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Court martial proCeedings initiated against lt gen (r) Faiz Hameed: ispr Tuesday, 13 August, 2024 I | 7 Safar, 1446
FORMER SPY CHIEF ‘TAKEN INTO MILITARY CUSTODY’
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ISLAMABAD
PROBE INTO COMPLAINTS LAUNCHED ON APEX COURT’S DIRECTIVES
STAFF REPORT
ORMER intelligence chief Faiz Hameed has been placed under military custody, and proceedings for his court martial have commenced in relation to the Top City housing scheme scandal, according to a statement from the army’s media wing on Monday. The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced in a press release that, “In compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, a thorough court of inquiry was conducted by the Pakistan Army to verify the accuracy of the complaints lodged against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd) in the Top City Case.” The release further stated, “As a result, appropriate disciplinary measures have been initiated against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd) under the provisions of the Pakistan Army Act.” Additionally, the ISPR revealed, “Multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act committed after retirement have also been confirmed. The process for a Field General Court Martial has begun, and Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd) has been taken into military custody.” In April, the military reportedly formed an inquiry committee to investigate the allegations of misuse of authority against the former spymaster, who once led the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI). According to media reports, the committee was established as a demonstration of self-accountability and was chaired by a serving major general. The committee was reportedly created in response to directives from the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Defence. The management of Top City, a private housing scheme, had leveled serious accusations
against the former ISI chief, alleging that he had orchestrated a raid on the offices and residence of its owner, Moeez Khan. In November 2023, the Supreme Court directed the owner of the housing society to approach relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Defence, to address his grievances against the former intelligence chief and his associates. The newly established inquiry committee is expected to compile its findings and submit a report to the relevant authorities, according to the reports. Meanwhile, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has emphasised that the military’s self-accountability system is a strict, transparent, and continuous process that operates without bias. In a statement, the DG ISPR reiterated the rigorous nature of accountability within the military, a point he had previously detailed during a press conference on May 7. He highlighted that this internal process is automatic and always active, ensuring that no one is exempt from scrutiny.
imran Khan warns of protests against attempts to extend CJp isa’s term ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has warned of potential protests if the government disregards decisions concerning reserved seats and attempts to extend the Chief Justice’s term. During an informal discussion with journalists in Adiala Jail, Khan expressed his discontent with the current political climate, comparing Pakistan’s situation to that of Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina. “Our conditions are worse than Bangladesh’s,” Khan claimed. Describing the conditions, the PTI’s supremo noted that Hasina Wajid had appointed her own Army Chief, Chief Justice, and police chiefs while sidelining opposition parties. He drew parallels between these events and Pakistan, stating, “These events have occurred and are occurring in Pakistan as well.” In a critique of the government’s handling of the 9 May incidents, Khan accused the authorities of orchestrating a crackdown on PTI under false pretenses. “The same people who stole footage of 9 May were responsible for the events of that day. Half of our leadership was jailed, while the rest went underground or were coerced out of the party,” stated Khan. The former premier warned that any attempt to extend the Chief Justice’s term or disregard Supreme Court decisions would result in widespread protests. The former Prime Minister further condemned the alleged electoral fraud, stating that the government’s fear of exposure is leading them to place their own judges in tribunals and violate the constitution by not holding elections in two provinces. This, he argued, is a deliberate effort to avoid the scrutiny that would come with reopening constituencies. He warned that the nation is on edge, with the potential for widespread unrest if these issues are not addressed.
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“The higher the rank, the greater the responsibility, and the more stringent the accountability,” the DG ISPR said, underscoring the fairness and seriousness of the process. He further stated, “We take pride in our accountability system, which functions not on allegations but on facts.” TOP CITY CASE: Earlier in April this year, Pakistan Army had constituted a high-level inquiry committee headed by a major general to look into the allegations against Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed that he as Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) director general misused his authority. The inquiry has been ordered in pursuant to the orders of the Supreme Court and in the light of the directives of the Ministry of Defence, according to the people familiar with the development. This is the first formal inquiry ordered against Gen Faiz, who resigned in November 2022, four months before his retirement date. Faiz served as DG C in the ISI and later headed the spy agency. His name
surfaced in many controversies, including the Faizabad Dharna case. Threetime former prime minister Nawaz Sharif named him and Gen Bajwa as the main characters behind his removal through a Supreme Court order. On November 8, 2023, Moeez Ahmed Khan, the owner of Top City, filed a petition in the Supreme Court in which he accused Faiz of misusing his authority. The petition filed by in the Supreme Court stated that on May 12, 2017, on the behest of Gen Faiz, ISI officials raided the top city office and his house. During the raid, valuables, including gold, diamonds and money, were seized from the house by ISI officials, the petitioner alleged. The petition also stated that Sardar Najaf, the brother of Faiz, also contacted him to resolve the issue later. The petition also claimed that Gen Faiz later personally met him to resolve the issue, in which he assured that some of the items which had been taken away by the ISI officials during the raid would be returned. However, 400 tolas of gold and cash will not be returned to him. The petitioner also alleged that the ISI officials extorted Rs4 crore cash from him. Considering the sensitivity of the matter and in view of these serious allegations, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, which included Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faiz Isa, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Aminuddin, heard the case. The Supreme Court observed this was a very serious matter and the serious nature of allegations may damage the image of the entire institution, therefore the matter cannot be ignored. The Supreme Court asked the attorney general to look into the matter and discuss with the relevant authorities.
Elections Amendment Act 2024 challenged in LHC LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
A writ petition was filed in the Lahore High Court challenging the Elections (Second Amendment) Act, 2024 with a request to not only declare it as ultra vires the Constitution but also restrain the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) from allocating the reserved seats for women and non-Muslims to any other political party in the national assembly and the provincial assembly of Punjab. The petition, filed by through advocate Azhar Siddique, contended that it is respectfully prayed that an instant writ petition may be allowed, and the Elections (Second Amendment) Act, 2024 may kindly be declared to be ultra vires the Constitution in its entirety and of no legal effect whatsoever, of course, in the best interest of justice, equity, and fair play. The counsel further maintained that Sections 66 and 104 are procedural laws and, based on judicial/constitutional interpretation, cannot take retrospective effect. Thus, the recent amendments are ultra vires the Constitution. He submitted that the role of the ECP and the previous government, including the caretaker government, has not allowed the process of free, fair, and transparent elections, including but not limited to the issuance of detention orders, registration of cases, and the culmination of different trials based on concocted and fake evidence.
In two such cases, the cypher and Iddat cases, Imran Khan has been acquitted of the charges. Furthermore, the majority judgment of the Supreme Court in August made it clear that a symbol cannot be taken away from a party and was restored to PTI. Therefore, all actions and inactions of the ECP are based on malafide intent, hence, the Amendment Act needs to be declared as ultra vires the Constitution, the petition explained. The judgment passed by the Supreme Court cannot be overruled or violated in view of Article 189, as the same can only be done through a constitutional amendment in view of Articles 51 and 106. The issue of reserved seats rests with the party that contested the election, and in this case, PTI’s candidates were willing to contest the elections on PTI’s symbol but were not allowed to do so by the ECP. Through subordinate legislation, constitutional provisions cannot be violated, and thus the
Amendment Act is ultra vires the above provisions, it added. The amendments made through the Amendment Act are person/party specific. The benefit cannot be taken in view of the principle of proportionality and democratic norms because the present ruling parties are already enjoying the quota of reserved seats, and they cannot be given a right to take away an advantage which is indeed party/person specific. The parliament cannot make an amendment or such a rule that ultimately benefits certain parties to the detriment of one specific party, and in any case, the same violates Articles 17 and 25 of the Constitution. The petition further stated that the actions and inactions on the part of the ECP and the present government undermined the transparency and election process whereby the largest political party and its members were not allowed to contest free, fair, and transparent elections.
Welfare of Balochistan’s people top priority of govt: pm ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Monday held a meeting with a delegation led by President National Party Dr Abdul Malik Baloch and discussed the overall political situation in Balochistan province. Senator Jan Muhammad Jamali and member National Assembly Pullain Baloch were part of the delegation. During the meeting, the prime minister said welfare and well being of the people of Balochistan was the top priority of the government, adding steps were being taken to provide equal opportunities of employment to youth of Balochistan. Dr Abdul Malik Baloch thanked the prime minister for solarization of agriculture tubewells in Balochistan. He said the solarization of agriculture tubewells fulfilled a longstanding demand of farmers of Balochistan and such measures were a positive step towards the development and prosperity of Balochistan. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar and Advisor to Prime Minister for Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah were present in the meeting.
olympic hero arshad nadeem plans for more glory in la 2028 LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
Fresh from his triumphant return from the Paris Olympics, Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s javelin star, is already setting his sights on future glory. Nadeem, who clinched Pakistan’s first Olympic gold in athletics with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters, expressed his aspirations for continued success at the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Celebrated as a national hero, Nadeem received an exuberant welcome upon his return to Lahore and subsequently in his hometown, Mian Channu. His historic victory not only ended a 40-year Olympic gold drought for Pakistan but also positioned him as a prominent figure in international athletics. Reflecting on his journey, Nadeem shared insights into the rigorous preparation and challenges he faced, including a recent surgery that necessitated a careful approach to training and competition. Despite these hurdles, he maintained a focus on his goals, supported by his coach Salman Butt and medical team, including Dr. Ali Sher Bajwa, who assisted him through his recovery. During an appearance on the television show ‘Geo Pakistan,’ Nadeem discussed his strategy and mindset during the competition, emphasizing his methodical approach and reliance on faith and determination, which culminated in his Olympic record throw. He recounted the intense competition, including a friendly rivalry with India’s Neeraj Chopra, who secured the silver medal. Nadeem’s achievements have earned him substantial recognition, including a cash reward of Rs153 million and the prestigious Hilal-i-Imtiaz award. He also highlighted the significant support from the government and the Pakistan Sports Board, which has been instrumental in his athletic development since he transitioned from cricket to javelin throwing. In related news, Sindh’s Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs and Agriculture, Sardar Muhammad Bux Mahar, announced a separate cash prize for Nadeem, totaling Rs3.5 million, in acknowledgment of his exceptional performance and to further encourage his athletic pursuits. As Nadeem navigates the wave of national pride and celebration following his return, he remains focused on his training for future competitions, determined to uphold his status as a beacon of inspiration and success for Pakistan.
Influential sugar mills linked to ruling parties default on Rs23b loans taken from National Bank g
MORE THAN HALF OF DEFAULTED AMOUNT IS BEING ATTRIBUTED TO MILLS OWNED BY OMNI GROUP WHICH IS ALLEGEDLY CLOSE TO PRESIDENT ZARDARI. RAMZAN SUGAR MILLS IS ALSO A MAJOR DEFAULTER EXCLUSIVE PROFIT AHMAD AHMADANI
At least 25 sugar mills owned by influential individuals with ties to the country’s political elite have defaulted on loans worth over Rs 23 billion taken from the state owned National Bank of Pakistan (NBP). The revelations came to light as part of an audit of NBP and revealed a number of major defaulters. Many of these defaulters have strong and often direct ties to government politicians. The sugar industry in Pakistan is one of the most powerful in the country. Almost all of the 91 sugar mills in the country are
owned by household name politicians and their families, all of whom belong to different political parties. Profit has covered the nexus between sugar barons and politicians in the past. Sources familiar with the matter that have shown Profit the relevant documents said that a significant portion of this debt— approximately Rs 12 billion—is attributed to eight sugar mills operated by Anwar Majid’s Omni Group. Mr Majid and his Omni Group came to national prominence some years ago due to their alleged involvement with President Asif Ali Zardari. The group was also the subject of a Supreme Court case that also involved the President. And they aren’t the only ones accused of defaulting. The Sharif family’s Ramadan Sugar Mill is another notable defaulter, with
an outstanding loan of Rs 2.59 billion. Meanwhile, Ramzan Sugar Mill has failed to repay a loan of Rs 62 crores to the National Bank, further compounding the institution's financial woes. The situation has brought to light the dire state of debt recovery and financial management within the National Bank, raising concerns about the potential waiver of these massive debts, said sources. According to available documents, NBP has admitted its failure to collect these debts, acknowledging the losses incurred due to its inability to secure repayment. The Auditor General has criticised the National Bank for its negligence in not securitizing these loans as per policy, pointing to weak financial management and a lack of accountability within the institution.
During the audit of NBP for the year 2022, it was observed that the management granted advances/loans of Rs 15.28 billion to various sugar mills. However, the management failed to recover the amount of loans from the said sugar mills and the amount was shown as a loss. This indicated that the loans/advances were not properly secured as per prevailing policies of State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) which resulted in non-repayment of loans of Rs 23.35 billion (a principal of Rs 15.28 billion and interest of Rs 8.07 billion), said the available document. The audit was of the view that non-recovery of loans tantamount to gross negligence and weak financial management by
the NBP authorities resulted in massive loss to the bank, read the document. Sources also said that this failure in debt collection is poised to lead to significant financial losses for the bank, with the possibility of waiving both the loan amounts and the accrued interest now under consideration. As per sources, the potential waiver of these loans has sparked outrage, as it would set a precedent for influential individuals and entities to escape financial accountability, further eroding public trust in the banking system. This is not the first time that sugar mills owned by powerful figures have had their debts waived, raising questions about the fairness and transparency of the financial system, they added.