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DesPITe ConCerns, PTI To aTTenD aPC on oPeraTIon azM-e-IsTehKaM: IMran Saturday, 6 July, 2024 I |29 Zil-Hajj, 1445
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 6 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
KHAN SAYS NEW ANTI-TERRORISM OPERATION g PTI, JUI-F, ANP HAVE ALREADY VOICED WOULD ONLY LEAD TO ‘FURTHER INSTABILITY’ CONCERNS OVER MILITARY OPERATION
No obstacles in convening APC: PM Coordinator
P
RAWALPINDI
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
AKISTAN Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan said Friday that his party would participate in the all-parties conference (APC) in which the government is expected to take political parties into confidence over Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. “My party will participate in the all-parties conference and hear what the government has to say,” the PTI founder told reporters as he appeared in a case at Rawalpindi’s Adiala
jail, where he is imprisoned. The PTI founder, while noting that his party has reservations over the new anti-terrorism action, said it would “only lead to further instability” in the country. With terrorism on the rise, the government has launched a reinvigorated and re-energised national counter-terrorism drive, which would be intelligencebased operations’ focused. Khan’s comments came after media reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to organise an APC “to gain political parties’ confidence” in newly announced Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.
KP govt to intervene if Maryam’s Punjab govt keeps on suppressing PTI: Gandapur PESHAWAR
STAFF REPORT
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur criticsed Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, saying, “Our ancestors freed us from the British, and we will free ourselves from these looters. If Maryam Nawaz continues to oppress people in Punjab, K-P will go to Punjab to support the people.” Addressing a protest rally organised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Mansehra, he issued a stern warning to Pervez Khattak, stating that if he testifies against Imran Khan as an approver, he will not be allowed to stay in K-P. “If Pervez Khattak decides to testify against Imran Khan or makes any statement, living in this province will become impossible for him,” he added. Gandapur cautioned, “Fear the day when Imran Khan gives the call, your future generations will remember it. If Imran Khan loses confidence in the institutions, we will take justice and our rights into our own hands.” He added, “I proclaim that Bajwa is a traitor, and anyone who acts like Bajwa will be called a traitor. ” The CM urged the institutions not to interfere in this political struggle, emphasising that Imran Khan is peaceful for the sake of the country and the nation. “The day Imran Khan calls us, we will come out in full force. The penalty for breaking the Constitution is death, and we will punish those who break the Constitution according to the law,” he warned. He reiterated, “The day we believe that justice will not be served, and we take the law into our own hands, let’s see who stands in our way. People should not thank me for developmental work, as it is their right. Thank me when I bring Imran Khan back among the people.” Gandapur appealed to the judiciary for justice, saying, “If the chief justice cannot provide justice, he should recuse himself from our cases. This country, obtained by our ancestors, belongs to all of us. The atrocities being committed against our party are unprecedented in the world.” The CM further criticised the oppression against PTI, attributing it to Imran Khan’s refusal to accept subjugation, and his stand for national sovereignty and the supremacy of Islam. “We do not want to remain enslaved; we want freedom. If we are not given freedom, we will take it by force, and we will hold accountable every single day of Imran Khan’s unjust imprisonment.”
ISLAMABAD: Coordinator to Prime Minister, Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan said on Friday that there were no obstacles in convening an All Parties Conference (APC). Speaking to a private news channel, he clarified that the confusion surrounding the APC was being spread by those who seek political and economic instability in the country. He said that elements thriving on chaos and division were the ones propagating this confusion. He further said that the inclusion of leaders from all political parties in the APC would fortify efforts to ad-
dress national concerns. "It has become imperative for all political parties to unite on national issues," he said. The federal government is consulting both coalition partners and opposition parties about convening the APC, he added. "It is very important for everyone to come together on national issues," he reiterated. He expressed confidence that the APC would provide a platform for meaningful dialogue and consensusbuilding, essential for the country's stability and progress. STAFF REPORT
PM Shehbaz will hold consultations to decide on the date of the APC, the sources said, adding that the date would be announced later. The federal cabinet last week approved the launching of the counter-terrorism operation following the National Action Plan’s Central Apex Committee’s recommendations to turn up the heat on militants targeting Pakistan. However, opposition parties includ-
ing the PTI, Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam Fazl (JUI-F), Awami National Party (ANP), and others have voiced concerns over the military operation, demanding that parliament must be taken into confidence before taking any such decision. In response to the criticism, the PMO had clarified that “no large-scale military operation is being launched” in the country.
PPP to fully participate in govt convened APC, confirms Bilawal QUETTA
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has assured the federal government of his party’s participation in the All Parties Conference (APC) on Operation Azm-e-Istahkam. Speaking to media representatives in Quetta on Friday, he said, “The Pakistan People’s Party will actively participate in the APC and send representatives to raise issues concerning the situation and law and order in Balochistan”. Emphasising PPP’s longstanding stance against terrorism, Bilawal reiterated the party’s demand for permanent eradication of terrorism. He pointed out that poverty, inflation, and unemployment are the biggest challenges facing the public, and despite Balochistan’s limited resources, efforts must be made to provide relief to the people.
Bilawal announced plans to establish a modern transplant hospital in Nasirabad similar to the Gambat Institute in Sindh, initiate the Peoples Bus Service in Balochistan, and provide solar energy to the poor. He further stressed providing low-cost electricity through publicprivate partnerships, alongside government efforts. During the interaction, Bilawal lauded the performance of Balochistan’s Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and provincial ministers, while also discussing future development plans. He acknowledged the Balochistan government’s efforts, in collaboration with political parties and stakeholders, to establish law and order in the province. ‘Nation still paying for July 5, military coup’ Earlier in the day, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari asserted that some individuals among
them were advocates of dictatorship. Commenting on the July 5 incident when prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s government was toppled by a second military coup. “Today was the day when a dictator overthrew the government of an elected PM Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as a result and the country had paid a heavy price for this misadventure”, the PPP chairman said. He claimed that black day led to crises like terrorism, extremism, Kalashnikov and drug culture. “We are still facing the challenges today created by that black day,” he added. Former foreign minister disclosed that some individuals were still in favour of dictatorship despite facing its countless repercussions. Bilawal quoted the oppression of democrats during the Gen Zia era, democrats, liberals and patriots were oppressed and faced imprisonment, flogging, exile and executions.
PTI seeks CJP’s recusal from benches hearing Khan, PTI’s cases ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership expressed distrust in the Chief Justice of Pakistan and demanded his recusal from the benches hearing related to PTI and its Founding Chairman Imran Khan and vowed that they would continue their fight for the restoration of constitutional supremacy and rule of law despite all odds. Addressing a press conference along with PTI senior leadership including Shamim Naqvi, Shandana Gulzar, Shoaib Shaheen and Shaukat Basra, PTI Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan said that the CJP should recues himself from all PTI related cases because justice could not be done in his presence in the benches. He said that PTI Chairman-for-life also categorically expressed his distrust in the CJP but ironically he sat in all benches despite his clear bias against Khan and PTI, which was quite visible from his conduct. “Now we are sure that we will not get justice, as Justice Gulzar’s led five-member bench also said that Qazi Faez Isa could not hear our cases, our lawyers believe that we will not get justice, so our cases should be heard by someone else,” he added Raoof strongly condemned the abduction of Rizwan Ahmed, a senior member of PTI’s media department while coming from his home to office, adding it was another living example of state repression, terrorism and fascism. “After the murderous attack on me, this cruelty and brutality shows that the state wants to paralyze the media department of the party so that Imran Khan and PTI’s narrative cannot reach the people,” he maintained. However, he made it clear that each and every one of them would resist this fascism like soldiers and would reach his narrative to the people as long as they were alive despite all adversarial circumstances. PTI CSI revealed that they came to know that Rizwan was abducted by FIA and they would move the court to ensure his earliest release. Raoof stated that they were fighting against the state fascism as they had never seen such a tyranny during the past 75 years. He made it clear that PTI would hold Tarnor jalsa, as they got the NOC after great and long struggle. Speaking on the occasion, Shoaib Shaheen vowed said that they would continue their struggle for the supremacy of the constitution and rule of law despite all odds, as the puppet government was hell-bent to deprive them of their legal and constitutional rights. He noted that they wanted the decisions should be made based on law and constitutions hence they wanted CJP should not sit in benches hearing Khan’s cases, as they had already raised legal and constitutional objections on his presence in all such benches; hence he should not sit in benches hearing Khan cases in future because he expressed his noconfidence in Qazi.
Punjab seeks Army, Rangers deployment for Muharram security LAHORE
SALEEM JADOON
The Punjab government on Friday sought the deployment of Pakistan Army and Rangers personnel to assist the Punjab Police in maintaining “peace and tranquillity” during Ashura-e-Muharram. On the hand, Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar stated that a comprehensive security plan has been devised for foolproof security of more than 38,000 Majalis and over 10,700 processions to be held across the province during Ashura-e-Muharram. “More than 457,000 police officers and personnel will perform security duties across the province from Muharram 1st to Youm-e-Ashur,” he informed.
The spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department, in a statement, said the provincial government had sought the deployment of 150 Army and Rangers contingents in view of the requirements of different districts. He said that a letter had been written to the Interior Ministry in line with the police’s request for assistance in maintaining security. “The services of 60 Army contingents and 81 Rangers contingents have been sought through the letter”, he added. “The law enforcement agencies (LEAs) will render best possible services for the peaceful observance of Muharram,” the statement said. Punjab Police finalize Muharram Security Plan
Meanwhile, the Punjab Police devised the plan for comprehensive security of mourning processions and Majalis across the province. According to Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar, more than 38,000 Majalis and over 10,700 processions will be held across the province during Ashura-e-Muharram. “More than 457,000 police officers and personnel will perform security duties across the province from Muharram 1st to Youm-e-Ashur “, he informed, elaborating that police personnel would be deployed according to the number of processions and Majalis on daily basis during Ashura-e-Muharram. Meanwhile, over 28,000 officers and personnel will be deployed for Muhar-
ram security in the provincial capital. The IGP said that over 66,000 volunteers will also assist in the security of Majalis, and more than 45,000 volunteers will help in security arrangements for processions. The personnel of CTD, Special Branch, Traffic Police, Dolphin, PERU, and other field formations will perform their duties under the Muharram security plan. Dr Usman said that 633 points across the province and 283 points in Lahore have been declared as sensitive. Similarly, 54 points in Lahore have been marked as highly sensitive, and 229 points as sensitive. Across the province, 586 points are sensitive overall, with 146 points deemed highly sensitive, where additional personnel will be deployed, he added.
Top military brass concerned about ‘unwarranted criticism, deliberate misrepresentation’ of Azm-e-Istahkam’ RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Top military brass expressed concern over ‘what it described’ as unwarranted criticism and deliberate misrepresentation of the ‘vision Azm-e-Istahkam’ for vested interests, emphasizing that Azm-e-Istahkam aims at synchronising national counter-terrorism efforts to dismantle terrorism and illegal activities for enduring stability and economic prosperity. This declaration was made during the 265th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC), presided over by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir at GHQ in Rawalpindi on Friday, according to a statement by the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Last month, the government announced the operation after a meeting of the Central Apex Committee of National Action Plan, vowing to unleash the full force of the coun-
try’s military, diplomatic, legislative, and socio-economic arsenal to decisively defeat terrorism and extremism. But, the announcement was met by fullthroated criticism from opposition parties, including the PTI, Jamiat Ulema-i-IslamFazl and Awami National Party — both inside Parliament and outside — with the KP chief minister even denying that any such thing had been discussed during the apex committee meeting. According to the ISPR statement, the CCC conducted a comprehensive review of the internal and external security situation, with detailed discussions on “Azm-e-Istehkam.” The military leadership affirmed its awareness of the full spectrum of challenges and resolved to shoulder its constitutionally mandated responsibilities with the support of the resilient people of Pakistan. The forum also deliberated on the regional security situation, particularly
Afghanistan, reaffirming its commitment to regional peace and security. The CCC participants paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifices of the Shuhadas of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies, and citizens who have laid down their lives for peace and stability in the country. The top military brass of Pakistan underscored the onslaught of politically motivated ‘digital terrorism’, orchestrated by conspirators and their foreign cohorts, to undermine state institutions. The Armed Forces, along with the nation, stand united in defeating these malicious designs, the ISPR statement said. Solidarity was expressed with the people of Kashmir and Palestine, condemning human rights violations, war crimes, and genocide in Kashmir and Gaza. The forum reiterated its support for ongoing efforts to uplift socioeconomic growth and assist the government in curbing illegal activities that hamper investor confidence,
economic stability, and growth. Expressing satisfaction with the Army’s commitment to national security, the COAS stressed maintaining high standards of professionalism and operational preparedness.
Gen Munir concluded by stating that the Pakistan Army remains fully prepared to thwart all internal and external challenges and play its role in the stability and prosperity of Pakistan, regardless of the challenges posed.