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BILAWAL SAYS ENGAGING MAULANA KEY TO ADVANCE AS LATTER REJECTS DRAFT AMENDS Thursday, 19 September, 2024 I | 14 Rabi ul Awwal, 1446
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PPP chief reveals his party, JUI-F preparing own drafts, hoping to reach a consensus with Maulana on a single draft
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Rs 50.00 | Vol XV No 72 I 40 Pages I Islamabad Edition
Maulana Fazl completely rejects govt’s proposed draft on constitutional amendments, terming it unacceptable
KPBC warns constitutional package could undermine judicial independence, provincial autonomy
Amendments must not violate Constitution’s core features, warn lawyers ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
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ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
PP Chairman Bilawal BhuttoZardari on Wednesday stated that constitutional amendments were not possible without the support of the JUI-F chief while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council warned the proposed 26th Constitutional Amendment could undermine independence of judiciary and provincial autonomy. Speaking to a private TV channel, Bilawal underscored the importance of building consensus with JUI-F to advance proposed constitutional reforms, saying the PPP would prepare a new draft of constitutional amendments. “The draft of the constitutional amendments doing rounds in the media is not correct, and the PPP would prepare a new draft”, he claimed. Bilawal revealed that JUI-F chief
Maulana Fazlur Rehman was also busy preparing the draft, saying: “We will reach a consensus with Maulana on a single draft.” “JUI-F is drafting its own amendments, and engaging Maulana is critical to moving forward”, the PPP chairman emphasized. “Our effort is to create consensus, and it is important to engage with Maulana Fazlur Rehman. If he agrees, it won’t take more than a month or two to proceed,” Bilawal said. The PPP leader highlighted that the government has already addressed several concerns raised by his party, and he expects mutual acceptance of proposals from all sides. Bilawal also mentioned the government’s proposal to set the Supreme Court judges’ age limit at 67 with a three-year tenure, while JUI-F suggested a lower age limit of 65.
ECP puts off intra-party polls case till Oct 2 following PTI’s request ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) intra-party election case until October 2, after the party sought additional time for submitting requisite documents. A three-member bench, led by ECP Sindh Member Nisar Durrani, carried out proceedings, with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar representing the party. During the hearing, ECP Member Balochistan questioned whether PTI’s intra-party elections were conducted in Chamkani, Peshawar, to which Barrister Gohar clarified that the elections took place in Islamabad. Gohar also sought a 10-day extension to finalise the documentation. The Director General of Political Finance warned that if the results of the intra-party elections were not recognised, PTI could face an uncertain future without an organisational structure. The bench instructed the DG Political Finance to provide further assistance on the matter to which he explained that under Section 208 of the Election Act, there should have been a five-year gap between two intra-party elections, with Barrister Gohar expressing his agreement. Speaking to the media outside after the hearing, Barrister Gohar stressed that PTI had conducted one of the most transparent intra-party elections and urged the ECP to retrieve relevant documents from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). He also criticised the ECP for focusing on PTI while allegedly overlooking the activities of other political parties. Gohar voiced optimism that the next hearing on October 2 would proceed without any further hurdles from the ECP and reiterated PTI’s commitment to the process. Additionally, he announced PTI’s lawyers’ movement against constitutional amendments, marking the party’s continued efforts to challenge legal changes affecting its organisational framework.
Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Shehzad Shaukat, during the All Pakistan Lawyers’ Representative Meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, highlighted that while the parliament holds the authority to amend the Constitution, any such changes must align with its fundamental principles. Reading the joint declaration of the SCBA and the Pakistan Bar Council, Shaukat underscored, “No amendment should conflict with the core features of the constitution.” He also announced the formation of a committee composed of representatives from various lawyers’ councils to review the proposed amendments and ensure they are constitutionally sound. The declaration called for transparency in the amendment process, demanding that the final draft be shared with the lawyers’ representatives before its approval. Furthermore, it asserted that only elected representatives of the The PPP is pushing for a separate committee, as proposed by JUI-F, which would involve parliamentary members, judges, and bar representatives in the appointment process.
legal community have the right to call for strikes. Regarding the proposal to establish a constitutional court, the declaration stressed that this matter should proceed only after consultation with the legal community. It also urged the Supreme Court to schedule a hearing on the SCBA’s petition challenging the court’s decision on Article 63-A. Shaukat expressed his disappointment at the absence of some dissenting lawyers from the meeting, stating, “It would have been constructive if those with differing views had attended and questioned the Federal Law Minister directly.” Responding to the declaration, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar acknowledged the lawyers’ suggestions, assuring that they would be presented to the parliamentary committee. “Your suggestions are valuable, and I will ensure they reach the parliamentary committee. The goal of the judicial reforms is to guarantee justice for the common citizen,” he said. Bilawal expressed optimism about securing support from both JUI-F and PTI to finalise the reforms.
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FO lodges protest against Afghan Consul General’s disrespect of Pakistan’s national anthem ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has lodged a formal protest with the Afghan government and their Embassy in Pakistan, condemning the disrespectful behavior of Afghanistan’s Consul General at an event in Peshawar, calling the act reprehensible. The Foreign Office summoned the Afghan Chargé d’Affaires and lodged a strong protest over the Consul General’s breach of diplomatic etiquette. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, the Consul General’s decision to remain seated during Pakistan’s national anthem was deemed irresponsible and contrary to diplomatic norms. “Disrespecting the host country’s national anthem violates diplomatic protocols,” the spokesperson stated. Afghan Consul General Muhibullah Shakir, who attended the Rahmatul Alamin conference in Peshawar at the invitation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, was accused of disregarding Pakistan’s national anthem by remaining seated, which was seen as a serious diplomatic violation. Sources revealed that Shakir’s official documents are incomplete, and his refugee status expired in
2015. Security and diplomatic experts have criticized the act, calling for Shakir to be declared persona non grata and expelled from Pakistan. In response, a spokesman from the Afghan Consulate in Peshawar clarified that the Consul General did not intend to disrespect Pakistan or its national anthem. The spokesman explained that Shakir remained seated because the anthem was accompanied by music, and had it been performed without music or by children, he would have stood.
IN TODAY’S ISSUE
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US reiterates opposition to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme
irfan.farooq@pakistantoday.com.pk
WASHINGTON AGENCIES
Refusing to support Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, Spokesperson for the United States (US) Department of State Matthew Miller said that it had been the USA’s policy for a long time now. “We have been clear and consistent about our concerns with Pakistan’s ballistic missile program for many years,” US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said at a press brief. “It has been our longstanding policy to deny support to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program, and we will continue to use our sanctions and other – our other tools to ensure our national security cannot be – cannot be impacted, and that the US financial system cannot be used by proliferators,” The spokesperson acknowledged that while the US monitors Pakistan’s missile developments closely, it still considers Pakistan a close partner. “Pakistan has been a long-term partner of ours, and I think what this action shows is that there continue to be places where we have disagreement, and when we have disagreements, we won’t hesitate to act on those to protect America’s interests,” Miller said. Recently, the State Department also imposed sanctions on a Chinese research institute, a Chinese national, and three Chinese companies for allegedly aiding in the spread of dangerous weapons. While the US opposes Pakistan’s missile programme, it approaches India’s long-range missiles programme differently. Both Pakistan and India are non-signatories to the non proliferation treaty (NPT). Islamabad’s missile programme is primarily serves as deterrence against New Delhi while India continues to upgrade its ballisitc weapons arsenal as a detterence against China. The State Department spokesperson highlighted that the Chinese institute had allegedly assisted Pakistan in acquiring equipment for its Shaheen 3 and Ababeel missile systems. Previously, the US State Department imposed sanctions on a Chinese research institute and several companies it said have been involved in supplying Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme. Washington similarly targeted three China-based companies with sanctions in October 2023 for supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan. The sanctions also targeted China-based firms Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Co, Universal Enterprise, and Xi’an Longde Technology Development Co, alongside Pakistanbased Innovative Equipment and a Chinese national, for knowingly transferring equipment under missile technology restrictions, Miller said. Miller said in a statement that the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry had worked with Pakistan to procure equipment for testing rocket motors for the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel systems and potentially for larger systems. “As todays actions demonstrate, the United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern, wherever they occur,” Miller said.
Constitutional amendments aim at giving extension to ‘three umpires’; alleges Imran RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has alleged that a constitutional amendments are being pursued to extend the terms of three top officials, including Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Islamabad High Court’s chief justice, and
the Chief Election Commissioner. Speaking to the media at Adiala Jail, Imran claimed that the government, despite losing previous political battles, is now resorting to these amendments to safeguard fraudulent election results and protect officials in power. “They are amending the constitution to extend the terms of three umpires,” Khan said.
He warned that if Chief Justice Isa is removed, investigations into the May 9 protests and the alleged rigged elections will be launched. Imran criticised the delay in addressing the May 9 events, accusing the government of trying to dismantle his party. He pointed out that he had been targeted with over 140 legal cases before
May 9, adding that attempts to remove him only intensified after the date. Imran expressed concern that if the new chief justice takes office, the true events of May 9 will come to light. He also criticised the government for undermining Pakistan’s judicial and electoral processes and delaying the tribunal decisions on the February 8 election.
Russia supports Pakistan’s BRICS bid, eyes deeper trade ties MOSCOW
STAFF REPORT
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk stated on Wednesday that Moscow supports Pakistan’s inclusion in BRICS. During a joint press conference with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, Overchuk responded positively to questions about Pakistan’s request to join the group of leading emerging market economies. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that discussions with his Russian counterpart focused on expanding economic relations between Pakistan and Russia. During the press conference, he noted that bilateral trade reached $1 billion last year, and both countries prioritise expanding trade ties by addressing logistical and related issues. Dar stressed the potential for energy cooperation with Russia and expressed Pak-
istan’s eagerness to develop connectivity projects, including rail and road networks, between the two nations and beyond. Regarding regional cooperation, he highlighted that Pakistan views Russia as a key player in West, South, and Central Asia, and strengthening mutually beneficial relations with Russia is a priority for Pakistan’s foreign policy. He also mentioned Pakistan’s commitment to working with Moscow towards achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan. Recognising Russia’s historically strong ties with the Muslim world, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and its stance on the Palestine conflict, Dar appreciated Russia’s position that freedom of speech should not be used to disrespect revered figures or religions, as it could hurt the sentiments of the Muslim Ummah. Dar expressed hopes for continued highlevel contacts and reaffirmed Pakistan’s com-
mitment to deepening relations with Russia. On his part, Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk discussed the prospects for collaboration between Pakistan and the Eurasian Economic Union, which includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Caucasia, and Russia. He noted that they discussed opportunities for implementing a free trade agreement between Pakistan and these five countries, looking forward to further discussions to finalise the agreement. Overchuk also stated that the upcoming intergovernmental commission meeting later this year in Russia would provide an opportunity to enhance trade and economic relations between the two countries. He added that their goals and visions for development and economic ties within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization are well aligned, particularly regarding connectivity, climate agenda, food security, energy transition, and energy security.
Moreover, Pakistan and Russia agreed to enhance dialogue and cooperation in various sectors, including trade, industry, energy, connectivity, science, technology, and education.
This consensus was reached during delegation-level talks between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and his Russian counterpart in Islamabad today.