In partnership with
Profit
IHC ‘DEALS BLOW’ TO PTI’S PROTEST CALL, RULES AGAINST ANY PROTEST OVER WEEKEND IN CAPITAL Friday, 22 November, 2024 I | 19 Jamadi ul Awwal, 1446
g
g
Court order directs govt to form a committee headed by Naqvi to engage with PTI leadership
g
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 136 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
Belarus President arriving on Nov 24 and their protection is of utmost importance: Court
Directs state respondents to submit a report before the next hearing on Nov 27
Negotiations, threats can’t go side by side, says interior minister ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
T
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
HE Islamabad High Court on Thursday ruled that no protest or rally in violation of the recent law regulating public gatherings in the capital would be allowed over the weekend amid the Belarusian president’s visit, dealing a blow to the PTI’s call for a “do or die protest” in the capital on November 24 (Sunday). Incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan has issued a “final call” for the Sunday protest last week, denouncing what he described as the stolen mandate, the unjust arrests of people, and the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he said has strengthened a “dictatorial regime”. Islamabad High Court Chief Justice
Aamer Farooq presided over the hearing of a petition filed by Islamabad traders association, requesting that the PTI’s protest call be declared illegal and the respondents — federal government, Islamabad chief commissioner, Islamabad district magistrate and the Islamabad police — be directed to restrain the party from holding the protest. The court order said that the recently enacted Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024, outlines that if anyone wished to hold an assembly in Islamabad, they must submit an application in writing to the district magistrate not later than seven days before the intended event. “The referred application is to be processed and an appropriate order is to be given regarding permission for the assembly, the order added. However, it said that the court was informed that no such
Interior ministry advises KP against using state resources in PTI rally ISLAMABAD
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday denied any negotiations taking place with the Pakistan tehreek-eInsaf, emphasizing that negotiations are not held under threats. “Negotiations should be conducted in a personal and respectful manner, as threats are counterproductive to dialogue”, the interior minister stated while speaking to media persons after attending the Islamabad High Court (IHC) hearing regarding the PTI protest. Naqvi said that he was in favour of talks, however, holding talks after giving threats is not possible. The Interior Minister’s statement comes shortly after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan confirmed to have received an offer from the government to postpone Islamabad protest, The PTI founder said that he was told “everything will be alright” if he accepted the offer. “[I] received an offer via Barrister Gohar and [KP CM]
application was made till now. “This court was also informed that the president of Belarus with his delegation of more than 60 persons is arriving on Nov 24 and their protection and freedom of movement is of utmost importance and directly involves relationship
Gandapur to postpone the protest and everything will be alright,” he said. “No negotiations are taking place with the PTI founder,” the interior minister insisted, saying that the PTI should inform us if it wants to hold talks. However, he added, the negotiations were not possible with the PTI if it announced staging sit-ins. “The nation should decide on the protests because why do they hold protests on specific dates?” he asked referring to the upcoming visit of foreign delegates. Naqvi further said that whatever the court orders, they will implement it. The security czar warned the PTI supporters against gathering at D-Chowk in the federal capital, saying the authorities would detain the violators like before. “Protest in your province as you wish, you will not be allowed to come to Islamabad and protest,” he added. The interior minister earlier attended a court hearing at the IHC on the petition filed by the Traders Association President Asad Aziz regarding the PTI protests, saying their business was being affected.
with another country, hence the larger public interest is involved.” The order said that the court was also informed that though there was some communication with the PTI leadership, “no formal engagement as such has been made”.
38 massacred in attack on passengers’ convoy in Kurram g
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
Kurram DC says two separate convoys of Shia community targeted in ‘terrorist’ attack
STAFF REPORT
PESHAWAR/KURRAM
The interior ministry on Thursday penned a letter to the KP chief secretary, asking him to ensure that state machinery, equipment or finances are not used for PTI’s power show. The interior ministry’s letter addressed to KP Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, stating “Protest call on November 24” as its subject, specifying the PTI as the organiser later. It asked Chaudhry to ensure that the KP government “does not utilise state machinery, equipment, officials or finances for political protest by the political party”. The interior ministry’s directives come a day after the government approved the deployment of both Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel in Islamabad from November 22 onwards to “handle” the law and order situation, ahead of the planned power show. The notification said the exact number of personnel and the date and area of their deployment would be “worked out in consultation with concerned stakeholders”. Similarly, the date of de-requisitioning would be decided after mutually consulting all relevant stakeholders. Separately, PTV posted a circular from the Peshawar police on its X account that said that any KP police officers posted for security duties along with political representatives would not participate in any procession. “The policemen who are posted with the political representatives as gunners and are performing duties with them should be warned that they will not participate in any procession or political gathering outside Peshawar and neither will they go with the representatives. In case of violation, strict departmental action will be taken against the concerned officials,” the circular warned.
At least 38 people were killed and 30 others sustained gunshot wounds when a convoy of passenger van was ambushed by unidentified assailants in the Ochut area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Lower Kurram region on Thursday, according to the security officials and administration. The incident occurred when two convoys, one belonging to the Tori Bangash tribes heading to Peshawar and another travelling in the opposite direction to Parachinar, were ambushed by armed assailants. According to police and hospital sources, the attackers opened indiscriminate fire on the vehicles, leaving a scene of devastation. The injured include two women, with 21 of the victims transported to CMH and another 28 taken to Alizai Tehsil Hospital for treatment. Tribal leader Jalal Bangash revealed that many passengers remain trapped in the area and called for urgent rescue operations. “We have been pleading with the government for over a month and a half to ensure the safety of transportation routes,” said Bangash. “Dozens of passengers are still stranded, and immediate action is needed to prevent further loss of life.” Kurram Deputy Commissioner
Pakistan expresses ‘deep regret’ as US vetoes UNSC’s Gaza ceasefire resolution ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan on Thursday expressed its “deep regret” over the United States’ veto of the UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, during a weekly briefing, stated that Pakistan condemns the US decision to veto the Gaza ceasefire resolution, calling it deeply regrettable. She further stated that Pakistan has serious concerns regarding the safe havens for terrorist groups in Afghanistan and the foreign support these groups receive. This external support poses a significant challenge to Pakistan’s security and should be seriously addressed by the international community. The spokesperson also addressed the letter written by a British Member of Parliament about political and personal freedoms in Pakistan, which circulated on social media. She clarified that this letter was an internal matter between the British Parliament and its member, and it had not been shared with Pakistan officially. Regarding the suggestion of appointing a Special Representative for Afghanistan, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch dismissed the rumors, stating that the Chinese and Russian special envoys for Afghanistan had recently visited Pakistan and held meetings with Pakistani officials. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch also mentioned that Pakistan is engaged in discussions with the US on security issues, including the transfer of ballistic missiles into the hands of terrorist groups. It is worth noting that the US vetoed the Gaza ceasefire resolution in the UN Security Council on November 20 claiming it would have embouldened Hamas. The resolution called for an immediate end to the 13month-long war in Gaza and demanded the release of Israeli nationals held by Hamas. The US used its veto power as a permanent member of the Security Council to block the resolution.
Pakistan presses Afghanistan on terror group crackdown ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
STAFF REPORT
(DC) Javedullah Mehsud told AFP that “two separate convoys of the Shia community members … were targeted by the terrorists in the Kurram district. “Both convoys consisted of around 40 vehicles travelling under police escort.” DC Mehsud further said that “women and children sought refuge in local houses, and we are currently searching for [the attackers] in the area.” “Sectarian attacks had occurred in the past but this time around, civilians have also been targeted in the current attack”, Mehsud pointed out, asserting it could be the result of terrorism”, he told the local media, adding that there were land disputes between tribes in Kurram.
According to police, the gunmen attacked the convoy while lying in ambush in the surrounding hills, targeting several vehicles with automatic gunfire. The authorities said that the attack left 38 dead, including a woman, and children while several of the wounded are in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll may rise. Medical teams quickly responded soon after the incident, transferring the injured passengers to nearby hospitals. The provincial government has deployed additional security forces to the region, while officials confirmed a perimeter has been established around Ochut as search operations continue for the attackers.
Pakistan has reiterated its call for Afghanistan to take decisive action against terror groups operating from Afghan territory. Speaking at her weekly news briefing on Thursday in Islamabad, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized that Pakistan has provided Afghan authorities with concrete evidence regarding the presence and activities of terror groups. She urged the Afghan government to consider terrorism as a serious threat, not only to regional stability but also to Afghanistan’s own security. Baloch expressed hope that Afghanistan would fulfill its obligations under various international agreements, including the Doha Agreement, by taking effective measures to curb terrorism. The spokesperson also expressed regret over the failure of the UN Security Council to reach a consensus on the resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. She reiterated Pakistan’s call for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire, unrestricted access to humanitarian assistance, and full support for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and its humanitarian activities. Baloch also highlighted the plight of children in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, urging the international community to stand up for their rights and demand an end to their suffering. She reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued political, moral, and diplomatic support to Kashmiris in their struggle for a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions. It may be noted that a day earlier, the United States condemned the recent wave of terrorist attacks in Pakistan, as reported by US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller during a press briefing in Washington on November 20.
SC bench takes suo motu notice on child abductions, summons IGs ISLAMABAD
NEWS DESK
The constitutional bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday took suo motu notice regarding the case of a missing child in Quetta, summoning all provincial Inspectors General of Police (IGPs) and Home Secretaries to appear before the court at the next hearing. The six-member bench, led by Justice Ameenuddin Khan, expressed deep concern over the growing number of child abductions, particularly in Quetta, where protests erupted after the disappearance of a young child. During the hearing, Justice Jamal Mandokhail emphasized the lack of progress in locating the missing child, noting that the ongoing protests, which had brought the city to a standstill for six days, were met with government indifference. “Even children are now taking to the streets in protest,” Justice
Mandokhail observed. Justice Musarrat Hilali questioned the report from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that claimed zero cases of sex trafficking. She expressed disbelief at the claim, pointing out that child trafficking remains a widespread issue in the region. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar asked whether there were any provincial bodies or commissions specifically addressing the issue of missing children, especially in the wake of the 18th Amendment, which transferred significant powers to the provinces. Justice Mandokhail also noted that Balochistan had been paralyzed by protests over the abduction, yet authorities appeared to be unmoved. He expressed frustration at the lack of preparation from government lawyers on this critical issue. The court was informed that a Supreme Court-appointed committee tasked with addressing child abductions, which was formed
in 2018, had failed to take meaningful action. The petitioner argued that the committee had not even been properly established. In response, the Additional Advocate General of Balochistan promised to provide a report on the matter. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar made it clear that the court expected more than just reports—it wanted concrete measures to address the crisis. Justice Mandokhail called for a broader investigation, questioning why the authorities were not taking more decisive action. The role of law enforcement agencies was also scrutinized, with Justice Mandokhail raising concerns about the Frontier Corps’ involvement in social welfare programs despite substantial financial allocations. Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi also highlighted the disturbing sight of children begging at traffic signals in Karachi, underscoring the neglect of child welfare across the country.
Justice Ameenuddin Khan expressed disappointment over the international issue of Pakistani beggars being sent abroad, describing it as a source of national shame. The court adjourned the case until November 28, directing all provinces to submit comprehensive reports on the number of children who have been abducted and subsequently recovered. On Wednesday evening, a group of schoolchildren gathered at Balochistan Assembly Chowk to demand the immediate recovery of Muhammad Musawir, a young child who had been abducted six days earlier from the Multani Mohalla area. Carrying banners and placards, the children called on the authorities to take urgent action to locate the missing boy. “How can we concentrate on our studies when our safety is at risk?” questioned Abdullah, a seventh-grade student, echoing the growing concerns of parents.
The protest, which coincided with other political demonstrations, led to major disruptions in Quetta, as traffic was paralyzed, leaving commuters stranded. Senior officials from the provincial administration were summoned to the Balochistan Assembly to brief lawmakers on the progress of the investigation. However, the authorities had no significant updates, which only heightened public anxiety. The abduction has sparked widespread anger among citizens, political factions, and the business community. Protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until Musawir is safely returned. Political groups, with the support of the traders’ community, have announced plans to block major highways linking Balochistan to the rest of Pakistan. To exert further pressure on the provincial government, a provincewide wheel-jam strike has been scheduled for November 25, aimed at demanding the safe return of the child.