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DEADLOCK WITHSTANDS AS COMMITTEE REVIEWS PROPOSALS OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS Sunday, 13 October, 2024 I | 9 Rabi ul Sani, 1446
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PML-N, PPP converge on govt’s constitutional package ISLAMABAD
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JUI-F sticks to its stance, shares its own draft
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PTI seeks time to consult with its jailed leader
MIAN ABRAR
HE government’s attempt to win over the opposition to its Constitutional Amendment package failed in the second round of meetings held in Parliament House as Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) team stuck to its demands. Under the direction of Syed Khurshid Shah of the PPP, the special parliamentary committee examined draft recommendations from the government, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F). Leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also joined the meeting through video link. The government presented a draft of a proposed constitutional change during the meeting, while the JUI-F team brought a 24-point proposal. MQM gave their suggestions as well. The 28-page draft of the proposed constitution makes 56 amendment recommendations. The government and opposition parties have submitted versions of their proposals, and a subcommittee has been established to examine them.
After reviewing the materials, this subcommittee will make recommendations to the whole parliamentary committee. The sub-committee includes members from various political parties, such as Naveed Qamar from the Pakistan Peoples Party, Azam Nazeer Tarar from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Barrister Gohar from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Dr Farooq Sattar from MQM, and Kamran Murtaza from the JUI-F. The ruling coalition has reached con-
Law Minister hints at making new CJP’s appointment by October 24 ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on Saturday said that the government will notify on October 24, that at which place the Chief Justice is to be sworn in. Talking to the media, the minister said that the deadline for issuing the notification for the appointment of the new Chief Justice of Pakistan is October 24.
He said that the notification of the new Chief Justice is always issued a day or two before the appointment. The appointment notification of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa was issued a little earlier in view of the arrival of the caretaker government, he said. Azam Nazeer Tarar said that a committee of legal experts has been formed in the subcommittee of the parliamentary body. The constitutional amendment can be introduced after October 25, and even after two months.
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sensus on proposed constitutional amendments, but the JUI-F has declined to support the government on the creation of a constitutional court, opting instead to form a joint draft with the PPP for a constitutional bench in the Supreme Court rather than forming a constitutional court. Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) has decided to consult with its founder Imran Khan on the proposed amendments. During the session held on
Saturday, JUI-F presented its draft proposal, rejecting the government’s plan for creation of a constitutional court and instead suggesting the formation of a constitutional bench in SC. Senator Kamran Murtaza of JUI-F stated, “The only difference between the PPP and JUI-F drafts is the concept of a constitutional court versus a bench. We propose a bench instead of establishing a separate court.” He added that aside from this, there were no major objections to the PPP’s draft and expressed hope for a joint proposal soon. In response to the government’s 56-point proposal, Murtaza presented 24 counterpoints, arguing, “There is no need for a large setup for fewer than 200 constitutional cases.” PPP leader Raja Pervez Ashraf echoed Murtaza’s optimism, noting that JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman suggested drafting a joint proposal with the PPP, which would be shared soon. “Things are moving in the right direction. Stay positive,” Ashraf remarked, adding that the October 25 deadline was unrelated to the constitutional amendment discussions.
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Farooq Sattar criticises motives behind proposed constitutional amendments ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Farooq Sattar, a prominent leader of MQM Pakistan, has voiced concerns that the upcoming constitutional amendments are being driven more by political interests than by principled considerations. Addressing queries regarding his party’s support for the amendments, Sattar revealed that MQM has not yet
received the draft of the proposed constitutional reforms. Sattar highlighted that the nature of these amendments reflects the current political necessities rather than a commitment to principled governance. He pointed out that similar amendments would likely be proposed by PTI if they were in power, underscoring a broader political consensus on expanding the role of Parliament in judicial appointments within constitutional courts.
Islamabad set for high profile SCO summit with stringent security and logistics in place ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The capital is set to host the 23rd Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) from October 15 to 16, chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. This pivotal meeting will see Islamabad transform into a hub of international diplomacy with the arrival of several global leaders. Prime Minister Sharif, in his capacity as the current CHG Chair, will lead discussions with high-ranking officials from SCO member states, including China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. This assembly will also be augmented by the presence of Iran’s First Vice President and India’s External Affairs Minister. Special attendees will include the Prime Minister of Mongolia, representing an observer state, and the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. The significance of this meeting is underlined by the extensive preparations at the Jinnah Convention Center, the venue for the summit. Prime Minister Sharif personally reviewed these arrangements, accompanied by key figures such as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar. The briefing was conducted by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Capital Development Authority, with the Prime Minister expressing satisfaction with the preparations. The logistical preparations for the summit have necessitated a comprehensive traffic management plan in Islamabad. Heavy traffic will be restricted from entering significant parts of the capital from October 14 to 16 to ensure smooth transportation for the delegates and minimal disruption for residents. Over 1,100 traffic police personnel will enforce these measures, with alternative routes recommended for regular commuters to alleviate potential delays. Additionally, extensive traffic adjustments have been planned for Rawalpindi to accommodate the increased traffic volume during the summit days. The Rawalpindi City Traffic Police will deploy 622 officers, including senior traffic wardens, to manage the flow of vehicles effectively. These measures have been carefully designed to ensure both the safety of the summit participants and the public.
Govt allies, PTI stick to their guns on Oct 15 demo announcement ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Federal government on Saturday strongly reacted to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI’s) call for holding protest demonstration at DChowk on the same day the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit is being held with PTI sticking to its guns. The PTI has announced the suspension of its protests in Punjab and issued a nationwide call urging party leaders and workers to converge in Islamabad on Oct 15. The PTI has also demanded immediate access for party leaders and family members to its founder, Imran Khan, who is incarcerated in Adiala Jail. The announcement comes amid government’s decision to ban visits to Imran Khan at Adiala Jail until Oct 18. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal termed the demo as “political terrorism”, claiming the demo is aimed at maligning the country and stopping its development and economic progress. Addressing a press conference here, the planning minister expressed disappointment at the timing of the PTI’s protest coinciding
with the SCO summit, which he said was a great honour for the country. “Now there is no doubt, that terrorism in Karachi and political terrorism protest calls are similar,” the minister said adding that the “scriptwriter” was the same person who on one hand was using terrorists to carry out explosive attacks, and on the other, was using PTI to spread anarchy and undermine Pakistan’s vital interests. Separately, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said while speaking to the media in Sialkot that the courts should take notice of the protest call, saying they were bound to do so. “The state will use all its power, resources and might … to stop this attack at the country’s repute,” he said, adding that the government would not allow anyone to sabotage the SCO moot. “Absolutely not,” the defence minister vowed. Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Amir Muqam also strongly rejected the PTI’s protest call. “It is proof of anti-nationalism. There is no doubt that PTI’s agenda seemed to be
anti-Pakistan because PTI has declared the protest on this important occasion”. He added that the PTI “once again showed its real face as the meeting of SCO is very important for Pakistan”. The minister noted that in any case, the protest could not be allowed on the occasion and the protest call was “condemnable and very sad”, adding that protests and processions could be held at any other time. PPP representatives also joined the PMLN chorus in denouncing the protest call. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said the announcement of a PTI) protest was part of a conspiracy. He criticised the PTI for “consistently pursuing an agenda against the country and collaborating with enemies of the state”. Kundi emphasised that the government would not allow any plots to destabilise Pakistan to succeed and urged the PTI to retract its protest call. PPP Senator Sherry Rehman said the move raised many questions and asked what the PTI wanted to achieve through it. “Putting on a circus in Islamabad in the
presence of foreign high-level delegations and international media is condemnable. The PTI is attacking national interests with mobs and politics of anarchy. “No responsible political party in the country gives a call for protest on the day of
a global conference. The PTI is giving a very negative message to the world,” she criticised. Rehman questioned if the PTI did not want any foreign delegation to come to the country and called on the party to review and withdraw its protest announcement.
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cessitates a calm and welcoming environment. Rehman highlighted that the successful execution of the SCO summit is crucial for enhancing economic stability in Pakistan. He urged PTI to reconsider their protest plans in favor of supporting what he described as a pivotal event for Pakistan’s foreign policy and diplomatic efforts. According to Rehman, the SCO summit not only bolsters Pakistan’s international standing but also presents a significant opportunity for member states to address regional and international challenges collectively.
Business leaders call on PTI to delay protest amid SCO summit STAFF REPORT
The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has appealed to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to defer their planned protest rally set for October 15 at D-Chowk, citing the concurrent hosting of international delegates in the city. PBF President Khawaja Mehboobur Rehman emphasized that the presence of international dignitaries for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, scheduled from October 15 to 17, 2024, ne-