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GOVT VOWS STRICT LEGAL ACTION OVER THREATS TO CHIEF JUSTICE ISA Tuesday, 30 July, 2024 I | 23 Muharram, 1446
kh asIf says state won't allow anyone to Issue a fatwa to kIll someone
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ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
EDERAL government officials on Monday strongly condemned the remarks against the top judge and vowed to take strict action against “those spreading lies about him”. Addressing a joint press conference on Monday, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal condemned the remarks, stating that elements with “vested political interests” were “spreading blood and violence” in the name of religion. “As you all know [certain elements] are trying to incite people to killings on social media through extremist posts. If such things are being said in the name of a blessed religion, then there is nothing more insulting for the religion,” Asif said. “The state will take action against this because things being said about Qazi sahab is based on lies and he has been targeted through different tactics for the last few years.” The defence minister added that the Supreme Court had issued a judgment in the Mubarak Sani case but the elements concerned were still spreading propaganda based on lies.
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“The state will not allow you to issue a fatwa (decree) to kill someone. If we allow this, the writ of the state will crumble,” Asif said. Echoing the SC order, Asif said that the finality of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is a fundamental part of Islam, without which one cannot be called a Muslim. “Khatm-i-Nabuwat (finality of the Prophethood) is a fundamental part of our faith,” he said. “Our religion is one of love. We need to demonstrate that side of our faith to the world, not this side that weakens our faith.” He added that the state has systems in place to prevent this group from making false allegations. “No group can incite violence in the name of faith or politics. We will use the full force of the law to bring them to justice,” he said, adding that the state will not accept dictation by any group. “The Constitution must govern this state and justice must be delivered,” Asif said before the planning minister delivered his address. Iqbal said inciting violence against the chief justice and offering a Rs10 million reward for taking his life was an “open rebellion against Pakistan’s Constitution”. Referring to a 2018 assassination attempt on him, he said he had also been a target of “these people”, calling the at-
JI chief threatens to expand protests across country if demands not met ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Monday reiterated his party’s demand to have the electricity tariff reduced and rid the country of independent power producers (IPPs), threatening that the party would continue its ongoing protest until the government takes action. Addressing a rally in Rawalpindi, Rehman said that the underprivileged segment of the society cannot afford to pay the capacity charges of the IPPs. He asked the government to revisit the agreements made with the power producers, accusing the government of making the IPPs even more powerful. “They signed agreements — unnecessary agreements — those agreements are full of lies,” he said. Furthermore, the JI emir said that if the government wanted, they “could take a stand”, adding that if IPPs are not fulfilling their end of the bargain, they do not have “legal rights”. “It’s wrong when people say that they have a legal right as legal rights belong to those who legally fulfil their [part of the ] agreements,” he said. His statements came after the government formed a technical committee to work on the resolution of contentious issues following an initial round of negotiations on Sunday. A second round of talks between the government and Jamaat is likely to be held today (Monday). He criticised the previous and present governments for giving into IPPs since 1994, adding, “If IPPs are state-owned and the government has shares, then who is stopping the government from decreasing capacity charges?” “Why should Pakistan’s poor population pay for those capacity charges?” he questioned, adding that the agreements were almost anti-state. Rehman also requested the Punjab government to not impede female protestors, reiterating that it was their right to protest, saying that women are the “most heavily impacted by electricity bills”. “This is a cowardly act. It shouldn’t be done,” he said, adding that the party will continue to protest regardless. On Sunday, Rehman had addressed the participants of his party’s sit-in in the capital, stressing the necessity of peaceful political resistance in the face of “governmental inaction”. He had called for the removal of the recent increase in electricity bills and pledged to secure guarantees from the government that cannot be ignored.
Iqbal says IncItIng vIolence, offerIng reward for takIng lIfe was 'open rebellIon' agaInst constItutIon
TLP leader, workers booked under anti-terrorism act for threatening CJP
LAHORE: Deputy Amir of Tehreek-eLabbaik Pakistan (TLP), Pir Zaheerul Hasan Shah, and several party workers have been booked for issuing death threats against Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa. The case was registered at the Qila Gujjar Singh police station on Monday. The charges against Shah include violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), incitement of religious hatred, public disorder, intimidation of the judiciary, threatening judicial authority, interference with official duties, and obstruction of legal functions. The FIR details that during a protest outside the Press Club, Pir Zaheerul Hasan Shah incited hatred against the judiciary and offered a reward of Rs10
tack on him a “political act to eliminate the PML-N’s leadership by weaponising the finality of Prophethood”. “Back in 2017-2018, when this group propped up under a political agenda, I said that all of us are Muslims and all Muslims funda-
ISLAMABAD
Various regions of north and north-east Punjab experienced light to heavy rainfall on Monday morning, providing much-needed relief from the hot and humid weather. The Met Office has forecasted further monsoon rains in Punjab, Sindh, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) over the next two days. It has predicted heavy rains with strong winds across Punjab, affecting areas such as Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan, among others. Heavy rainfall is expected at isolated locations in north-east Punjab and south Punjab. In response to the forecast, the Provin-
million for anyone who brings the head of Justice Faez Isa. The FIR also lists charges against 1,500 TLP workers. Earlier, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that legal action would be pursued against those responsible for the provocative and baseless propaganda campaign against Chief Justice Isa. In a press conference with Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal in Islamabad, Asif condemned the efforts to incite violence under the guise of religious motives for political gain. He reiterated that belief in the finality of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is a fundamental part of Islamic faith and noted that the Supreme Court has already addressed the issue. STAFF REPORT
mentally believe in the finality of the Holy Prophet (PBUH),” Iqbal said. “Pakistan has a Constitution, laws, and court, and no individual or group has the right to issue fatwas. Only our courts have the authority to judge and punish.”
SC’s ad hoc judges take oath ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Justice (Retd) Sardar Tariq Masood and Justice (Retd) Mazhar Alam Miankhel, were sworn in as ad-hoc judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday. The ceremony was held at the Supreme Court where Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa administered the oath. Other judges including Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, law officers, lawyers, and court staff attended the ceremony. Chief Justice Isa administered the oath of office to both ad-hoc
judges. Justice (Retd) Sardar Tariq Masood and Justice (Retd) Mazhar Alam Miankhel were appointed for a period of one year. The Ministry of Law and Justice had issued a notification for the appointment of two ad-hoc judges to the Supreme Court on July 27th. President Asif Ali Zardari had approved the appointments on July 26th. Earlier, on July 20th, the Supreme Judicial Council had approved the appointment of Justice Sardar Tariq Masood and Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel as ad-hoc judges. Justice Mushir Alam declines
ad hoc work offer after social media campaign. The Chief Justice had proposed four retired judges for the ad-hoc positions: Justice (Retd) Mushir Alam, Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqir, Justice (Retd) Mazhar Alam Miankhel, and Justice (Retd) Tariq Masood. However, Justice (Retd) Mushir Alam and Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqir declined the offer. Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqir cited personal commitments, while Justice (Retd) Mishir Alam withdrew his candidacy due to the ongoing social media campaign against adhoc judges.
Imran Khan says he called for ‘peaceful’ GHQ protest ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman, Imran Khan, has confirmed and clarified his call for a protest outside the General Headquarters (GHQ) during an informal conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail on Monday. Khan stood by his statement about calling for a peaceful protest outside GHQ prior to the events of May 9. He stated, “My statement about the protest outside GHQ was presented as if I confessed or committed a crime on May 9. I made three vlogs and mentioned it 12 times in police investigations.” He alleged that there were plans to kill him outside the Judicial Complex on March 18, with evidence in his possession. “I instructed the party to hold a peaceful protest outside GHQ and cantonments if the army and Rangers arrested me,” Khan added. When questioned about the vi-
olence on May 9, Khan responded, “The protest wasn’t peaceful because it was pre-planned. CCTV footage is not being released because our people are not in it, and it would prove our innocence.” Khan announced his intention to go to court over the missing CCTV footage and to file a case against the Rangers for his alleged abduction from the High Court premises. He questioned who ordered the Rangers to arrest him and who commanded the attack on the party chairman. Khan criticised the government’s crackdown on social media, citing the arrest of 75-year-old cancer patient Raof Hasan. He called for a judicial commission to ensure a transparent investigation. “The government fears PTI and wants to dismantle it through the military,” Khan claimed, criticising the recent budget and stating it had tarnished the government’s credibility. Khan defended social media as the voice of the democratic public, urging against labelling it as ‘digital
Heavy rainfall forecast for Punjab, Sindh, and AJK; PDMA issues flood alert STAFF REPORT
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 30 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
cial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert for all relevant departments in Punjab to prepare for potential flooding and other issues related to the heavy rains, particularly in the north-eastern districts of the province. Attock and surrounding areas saw thundershowers, easing the heat and humidity for locals. Rain also fell in Shakargarh and Narowal, bringing a welcome respite from the extreme mugginess. In Lahore, drizzle was reported in several areas, including Jail Road, Canal Road, Garhi Shahu, Abbot Road, and Lakshmi Chowk, accompanied by cool winds that made the weather more pleasant. The twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad also experienced rainfall. The weather
terrorism’. “Without criticism, institutions will be destroyed,” he warned. When reminded of his own laws penalising criticism of the military during his tenure, Khan differentiated between criticism and defamation, asserting that no journalists had fled or been killed under his government. He acknowledged that even former president Pervez Musharraf’s era was more liberal. Khan affirmed that all institutions, including national security agencies, should be open to criticism. He highlighted the support judges receive on social media for ruling in PTI’s favour. He stressed that the military belongs to Pakistan, not any political party, and its alignment with the current government could harm its credibility, economy, and democracy. In response to another question, Khan blamed the establishment for obstructing PTI in the elections and facilitating the swift dismissal of corruption cases against Nawaz Sharif.
department has warned that heavy rains in AJK and north-east Punjab on Monday and Tuesday could lead to flooding in local streams and nullahs. Furthermore, the forecast includes rain and strong winds for Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with heavy rainfall expected at some locations in these areas. Thundershowers are also anticipated in various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), including Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, and Peshawar. In Balochistan, the forecast includes rain for Zhob, Quetta, and other regions, with heavy rain likely at some places. Similarly, Sindh is expected to experience heavy rains in areas including Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur, with torrential rains possible at a few locations.
Petroleum prices likely to decrease by up to Rs 11 per litre from August 1 g
If approved, prIce of one lIter of petrol wIll come down from rs275.50 to rs270.10, whIle that of hsd from rs283.63 to rs272.57 PROFIT
AHMAD AHMADANI
Fuel prices are estimated to decrease by over Rs 11 per litre starting next month, and if approved, this reduction will remain effective during the first fifteen days of August 2024. According to industry sources, petrol is expected to decrease by Rs 5.50 per litre, while high-speed diesel (HSD) could witness a reduction of Rs 11.06 per litre. Additionally, kerosene oil is projected to decrease by Rs 5.84 per litre, and light diesel oil (LDO) may see a substantial cut of Rs 5.07 per litre for the first half of August 2024. As per sources, the estimated cuts in petroleum prices are subject to government approval and are contingent on various factors, including global oil prices, currency exchange rates, and financial implications for the energy sector. These price reductions are also based on the current tax structure and, if approved, would mean consumers could be paying Rs 270.10 per litre for petrol, Rs 272.57 per litre for HSD, Rs 177.87 per litre for kerosene oil, and Rs 161.18 per litre for LDO. The proposed changes are calculated based on the present government taxes and are expected to alleviate the inflation burden on the general public. Remaining last few days of July are crucial for reaching a final decision. The OGRA will forward its work regarding future oil prices on July 31, after which the finance ministry will consult with the Prime Minister to make the final decision, said sources. The sources also informed that these estimates were calculated with zero $ exchange rate adjustment for the first half of August 2024. The current Inland Freight Equalization Margin (IFEM) stands at Rs 7.79 on petrol and Rs 4.51 on HSD. The petrol premium is projected at $ 8.48 per barrel, while the HSD premium remains at $ 5.00 per barrel. Currently, petrol is available at Rs 275.60 per litre, HSD at Rs 283.63 per litre, kerosene oil at Rs 183.71 per litre, and LDO at Rs 166.25 per litre in the open market of the country. Petrol is primarily used as fuel for cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles. High-speed diesel (HSD) is mainly used for heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses, as well as industrial machinery, generators, and some agricultural equipment. Kerosene oil serves as a critical resource for cooking and lighting in households without electricity access. Light diesel oil is utilized in industrial boilers, furnaces, and certain types of engines, particularly in sectors like textiles, cement, and power generation. If approved, this reduction in fuel prices is expected to contribute to a decrease in the country’s inflation rate, which is already showing signs of decline. The
ECP notifies 93 returned MPAs as PTI lawmakers
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday notified 93 returned MPAs in three provinces as PTI lawmakers in pursuance of the July 12 Supreme Court order in the reserved seats case. In a unique majority verdict, the Supreme Court on July 12 declared the PTI eligible to receive reserved seats for women and non-Muslims in the national and provincial assemblies, giving it a new lease on life in the legislature by declaring it to be a parliamentary party. Despite an 8-5 split, all 13 judges declared the PTI a parliamentary party. The majority judgement explained that 39 out of the 80 MNAs, shown by the ECP as PTI candidates, belonged to the party. ECP had then decided to implement the majority decision and return 39 seats in the National Assembly to PTI. It said that the rest of the 41 seats had not declared prior to the elections that they belonged to any party and were to be regarded as independent candidates PTI had also submitted a list of its MPAs for the reserved seats in the three provinces last week but had not disclosed their names. According to a notification issued by the ECP on Monday, 29 seats in the Punjab Assembly, six seats in the Sindh Assembly and 58 seats in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly were given to PTI in pursuance of the July 12 Supreme Court order. STAFF REPORT
PM orders action for public safety amid heavy rains
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to implement immediate measures to protect lives and property in response to heavy rains across the country, as reported on Monday. In a statement issued in Islamabad, Sharif instructed the NDMA to coordinate with the provincial governments, as well as with authorities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, to address emergency situations effectively. The Prime Minister also directed the Islamabad administration to focus on water drainage and public facilitation. He emphasized the need for enhanced coordination among departments and called for
continuous monitoring of the situation. Timely evacuation from low-lying areas and efficient water drainage were highlighted as priorities. Additionally, Sharif instructed the provision of water pumps and other necessary machinery, and stressed the importance of timely medical treatment for those affected. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has instructed CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa to take effective measures to manage water drainage in the federal capital during the monsoon rains. Naqvi emphasized the need for activating field officers and teams, deploying additional staff and machinery, and monitoring nullahs, highways, and water channels.