In partnership with
Profit
PM sHeHBAz, PresIDent eMoMAlI vow to CeMent PAkIstAn-tAjIkIstAn tIes Wednesday, 3 July, 2024 I |26 Zil-Hajj, 1445
g
TWO LEADERS SIGN ‘STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT’ TO UPGRADE BILATERAL TIES TO LONG-TERM STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
P
DUSHANBE
g
TWO SIDES SIGN SEVERAL AGREEMENTS/MOUS IN AVIATION, DIPLOMACY, EDUCATION, SPORTS, PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE LINKAGES, INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION, TOURISM, ETC
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon on Tuesday expressed satisfaction over the existing fraternal ties and reaffirmed to continue their joint efforts to further strengthen Pakistan-Tajikistan ties. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the existing fraternal ties between the two countries which were based on a shared history, culture, geographical contiguity and common faith. On the bilateral front, the two leaders discussed the entire range of bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Tajikistan, including trade and economy, investment, connectivity, culture, education, science & technology, defence, humanitarian assistance, parliamentary exchanges, and people-to-people contacts. During the meeting, Premier Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the vast potential for foreign investment in Pakistan’s energy, mining, industry, agriculture, and other sectors. “Pakistan offers immense potential for foreign investment in numerous sectors,” Prime Minister Shehbaz stated, inviting Tajikistan to explore these opportunities. President Rahmon underscored the cordial and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan. The leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in various fields and improve regional connectivity
and linkages between their peoples. The prime minister who is on a twoday official visit to Tajikistan on the invitation of the president of Tajikistan, met the Tajik president. Earlier, the official welcoming ceremony was held at Qasr-e-Millat where upon arrival, the president of Tajikistan received the prime minister, and he was given a guard of honour. The leaders introduced their respective delegations, which included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi. The welcome ceremony was followed by a tete-a-tete meeting and dele-
Bushra Bibi gets pre-arrest bail in £190m corruption reference RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Former first lady and spouse of Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi on Tuesday granted pre-bail by the Islamabad Accountability Court in Islamabad Judge Muhammad Ali Waraich at Adiala Jail Rawalpindi. On Tuesday, Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Ali Warraich presided over the hearing of the case while Advocate Salman Safdar, Advocate Zahir Abbas Ch and Advocate Usman Riaz Ghul appeared on behalf of Bushra Bibi and former premier Imran Khan. NAB Prosecutor General Sardar Mazhar Abbasi, Amjad Parvez, Irfan Bhola, and others appeared on the watchdog’s behalf. During the hearing, Bushra Bibi’s lawyers submitted a bail request for her in the case. The decision comes after Deputy Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi argued against the necessity of her arrest, noting that the Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had not issued an arrest warrant. Sardar Muzaffar emphasized that without an arrest warrant, the bail application remains valid, highlighting a similar situation from ten months prior when no arrest warrant was issued for Bushra Bibi. The judge reserved his verdict decision on the bail application after the completion of arguments by both sides and later approved the request after a brief recess. During the hearing, statements from NAB’s three additional witnesses were recorded to complete the evidence. Later, the court adjourned further proceedings on the reference until July 5th. During the recent hearing, defence lawyers completed the crossexamination of three prosecution witnesses, bringing the total number of witnesses cross-examined in the case to 27. In December 2023, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had filed a corruption reference against Khan and seven others, including his wife, in connection with the Al-Qadir University Project Trust.
gation level talks, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release. During the talks, the two leaders exchanged views on a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. The two leaders signed the ‘Strategic Partnership Agreement’, which upgrades bilateral relations to the level of a longterm strategic partnership. The two leaders underlined that the upgradation in bilateral relations would open new vistas of opportunities to further expand multifaceted cooperation. To further deepen and diversify bilateral relations, the two sides signed a number of Agreements/MoUs in the fields of aviation, diplomacy, education, sports, people to people linkages, indus-
trial cooperation, tourism, etc. The prime minister also apprised the President of Tajikistan about deteriorating situation of human rights in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) and attempts of the Indian government to change the demographic structure of IIOJK. Both leaders also expressed their serious concern over the ongoing situation in Gaza where Israeli atrocities have resulted in the killing of thousands of innocent Palestinians, including women and children. The two leaders urged the international community to redouble efforts to end the violence and bring peace in the region. “The visit of the prime minister has reinforced the continuation of regular bilateral engagements at the highest-level and marks a significant step towards elevating the longstanding and multifaceted relationship between the two brotherly countries, to the next-level,” the press release added. Prime Minister Shehbaz also laid a wreath at the monument of Tajikistan’s national hero Ismail Somoni, a revered historic figure who significantly developed the region during his rule in the 9th and 10th centuries. Earlier, upon landing at Dushanbe airport, Prime Minister Shehbaz was welcomed by Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda, Energy Minister Daler Juma, Deputy Foreign Minister Farrukh Sgarifzoda, Tajik Ambassador in Islamabad Yousuf Sharifzoda, Pakistan Ambassador in Dushanbe Saeed Sarwar, and senior diplomatic officers.
Intelligence agency no authority to interfere in jail matters: Imran ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday criticised the alleged interference of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in civilian matters, emphasizing that the intelligence agency has no authority in civil matters or judiciary interference. “The prison superintendent is following ISI orders, leading to the transfer of two officers to ensure no leniency is shown to me,” former premier Imran Khan alleged while talking media talk inside Adiala Jail On Tuesday. The incarcerated former prime minister said: “We have filed a petition in court questioning the presence of ISI Majors and Colonels in Adiala Jail.” Talking about the results of the February general elections, the PTI founder expressed confusion stating, “Five months have passed since the elections, and I still do not know who won or lost.” He also spoke about the recent resolution by the US Congress on alleged election irregularities in Pakistan highlighting that it had passed with 85% support. “Even the most powerful Israeli lobby has never managed such a resolution. The US conducted thorough research before
DOHA
STAFF REPORT
In a meeting in Doha on Tuesday, leaders of the Afghanistan interim government engaged with Pakistani officials, aiming to alleviate tensions exacerbated by the ongoing activities of the Tehreeke-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is believed to operate from Afghanistan. The bilateral relations have been tense, not only due to the TTP issue but also because of frequent border clashes. Tensions escalated last week following comments by Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, suggesting possible strikes on TTP hideouts in Afghanistan, which provoked a sharp response from the Afghan defense ministry. In efforts to mend ties, the Pakistani mission in Qatar hosted a dinner for the Afghan delegation on the sidelines of the Doha-III conference. This gathering was part of a series of discussions aimed at addressing bilateral concerns. Zabihullah Mujahid, leader of the Taliban delegation, termed the discussions with Pakistani representatives, including special representative Asif Durrani, as positive. “We had a good meeting… I am grateful for their hospitality and hope for good and positive relations for both countries,” Mujahid shared on the X platform. Durrani highlighted that the dialogue covered topics related to the Doha-III conference, bilateral and regional issues. Muhemmed Aejaz, Pakistan’s ambassador in Qatar, echoed the sentiment of fraternity and shared goals, emphasizing the mutual desire for regional peace and security. Additionally, the conference saw a quadrilateral meeting involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Qatar, focusing on the Trans-Afghan Railway project. This project aims to connect South and Central Asia, enhancing regional connectivity. “All sides called for the early start and completion of this significant project,” stated Mujahid. Durrani also advocated for increased international engagement with Afghanistan’s interim government and the release of frozen Afghan assets. The issue of Afghan refugees was also a priority, with discussions on creating conditions conducive for their return to Afghanistan. Since the Taliban’s ascent to power in August 2021, nearly 700,000 Afghans have sought refuge in Pakistan.
IHC writes to X, seeking help in identifying people behind judge’s data leak ISLAMABAD
approving this resolution.” He cited reports from PILDAT and FAFEN confirming electoral fraud, alleging that the chief election commissioner was appointed to cover up these irregularities. “The entire country says it was a fraudulent election,” Imran stated. “The world is echoing what the commissioner of Rawalpindi and former Prime Minister Kakar told Hanif Abbasi.” He claimed that retired judges are being appointed to tribunals to secure favourable decisions. Khan also urged the SC to scrutinise the Election Commission’s role in reserved seats. Earlier in the day, the SC’s Justice Athar Minallah has said that
the Election Commission Pakistan (ECP) misinterpreted a previous court decision, and had denied the ‘Bat’ symbol to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Imran continued, “In any democracy, one party’s seat cannot be given to another.” He predicted increased poverty and debt under the current government, suggesting that only investments from overseas Pakistanis could save the country. “Professionals are leaving the country due to the current conditions,” he added. Regarding a forward bloc within PTI, Imran dismissed it as a significant issue, praising Omar Ayub’s services to the party.
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the State Department, referred to the UN’s findings on the illegality of Khan’s detention and deferred back to the UN for further details. He stated that the US would not provide further assessment on this issue.
The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday sought social media platform X’s assistance in identifying the people behind leaking the data of Justice Babar Sattar’s family. through the foreign ministry issued a letter to the chief legal officer of social media platform X seeking the microblogging site’s assistance in identifying the people behind leaking Justice Babar Sattar’s family data. The development comes when a larger bench of the IHC ordered its registrar to write to the chief legal officer of social media platform X through the Foreign Ministry, seeking its assistance to provide the required information to Pakistan’s investigating agencies in connection with the case. The letter added that X could send its representative before the IHC if it wanted, noting that it would be a commendable move. Through the letter, X was informed that the data of IHC’s Justice Sattar and his family had been leaked using its platform. The IHC stressed the need for X to provide the links to the government if it was an organised campaign against the judge. The letter also highlighted that X had assisted India and the UK in the past. Earlier during the hearing of the case, Additional Attorney General (AAG) Munawar Iqbal Dugga informed the court that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cybercrime Wing had indicated the involvement of 39 social media accounts in leaking Justice Sattar’s personal data.
Imran’s detention Pakistan’s ‘internal matter’: US WASHINGTON
STAFF REPORT
trials that adhere to constitutional and international standards. Additionally, the US State Department weighed in on the matter, labeling Khan’s detention as Pakistan’s internal affair. During a press briefing, Vedant Patel,
Doha conference hosts crucial talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan to improve relations
STAFF REPORT
Law minister defends handling of Imran Khan’s detention against international scrutiny Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Tuesday addressed the detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, emphasizing that it is strictly a domestic issue for Pakistan. The statement comes amid international scrutiny over Khan’s imprisonment with a UN human rights working group recently declaring that Khan’s detention is arbitrary and breaches international law, urging his immediate release. In response, Minister Tarar reiterated Pakistan’s status as a sovereign nation, asserting that legal proceedings are conducted independently by the judiciary. He affirmed that Imran Khan is being treated in accordance with the law, with all his rights safeguarded under both national and international norms. Tarar also noted that any judicial relief granted to Khan in various cases demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to conducting transparent and fair
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 3 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
The US State Department has said that the detention of former prime minister Imran Khan is an internal matter for Pakistan. Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department, remarked during a recent press briefing. The Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the State Department held a broader discussion during the press briefing and also touched upon various concerns involving Pakistan and Afghanistan. Patel addressed the United Nations arbitrary detention committee’s declaration that Khan’s detention was illegal and deferred to the UN for further clarification on their statement, emphasising that the US has no additional assessment to offer on the matter. The department further reiterated its call for Pakistan to respect human rights
and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and freedom of religion. “We urge the government of Pakistan to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of expression, freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and the freedom of religion as well,” he said. To a question about the credibility of Pakistani elections and allegations of massive rigging, Patel said Pakistani elections continued to be an area of focus for the US. “This is something that we have continued to raise with our partners in Pakistan. Yes, that continues to be an area of focus of ours.” Yesterday, a UN human rights working group stressed that the former premier’s detention is arbitrary and in violation of international law, adding the jailed politician should be released immediately.