities in Khan Younis area of Palestine. The Prime Minister voiced concerns over the displacement of over one hundred and fifty thousand Palestinians in Khan Younis. He said the siege of Khan Younis has suspended the supply of food and other necessities of life to the area. The Prime Minister said human tragedy is unfolding in Palestine as Israeli forces are committing grave crime of genocide of Palestinians. He called on the international community, including the United Nations, to fulfill its responsibilities.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan stands by their Palestinian brothers and sisters. He said Pakistan in its statement at the International Court of Justice, raised its voice on the Palestinians’ right to self-determination and the atrocities inflicted on the Palestinians by Israel. He reiterated the demand that the recent decisions of the International Court of Justice regarding the situation in Palestine and the resolutions of the United Nations be implemented. The Prime Minister said Pakistan has so far sent 1200 tons of humanitarian aid through six aircraft of PAF and 1500 tons through three ships. He said special arrangements have been made for Palestinian medical students in Pakistan’s medical colleges so that they can continue their education. STAFF REPORT
PTI files reference in SJC for removal of CEC, ECP members ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday filed a reference against the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and the ECP members in the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), alleging that they had failed to fulfill their constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections. Senator Barrister Ali Zafar has filed the reference on behalf of the opposition leader in the National Assembly and PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub. The ECP “deliberately violated this constitutional obligation, responsibility and duty under Article 224 and failed to hold elections
to the National Assembly and provincial assemblies of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) within 90 of holding elections,” read the 29-page reference. The PTI has pleaded for inquiry of misconduct against the chief election commissioner and the election commission’s members, seeking the CEC and the commission’s members should be removed from their offices if the charges are substantiated. CEC Sikander Sultan Raja, ECP members, including Babar Hassan Bharwana from Punjab, Nisar Ahmed Durrani from Sindh, Shah Muhammad Jatoi from Balochistan, and Justice (retd) Ikramullah Khan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have been made respondents in the complaint.
Barrister Ali Zafar accused the election commission of repeatedly violating the constitution. “The commission failed to conduct elections in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the National Assembly within the constitutionally mandated 90-day period,” he said. Zafar also alleged that the election commission had shown bias against PTI and made decisions that aimed to exclude PTI’s founder from the political arena. He claimed that the commission had unjustly rejected PTI’s intra-party elections and only audited PTI’s accounts in the prohibited funding case. Furthermore, Zafar criticized the commission for unlawfully revoking PTI’s election symbol, the ‘bat’.