In partnership with
Profit
PM SHEHBAZ VOWS EFFORTS TO COMBAT SMEAR CAMPAIGN, FAST TRACK RELIEF EFFORTS Tuesday, 3 December, 2024 I | 30 Jamadi ul Awwal, 1446
g
Pm exPresses concerns about recent malicious camPaign designed to tarnish Pakistan’s state institutions
g
Rs 50.00 | Vol XV No 147 I 44 Pages I Lahore Edition
Joint task Force led by Pta chairman to investigate, counter the smear camPaign
Cabinet okays National Prevention of Violent Extremism Policy 2024 ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
P
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed on Monday that his government would fast-track efforts to provide relief to the general public. During a meeting with Barrister Amjad Malik, Vice Chairperson of the Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC) Punjab, and Chief Coordinator of International Affairs, the Prime Minister was praised for his consistent work in boosting the national economy and restoring investor confidence. Shehbaz Sharif extended his congratulations to Barrister Amjad Malik on his new role and expressed his commitment to ensuring the welfare of overseas Pakistanis. “Overseas Pakistanis are very dear to me,” he said, emphasizing that recent appointments in the Overseas Ministry and the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) demonstrate the PML-N govern-
ment’s dedication to resolving issues faced by Pakistanis abroad. Malik, in turn, praised the government’s efforts to stimulate the economy, citing the rise in stock exchange indices, and underlined the importance of timely trials for those responsible for the May 9 riots. He also appreciated the government’s push for legislation on expedited trials for expatriates and the removal of the ban on PIA’s direct flights to Europe. Both leaders agreed on the need for coordinated efforts to combat social media misinformation and prevent panic. “We must stop the interference of social media propaganda and fake news that spread hatred among the public,” Barrister Malik remarked. PM Shehbaz also addressed concerns about a recent malicious campaign designed to tarnish Pakistan’s image, particularly its state institutions. To tackle this, he ordered the formation of a Joint Task Force (JTF) led by the chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority
The Federal Cabinet, on the recommendation of the Interior Ministry, approved the National Prevention of Violent Extremism Policy 2024 on Monday. The cabinet also approved in principle the proposal of the interior ministry with respect to the establishment of Islamabad Central Business District Development Authority. The meeting, on the recommendation of commerce ministry, authorized to file review petition against the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s decision of lifting ban on the export of Monosodium glutamate (Ajinomoto). The decision was taken in the light of the report of the expert’s special committee that was formed to monitor the impacts of Monosodium glutamate on human health. The report had termed the Monosodium glutamate safe for human health. The committee was comprised of representatives from Pakistan Scientific and Industrial Research, National Agriculture Research Center, National University of Sciences and Technology, Institute of Food and Nutritional
(PTA), which will investigate and counter the smear campaign. The task force will consist of senior officials from various departments, including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, FIA’s
ATC issues non-bailable arrest warrants for Imran, Bushra, 94 others ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
An Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Monday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for PTI founder Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and 93 others in a case pertaining to last week’s protests in the federal capital by party supporters. On Nov 13, Imran issued a “final call” for nationwide protests on Nov 24, demanding the restoration of the PTI’s electoral mandate, the release of detained party members, and the reversal of the 26th Amendment which he said had strengthened a “dictatorial regime”. A day of pitched battles between security forces and PTI protesters across the federal capital ended in a hasty retreat of the party’s top leadership and supporters from the Red Zone in the early hours of Nov 27. At least six lives were lost in the three days of protests, which included a policeman and three Rangers officials who were knocked down by a speeding vehicle, officials and hospital sources said. Claims and counterclaims over deaths purportedly caused by law-enforcement action against the PTI marchers remain a major bone of contention between the government and the opposition party. Numerous party workers were arrested in the ensuing crackdown
ATC sends Imran Khan on judicial remand in seven new cases ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Monday sent Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on a 14-day judicial remand in connection with seven new cases. ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah presided over the hearing, during which the court approved Khan’s remand in the New Town police station case, as well as in six other cases, Express News reported. Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail, was arrested by police after he was granted bail in the Toshakhana 2.0 case. The court rejected the request for physical remand in six other cases from September 28 and Oc-
tober 5, and ordered that Imran Khan be sent to jail on judicial remand. Once the judicial remand was approved, Imran Khan was taken into the custody of jail police. Imran Khan’s cell 4 had been designated as New Town police station. After being sent on judicial remand, his cell will now be part of Adiala Jail. Earlier, Imran Khan was arrested in six cases related to the protests on September 28, October 4, and October 5. However, no arrests have been made in the 28 cases related to the November 24 protest. There are seven cases registered against the founding chairman of PTI for the protests on September 28, October 4, and October 5.
while multiple cases were filed. One such case was filed at the Kohsar Police Station on Nov 26 on the complaint of Station House Officer Muhammad Imran. The police submitted a list of 96 suspects, containing the names of Imran, Bushra Bibi, CM Gandapur, former president Arif Alvi, former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly
Omar Ayub, PTI Central Information Secretary Waqas Akram and several other party leaders, including Shoaib Shaheen, Ali Bukhari, Sher Afzal Marwat, Faisal Javed, Zartaj Gul and Aamir Mughal, requesting that their arrest warrants be issued in connection to the case. ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra presided over today’s hearing and accepted the police request, issuing non-bailable arrest warrants for the 96 suspects.
in the assembly. Alam also pointed out that the opposition, led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has rejected the 26th Amendment, making it impossible for the provincial government to accept it. Further complicating matters, Alam discussed the incomplete state of the K-P Assembly, with several seats still vacant and the process of determining reserved seats pending. He questioned the feasibility of bringing a resolution in an assembly that is not yet fully functional, citing the pending Senate elections as well. This decision is part of the ongoing resistance from K-P to the federal government’s proposals related to constitutional amendments and the establishment of new judicial structures. In related developments, a senior official from Punjab shared with
a local media outlet that the provincial government is not currently interested in forming constitutional benches. The Punjab government has expressed satisfaction with the current functioning of the Lahore High Court (LHC). Unlike past tensions, the relationship between the Punjab government and LHC Chief Justice Alia Neelum remains cordial, particularly following the elevation of Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan to the Supreme Court and subsequent transfers of AntiTerrorism Court (ATC) judges. However, the Punjab government does have concerns about an interim order that has restrained it from exercising its powers under the Punjab Detention Act, 1960, for one month. This order has raised strong reservations within the provincial government.
KP govt maintains opposition to constitutional bench formation PESHAWAR
STAFF REPORT
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided against introducing a resolution in the provincial assembly for the creation of constitutional courts. In this regard, Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam said that the government does not recognise the 26th Constitutional Amendment, and as a result, cannot support the establishment of constitutional courts under it. Speaking to the media, Alam emphasised that since the KP government does not acknowledge the amendment, it would not be bringing a resolution to the assembly for the formation of such courts. The provincial cabinet has endorsed this stance, confirming that no such resolution will be presented
Sciences, Federal Ministry of National Food Safety and Research, Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority and Board of Investment. The meeting of the federal cabinet was held here under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The cabinet, on the proposal of ministry of education and professional training also gave a go ahead to the renewal of the Memoranda of Understands (MoUs) with respect to University of Cambridge, Saint Antony’s College University of Oxford, University of Jordan, Pecking University China, University of Hydal Berg, and Pakistan Chairs in Germany. Furthermore, the cabinet, on the recommendation of ministry of education and professional training approved nomination of Dr Habib ur Rehman and Dr Kamran Ansari as subject experts in the Board of Governors of University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore and the nomination of Dr Mumtaz Muhammad Shah and Dr Muhammad Ahmed Farooqui as subject experts in Board of Governors of Center of Excellence in Mineralogy, University of Balochistan Quetta.
Cyber Crime Wing, and intelligence agencies such as ISI and MI. Their mandate is to look into the spread of fabricated content aimed at destabilizing the country and misleading foreign audiences.
KP govt rejects Tarar’s claim of Murad Saeed’s ‘presence’ at CM’s House Peshawar PESHAWAR
STAFF REPORT
The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has strongly rejected claims made by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Atta Ullah Tarar regarding the alleged presence of Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former federal minister Murad Saeed at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar. In a statement, Barrister Saif, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s Information Advisor, dismissed Tarar’s accusation as “ridiculous” and labeled it a baseless lie. According to Barrister Saif, Tarar’s assertion that Murad Saeed was hiding at the CM House was false and contradicted the facts. He went on to mock the claim, stating that if Murad Saeed had indeed been present during the Islamabad protests and was not arrested, it would reflect severe incompetence on the part of the authorities, suggesting that such incompetence could even merit a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Saif further emphasized that the provincial government was unaware of Murad Saeed’s whereabouts, adding, “If we knew where Murad Saeed was, we would have certainly taken action. But this claim about him hiding at the CM House is simply not true.” He also pointed out the inconsistencies in Tarar’s statements, arguing that if Murad Saeed had been seen during the D-Chowk protests, he would have been apprehended by the law enforcement officials present. “Thousands of protesters were arrested from DChowk, yet Murad Saeed was reportedly nowhere to be found.