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PM ENGAGES COAS AND ALLIES IN EFFORTS TO LOWER ELECTRICITY PRICES Friday, 9 August, 2024 I | 3 Safar, 1446
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COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSIONS AIM TO ALLEVIATE ECONOMIC BURDEN ON HOUSEHOLDS
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TASK FORCE LED BY ENERGY MINISTER AWAIS LEGHARI FINALIZES FRAMEWORK
Govt to terminate contracts with 15 IPPs to reduce electricity costs PROFIT
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RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif has revealed ongoing consultations with the Army Chief and political allies to formulate a comprehensive strategy for reducing electricity prices. Addressing the Ulema and Mashaikh Conference in Islamabad, Sharif highlighted the unprecedented cooperation between the political government and constitutional institutions, emphasizing its importance for the nation’s best interests. The Prime Minister discussed the country’s economic challenges, stressing the need to counter internal threats and misinformation on social media. He condemned the disrespect shown to mil-
itary martyrs and the divisive actions of certain groups, referencing the tragic events of May 9 and historical incidents from 1971. Sharif also addressed the Jamaat-eIslami protests, urging religious leaders to oppose societal divisions and promote national prosperity. He acknowledged the burden of high electricity costs on households consuming 200 to 500 units and emphasized the ongoing efforts to alleviate this burden. PM Shehbaz mentioned recent discussions with Nawaz Sharif, the Army Chief, and political leaders, indicating that a detailed plan is in progress. Despite the challenges, he expressed hope for relief from high electricity prices and announced that Punjab and Sindh would soon make relevant declarations. He reiterated the necessity of the
The Pakistani government has decided to review and terminate agreements with 15 Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to provide relief to the public burdened by high electricity costs, sources revealed on Thursday. Led by Energy Minister Awais Leghari, a task force has finalized a framework to address the issue. The government plans to immediately end contracts with six IPPs established in the 1990s and gradually phase out agreements with nine others. Sources disclosed that contracts with Gul Ahmed Energy Limited, Kohinoor Energy, Liberty Power Project, Tapal Energy Limited, Attock Generation, and KAPCO will be terminated without extension. Additionally, agreements with Lal Pir, Pakgen, Fauji Kabirwala Power, Habibullah Coastal, Japan Power Generation,
IMF programme for achieving economic stability and underscored the commitment of the political govern-
Saba Power, Hubco, Southern Electric Power, and Rousch Power will be phased out over the next three to five years. The government is also preparing a framework for consumers using over 201 units of electricity. The policy regarding the same slab for consumers exceeding 201 units for six months will be revised. Special slabs will be introduced for these consumers, with a proposed rate of Rs26 per unit for those exceeding 201 units. Federal Minister Awais Leghari emphasized the importance of the energy sector for the economy, stating, “We are implementing reforms in the energy sector and will ensure their execution.” He highlighted the need for coordination in implementing these reforms, underscoring the role of the national task force in overseeing the 20-point reform agenda. “The sooner we address these issues, the quicker the economy will stabilize,” he added.
ment, institutions, and the Army Chief to resolve the country’s economic difficulties.
Election Act Amendment Bill 2024 gets presidential assent amid legal wrangling ISLAMABAD
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CII urges Supreme Court to review ruling in Mubarak Sani case ISLAMABAD
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The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has expressed concerns over several clauses in the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the Mubarak Sani case, calling on the apex court’s judges to review their decision. In a statement issued by the CII on Thursday, the council, under the chairmanship of Dr Muhammad Raghib Hussain Naeemi, highlighted its reservations regarding the Supreme Court’s July 24 ruling on the criminal review of the Mubarak Sani case. The council urged the judges to reconsider the verdict. The CII stated that the decision contains aspects that scholars and the council believe do not align with Islamic teachings. The council announced that a detailed report outlining these concerns will soon be submitted to the Supreme Court, noting that the ruling has caused widespread unease among the public. “This is a matter of faith and love for the Prophet (PBUH), rather than legal technicalities,” the statement read. The council emphasised the need for all segments of society to work together to resolve the issue and expressed hope that the honourable Supreme Court will promptly review its decision. The CII also urged the government, particularly the Prime Minister, to play an effective role in addressing the matter.
President Asif Ali Zardari signed the ‘controversial’ Election Act Amendment Bill 2024 which becomes a law. The gazette notification will be issued today (Thursday) as the bill has been sent to the Senate Secretariat. The Senate passed the Election Act Amendment Bill by a majority vote despite protest by the opposition Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) on Aug 6. As the session started with Yousuf Raza Gilani in the chair, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) Senator Talal Chaudhry presented the Election Act Amendment Bill. The opposition members stood on their seats and started protest. The amendment provides that “a candidate who does not submit the party certificate before obtaining the election symbol will be con-
sidered an independent candidate. If the list of candidates for reserved seats is not submitted within the specified period, no political party will be entitled to those seats.” It also provides that any candidate’s declaration of affiliation to a political party will be irrevocable. PTI CHALLENGES THE BILL: The Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) on Wednesday moved the apex court against the Election Act Amendment Bill. The decision was taken a day after the government passed the Election Act Amendment Bill 2024 to deny the PTI reserved seats after the Supreme Court verdict. PTI chief Barrister Gohar Ali Khan approached the Supreme Court through Advocate Salman Akram Raja while making the federal government and the Election Commission of Pakistan respondents in the application. The application said the PTI
had submitted its candidates’ list to the ECP and it must be given the reserved seats in line with the SC July 12 verdict. ECP FILES REVIEW PLEA: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), on the other hand, filed a review petition regarding the Supreme Court’s decision on reserved seats in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) favour. Last month, a 13-member full court bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa delivered a verdict on the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) petition related to reserved seats. Justices Aminuddin Khan and Naeem Afghan had dissented from the majority decision. The Supreme Court had annulled the decisions of the Peshawar High Court and the Election Commission, ordering that the reserved seats be allocated to the PTI.
the £190 million case, Khan predicted that the government’s time is running out. He reiterated that the suggestion he has apologized is false, stating his focus is solely on Pakistan. The PTI founder challenged the government to present evidence of PTI members’ involvement in the May 9 incident if it exists. He vowed to seek an apology and im-
pose penalties if proven true. He also mentioned plans to present witnesses in the Al-Qadir Trust case but declined to disclose their identities for fear of repercussions. Khan emphasized that he would not engage in any deals, despite the government’s attempts to dismantle PTI and allegedly pressuring the military to act against his party.
Imran Khan claims govt has only two months, denies apologizing RAWALPINDI
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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has asserted that the government has just two months left, dismissing claims that he has apologized. In an informal conversation with journalists at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail during the hearing of
LHC questions govt’s disparate treatment with PTI and JI LAHORE
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The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday criticized the government for its disparate treatment with political parties, specifically pointing out differences in its approach towards Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI). During a hearing on PTI’s request for permission to hold a rally in Lahore, Justice Ali Baqar Najafi questioned the government’s policy on political activities, highlighting the differing attitudes towards PTI and JI, which was currently holding a protest. The Punjab government’s lawyer explained that applications for rallies from PTI and two other parties were rejected, while JI is conducting activities without permission. The lawyer admitted to lacking information on any actions taken against JI and noted that political party behavior must be considered when granting rally permissions. Justice Najafi suggested that if there are security concerns, political parties could provide affidavits. If permissions are still denied after such assurances, the law would address the situation. He also questioned the feasibility of not finding suitable venues for rallies, suggesting that even small areas should be available for such activities. The court has instructed the government lawyer to seek further instructions and postponed the hearing until the following day.
Govt-institutions’ cooperation at historic highs: PM Shehbaz ISLAMABAD
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Thursday that the cooperation between the government and institutions was at unprecedented levels. “I want to say this without hesitation that in my 40-year-long political career, I have never seen the level of cooperation between the government and the constitutional institutions that exist today,” PM Shehbaz said while speaking at the Ulema, Mashaikh Conference in Islamabad. The premier’s remarks come as the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led coalition government has been working closely with various institutions, including the army, as it strives to tackle the plethora of challenges including those on the economic and security front. The military, in its 265th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) last month, reaffirmed its resolve to continue full support of ongoing efforts in uplifting socioeconomic growth and wholeheartedly assisting the government in curbing all illegal activities that hamper investors’ confidence, economic stability and growth. Praising the partnership between the of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir and the government in the country’s best interest, the prime minister termed it a role model for the times to come. Stating that he would not talk about previous regimes, the premier underscored the need to address social and economic challenges faced by the country today. Lamenting the collective shortcomings of the 77 years, the PM called for the need to learn from past mistakes and highlight collective successes that have been achieved. Noting that the country hasn’t achieved the status it was destined to, the premier said that “it is still not too late” and that much could be done “if we decide to live our lives according to the guidelines of the Holy Quran”. Without naming anyone, PM Shehbaz fired a broadside at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) while referring to the May 9 riots, which saw military installations including the General Headquarters (GHQ), Lahore’s Corps Commander’s House and other military installations being vandalised by angry mobs after the arrest of party founder Imran Khan, “We have to recognise [reality of] those who claim to be Pakistani but are [actually] engaged in hostile behaviour,” he said. Highlighting the government’s attempts to bring relief to the inflation-weary masses, the prime minister said that efforts are being made day and night to get rid of the economic problems plaguing the country. Stressing that he has been holding consultations with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal BhuttoZardari on the issues faced by Pakistan, the PM said that he even had a conversation with President Asif Ali Zardari.
COAS Gen Asim Munir vows to protect Pakistan from anarchy ISLAMABAD
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Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Thursday pledged to stand resolutely against any attempt to create chaos in Pakistan, asserting the military’s commitment to safeguarding national integrity and upholding the principles of Shariah and the Constitution. Speaking at the Ulema and Mashaikh Conference in Islamabad, General Munir highlighted the severity of corruption, describing it as the greatest crime in the eyes of Allah. He assured that the Pakistan Army is dedicated to eliminating unrest and disorder by divine guidance.
“We will stand before anyone who tries to create chaos in Pakistan, by God,” declared the Army Chief, reinforcing the military’s dedication to preserving peace and stability in the country. General Munir emphasised Pakistan’s longstanding support for Afghan refugees and urged them to maintain peaceful relations with Pakistan. He acknowledged the sacrifices of the Pakhtun community and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in combating terrorism, expressing the Army’s solidarity with them. Addressing extremism, General Munir reiterated the Islamic teaching that “there is no coercion in religion” and condemned the backing of terrorism by criminal mafias.
He warned against the spread of anarchy through social media platforms. Highlighting the sanctity of the Prophethood, General Munir asserted the protection of religious values as paramount. “Pakistan is built to last,” he affirmed, emphasising the nation’s resilience against external threats. Drawing lessons from conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and Libya, he called on religious scholars to promote tolerance and unity. He criticised Western civilisation, encouraging national pride in Pakistani culture. Concluding his address, the COAS touched on the long-standing Kashmir issue and expressed sorrow over the ongoing atrocities in Palestine and Gaza, urging Pakistan to strengthen itself against global challenges.