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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 92 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
A high-level Saudi delegation is expected to visit Pakistan before SCO summit, PM tells cabinet
No one will be allowed to repeat ‘gory tale of 2014 sit-in’: PM Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday described the recent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s protest the replica of the 2014 sit-in by the party, vowing that the repeat of that “gory tale” would not be allowed at any cost. “Such incidents are a replica of 2014-15 incidents when a sit-in was staged for months and was not called off despite the announcement of the Chinese president’s visit to Pakistan without bothering about its impact on the country’s image and national economy. We will not allow it to be repeated. We will not tolerate it at any rate, at any cost. This is my promise. I will not let it happen,” the prime minister in his opening remarks at the meeting of the federal cabinet chaired by him. The prime minister drew cabinet members’ attention to an attack that took place near Karachi airport killing two Chinese engineers and injuring another, despite the government’s all-out efforts to ensure their security.
He apprised the meeting of his telephonic conversation with the Chinese ambassador in Islamabad and also a condolatory visit to the Chinese embassy where he reiterated his government’s assurance to leave no stone unturned to make the security of Chinese national “unreachable.” Referring to the PTI protest, the prime minister said that the allegations were hurled against the government and attempts were made to create chaos at a time when the Chinese Premier was about to pay a bilateral visit and a Saudi delegation was also scheduled to visit Pakistan and MoUs and agreements worth $2 billion are expected to be signed. The cabinet meeting offered Fateha for the security personnel martyred in different terrorist incidents. The prime minister thanked China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE for their support in obtaining the IMF loan facility and also mentioned last week’s “successful” visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim when two sides agreed that Pakistan would export Halal meat and rice to Malaysia.
a peaceful and secure environment is essential for attracting investment. He also expressed gratitude to the IMF chief for her support in approving
the IMF facility for Pakistan and acknowledged her appreciation for the reforms implemented by both the current and caretaker governments.
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
P
PROFIT MONITORING DESK
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that a Saudi delegation is scheduled to visit Pakistan and agreements worth $2 billion are expected to be signed between the two nations. A high-level Saudi delegation is expected to visit Pakistan before the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit that the country is hosting from Oct 15-16, the prime minister said in his opening remarks at the meeting of the federal cabinet. The Saudi delegation, led by Minister for Investment Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, is set to visit Pakistan from Oct 9 to 11. The prime minister thanked China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE for their support in securing the IMF loan facility
and also mentioned last week’s successful visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim when two sides agreed that Pakistan would export Halal meat and rice to Malaysia. He stated that the IMF program was approved due to exceptional teamwork, which also led to a reduction in inflation from 32% to 6.9%, along with increases in exports, remittances, and IT exports. The stock exchange, he noted, was performing exceptionally well. Highlighting his government’s reform agenda, he noted the doubling of tax return filers, the expansion of the tax base, and the digitization of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). He added that oil prices had been reduced for the fifth time, and a Rs50 billion relief package had been announced for power consumers in the protected category, alongside a Rs55 billion package from the Punjab government. The prime minister emphasized that
PPP pushes for federal constitutional court in landmark reform effort KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senior leadership, including Senator Sherry Rehman, Syed Naveed Qamar, and Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, held consultations on Tuesday to discuss the party’s position on establishing a Federal Constitutional Court, a key reform outlined in the 2006 Charter of Democracy. The proposal seeks to create a court ensuring equal provincial representation and jurisdiction under Article 184 of the Constitution. During a meeting with Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, President of the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), Senator Rehman and MNA Qamar expressed the PPP’s commitment to establishing a dedicated court for constitutional matters. They highlighted that this reform, originally envisioned by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, aims to prevent the judiciary from being exploited for political purposes. The discussions reflect Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s commitment to the 2006 Charter of Democracy. The PPP leaders reaffirmed their opposition to person-specific legislation and emphasized that the party is fulfilling a long-standing demand of the Pakistan Bar Council and the legal community. “The PPP stands by this initiative to advance judicial reforms that respect provincial autonomy,” said Rehman. Later, Senator Rehman and Secretary General Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari met with Haris Khalique, Secretary General of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). Also present were senior members of the Women’s Action Forum (WAF), including Nasreen Azhar and Khushal Khattak. Rehman underscored the importance of consensus-building and inclusive consultations with all stakeholders, remarking that the PPP aims to establish the Federal Constitutional Court with broad-based support, akin to the process that led to the 18th Amendment.
Tarar accuses PTM of anti state activities, says ban on party to protect sovereignty ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has accused the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) of engaging in anti-state activities over the past six months, claiming the group has been working against Pakistan’s interests. “PTM not only burned the Pakistani flag but also attacked our embassies abroad,” Tarar stated during a press briefing on Tuesday. He alleged that the group was being funded from overseas to promote an anti-Pakistan narrative. The minister also claimed that Afghan nationals were involved in some of the attacks attributed to
PTM. “Based on clear evidence, a ban has been imposed on PTM, and investigations are underway to trace the sources of their funding,” he said. Tarar reiterated that while peaceful protests are a democratic right, no political group would be allowed to undermine the country’s sovereignty or harm its ideological foundations. “Pashtuns are our brothers and have played a vital role in Pakistan’s development. An organization is only banned when sufficient evidence is presented,” he added. The minister also addressed Pakistan’s improving economic situation, noting a rise in the value of the rupee and a reduction in inflation. “Our economic indicators are
improving, and international financial institutions are acknowledging our progress,” he stated. He emphasized the government’s commitment to economic stability, asserting, “We will take every step necessary for Pakistan’s development and won’t allow anyone to destabilize the country.” Tarar further mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed all provincial chief ministers to ensure that the benefits of reduced inflation reach the public. He called on PTM members to rejoin the national mainstream and contribute to the nation’s progress, saying, “Our survival is tied to Pakistan. As long as Pakistan exists, we all have a future.”
Imran addresses letter to UN over constitutional amends ‘undermining judiciary’s freedom’ ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Tuesday addressed an urgent appeal to the United Nations, warning against the proposed Constitution amendments, if made, would undermine judicial independence and fragile situation human rights in the country. According to UK-based publication, doughtystreet.com.uk, Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, “has filed an urgent appeal to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite, in relation to the proposed amendments to the Constitution, which the government is attempting to pass this week.” The appeal has been filed via Edward Fitzgerald KC and Tatyana Eatwell and Jennifer Robinson — who have been instructed by Mr Khan’s family to conduct UN engagement and international advocacy on behalf of Mr Khan. This is not the first time the incarcerated ex-premier has written to an international body regarding domestic political matters as previously he has reached out to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) urging the global lender to hold an audit of the February 8 polls — marred by rigging allegations — before approving any new loan for Islamabad. The move had drawn a strong reaction from the incumbent government with ministers accused the PTI founder of risking the country’s economic stability for political interests. The prospective constitutional tweaks in discussion, include inter alia extension of judges’ retirement age and formation of a constitutional court, and have been staunchly opposed by Khan and his party. The constitutional package, initially expected to be tabled last month, was postponed after the government failed to secure the necessary numbers in the parliament owing to the special nature of the legislation which requires the approval of a two-thirds majority in both houses. In his appeal to the UN official, Khan has expressed concerns regarding the prospective 26th constitutional amendment saying that the legislation poses a serious threat to the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights of the people of Pakistan, including for him and his supporters. The appeal also urges the UN special rapporteur to issue an urgent communication to Islamabad on the said matter. Here’s what does Khan’s appeal alleges regarding constitutional amendments; Remove jurisdiction from the Supreme Court to a new Federal Constitutional Court, including in relation to the enforcement of the protection of fundamental rights and matters of constitutional interpretation; Provide for the selection of the chief justice of the new Federal Constitutional Court by a new National Assembly committee whose meetings would be held in private, sparking serious concerns about political interference in judicial appointments and undermining judicial independence and public scrutiny of the process; If passed, the amendments will significantly restrict the ability of Khan to challenge cases brought against him, including the government’s alleged plans to try him in a military court, and will further undermine the independence of the judiciary, the separation of powers, and the protection of human rights and civil liberties in the country. Meanwhile, Khan’s counsels Fitzgerald KC, Eatwell and Robinson have claimed that the changes to the Constitution were in fact aimed at affecting the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction and would entrench existing impunity for human rights violations in the country..
PTI’s Gandapur under fire: Info minister demands accountability for ‘abduction’ claims ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar said Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur should tell the people where he had been during the past 24 hours. A campaign was launched across the country that Gandapur had been ab-
ducted, he said, citing the allegations leveled by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders against every other institution in the country. Talking to the media, he denounced the “drama” orchestrated by the PTI on “disappearance” of the CM KPK who brought the PTI workers to Islamabad, fled to the KP House in Islamabad, and then abandoned them to return to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa covertly.
“The question is very simple that where was he (the CM KP) during the last 24 hours,” the minister said while lashing out the PTI for launching a malicious campaign against the institutions and the individuals during the last 24 hours. He said the CM KP is an “irresponsible person” who did politics over the law and order and tried to damage the image of the country. The minister asked the CM KP why
he left his people and fled from the scene to hide in the KP House and then to run away to Peshawar. The history had no such an instance where a person led a mob and then abandoned them, he said asking the PTI why it created the whole drama. The minister criticized the CM KP’s attempt to damage the image of Pakistan and destroy law and order, and on top of that for taking the life of a Constable Hameed who got martyred.
Chinese engineers killed in Karachi attack were due to negotiate energy debt restructuring: Finance Minister ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday revealed that Chinese engineers killed in the suicide attack in Karachi were part the team due to negotiate re-profiling and restructuring of the energy debt with Pakistani government. “The Chinese engineers killed in the Karachi airport attack were part of the team, engaged in talks with the Pakistani government over re-profiling of the energy debt”, Senator Aurangzeb divulged in a pre-recorded statement. “The ones killed were the Independent Power Producers engineers with whom Energy Minister Awais Leghari and I were negotiating in terms of our request to re-profile our debt and extend (payment) maturities, so
that we can reduce power tariff and provide relief to the public,” Aurangzeb added. According to the Chinese embassy, the terror attack resulted in killing of its two nationals while one sustained injuries. The attack has served a major blow to Pakistan’s efforts to address Chinese security concerns amid parleys for a five years’ extension in repayment of its about $16 billion energy debt. It is trying to reduce the electricity price by about Rs4 per unit by delaying repayments but it may increase the debt obligation by another $1.3 billion due to extension in repayment period. Beijing has already proposed to set up a joint security company for the protection of its citizens. Pakistan had set up two special security divisions of the army having an annual maintenance cost of Rs24 billion for the protec-
tion of Chinese commercial interests. Beijing has now urged its citizens to reconsider travel plans to Pakistan as South China Monitoring Post reported on Tuesday that the Chinese embassy in Islamabad advised Chinese citizens to avoid travelling to the provinces of Balochistan and KhyberPakhtunkhwa. “I offer my condolences to the people of China, the government of China,” said Aurangzeb. In his address on Tuesday, Aurangzeb said the engineers represented those Chinese Independent Power Plants (IPPs) who told us that they would “create a win-win situation for China and Pakistan”. In the statement, the finance minister claimed that the strikes and subsequent shutdown caused Rs190 billion per day loss to the economy.
He claimed that Pakistan’s economy incurred losses of Rs190 billion per day due to strike and unrest. “The business activities were disrupted for three to four days, causing that the economy sustained Rs570 billion to Rs760 billion losses during the past four days. Alvarez & Marsel engaged to alleviate IMF concerns Meanwhile, the finance ministry has engaged the advisory services of Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) to make its Sovereign Wealth Fund operational. The Financial Minister met a delegation led by former State Bank governor Reza Baqir, who heads the A&M as its Managing Director. The ministry said that the advisory firm would provide its expertise and consultancy for make the Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Fund (PSWF) operational. The ministry, however, fell short of disclosing how much
money the government would pay to the firm. It is to be noted that the IMF has voiced it concerns about transparency in the PSWF that’s why it could be operationalised yet. Sharing details about the preliminary meeting, the finance ministry said that Baqir and his team discussed their strategy for moving forward in line with the assigned responsibility. Separately, FinMin Aurangzeb met Barclays-led delegation of foreign bankers and briefed the delegation on various policy interventions and initiatives implemented during the past 12 months to reform the economy. The minister gave the visitors an overview of the growth and macroeconomic stability in key economic indicators, including twin deficits, stable currency, foreign exchange reserves, and inflation that remained “a big story throughout the year”.