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SC SAYS ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER CAN’T OVERRIDE JUDICIAL ORDER AS VERDICT ON JUDICIAL POWERS CASE RESERVED Friday, 24 January, 2025 I 23 Rajabul Murajjab, 1446
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g PROCEEDINGS TOUCH UPON BROADER JUSTICE MANSOOR ALI SHAH QUESTIONS WHETHER IN ANY CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES, INCLUDING COUNTRY, EXECUTIVE, RATHER THAN SCOPE OF ARTICLE 191-A OF JUDICIARY, FORMS A BENCH? CONSTITUTION
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to the Practice and Procedure Committee. Hamid Khan, appointed as amicus curiae by the apex court, argued that the committee’s actions were not only procedurally flawed but also inconsistent with constitutional safeguards. “The Constitution does not permit some judges to have more powers than others. Such practices undermine the spirit of equality and judicial independence,” he asserted. Justice Shah remarked that the question of whether the Chief Justice of Pakistan or a committee has the exclusive authority to
Neither me nor Bushra benefited from Al Qadir Trust case in any way, says Imran ISLAMABAD
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ADDITIONAL REGISTRAR SUBMITS WRITTEN REPLY, REQUESTING FOR WITHDRAWAL OF THE SHOW-CAUSE NOTICE
IHC issues notice to FIA on Imran, Bushra’s acquittal pleas in Toshakhana 0.2 case
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two-member bench of the Supreme Court on Thursday reserved verdict in the case of contempt of court by the additional registrar. A two-member bench of the Supreme Court, consisting of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Aqeel Abbasi, heard the contempt of court case and reserved the verdict after hearing multiple arguments. During proceedings, Justice Shah observed, “Prima facie, the judges’ committee disregarded a judicial order. While contempt proceedings could be initiated, we will not issue a notice in this case.” The proceedings touched upon broader constitutional principles, including the scope of Article 191-A of the Constitution, which governs the judiciary’s role and autonomy. Advocate Hamid Khan who was appointed as Amicus Curiae, assisted the bench in the matter and presented his arguments. Earlier, in response to the contempt of court notice regarding the rescheduling of the case related to powers of bench, Supreme Court Additional Registrar Nazar Abbas submitted his reply to the show-cause notice. In his response, Additional Registrar Nazar Abbas requested the withdrawal of the show-cause notice, asserting that he did not defy any judicial orders. He stated that he had submitted a note regarding the matter of forming a bench based on the judicial order
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Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan said on Thursday that neither he nor his spouse Bushra Bibi benefitted financially from the Al-Qadir Trust case in any way, asserting business tycoon Malik Riaz could testify that he was the only prime minister who “never sought anything from him for personal or financial gain”. In a post from Imran Khan’s X account on Thursday said: “Neither Bushra Bibi nor I have financially benefitted from the Al-Qadir Trust in any way. “Malik Riaz will testify that I was the only Prime Minister who never sought anything from him for personal or financial gain.” Imran added that “unlike [Asif Ali] Zardari, I did not have a Bilawal House built for me, nor did I sell One Hyde Park at double its value like the Sharif family did. “The future of Pakistan’s youth is important for me, and it was for this reason that Al-Qadir University was established,” the post read. The post came in the backdrop of Riaz’s post on X a day ago, in which he had said he would “not testify”. “This was my decision yesterday and this is my decision today, no matter how much you oppress me, Malik Riaz will not testify!” the property tycoon had said in response to the government’s decision regarding his extradition. Imran and Bushra were convicted last week in the £190m Al-Qadir Trust case in which Riaz and his son are also co-accused and proclaimed offenders. Following the conviction, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) swung into action on Tuesday against Riaz to bring him back to Pakistan from the United Arab Emirates.
form a full court remains pivotal. He added that if the committee disregarded a judicial order, the issue might warrant referral to a full court for adjudication. Justice Aqeel Abbasi noted potential confusion surrounding the judges’ committee’s jurisdiction and procedural limits. He emphasized the need to address ambiguities in the Supreme Court Rules of 1980, which define the framework for forming judicial benches. Hamid Khan further contended that the committee’s retraction of the case contra-
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday issued notices to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) related to the acquittal pleas of ex-premier Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi in the new Toshakhana case. In the case, the FIA accused the couple of retaining an expensive Bulgari jewellery set gifted by a foreign leader — including a necklace, earrings, bracelets, and rings — at a low price, saying it caused significant loss to the national exchequer. Today’s hearing at the IHC was presided over by newly sworn-in Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas.
vened constitutional procedures, highlighting that any such decision should align with Article 191-A. However, he acknowledged that the committee might have the administrative authority to reassign cases in certain circumstances. The court also heard arguments from Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, who emphasized the need for judicial restraint. He suggested that procedural missteps,
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operation from the government.” Negotiations cannot move forward if the commission is not announced, he said. He noted, however, that negotiations can be held if a three-judge commission is formed. According to the PTI founder, the party will continue its efforts under the law and constitution, Gohar said. “On the instructions of [Imran], we will join various opposition parties and struggle together.” Govt, opposition negotiating committee meeting summoned on Jan 28 Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq summoned the meeting of negotiating committee to hold talks between the government and
if any, should be resolved without undermining the judiciary’s institutional integrity. Justice Shah drew attention to a related precedent involving former Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, where a similar reassignment of cases raised questions about judicial autonomy. “If a judicial order can be overridden by an administrative committee, it sets a dangerous precedent for judicial independence,” he remarked.
FO reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to robust relations with US
Imran halts talks due to delay in formation of judicial commissions, says Gohar
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Thursday said that party founder Imran Khan has said to call off talks with the government due to a delay in the formation of judicial commissions. The PTI and the government havd been engaged in talks to bring down political temperatures. After two rounds of meetings, the third round was held last week in which the PTI formally presented its charter of demands in writing. Despite weeks of negotiations, the dialogue process has hardly moved forward on major issues — the formation of a judicial commission and the release of PTI prisoners. On Monday, the government assured the PTI of a response to the opposition’s charter of demands within seven working days after the party warned it would boycott the next round of talks if judicial commissions were not formed to probe the May 9 and November 26 incidents. Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail, Barrister Gohar said that the government had promised to form the requested judicial commissions within seven days, but it failed to do so. “PTI was hopeful of continuing the talks,” Gohar said. “Negotiations were called off due to non-co-
The couple were apprehended in the case on July 13, 2024, following their acquittal in the Iddat case the same day. They were indicted in the case by Special Court Central-I Judge Shahrukh Arjumand on December 15. Judge Arjumand had already dismissed the couple’s acquittal pleas in November last year. Subsequently, earlier this month, the couple approached the IHC to appeal the rejection. While Bushra was granted bail in the case from the IHC in October 2024, allowing her to be freed after nearly nine months of detention, last week’s conviction of the couple in the Al-Qadir Trust case has sent her back to jail.
opposition on January 28. It will be in-camera meeting that will be presided by NA speaker. The government is likely to respond the demands of opposition in writing form. Earlier, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar had given 7-day ultimatum to the government to form judicial commission on May 9 incidents. “We’ll not hold the fourth meeting with the government negotiating team if there is no judicial commission in next seven days,” said the PTI chairman. Barrister Gohar said that PTI is adamant on its earlier demands. He said that PTI really wants to continue negotiations with the government.
Pakistan has expressed its readiness to engage constructively with the newly inaugurated US administration, reaffirming its commitment to fostering strong and cooperative ties. Speaking at the weekly news briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan emphasized Pakistan’s desire to maintain a robust relationship with the United States grounded in mutual respect and the principle of non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. Welcoming President Donald Trump’s swearing-in, the spokesperson highlighted the importance of the longstanding US-Pakistan relationship, which spans multiple sectors of mutual interest. “We look forward to continuing the positive trajectory of these relations,” he stated. Addressing a question about Afghan resettlement, Khan confirmed an arrangement under which the United States has committed to relocating a significant number of Afghan refugees from Pakistan to the US by September. He clarified that this agreement remains intact. The spokesperson also raised serious concerns over the presence of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sanctuaries in Afghanistan. He stressed that Pakistan has consistently urged Afghan authorities to address this issue, which remains a major obstacle to fully realizing the potential of bilateral relations. On the Kashmir dispute, Khan reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering stance. “The world is aware of the oppression campaign unleashed in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan will support any effort directed toward the resolution of this longstanding dispute,” he said, underlining the need for international attention on the human rights situation in the region. Regarding the Indus Water Treaty, Khan affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its full implementation, including its dispute settlement mechanism. He expressed hope that India would honor the treaty in good faith, fulfilling all its obligations.
PTI, journalists oppose as NA passes contentious Peca amend bill ISLAMABAD
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The National Assembly on Thursday passed the contentious PECA Amendment Bill, 2025, amid a walkout by PTI lawmakers and journalists from the proceedings. The draft of amendments to the country’s cybercrime laws titled “The Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025”, was tabled in the National Assembly a day ago by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and subsequently was referred to the standing committee. Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain presented the bill in the House, prompting the journalists to stage a walkout from the press gallery in protest. Lawmakers from the opposition Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazl also opposed the bill. Amendments and its Objective The bill seeks to establish a new authority to oversee social media platforms and protect users’ rights. The proposed authority will be responsible for facilitating social media
platforms, ensuring users’ rights, and registering social media platforms. After the formation of the authority, it will have the power to take disciplinary action against social media platforms that violate the law, direct relevant institutions to remove illegal content, and register and deregister social media platforms. Furthermore, the authority will
consist of nine members, including the Secretary Interior, Chairman PTA, and Chairman PEMRA as exofficio members. The chairman and five members will be appointed for a five-year term. NA Proceedings The National Assembly also passed “The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2024“ which was moved by
Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja. The bill aims at creating a digital identity for citizens to centralise social, economic and governance data and to provide for the transformation of Pakistan into a digital nation, enabling a digital society, digital economy and digital governance.
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fluential media organizations, including the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND), the All-Pakistan Newspapers Society, and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ). In a statement, the JAC emphasized that any amendments to PECA should not be passed or approved without a thorough and transparent
consultation process with media bodies. The committee expressed concern that no draft of the proposed amendments had been shared with its members, preventing them from commenting on the changes without first reviewing the contents. The JAC urged the government to ensure that all relevant stakeholders, particularly those representing the media, are fully involved in discussions before any amendments are made to the law.
JAC rejects PECA changes, urges government to engage media STAFF REPORT
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of journalists, representing key media organizations, on Thursday strongly rejected the proposed amendment to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and urged the government to refrain from enacting the changes without due consultation with media bodies. The JAC comprises several in-
Tarar assures PECA amendment won’t impact working journalists ISLAMABAD
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Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture, Attaullah Tarar, clarified on Thursday that the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025, will not negatively impact working journalists, contrary to some misleading claims circulating in the media. Speaking at a gathering of journalists in the Press Gallery of the Parliament, Tarar emphasized that the bill aims to regulate digital media, not harm the interests of journalists in the print and electronic sectors. He described the PECA amendment as a step towards safeguarding the rights of working jour-
nalists, particularly in the rapidly evolving media landscape. “The PECA amendment is a significant move for the protection of working journalists in the print and electronic media,” the minister stated. He pointed out that digital media, which is largely unregulated, has become a challenge to traditional media outlets, with no legal framework currently governing it. Tarar explained that while the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) already oversees the print and electronic media, there is no such body to monitor digital platforms, which are becoming increasingly influential. The rise of social media has given rise to numerous issues, including the propagation of fake news and malicious content.