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SC QUESTIONS ‘SELECTIVE MILITARY TRIALS’ OF MAY 9 SUSPECTS
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Friday, 10 January, 2025 I 9 Rajabul Murajjab, 1446
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JUSTICE MANDOKHAIL SEEKS EXPLANATION g JUSTICE MAZHAR NOTES ALL SUSPECTS OF PROCEDURES FOLLOWED TO BOOKED UNDER SIMILAR FIRS YET SOME TRIED DETERMINE JURISDICTION OF CASES IN MILITARY COURTS, OTHERS FACED ATCS
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 185 I 8 Pages I Karachi Edition
JUSTICE AFGHAN DEMANDS CLARITY ON PROCESS FOR TAKING SUSPECTS INTO MILITARY CUSTODY ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
HE Supreme Court’s constitutional bench raised critical questions about the trial of civilians involved in the May 9 events, specifically the basis for sending certain suspects to military courts while others are being tried in anti-terrorism courts (ATCs). Seven-member constitutional bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, and comprising Justices – Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi, Musarrat Hilali, Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Shahid Bilal Hassan, resumed the hearing the intracourt appeal against the trial of civilians in military courts. During the proceedings, Ministry of Defence counsel Khawaja Haris argued that the interpretation of Article 233, which pertained to the suspension of fundamental rights during an emergency, was incorrect when the decision to conduct military trials for civilians was made. He emphasised that fundamental
rights could only be suspended under an emergency, as was the case during the tenure of Gen Pervez Musharraf. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar countered, stating that this case does not involve the suspension of fundamental rights. He pointed out that during Musharraf’s era, rights were suspended due to a lack of the right to appeal.
Eight out of 17 abducted mining project workers recovered in Lakki Marwat: police
Govt stubbornness stalls negotiations: PTI spokesperson ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Justice Aminuddin Khan raised the issue of whether an emergency had been declared in this case, prompting Justice Mazhar to clarify that the suspension of fundamental rights required an emergency to be in place. Justice Musarrat Hilali also pointed out that, in the present case, the fundamental rights of the accused were not suspended, nor was an
emergency declared when the individuals were taken into military custody. Justice Musarrat Hilali asked who determined the jurisdiction for trials in military courts and how the differentiation was made between cases that proceed in ATCs and those sent to military courts. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar noted that all suspects from the May 9 incidents were booked under similar FIRs and questioned why some were subjected to military trials while others faced ATCs. Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan asked whether there was any ATC order transferring suspects to military courts and demanded clarity on the process for taking suspects into military custody. Justice Jamal Mandokhail sought an explanation of the principles and procedures followed to determine the jurisdiction of cases. He also remarked, “An accused is acquitted in an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), but then sentenced by a military court. Is there any special evidence presented in military courts that isn’t considered in civilian courts?”
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Secretary for Information Sheikh Waqas Akram criticised the government, claiming its inflexibility has caused negotiations to break down. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Akram said, “The talks have stalled due to the government’s stubbornness. We are being asked to submit our demands in writing, but we have never wavered from our stance.” He emphasised that PTI founder Imran Khan, despite facing what he described as government repression, extended opportunities for dialogue. “Our demand is simple: grant us access to our chairman,” he said. Akram stated that Khan has been denied contact with his legal team and supporters for three and a half months. “Even lawyers are not allowed to meet him,” he added. He accused the government of failing to take the party’s demands seriously, despite their commitment to constructive engagement. Akram noted that Khan insisted on the formation of a judicial commission during the third round of talks with the government. “How can they address major demands when they can’t even arrange one meeting with our committee and Khan?” he questioned. Akram condemned Khan’s treatment in prison, calling it inhumane and inadequate. “He has been placed in a dead cell meant for terrorists, with no access to TV, washrooms, or visitation rights,” he said, alleging that the claims of facilities were false. He also pointed out that the court had ordered the government to allow Khan to communicate with his children, a directive that has not been followed.
LAKKI MARWAT AGENCIES
Police have rescued eight of 17 workers, associated with a mining project, who were abducted at gunpoint in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Lakki Marwat district on Thursday morning, officials said. Speaking to media, District police spokesperson Shahid Marwat said that around 9am on Thursday, 17 workers, including a driver, involved in a mining project were travelling in a minibus when they were stopped and taken away at gunpoint by some men on Dara Tang Road in Lakki Marwat. “Eight of the abducted workers have been recovered, of which three sustained minor injuries,” he said. The official added that an operation involving police and security officials was underway in the district to recover the remaining workers. A District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) official confirmed that three of the recovered hostages sustained some injuries and were receiving treatment. Meanwhile, local and international media outlets reported that the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the abductions. Hours after the incident, some videos also appeared on social media platforms in which men, said to be the abducted workers, could be seen appealing to the government to accept the militants’ demands and get them re-
leased. However, Dawn.com could not independently verify the authenticity of the videos. Earlier in the day, police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) said they killed three militants belonging to the Teepu Gull group, a TTP affiliate, in a joint operation carried out in the Malang Adda area of the district. Officials said that police received information about the presence of a dozen militants in the area, upon which an intelligencebased operation was planned. “As soon as the raiding team took position, the militants opened fire,” officials said, adding that an intense exchange of fire took place between the raiding team and the militants. The slain militants were identified as Shafeeq Nawaz, Muhammad Mujahid alias Jihadyar, and
Fidaur Rehman alias Anas alias Gul, officials said. Lakki Marwat has been a hotspot for terrorism and violence as far back as the early 2000s. The region experienced brief respite following security operations, but militancy has once again arisen over the last few years. Attacks escalated ever since the TTP broke a ceasefire agreement with the government in 2022 and vowed to target police and security forces. Earlier this week, two police officials were martyred after unidentified gunmen targeted them in the Jabukhel area of the district. Both policemen were killed on the spot and the terrorists managed to escape on a motorcycle. In a retaliatory operation, one terrorist commander was gunned down by the law enforcers and villagers.
Global parliamentary group to observe Imran Khan’s trials: lawyer ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), a global parliamentary body, will send its representative to observe the trials of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan being carried out in different cases. Khalid Yousuf Chaudhry, the counsel for incarcerated Imran Khan, told a private TV that he discussed the exprime minister’s cases with an official of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) following which it decided to send its trial observer. The IPU, of which Pakistan is a member, facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world. “The IPU representative was briefed on the judicial proceedings in the £190 million case,” said Chaudhry in his statement. “They were also informed about the Toshakhana cases.” He added, “I provided the IPU representative with details regarding the penalties in the Toshakhana cases, as well as the legal and constitutional flaws and the violation of the right to a fair trial.” Chaudhry said the IPU representative was also briefed on the events of May 9 and the GHQ case. “In November 2023, an IPU trial observer attempted to visit Adiala Jail but was denied permission.” This is not the first time that someone from outside Pakistan has talked about Khan’s imprisonment or cases, as parliamentarians from the UK and US have also sought the former prime minister’s release. Khan, who is the only prime minister to be ousted through a no-confidence vote, has been in jail since August 2023, even though all four convictions handed down to him have either been suspended or overturned. A number of British parliamentarians in July last year called for the release of the former premier, while over 60 Democratic lawmakers from the US House of Representatives wrote to President Joe Biden in October 2024, urging him to use Washington’s leverage with Pakistan to secure the release of Khan. However, the governments of both nations have maintained that the issue is an internal matter of Pakistan. Apart from their interest in Khan, the US, UK, and EU had last month also criticised military courts over the sentencing of civilians in connection with attacks on military facilities on May 9, 2023, after the arrest of the jailed former prime minister.
Mohsin Naqvi, US ambassador exchange views on Pak-US ties ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and outgoing US Ambassador Donald Blome exchanged in-depth views on the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and the United States during a meeting in Islamabad on Thursday. The outgoing American envoy paid a farewell call on the interior minister who commended Donald Blome’s services in promoting Pakistan-US ties. He also expressed good wishes for Mr Blome. The US ambassador strongly condemned recent incidents of terrorism in Pakistan. Mohsin Naqvi maintained that terrorism is a global issue and the international community would have to frame a joint line of action against this menace. The minister further informed the US envoy that no foreign national is allowed to reside in Pakistan illegally. Donald Trump praised Pakistani institutions full cooperation during his stay in Pakistan. Interior Secretary Khurram Ali Agha and US Deputy Head of Mission Natalie Baker were also present in the meeting.
FBR starts human monitoring for Afghan transit cargo g
THIS SHIFT FROM SATELLITE TRACKING FOLLOWS ABRUPT TERMINATION OF LICENSE OF TPL TRAKKER; RAISES SMUGGLING FEARS PROFIT
MONITORING DESK
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has temporarily replaced satellite tracking of containers carrying imported goods to Afghanistan with human surveillance, sparking concerns over smuggling risks and efficiency gaps. According to a news report, this shift follows the abrupt termination of the license of TPL Trakker, the company that had been monitoring container movements through GSM and satellite since 2013. The task of monitoring has now been handed over to four firms, selected based on technical qualifications evaluated four years ago, without a competitive bidding process. However, these firms lack experience in container tracking and do not possess Container Surveillance Devices (CSDs), a critical tool for preventing pilferage. In a written statement, FBR Director General for Transit Trade Mohsin Rafique
confirmed the firms were chosen because they had been previously evaluated and deemed eligible. However, Rafique admitted that these firms specialise in vehicle tracking, not container monitoring. “CSD is an expensive device which is not available with any company other than TPL,” he stated. The new contractors have been authorised to install Prime Mover Devices (PMDs) on vehicles, which track vehicle movement but do not monitor containers directly. Despite acknowledging these limitations, the FBR allowed the firms to set up control rooms at the Old Custom House in Karachi and commence tracking operations under new standard operating procedures (SOPs). The new SOPs, issued on December 27, require additional human resources from Customs Enforcement to monitor bonded cargo at the origin and along transit routes. TPL Trakker, the previous licensee, refuted FBR’s allegations of non-perfor-
mance. The company stated its IT system was only temporarily disrupted due to a cyberattack in mid-2024 and has since been restored. TPL emphasized that its hybrid tracking devices, equipped with both GSM
and satellite capabilities, ensured reliable container tracking. Transporters have expressed concerns over increased costs, as they now have to pay Rs20,000 to install PMDs on vehicles
and Rs5,278 per trip to the new contractors. Additionally, industry stakeholders have criticized the FBR’s decision to relax financial and technical eligibility requirements for tracking firms.
PROFIT
cil is scheduled to meet in the second week of May, following the Annual Planning Committee meeting in the first week of the same month. The Budget Strategy Paper is set to be approved by April 18, 2025, while the Budget Review Committee will hold its sessions from February 11 to February 28. Foreign exchange budget estimates are expected to be submitted by May 7. Meanwhile, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has initiated preparations for the FY2025-26 budget. Stakeholders have been requested to submit their proposals by
January 31, covering areas such as income tax, sales tax, federal excise duty, and revenue generation strategies. The FBR is also seeking recommendations to broaden the tax base, streamline tax procedures, phase out exemptions, and enhance the general sales tax framework. These measures aim to simplify tax regulations and increase compliance across sectors. This collaborative approach underscores the government’s focus on economic stability and transparent fiscal planning for the upcoming fiscal year.
Finance ministry proposes FY2025-26 budget timeline INP
The Ministry of Finance has finalised the proposed schedule for Pakistan’s federal budget for FY2025-26, with plans to present the budget in the first week of June 2025. Preparatory meetings and deadlines have been outlined to ensure timely submission and approval of essential documents. According to the proposal, all budget documents will be finalised by the end of May 2025. The National Economic Coun-