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GOVT, OPPOSITION WORKING ON ‘JOINT DRAFT’ OF PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS Saturday, 12 October, 2024 I | 8 Rabi ul Sani, 1446
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Fazl says JUI-F will hold consultations with PPP separately
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ISLAMABAD
PPP proposes provincial constitutional courts in line with federal structure
STAFF REPORT
AJOR political parties, including the opposition, on Friday decided to move towards reaching a consensus and bringing about a “joint draft” for amending the Constitution, a first breakthrough after days of deadlock, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said. The ‘Constitutional Package’, among other things, aims to set up a federal constitutional court and fix the tenure of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) for three years. The government had aimed to present the bill to amend the Constitution last month, but its allies as well as members from the opposition benches vehemently opposed the proposal, forcing the administration to begin a consultation process. Fazl, while talking to journalists today, said that the government presented their draft for the constitutional amendments before his party for the first time. The statement came after a meeting of the Special Committee of Parliament
today to hold a discussion on the proposed constitutional amendments. The fifth in-camera meeting was attended by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentarians and federal ministers. The JUI-F top leader said that the PPP had also given suggestions, adding that the parties will begin consultations
Govt set to introduce constitutional amendment bill in NA on Oct 18 ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The ruling coalition is expected to present the highly anticipated constitutional amendment bill in the National Assembly on October 18. In preparation for this, the government has restricted its members of parliament (MPs) from traveling abroad until that date, particularly in light of the upcoming 26th amendment. Furthermore, former MNAs, who were previously de-notified by the
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), have been instructed to return to Islamabad by October 17. Speculation suggests that the ECP may reconsider its earlier decision regarding the de-notification of these MNAs prior to the National Assembly session. Earlier today, a meeting between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari resulted in an agreement on the constitutional amendment.
At least 20 killed in armed attack on miners in Balochistan’s Duki QUETTA
STAFF REPORT
At least 20 miners were killed and seven injured in an attack by armed men on a small private coal mine in Balochistan’s Duki area on Friday. The incident comes amid heightened security concerns across the country, especially in Balochistan. It reported in media that a group of armed men attacked the Junaid Coal company mines in the Duki area in the wee hours using heavy weapons. They fired rockets and grenades at the mines as well, SHO Khan added. Johar Khan Shadizai, a doctor in Duki, said: “We have received 20 bodies and six injured so far at the district hospital.” Duki District Council Chairman Khairullah Nasir also confirmed the incident, stating that the miscreants used “hand grenades, rocket launchers and other modern weapons” in the attack. He added that the attackers also set fire to “10 coal engines and machinery”. The district administration, police and Frontier Corps (FC) teams had reached the site of the incident, Nasir confirmed. Duki Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kaleemullah Kakar and the assistant commissioner (AC) visited the incident site, where the FC commandant and Duki superintendent of police were present. A joint operation was conducted to find the remaining bodies. Speaking to reporters, DC Kakar said the victims belonged to various regions of Pakistan, as well as Afghanistan. Seven injured individuals have been transferred to Loralai Tehsil Headquarters for medical treatment, he said, adding that the deceased will be transported to their native towns once all necessary procedures were completed.
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with the government in this regard. He said that the JUI-F would hold consultations with the PPP separately. Moreover, the party will also share its draft with the PTI as well to reach a consensus, the veteran politician added. Fazl, however, declined to mention the time by which the constitutional matter will be resolved. “Right now, we have just agreed to reach an agreement on the
proposed constitutional amendments.” Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar said that many suggestions have been presented before the committee. “At least the uncertainty, which had been created, has now come to an end,” he added. Commenting on the contents of the joint draft, the law minister said that the amendments suggest what should be the authority and formation of the judicial commission. Moreover, the establishment of constitutional courts and judges’ transfer has also been discussed. Addressing a press conference after the meeting, PPP Chairman Bilawal BhuttoZardari said that all the political parties expressed their opinion in the meeting. The PPP also presented its “draft” before the committee, while the government informed the committee about its consultation with the lawyers’ bodies. “Maulana Fazlur Rehman reiterated his stance that he wants to present the ‘joint draft’ with the PPP,” he said while referring to the JUI-F chief.
ISLAMABAD
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Amir Dogar confirmed that the party has received a draft of proposed constitutional amendments during a recent committee meeting. He noted that the National Assembly session initially planned for yesterday would be postponed until after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, delaying any further discussions on constitutional amendments
until then. Dogar stated that PTI will consult its political committee and senior leadership on the draft and hold additional talks on the matter. He criticized the draft presented by the government, claiming it contained significant ambiguities and lacked clarity. Dogar mentioned that both the People’s Party and the federal government had shared their amendment drafts with the committee, and further sessions are planned to reach a consensus, though the process will take time.
SC full court reference for outgoing CJP Qazi Faez Isa set for Oct 25 ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
A full court reference for outgoing Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has been scheduled for October 25, according to a letter from the Supreme Court registrar. The development emerged in a letter from Supreme Court Registrar Jazeela Aslam dated Friday surfaced written to Supreme Court Bar Association President Shahzad Shaukat. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah is next in line to be the country’s top judge after CJP Isa’s retirement. Since August, there have been rumours that the government was planning to extend CJP Isa’s tenure in office. Sources within the ruling coalition had claimed that some crucial amendments were on the cards. Without elaboration, a source had said the amendments would be tabled in the house through a supplementary agenda, indicating that it may be about a uniform extension in the retirement age of superior court judges. The opposition has opposed any such move, with PTI Founder Imran Khan warning of a nationwide protest if the chief justice’s tenure was extended.
SAHIWAL
STAFF REPORT
Two hardened terrorists who orchestrated the terror attack on Dasu hydel power project in which 11 Chinese were shot dead by Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel in a gunbattle in Sahiwal. In a statement on Friday, a CTD spokesman said that they were shifting five terrorists who were involved in Dasu terror attack from Sahiwal Jail due to a threat alert when suddenly unknown assailants attacked the prison van on Sumandri Road and tried to get freed their colleagues. During heavy exchange of fire, two terrorists identified as Mohammad Hussain and Ayaz alias Jahanzeb were killed on the spot. Three other terrorists were safe as they were being shifted in a separate prison van. It is necessary to mention here that on 14 July 2021 nine Chinese and 13 others were killed while more than 20 received critical injuries in the terror attack on the Dasu hydel power project.
CJP questions PTI seeking adjournment in intra-party polls review case ISLAMABAD
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Draft of proposed constitutional amendments received by PTI, confirms Dogar STAFF REPORT
Two Dasu terror attack masterminds killed in Sahiwal shootout
In an informal talk with reporters in Islamabad after addressing a full court to mark the beginning of the new judicial year, CJP Isa was asked about his reportedly agreeing to an extension “if it was applied to all judges”. Dismissing the claims made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s political adviser Rana Sanaullah that CJP Isa would accept the proposal if the age limit was extended for all judges, the top judge had reiterated that he had refused any extension to his tenure. However, the Supreme Court had subsequently regretted that “an off-the-record conversation between CJP Isa and journalists” was unnecessarily and largely inaccurately reported and published, resulting in “unwarranted sensationalism”. A press release issued with the signature of CJP’s Secretary Dr Muhammad Mushtaq Ahmad had explained that “giving unnecessary attention and importance to individuals detracts from what was important — institutions — and it be ensured that they serve the people”. Born in Quetta on October 26, 1959, CJP Isa is the son of the late Qazi Mohammad Isa of Pishin, who was at the forefront of the
Pakistan Movement and a close associate of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. CJP Isa’s father was the first person from the province to acquire the Bar-at-Law degree and helped establish the All India Muslim League in Balochistan after his return from London. His father had served as the only member on the Central Working Committee of the All India Muslim League from Balochistan. Begum Saida Isa, CJP Isa’s mother, was a social worker and worked in an honorary capacity on the boards of hospitals and other charitable organisations which focused on education, children and women’s health issues. After completing his primary and secondary education in Quetta, Isa moved to Karachi to finish his ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels at the Karachi Grammar School (KGS). He then went on to study law in London, where he completed his Bar Professional Examination from the Inns of Court School Law, London. CJP Isa enrolled as an Advocate of the Balochistan High Court on January 30, 1985, and as an Advocate Supreme Court in March 1998.
STAFF REPORT
The Supreme Court of Pakistan adjourned the hearing of the PTI intra-party election review case till October 21, after no lawyer from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) appeared in court. The absence of PTI’s legal team prompted Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faiz Isa to express surprise at Hamid Khan’s adjournment request, citing family commitments. During the hearing, CJP Qazi Faez Isa remarked that the court’s previous decision in the intra-party election case had been deliberately misinterpreted, clarifying that the case was about PTI’s internal elections, not election symbols as suggested in public discussions. Akbar S Babar’s lawyer informed the court that PTI had already conducted intra-party elections, but there was an ongoing dispute with the Election Commission. The chief justice questioned the delay in filing the review petition and criticized PTI’s legal team for not requesting an early hearing. While Akbar S. Babar’s legal team requested the case to be heard tomorrow, the Chief Justice rejected the request, stating that rescheduling hearings so quickly would lead to unnecessary uproar. He emphasized that the adjournment till October 21 was granted in the interest of justice, but warned that no further adjournments would be entertained for PTI’s legal team.
PTI announces protest demo at Islamabad’s D-Chowk on Oct 15 ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced another protest demonstration at Islamabad’s D-Chowk on October 15, the day when Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit is set to kick-off. The announcement was made after PTI’s political committee meeting. Sheikh Waqas Akram, the party’s central information secretary, posted on X that a ‘powerful’ protest would be held on October 15 at DChowk in Islamabad. He also announced that the PTI’s protests in Punjab have been called off. Sheikh Waqas Akram also called for the release of PTI workers, leaders, and MPAs detained in Punjab. The PTI demanded an end to ‘unlawful’ raids and arrests by the federal and Punjab governments. The PTI central information secretary said that the PTI chairman’s life is under threat due to the government’s actions, which have ‘stripped’ him of basic human rights. Sheikh Waqas Akram also accused the government of oppression and violence, stating that they will not back down. “The entire Pakistan will take to the streets on October 15, if Imran Khan is not granted access to basic rights, family, and party leaders,” he added. It is to be noted here that the SCO summit is going to be held in Islamabad on October 15 and 16.
US warns of ME conflict spread fears in Asia as UN urges steps to prevent Lebanon war WASHINGTON AGENCIES
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Friday there was deep concern in Asia about the prospect of conflict spreading in the Middle East, as the UN chief called for everything possible to be done to avoid “allout war” in Lebanon. The conflict in the Middle East was a central issue during Friday’s East Asia Summit in Laos, where Blinken said Washington was dedicated to using diplomacy to try to control the situation in the face of what he called an Iranian-led axis of resistance. “The intense focus of the United States, which has been the case going back a year… (is) preventing these conflicts from spread-
ing. And we’re working on that every day,” Blinken told a press conference. “We’re working very hard through deterrence and through diplomacy to prevent that from happening. There’s also obviously deep concern that we share about the plight of children, women, and men in Gaza.” The US has stressed to Israel the importance of meeting the humanitarian needs of people in Gaza, Blinken said, adding it was in Israel’s interest that people forced from their homes by hostilities in Lebanon are able to return. The annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) also included meetings with leaders and top diplomats from India, China, Japan, the United States, Russia, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, as well as United Nations Sec-
retary-General Antonio Guterres. Friday’s discussions included the war in Ukraine, Myanmar’s civil war, climate change, tensions in the Taiwan Strait and concern about confrontations in the South China Sea, a key conduit for at least $3 trillion in annual ship-borne trade. ‘Escalation after escalation’ Guterres condemned an attack by Israeli forces on a watchtower that wounded two UN peacemakers from Indonesia, an incident he said violated international law and must not be repeated. He said any spread of fighting in the Middle East would have dramatically negative impacts on the whole world and called for maximum restraint from all sides. “I have never seen in my time as Secretary-General any example of death and de-
struction as dramatic as what we are witnessing here,” he told a press conference. “We are seeing escalation after escalation, a regionalisation of the conflict that is becoming a threat to global peace and security.” “We see an enormous tragedy in Lebanon. And we must do everything to avoid an all-out war,” he added. Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr made a plea before the regional leaders for all parties to be genuinely committed to managing disputes over the South China Sea, where his country has been embroiled in more than a year of confrontations with China. The row has sparked fears those could spiral out of control, as US defence ally the Philippines accuses China of aggression, and Beijing expresses outrage over what it calls provoca-
tions and territorial infringements by Manila. His remarks come a day after he called for ASEAN and China to urgently speed up negotiations on a code of conduct. “These kinds of behaviour cannot be ignored, and demand of us concerted and serious efforts to truly manage our disputes,” Marcos said. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whose country takes over the ASEAN chair next year, said violence must be avoided and that Chinese Premier Li Qiang had given assurances that matters would be handled peacefully. “This is an issue that affects all countries but the solution we propose, that is agreed upon by all, including China, is to avoid violence, use diplomatic channels, have negotiations,” he told a press conference.