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Asif denies AMENDMENT BILL AIMING AT INCREASING Khawaja PML-N’s intent to negotiate with PTI SC JUDGES TABLED IN SENATE Tuesday, 3 September, 2024 I | 28 Safar, 1446
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SENATOR QADIR TABLES BILL, HIGHLIGHTING GROWING BACKLOG OF CASES IN SC
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OPPOSITION OPPOSES AMENDMENT BILL, LAW MINISTER DEFENDS PROPOSAL
Law minister rebuffs speculations on extension in CJP Isa tenure ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
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ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
N amendment bill to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of Pakistan was tabled in the Senate on Monday. Senator Abdul Qadir introduced the bill during a session chaired by Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani. Senator Qadir highlighted the growing backlog of cases in the Supreme Court, citing the shortage of judges as a primary cause. “Due to the limited number of judges, cases take years to be scheduled. Hundreds of tax-related cases involving billions of rupees are pending in courts, while we are forced to seek financial aid from other countries to meet our national needs,” he said. Opposition members opposed the amendment bill, prompting Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar to defend the proposal. “Dismissing the bill without reading it is not a constructive approach. We have received a request from the Peshawar government to increase the number of judges by ten, despite the fact that the provincial government is run by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). We are still willing to allocate ten additional judges there,” Tarar stated.
PTI Senator Ali Zafar criticised the bill, alleging that it aimed to interfere with the judiciary. “By introducing such bills, there is an attempt to manipulate the judiciary. I have made it clear on behalf of PTI that Senator Abdul Qadir is being used for this purpose. We are willing to increase the number of judges by two, but not more than that,” Zafar said. Senator Saifullah Abro added that there seemed to be an ulterior motive behind the sudden move to increase the number of judges. “They are troubled by the Supreme Court’s decision regarding PTI seats. First, they should honour the court’s de-
Federal Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar on Monday rebuffed speculations centred on the imminent retirement of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, saying that the top judge does not want extension in his tenure. The top judge is set to retire in October this year, but as his retirement draws near, rumours of an “extension” in his tenure through judiciary-centric legislation in parliament have been rife. However, the Centre has time and again denied these reports, saying that nothing as such was on the cards as CJP Isa has “no interest” in getting an extension. The legal experts say there is no constitutional mechanism for such an extension without amendments to the Constitution. Even if the government wants such an amendment, it would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament, which is a challenge in the light of recent Supreme
Court verdict on reserved seats favouring Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). “The two-thirds majority should be discussed when an extension has to be granted,” Tarar said while addressing an event in Islamabad. He said that the chief justice “clearly told me and the attorney general that he doesn’t want an extension”. The minister said that CJP Qazi Faez Isa is a respectable person and it was not appropriate to repeatedly say that he is seeking an extension. “I request the media persons to talk about some other topic as it was unnecessary to discuss the top judge’s extension repeatedly,” he added. As stated earlier by the law minister, the principle of seniority will be followed in the appointment of a new top judge of the country. Senior Puisne Judge Mansoor Ali Shah is next in line to become the country’s top judge. The speculations about CJP Isa’s extension gained attraction after the PTI sought an early issuance of notification regarding the next chief justice of Pakistan (CJP), last month.
cisions and implement them. Before expanding the judiciary, they must respect
the Supreme Court and return the seats to PTI,” Abro argued.
the light of Article 63 of the Constitution,” Gohar said while speaking to the media on Monday. It may be noted that the controversial apex court judgment of July 2022 on former Punjab chief minister Pervaiz Elahi’s petition prevents lawmakers from defying party lines in constitutional votes, effectively limiting the government’s ability to secure additional votes through defections. Moreover, speaking about the matter of parleys between the opposition
and the government, the PTI chairman said that a dialogue should be held. The PTI chief said his party has also clarified with whom the talks should be held. “PTI founder has given the mandate to hold the talks with political parties to Mahmood Achakzai and it is his prerogative to decide the point which should be talked on,” he added. Gohar further stated that if the party will consider any suggestions presented by the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chairman.
PTI to oppose any amendment regarding judiciary ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that the party has decided to oppose any amendment bill regarding the judiciary and all their members of parliament have been officially notified about it. “None of our MNA or senator will vote in the favour of the proposed amendments. Every MNA has been individually instructed in this regard in
PM seeks enhanced collaboration with China in key sectors
SC orders closure of stone crushing plants ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 58 I 8 Pages I Karachi Edition
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has taken an important decision regarding environmental pollution, by ordering strict action against the illegal crush plant in Khanpur area of Haripur. The trial was conducted by a three-member bench headed by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah. In which Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan were also included. The petitioners had challenged Rule 2(c) and Schedule-IV of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Power Crushers (Installation, Operation, and Regulation) Rules, 2020 for being unconstitutional. The petitioners contended that these laws are against Sections 7 and 19 of the KP Power Crushers Act, 2020 and Articles 9, 23, 24 and 25 of the Constitution. The main issue in this case was the severe environmental pollution being caused by the stone crushing machines at Sarj Gali, Khanpur Tehsil, which was detrimental to the health of the local population. The Supreme Court, in a judgment authored by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, emphasised the adverse effects of illegal power crushers on the environment and health of the citizens residing in the area.
ISLAMABAD
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that Pakistan aims to enhance its collaboration with China in areas such as information technology, artificial intelligence, modern agriculture, and other sectors. In a conversation with Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, the prime minister remarked that the friendship between Pakistan and China has endured and remained strong throughout the years. He stated that the friendship between Pakistan and China has withstood the test of time, with China providing unwavering support to Pakistan during every challenging period. The prime minister praised the Chi-
nese leadership's vision to consistently enhance Pakistan-China strategic relations and collaborate on upgrading the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He emphasized that the friendship between Pakistan and China is essential not only for both
nations but also for regional and global peace and development. Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and other relevant officials were also present in the meeting.
ices has chalked out a complete action plan for prevention of Mpox (monkeypox) and the advisory will be issued soon. Talking to private news channel here on Monday, he said that advisory will be issued with the support and coordination of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmed said that through these ministries, the overseas Pakistanis and pilgrims will be informed about the complete guidelines of this virus.
Health Ministry’s advisory for Mpox prevention to be issued soon: Dr Mukhtar ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed has said that the Ministry of Health Serv-
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif has refuted media claims that PML-N President Nawaz Sharif directed his party to engage in talks with all political factions, including PTI, to resolve the country’s crises. Speaking on Geo News’ ‘Naya Pakistan’ on Sunday, Asif dismissed the reports, stating that Nawaz did not address political negotiations during the meeting in question. According to Asif, the meeting focused solely on two issues: local body elections in Punjab and reducing electricity prices. He emphasized that no instructions regarding talks with PTI were given. Asif also reiterated that progress in negotiations with PTI is contingent upon their apology for the violent incidents of May 9, describing the accountability of those involved as non-negotiable. Asif criticized PTI founder Imran Khan’s behavior, alleging that even within his party, there is mistrust towards him due to his ego and opportunistic conduct. He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had made several overtures to PTI for talks, including proposals for a charter of economy, but these were ignored. PML-N leader Irfan Siddiqui supported Asif’s stance, affirming that Nawaz Sharif had not extended any invitations for talks to PTI. Siddiqui criticized PTI’s statements as often misleading and highlighted that PTI continued to push for dialogue with the establishment despite recent tensions. PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan expressed hope for an end to the deadlock between his party and the military, emphasizing a willingness for dialogue within constitutional bounds. He reiterated that PTI’s door remains open for discussions with those holding real power, though he clarified that any talks must be constitutional. Reports have also suggested that PML-N approached Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai to mediate talks with PTI, a claim Achakzai confirmed. However, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan denied that his party had offered any talks or sought favors from the ruling party. Earlier, in a July 31 statement from Adiala Jail, PTI founder Imran Khan expressed readiness to negotiate with the military and urged the army to appoint a representative for talks, accusing the current government of attempting to undermine his party by creating divisions with the armed forces.
My election as Oxford Chancellor to be pride for Pakistan: Imran Khan RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, Imran Khan on Monday said that his potential appointment as Chancellor of Oxford University would be a matter of pride for Pakistan. However, he stated that even if he doesn’t become Chancellor, it wouldn’t be an issue. During a conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail, Imran expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue, stating that discussions will take place only with those who make the decisions. Imran Khan remarked that May 9 is “insurance policy” for the incumbent regime. He further claimed that if May 9 is disregarded, the government and its politics will come to an end. He suggested forming a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9. “Whenever the topic of negotiations arises, they start making noise about May 9. We are always ready for talks. We will speak with those who make the decisions,” he added. He highlighted his achievements in cricket and philanthropy, noting that he is Pakistan’s biggest philanthropist, having established two hospitals and two universities, with a third university currently under construction. Khan also claimed there were two upcoming entries in the Guinness Book of World Records. The first, he claimed, would be for the “U-turn” where the slogan “Respect the Vote” was replaced with “Respect the Boot.” Imran Khan, when in power himself was described a “master of U-turn” which he had claimed was a “hallmark of great leadership.” He criticised Nawaz Sharif for his previous stance against the military and martial law, pointing out that figures like Khawaja Asif and Ahsan Iqbal have also made harsh remarks against the military. He stated that the second Guinness entry would be for Nawaz Sharif, who, despite allegedly aligning with all four umpires, still lost the match. Khan claimed that the opposition was not even allowed to participate in the match. He accused Nawaz Sharif of benefiting from 74,000 additional votes and suggested that whenever there are signs of negotiations, the government brings up May 9 as a diversion and demands an apology for it.
Inflation drops to 9.6% in August, lowest in three years g
DECLINE FOLLOWS SBP’S RATE CUT; URBAN INFLATION STANDS AT 11.7%, RURAL AT 6.7% PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan’s headline inflation fell to 9.6% yearon-year in August 2024, the lowest rate in 34 months, according to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). This marks the first time inflation has dropped into single digits since October 2021, when it stood at 9.2%. The latest figure also reflects a decrease from July’s 11.1% inflation rate. On a month-on-month basis, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.4% in August 2024, a slower rise compared to
the 2.1% increase in July. The PBS noted that urban inflation in August reached 11.7%, while rural inflation stood at 6.7%. The Ministry of Finance had anticipated the inflation rate would fall within the range of 9.5% to 10.5% in August, with further declines expected in September due to stabilizing economic indicators. The reduction in inflation follows the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) decision in July to cut the key policy rate by 100 basis points, bringing it down to 19.5%. In May 2023, inflation had peaked at a record 38%, but it has been on a steady decline since then.
Urban and rural price trends The PBS data also detailed specific price increases contributing to inflation. In urban areas, food items such as onions (136.32% YoY), fresh vegetables (76.35% YoY), and pulse gram (42.35% YoY) saw significant year-on-year price hikes. Non-food items like gas charges (318.74% YoY) and motor vehicle taxes (168.79% YoY) also contributed to the overall inflation rate. In rural areas, food items such as onions (144.27% YoY) and fresh vegetables (57.31% YoY) saw substantial price increases, alongside non-food items like motor
vehicle taxes (126.61% YoY) and woolen readymade garments (38.42% YoY). Month-on-month, urban areas experienced notable price increases in food items like onions (22.84%) and chicken (13.62%), as well as non-food items like motor vehicle taxes (168.79%). Rural areas similarly saw sharp month-on-month increases in food items such as chicken (19.69%) and fresh vegetables (18.67%). As inflation continues to ease, analysts expect the SBP to consider further interest rate cuts, potentially lowering the policy rate to 14-14.5% by June 2025, reflecting a broader trend of improving economic stabil-
ity in Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his satisfaction with the decreasing inflation rate and other improving economic indicators, noting that global rating agencies like Moody’s have recently upgraded Pakistan’s credit rating, acknowledging the country’s better macroeconomic conditions and improved government liquidity. The prime minister further said that the government was pursuing a policy of economic reforms and the implementation work was rapidly in progress over the rightsizing policy of the government which he was monitoring.