In partnership with
Profit
Wednesday, 31 July, 2024 I | 24 Muharram, 1446
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 31 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
Bill lands in na to ‘Block’ Pti memBers oath-taking on reserved seats ‘ANOTHER TURN IN RESERVED SEATS SAGA’
PML-N TABLES ELECTION ACT (AMEND) BILL, g BILL ARGUES ARTICLES 51 AND 106 PROVIDE 2024 AGAINST INDEPENDENT LAWMAKERS FOR ALLOCATION OF SEATS, ALONG WITH A JOINING POLITICAL PARTIES AFTER TIME LAPSE MECHANISM FOR ELECTIONS
B g
ISLAMABAD
SALEEM JADOON
EING labeled as the “first legal bombshell,” the ruling PML-N on Tuesday tabled in the National Assembly the Election Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeking a restriction on independent lawmakers joining political parties after a certain period. PML-N member Bilal Azhar Kayani tabled the bill, which argues that Articles 51 and 106 of the Constitution provided for the allocation of seats to the National Assembly and provincial assemblies, along with the mechanism for the elections. Political pundits have anticipated the government to prevent Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) assembly members from taking oaths on reserved seats, with significant legal and legislative moves, despite the Election Commission’s notifications. The introduced bill the constitutional provisions detailed the treatment for independent candidates that may join a political party within three days of the publication in the official Gazette of the names of the returned candidates. “The Elections Act, 2017 and rules
made thereunder also provide for the right to independent returned candidate or candidates to duly join a political party at his consent. Neither the Constitution nor the Elections Act, 2017 provide for joining a political party by an independent returned candidate or candidates at subsequent stage when they have already exercised the option to join the political party at a point of time as specified in the Constitution. “To provide clarity in the law in true
Imran Khan says willing to hold negotiations with army
ceasefire declared in kurram after intense tribal fighting, 49 dead and 210 injured KURRAM
STAFF REPORT
spirit of the Constitution, this bill has been designed to expressly provide for that no independent candidate or candidates shall exercise his/their right to join a political party at a subsequent stage after the period specified for the purpose in the Constitution and the law,” the statement reasoned. The bill said that a candidate would be considered an independent instead of a party candidate if he/she did not file a declaration with the returning officer be-
fore the allotment of the election symbol showing their affiliation with a political party through a certificate from the party confirming the same. “An independent candidate shall not be considered as the candidate of any political party at a later stage he files a statement duly signed and notarised, stating that he contested the general elections as a candidate of the political party specified therein.” Another change proposed by the bill says that if any political party failed to submit its list for reserved seats within the prescribed period then it would not be eligible for the quota of reserved seats at a later time. The change proposed said: “Consent for joining of political party by independent returned candidate to be irrevocable. Notwithstanding anything contained in this act or any other law for the time being in force or a judgment, decree or order of any court, including the Supreme Court of Pakistan and a high court, the consent of an independent returned candidate once given for joining a political party for purposes of clause (6) of Article 51 or clause (3) of Article 106 shall be irrevocable.”
Tribal clashes that have been ongoing for the past seven days in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram District, claiming 49 lives and leaving more than 200 people injured, have come to a halt, the deputy commissioner (DC) said on Tuesday. According to the police and district administration, armed clashes between Boshehra and Maleekhel tribesmen began on the evening of July 24. Despite efforts from a jirga of elders from the Hangu and Orakzai districts to secure a ceasefire, fighting continued, with both sides using heavy weapons to target each other’s positions. The hostilities soon spread to other areas, including Peewar, Tangi, Balishkhel, Khaar Kalay, Maqbal, Kunj Alizai, Para Chamkani, and Karman. “Both tribes have agreed to a ceasefire and the clashes have been halted since last night,” Kurram DC Javedullah Mehsud said. “The parties were made to clear their bunkers, and security forces have been deployed, with no gunfire reported at five locations in Kurram District,” he asserted. He added that a ceasefire brokered by jirga members on Sunday was “largely” adhered to, but fighting resumed on Monday. The medical superintendent of the District Headquarters Hospital, Dr. Mir Hassan Jan, reported that the killing of 14 more people on Monday brought the death toll to 49. He revealed that 210 people were injured in the clashes, with at least 12 critically wounded and shifted to Peshawar for treatment. Following Monday’s ceasefire, further efforts to sustain peace in the region are underway. Mehsud added that a grand jirga, Kohat’s General Officer Commanding (GOC) of nine infantry divisions, and Kohat Division’s Deputy InspectorGeneral and Commissioner were present in Parachinar City for peace efforts.
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Chairman Imran Khan has expressed his openness to engage in dialogue with the army, proposing that the army designate a representative for these discussions. “We are prepared to negotiate with the army. Let them appoint their representative, and we will negotiate,” Khan stated during an informal conversation with journalists at the court on Tuesday. Khan clarified that the PTI has never made allegations against the army but has only criticized it when deemed necessary. In his remarks, he also labeled Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz as ‘fascist’. The former prime minister questioned the current political environment, referencing the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. “What is the SIFC? Who is Mohsin Naqvi? It seems an undeclared martial law is in place in the country,” he remarked. He accused Naqvi of being a representative of the army, stating, “Mohsin Naqvi is their representative; he reached his position through their backing.” Khan strongly opposed any dialogue with Naqvi, accusing him and the Inspector General of Punjab Police of oppressing PTI supporters. “I will never talk to Mohsin Naqvi. He, along with IG Punjab, has oppressed our people,” he asserted. Addressing the judiciary, Khan specifically requested Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamir Farooq to recuse himself from his cases to ensure impartiality. “I request Aamir Farooq to withdraw from my cases in accordance with the principles of justice. There are other judges
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
in the high court; transfer the cases to someone else,” he urged. Khan reiterated the PTI’s innocence regarding the May 9 incidents, insisting that CCTV footage would exonerate the party. “Our innocence in the May 9 incidents will be proven through CCTV footage,” he claimed. He maintained that any PTI member found involved should face punishment.
“If any PTI member is involved in the May 9 cases, then he must be punished,” he added. Khan accused the government of trying to destroy the party by creating conflict between the PTI and the army. “The government has only one goal: to destroy our party by instigating a fight between the PTI and the army,” he concluded.
ISLAMABAD
rest and points out that similar cases have previously resulted in bail for Khan. It argues that evidence from social media is insufficient for penal action and claims that Khan’s continued detention is driven by political motivations. The petition stresses that since the only accusation is abetment, and he was not present at the scene, his continued incarceration is unjustified. On July 15, an ATC granted a 10-day physical remand to the police for Khan, though a 30-day remand was requested. Khan challenged this remand in the Lahore High Court (LHC) on July 18 for 12 cases linked to violent attacks last year, seeking to transfer his custody from police to judicial. The LHC issued notices on July 23, requesting the prosecution to justify the remand. On July 25, Justices Tariq Saleem Sheikh and Anwarul Haq Pannun set aside the 10-day physical remand, emphasizing that remand should not be granted without adequate justification. The court also canceled a notification allowing Khan to appear via video link due to security reasons.
– seeks post-arrest bail in May 9 riots cases STAFF REPORT
On Tuesday, Imran Khan, PTI’s founder, sought post-arrest bail from a Lahore anti-terrorism court (ATC) concerning multiple cases from the May 9 riots. This follows the high court’s decision to cancel his physical remand. Already in custody, Khan was re-arrested on July 15, a day after he and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were detained in a new Toshakhana case, following their acquittal in the Iddat case. This new arrest jeopardized his release prospects. Khan’s legal team, led by Barrister Salman Safdar, filed a petition for bail, arguing that the case against him is politically motivated. The petition claims that the accusations of inciting violence were made while Khan was in custody and unable to communicate. The petition outlines ten reasons for granting bail, noting that the main charge is “abetment” related to inciting violence, and asserts that this charge is based on outdated and vague allegations. It highlights a delay of five-anda-half months in seeking his ar-
Police to ihc: Bushra Bibi named in 11 more cases related to may 9 incidents ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday was informed that PTI founder Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, had been implicated in 11 cases pertaining to May 9 riots. The Rawalpindi and Islamabad Police submitted a list to the Islamabad High Court during hearing of a case. The police’s report revealed that Bushra Bibi was arrested on May 9 and she has been nominated in 11 cases filed in Rawalpindi. The report, submitted by the Rawalpindi Police, was reviewed by the court. NAB Prosecutor Rafi Maqsood disclosed that Bushra Bibi faces four cases with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), three registered in Rawalpindi and one in Lahore. The FIA and Balochistan Police have yet to submit their responses, prompting the court to issue further notices to these agencies. Simultaneously, the Accountability Court in Islamabad extended the physical remand of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi for another 10 days in a new Toshakhana reference. Judge Muhammad Ali Waraich presided over the hearing at Adiala Jail Rawalpindi, where NAB requested an additional 14day remand. Bushra Bibi, addressing the court alongside her husband, expressed frustration, saying, “Do what you want to decide; I have left my fate to Allah. NAB is continuously filing false cases against us.”
ihc orders recovery of shahbaz gill’s missing brother in two days ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday the authorities concerned to recover and produce the brother of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shahbaz Gill within two days. The IHC bench headed by Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz issued a written of the hearing. The order read that the Assistant Attorney General informed that the Secretary of Defense’s report was not received due to holidays. “The Secretary of Defense’s attitude is non-serious and slow, which is regrettable,” the order read. The IHC ruled that the ‘regrettable’ attitude of the Secretary of Defense came amid the life of a missing citizen is in danger. The court ordered that Shahbaz Gill’s brother be recovered and produced before it by August 2. IHC seeks expenses details of commission on forced disappearance Separately, the IHC sought details of the expenses of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances. Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri asked if the Commission had taken action against even a low-ranking officer. IHC’s Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani asked if the Commission had taken action against any officer involved in enforced disappearances. “No action was taken against any officer, “the Registrar of the Commission replied. “The Commission issues notices to the Ministry of Defense, and it seems like they are all making a mockery of the people,” Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani remarked. He inquired about the Commission’s monthly expenses. In response, the Registrar said that each of the three commission members is paid the same as a judge of the apex Court. Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri asked if the Registrar is still receiving a pension from his previous job as an Additional Registrar of the Supreme Court along with a salary from the Commission.
JI threatens nationwide protests if demands not accepted RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Tuesday declared that talks with the government scheduled for Wednesday (tomorrow) will be a pivotal moment for the success of the ongoing sit-in protests, cautioning that they would be constrained to escalate protests if the government fails to meet their demands. “If the government fails to meet our demands, we will be left with no option but to escalate protests at various locations, including D-Chowk, and nationwide”, the JI Emir stated while addressing a large rally on the fifth day of the sit-in at Liaquat Bagh on Tuesday. Referring to the popular demand for a sit-in at D-Chowk, Hafiz Naeem warned that if negotiations turn out to be insincere, the protesters would insist on their demands and
would not be deterred by roadblocks or containers. “The JI is committed to its cause, and there will be no compromise on the demands”, he reaffirmed the resolve, urging the government to address grievances related to Independent Power Producers (IPP) and other contentious agreements. The JI chief also criticised the ruling coalition of Pakistan Peoples Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, suggesting that they might face a 'government-toppling' movement if demands are not met. He noted that the current administration’s handling of issues related to middleclass citizens and its approach toward IPPs are crucial concerns. He criticised the notion that the government’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was a solution, branding it as a "lie and fraud."
According to Hafiz Naeem, reducing government expenses and cutting down on luxury vehicles could significantly save the national treasury. He suggested that if high officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and federal ministers, used smaller, less costly vehicles, it could result in a saving of up to Rs300 billion annually in fuel costs alone. The JI chief emphasised the need to abolish taxes on landowners of up to 20 acres while imposing them on those with larger holdings. He also criticised the government’s tax policies and called for a reduction in interest payments. He proposed that by eliminating the curse of interest, the government's interest payments could be reduced from Rs8,500 billion to Rs5 billion. Hafiz Naeem further highlighted the disparity between rising utility bills and insuf-
ficient wage increases, questioning whether the minimum wage of Rs37,000 is being implemented effectively. He accused the government of favouring feudal and capitalist interests and asserted that JI stands for the integration of religion into all aspects of statecraft, including politics, economy, and law. He concluded by emphasising that the specifics of the meeting location are secondary to the core issue of meeting their demands. He announced that protests in Sindh will continue as planned, with a similar sitin in Lahore to be announced soon. Govt delegation On Sunday, a three-member delegation including Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Amir Muqam, and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry met the JI negotiation committee, led by Liaquat Baloch at the Rawalpindi commissioner's of-
fice to hold talks to chalk out a way forward. The politico-religious party has put forward 10 conditions, including renegotiation of agreements with IPPs, for ending its protest sit-in staged against inflation including a massive hike in electricity tariffs. The JI's demands include: Abolition of Petroleum Development Levy on all petroleum products and withdrawal of latest increase in prices of these products. 20% reduction in prices of food commodities, electricity and gas tariffs. Renegotiation of agreements with independent power producers (IPPs) End clause of agreement with IPPs on making payments in US dollars. 50% discount should be granted to power consumers of 500 units Reduction in taxes on agriculture and industrial sectors besides decreasing their financial burden by 50%