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committee NO HEADWAY IN DIALOGUE PROCESS AS PM’s urges boost in IT export remittances PTI, GOVT YET TO TAKE FIRST STRIDE Saturday, 14 December, 2024 I 11 Jumada Al-Akhirah, 1446
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ASAD QAISER SAYS TALKS WILL ONLY TAKE PLACE g RANA SANA CLAIMS GOVT HAS NOT YET IF GOVERNMENT AGREES TO PTI DEMAND RECEIVED A FORMAL MESSAGE FROM PTI ISLAMABAD
MIAN ABRAR
ESPITE tall claims by national media, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Federal Cabinet ministers have said that there was no breakthrough in dialogue process between the PTI and federal government and media hype in this regard was just a storm in a teacup. PTI leader Asad Qaiser on Friday told the National Assembly that any negotiations with the government will take place only if the government agrees and will be conducted under the guidance of the party’s founding chairman Imran Khan. “I went to the speaker’s office for a condolence visit, not for talks,” Qaiser told the National Assembly. Asad Qaiser clarified that he visited the office of the Speaker of the National Assembly only for condolence prayers and not for negotiations, as reported by the media. He emphasised that talks would only occur when the government is willing, and in accordance with instructions from PTI’s founding chairman, Imran Khan. The National Assembly session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Syed Mir Ghulam Mustafa Shah, saw heated exchanges. Qaiser criticised the government for its lack of seriousness, stating that the government had failed to address the issues raised by the opposition. He asked
the Deputy Speaker, “What agenda will you proceed with when the government members are absent?” In response, the Deputy Speaker said that the Speaker’s office had written to the Prime Minister regarding the disrespect shown to the House, adding, “We will not run the assembly in such a manner.” He adjourned the session for 10 minutes, warning that if no government minister showed up, the session would be cancelled. Qaiser also addressed the ongoing debate about dialogue, stressing that the discussions would only take place once the government was ready, and under Khan’s directives.
Gandapur demands accountability for loss of lives in D-Chowk incident PESHAWAR
AGENCIES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the violence that led to the deaths and injuries of several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters. Addressing a gathering in Peshawar on Friday, he asserted that 12 PTI supporters had been martyred and over 100 were wounded. Referring to media personnel who had downplayed the incident, he urged them to show respect for the victims, describing them as martyrs who sacrificed their lives for freedom. In his speech, Gandapur alleged that state forces had opened fire on his people, killing them in cold blood. He called for the nation to honour these martyrs and offer prayers for the injured. He stressed the significance of attending an upcoming event on December 15 to pay tribute to those who had given their lives for the cause of freedom. He further vowed that the sacrifices made by those who died at DChowk would not go in vain. “Our struggle will continue until we achieve true freedom,” he declared. He also expressed concerns over the disappearance of several of his supporters, fearing that many of them might have been killed in state custody. He urged the government to address their apprehensions and provide clarity on the fate of the missing individuals. The CM criticised the government for what he described as a daily display of theatrics, accusing the media of being pressured to avoid covering the issue. He demanded answers regarding the use of force and the individuals responsible for the shootings. “We want to know who fired the shots and under whose orders,” Gandapur stated, stating that those responsible must be held accountable. He called out claims made by certain media personalities who denied the shootings, asserting that the deaths of twelve confirmed martyrs and over 100 injuries were irrefutable. “We will not let this go unanswered,” he warned, adding that further confirmation of additional casualties was still pending. On the political front, Gandapur denounced a conspiracy aimed at fostering division and hatred within the provinces, suggesting that certain individuals were orchestrating these efforts to protect their wealth and political interests. He asserted that these elements were attempting to tear the country apart, and warned that their efforts would fail. “Our loyalty lies with Pakistan, and we will not allow anyone to weaken it for personal gain,” he said.
He questioned the use of force on November 26 during protests, asserting that the constitution allows peaceful demonstrations. He also demanded the release of PTI leaders and supporters arrested during recent protests. “The law that bans protests in Islamabad violates the constitution,” Qaiser said. “We want a judicial commission led by senior Supreme Court judges to investigate the events of November 26 and May 9.” He further criticised the government for what he described as actions against PTI members, including the alleged forced resignation of party lawmakers and raids on their homes. Qaiser also raised concerns over the
targeting of Pashtuns, claiming that the government’s actions were aimed at dividing the country. He accused authorities of imposing “martial law” in Punjab and disrupting trade with Afghanistan. Qaiser concluded by reiterating PTI’s demand for a judicial investigation into the incidents surrounding May 9 and November 26, and for the release of PTI’s detained leaders and supporters. Separately, Chairman of the Sunni Ittehad Council and member National Assembly, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, said that the terms of reference for dialogues have been finalised, and it is now up to the government to decide whether it wishes to engage in negotiations or not. During a talk with media outside the parliament that the chief of the SIC, the ally of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, said that as of now, there have been no negotiations; however, the matter is being addressed in the party’s meetings. He also mentioned that only the PTI founder will provide guidelines for the dialogues from jail. Sahibzada Hamid Raza indicated that any developments concerning the talks will be communicated to the media by Friday evening. Meanwhile, an important meeting of opposition leaders has been convened to deliberate on the current political situation. According to the information available, the meeting will take place at the residence of PkMAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
Pakistan warns TTP could become Al Qaeda’s arm with regional, global terrorist agenda UNITED NATIONS STAFF REPORT
Pakistan has raised concerns over the rising threat posed by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), warning the international community that the group, which operates primarily from Afghanistan, could evolve into an arm of Al Qaeda with both regional and global terrorist ambitions. The ongoing violence from TTP militants, who frequently target Pakistani territories, has strained Pakistan’s relationship with the Afghan Taliban administration. Despite repeated calls for action against the banned TTP, the Taliban leadership in Kabul has dismissed these requests, denying the group’s use of Afghan soil to stage attacks on Pakistan. Speaking at the UN Security Council on Thursday, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Pakistan’s perma-
nent representative to the United Nations, stressed that terrorism from and within Afghanistan is the most significant threat to Pakistan, the region, and the world. While acknowledging Afghanistan’s fight against ISIL-K (Da’ish), Jadoon stressed that other terrorist groups, such as Al Qaeda and TTP, remain largely unchecked. Jadoon also revealed that Pakistan’s border officials have confiscated modern weapons used by TTP militants, many of which were reportedly supplied by the Afghan Interim Government (AIG) from leftover foreign military stockpiles. Furthermore, the TTP allegedly receives external support, including funding from Pakistan’s regional adversary, India. The ambassador warned that TTP’s growing influence may turn it into a central hub for various terrorist groups, particularly those aimed at destabilising Pakistan.
He cited TTP’s links with the Majeed Brigade, a group actively working to disrupt Pakistan’s economic cooperation with China, particularly in relation to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Jadoon also highlighted TTP’s longstanding ties to Al Qaeda, suggesting that the group could emerge as an extension of Al Qaeda’s operations, with a broader regional and global agenda. Pakistan, he declared, would take all necessary national measures to eliminate these threats, while cooperating with regional and international efforts to combat terrorism. In addition to security concerns, the ambassador addressed the growing human rights violations under the Afghan Taliban regime, particularly the recent ban on women and girls from attending public and private medical institutions in Afghanistan.
Senate approves forensics agency to strengthen Pakistan’s forensic capabilities
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New agency to include expertise in digital forensics and comprehensive database of forensic materials PROFIT
NEWS DESK
The Senate of Pakistan has approved the establishment of a new National Forensics Agency, to enhance the country’s forensic infrastructure. Replacing the existing National Forensics Agency Project, the new body will provide cutting-edge research and digital forensic services to bolster national security. Its services will extend to the federal government,
provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and other forensic laboratories nationwide. Key features include expertise in digital forensics and maintaining a comprehensive database of forensic materials. The agency will be governed by a high-profile body chaired by the division secretary, with members such as the IG Islamabad, NACTA’s national coordinator, and the DG of the National Police Bureau. Importantly, the agency’s directorgeneral must not hold dual
citizenship. To ensure operational independence, the agency will enjoy a five-year tax exemption. However, strict accountability measures are in place, with penalties of up to one year in prison and a Rs. 1,000 fine for any expert or employee found issuing false or misleading forensic reports. This development aims to modernize forensic capabilities, enhancing support for national security and law enforcement efforts.
PROFIT
GHULAM ABBAS
The Prime Minister’s Committee on IT Export Remittances, in a meeting on Friday, observed that while Pakistan’s IT exports are steadily increasing, a significant portion of earnings remains unremitted as many IT companies fail to repatriate the full amount of their foreign income. The meeting, chaired by Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, emphasized the need to ease capital movement to enhance IT export remittances. It was highlighted that increasing the flow of IT export earnings is vital for the growth of Pakistan’s economy and its burgeoning digital sector. The Finance Minister stated that the IT sector has immense potential to become a cornerstone for foreign exchange generation. He stressed the need for a collaborative approach, consistent policies, and targeted reforms to fully unlock this potential and ensure the repatriation of foreign earnings. Discussions underscored the importance of streamlining procedures, offering consistent tax exemptions for freelancers, and addressing issues related to the classification of remote workers and challenges faced by small IT firms. These measures aim to create a more favorable environment for IT businesses to remit their earnings back to Pakistan. The committee noted that Pakistan is home to 2.32 million freelancers, contributing around 15% to IT exports. However, only 38,000 freelancers currently maintain bank accounts in the country. Officials from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported that approximately 500 new bank accounts are being opened weekly, a trend expected to encourage more freelancers to formalize their banking activities. Governor SBP briefed the committee on initiatives to tackle these challenges, including simplified account opening procedures, awareness campaigns, enhanced complaint resolution mechanisms, and prioritizing the IT sector within banking frameworks. Participants also discussed leveraging the Roshan Digital Account to facilitate international remittances for IT companies and freelancers. To ensure data-driven policymaking, the committee decided to establish a working group comprising representatives from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), SBP, IT Ministry, and stakeholders from the IT industry, including P@SHA and the Freelancers Association. The group will focus on harmonizing data, addressing key issues, simplifying processes, enhancing transparency, and ensuring continuity of reforms initiated by SBP and other stakeholders. The meeting was attended by Minister of State for IT & Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Advisor to the Finance Minister Khurram Shehzad, Chairman FBR, Governor SBP, CEO Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), Secretary and Special Secretary IT & Telecom, and other officials.
318 Pakistanis evacuated from war-torn Syria ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
A total of 318 Pakistani citizens stranded in conflictridden Syria were successfully evacuated and brought back to Islamabad early Friday under the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The evacuees, including pilgrims and civilians caught in Syria’s ongoing conflict, arrived aboard a special chartered flight operated by a private Georgian airline. The flight departed from Beirut, Lebanon, and landed at Islamabad International Airport at 1:15 am on December 13. Pakistan’s ambassador to Lebanon, Salman Athar, along with embassy staff, personally oversaw the evacuation process at Beirut Airport. Upon arrival in Islamabad, the returnees were warmly welcomed by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). A special assistance desk and refreshment area were arranged at the airport to facilitate the passengers. The evacuation operation was carried out under the direct supervision of PM Shehbaz Sharif. In a statement, the prime minister emphasized that the safe return of citizens from Syria was a top priority for his government. He expressed gratitude to Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati for providing buses and logistical support for the transfer of evacuees to Beirut. “This comprehensive evacuation plan underscores our government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Pakistani citizens, no matter where they are,” PM Shehbaz remarked, lauding the efforts of the NDMA, foreign office, and Pakistani embassies in Syria and Lebanon.
SC constitutional bench ‘conditionally allows’ military courts to pronounce verdicts of civilians ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench on Friday conditionally allowed military courts to pronounce reserved verdicts of civilians who were still in custody for their alleged involvement in last year’s May 9 riots. Passing directives at the end of Friday’s hearing, Justice Aminuddin Khan, who is heading the constitutional bench, said, “Suspects who can be accorded concessions in their sentences, should be given so and released. Suspects who cannot be released
should be moved to jails once their sentence has been pronounced,” he added. The development came as a seven-judge bench resumed hearing a case pertaining to the trial of more than 100 civilians for their alleged role in attacks on army installations during the riots that followed ex-premier Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023. The bench was led by Justice Aminuddin and included Justices Jamal Khan Mandokhel, Naeem Akhtar Afghan, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Hassan Azhar Rizvi, Musarrat Hilali and Shahid Bilal Hassan. In a widely praised ruling last year, a
five-member SC bench — comprising Justices Ijazul Ahsan, Munib Akhtar, Yahya Afridi, Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Ayesha Malik had unanimously declared that trying the accused civilians in military courts violated the Constitution. The apex court had declared that the accused would not be tried in military courts but in criminal courts of competent jurisdiction established under the ordinary or special law of the land. However, on December 13 last year, in a 5-1 majority verdict, the SC conditionally suspended its own Oct 23 ruling — albeit by a different bench — pending a final judgement
as it heard a set of intra-court appeals (ICAs). Earlier in March, a six-member SC bench had also conditionally allowed military courts to pronounce reserved verdicts in the cases. It had also modified its Dec 13 injunction, ordering that military courts could commence trials but they would not convict or acquit any suspect until the pendency of government-instituted ICAs. Contradictory to Friday’s order, the bench on Monday had rejected the government’s request to allow military courts to pronounce verdicts in completed trials, with Justice Hilali noting it would imply the
court’s acceptance of the military courts’ jurisdiction to try civilians. In the same hearing, the bench had questioned the rationale behind handing over May 9 cases to military courts, asking whether anti-terrorism courts (ATCs) had issued speaking orders explaining their reasons before doing so. Yesterday, questions about the legitimacy of civilians’ military trials in light of Article 8 were the highlight of the hearing, with Justice Mandokhel asking how the Pakistan Army Act (PAA) 1952 could be applied to someone who was not part of the army.