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FAZL THREATENS ‘MARCH ON ISLAMABAD’ IF MADRASAH BILL NOT PASSED
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Saturday, 7 December, 2024 I 04 Jumada Al-Akhirah, 1446
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SLAMS GOVT AS ‘ILLEGITIMATE’, ‘FORCEFULLY IMPOSED,’ SAYING SERIOUS ABOUT STAGING A PROTEST
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PESHAWAR STAFF REPORT
AMIAT Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Friday took a dig at the federal government, calling it “illegitimate” and “forcefully imposed,” warning his party would stage a protest in Islamabad if Madrasah Registration Bill is not passed. Speaking to the media in Peshawar on Friday, he warned that the party was serious about staging a protest in Islamabad if the Madrasah Registration Bill is not passed. However, he stated that the party’s full position would be announced on Sunday during a gathering in Peshawar.
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JUI-F CHIEF SAYS IF GOVT RENEGE ON ITS COMMITMENTS, IT WOULD CAUSE A LOSS OF CONFIDENCE IN POLITICAL PROCESS
PM assures JUI-F chief of addressing Madrasah Registration Bill issue
Rehman explained that discussions regarding the madrasah bill, as part of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, had taken place before with key political figures, including former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari. He confirmed that talks had been held with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership. He noted that the government had initiated contact with his party, and dialogue was ongoing. He shared that the party was also in touch with the madrasah federation and other allied religious organisations. The JUI-F chief stated that if the government reneged on its commitments, it would cause a loss of confidence in the political process. He expressed his frustration with the
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday assured JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman that all concerns related to the Madrasah Registration Bill would be addressed. In a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman raised concerns over the inordinate delay in the passage of the Madrasah Registration Bill. According to JUI spokesperson Aslam Ghauri, Rehman informed the Prime Minister of his reservations regarding the bill. During the conversation, PM Shehbaz assured the JUI leader that all concerns related to the bill would be addressed.
government’s handling of the issue, claiming that while the Madrasah Registration Bill had been agreed upon before the formation of the current government, unnecessary interference had stalled the legislative process. Rehman pointed out that the bill had received wide consensus, including meetings with Nawaz Sharif at Bilawal House and discussions with PTI, but questioned why objections had surfaced at this late stage. “We are still open to dialogue, and we want to resolve matters, but how can
Rehman emphasised that the government should avoid turning the agreed-upon bill into a contentious issue. “We stand firm on our position, and we will not allow any infringement on the freedom and independence of madrasas,” he stated. Meanwhile, Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, another JUI-F leader, has issued a warning that the party will take further action if the Madrasah Registration Bill is not passed by the federal government by the deadline of December 8. Haideri, who also serves as the General Secretary of JUI-F, stated that if the bill is not approved by the set date, the party will march towards Islamabad to protest. STAFF REPORT
we be flexible with just a phone call?” he said, highlighting that any meaningful change would require more than just superficial negotiations. He further accused the federal government of being an “imposed” administration, adding that if there were any changes, JUI-F would not be part of it, and would instead make its decision through strength. Turning to the issue of law and order in the province, Rehman criticised the provincial government’s failure to establish its authority.
Jirga-led peace efforts finally bring indefinite ceasefire to Kurram KURRAM
STAFF REPORT
PM vows not to sit idle till eradication of terrorism from country ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reiterated the government’s resolve to eradicate the scourge of terrorism from the country, noting that Pakistan has paid a heavy price in fight against terrorism. Addressing the closing ceremony of the seventh Maritime Security Workshop at Pakistan Navy War College in Lahore, PM Shehbaz said that 80,000 Pakistanis lost their lives while economy suffered losses worth billions of dollars during war against terrorism. The premier said that previous Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had eliminated the terrorism during 2013 to 2018, adding that unfortunately the menace once again sprung out. He vowed not to sit idle till the complete eradication of terrorism from the country. He said that several meetings of Apex Committee have been held to ensure maintenance of law and order. PM Shehbaz Sharif said that great sacrifices are being offered by officers and jawans of the armed forces to ensure security of the country and their sacrifices will not go in vain. Speaking on Pakistan Navy’s capabilities, the prime minister said officers and sailors have commitment and capacity to deal with entire spectrum of threats making Pakistan Navy a formidable force capable of ensuring the maritime security of the country. He said that Pakistan Navy is providing support to reap the benefits of the marine resources. He said that Pakistan’s development and progress is possible only through harnessing the blue economy. PM Shehbaz said that China is also providing support to Pakistan in maritime sector. He said that Pakistan will become more prosperous when Gwadar Port will become fully functional.
Following weeks of violent conflict in Kurram tribal district that claimed over 131 lives, a grand jirga of tribal elders has declared an indefinite ceasefire, ensuring that trenches will remain vacant until a final decision is reached. The jirga, comprising more than 100 tribal elders, convened under the supervision of KhyberPakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. The Commissioner of Kohat Division, Mutasim Billah Shah, and DIG Shir Akbar Khan led the deliberations. After extensive individual and collective meetings with all parties involved, the jirga announced the ceasefire as a critical step towards achieving sustainable peace in the conflict-ridden region. The participants emphasized that peace cannot be achieved through violence and committed to working toward a long-term resolution of the deeply rooted issues plaguing Kurram. In a collective statement, the jirga declared, “We will remain in
session until full and lasting peace is established in Kurram, carrying the message of peace to our respective areas.” Kohat Commissioner Mutasim Billah Shah affirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining state authority and supporting durable peace. Ahead of the jirga’s decision, Chief Minister Gandapur had met with the grand jirga members to discuss formal negotiations and conflict resolution strategies. During Monday’s K-P Assembly session, the government announced plans to disarm Kurram and dis-
mantle bunkers in the district as part of restoring law and order. Law Minister Aftab Alam emphasized the need to establish government authority, stating, “An operation will be conducted to make Kurram weapon-free, and all bunkers will be demolished.” The conflict, which began in October, has devastated the region, opposition member Riaz Shaheen reported during the session. He highlighted the widespread destruction, including the closure of all routes, displacing over 10,000 people.
Senate committee raises concerns over missing property files in Islamabad ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Senate Functional Committee on Government Assurances, chaired by Senator Abdul Shakoor Khan, convened on Friday at Parliament House to address several important issues, including the missing files related to properties in the I-10/4 and F-11/3 sectors of Islamabad as well as mobile network connectivity issues. During the meeting, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) provided an update on the missing files, explaining that an internal inquiry had been initiated to verify all cases. CDA officials confirmed that the allotment for a plot in I-10/4 was found to be fraudulent. The Secretary of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs stressed that the matter was sensitive and required further examination of the initial court orders to determine whether an appeal had been filed. However, the committee members expressed dissatisfaction with the CDA’s handling of the issue. Senator Shakoor Khan emphasized that if the missing files were not located within a specified timeframe, the matter would be escalated to the Chairman of the Senate for further action. The committee underlined the urgency of resolving the issue promptly, given its implications on land management and accountability. The committee also reviewed the missing file related to a plot in Sector F-11/3. The Secretary of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs remarked that this case had not been previously discussed in the Senate, and it was essential to follow the proper procedures to address the matter effectively. The committee members agreed that the case should be routed through the appropriate channels for further investigation. Another key issue discussed was the persistent connectivity problems in the Dheri Mera area, Abbottabad, where residents have been facing challenges with 4G data and voice call services. Senator Kamran Murtaza, who had raised the issue, expressed frustration over the lack of resolution. The committee acknowledged that connectivity issues were widespread, especially in Balochistan and Waziristan, and recommended that these regions be included in future resolutions. A follow-up on this issue is expected in the next committee meeting. The committee also reviewed other ongoing issues, including the status of an MRI machine at the Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital and the repair of the MRI machine at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad. While the MRI machine at PIMS has been in working condition since September 2023, the installation of the MRI machine at the Polyclinic Hospital has been delayed. The Ministry of Health confirmed that the machine would be installed in February 2025 due to ongoing negotiations with the Government of Japan. In addition, the committee discussed the claims process provided by Jubilee Insurance for Bahria University employees. The Higher Education Commission reported that out of 5,706 cases, 5,693 had been approved, with only 13 cases remaining, which are expected to be resolved within 10 working days. Lastly, the committee addressed the construction of a road by the CDA on Quaid-e-Azam University’s land. It was reported that the compensatory land for the university had now been allocated, resolving the issue.
Civil disobedience if two key demands not met: Imran RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has warned the government to launch a civil disobedience movement if his key demands are not met. In a post on X account, Imran Khan announced the formation of a five-member negotiation committee tasked with negotiating with the federal government on two key issues: the release of “political prisoners” currently facing trial and the establishment of a judicial
commission to investigate the violent crackdown on PTI supporters during the May 9, 2023 protests and the November 26 crackdown on PTI protesters. Imran Khan made it clear that if these demands are not met, he will launch a civil disobedience movement starting December 14. “If these two demands are not accepted, a civil disobedience movement will be launched from December 14,” Khan stated, warning that the government would be responsible for any consequences that arise from such a movement.
In addition to the political prisoners’ demand, Imran Khan has announced a “grand gathering” in Peshawar on December 13 to “pay homage to the martyrs” who, according to the PTI leader, were killed during the Islamabad protests. He further claimed that many PTI workers are still missing and urged the Supreme Court to take action against the human rights violations. “We approached the Supreme Court, Lahore and Islamabad high courts over serious violations of human rights, but no action was taken,” Khan added.
SC fixes for hearing PTI pleas seeking probe into polls rigging, JC on May 9 riots ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The constitutional bench of the Supreme Court on Friday fixed Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) petitions for hearing, seeking a probe into alleged rigging in the February 8 general elections and formation of judicial commission on May 9 riots. A seven-member bench, headed by Justice Amin-Ud-Din Khan, will hear PTI founder Imran Khan’s plea against election rigging on December 11. Meanwhile, the constitutional bench will take up the second petition on December 10, which also seeks “annulment of civilians trial in military courts”. The constitutional bench will comprise Justice Amin-Ud-Din, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Musarrat Hilali, Justice Naeem Akhtar
Afghan and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan. The incarcerated PTI founder had moved the Supreme Court in March 2024, requesting the formation of a judicial commission to “inquire, audit and examine” the manner and process of the February 8 general elections held in the country. The petition, filed by senior lawyer Hamid Khan on behalf of the PTI founder, urged that the apex court form of a judicial commission — consisting of serving SC judges holding no bias towards anyone — to “inquire, audit and examine the manner and process of general elections of 8 February 2024 and the developments that took place thereafter of compiling false and fraudulent results rendering winners into losers and losers into winners”. The PTI-backed independent candidates won the most National Assembly seats in the February 8 elections followed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and
the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). However, the PML-N with the support of the other parties including the PPP formed a coalition government in the Centre and later became the single largest party in the lower house of the parliament following the allocation of the reserved seats. Meanwhile, the former prime minister — in another petition — prayed the apex court to appoint a judicial commission to probe into the “horrendous and terrible incidents of May 9-10 and actions leading to those unfortunate incidents, which caused loss of precious human lives of dozens of persons and damage to the state and private property.” In the petition, he also submitted that the arrests, investigation and trial of civilians in peacetime under the Army Act 1952, read with the Official Secret Act 1923, is unconstitutional and void and of no legal effect and amounts to negation of the Constitution, rule of law and independence of judiciary.
SC takes notice of 100-plus illegal structures in Margalla National Park
ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court has ordered the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to submit a detailed report regarding the more than 100 illegal hotels, restaurants, and kiosks still operating in Margalla Hills National Park. During the hearing, it was revealed that around 134 illegal establishments remain in the park, despite previous demolitions ordered by the court. The CDA has been accused of failing to enforce the court’s previous orders, and the court expressed concern over ongoing violations. The court questioned why the CDA had not acted to remove illegal constructions in the park, especially around the Monal restaurant area.
The DG of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that these illegal structures, including kiosks, are causing environmental issues. Justice Jameel Mandokhel asked whether the Supreme Court’s previous orders were limited to Monal or if they applied to all such constructions. Justice Musarat Hilali highlighted the serious environmental impact on the park, particularly on its endangered wildlife. The court, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, also emphasized that Margalla Hills is a protected area, and all construction activities in the park should be considered illegal. The CDA has been given a deadline to report on the situation, as the hearing continues. STAFF REPORT