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Category: Politics

  • ‘Why is Shehbaz happy if the judgment is against Nawaz’ asks Asad Umar

    ‘Why is Shehbaz happy if the judgment is against Nawaz’ asks Asad Umar

    The Supreme Court (SC) has on Wednesday evening issued a verdict in favour of the SC (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023, dismissing petitions challenging its validity.

    The decision was upheld by 10-5 majority. However, by an 8-7 decision, the majority of judges decided against the provision of law wherein retrospective right of appeal was given in the Act.

    Key Provisions of Act

    The act makes a number of significant changes to the way the Supreme Court operates. These include:

    • Requiring a three-member committee of senior judges, including the CJP, to approve all suo moto notices.
    • Establishing a transparent process for the formation of benches for hearing crucial constitutional issues.
    • Giving parties the right to appeal to the Supreme Court within 30 days of a final order from a lower court.
    • Requiring the apex court to hear applications alleging urgency or requesting interim relief within 14 days of filing.

    Reaction to the decision

    Former Prime Minister and President of _ (PML-N) Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the decision.

    “The Supreme Court’s verdict regarding the Practice and Procedure Act 2023 is a welcome step,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter)

    Interestingly, when Asad Umar, PTI’s former secretary general, was asked about the judgment, he stated that it was the right decision but was intrigued to know if Nawaz Sharif would come back after the decision or not.

    “My question is, everyone is saying this is not a good judgment for Nawaz Sharif, why is Shehbaz Sharif liking this decision so much? I’m just asking an innocent question,” he said while talking to the media on Thursday morning.

    The verdict has caused a rift in the legal world. The decision, which involves Article 184(3), has led to intense discussions about what it means for the PML-N leader, Nawaz Sharif.

    As per Dawn, lawyer Mohammad Ikram Chaudhry explained that in cases where no review has been filed, it’s possible to request a “condonation of delay,” which means the court might accept an appeal or application even if it’s late.

    Mohammad Akram Sheikh noted that according to the law, a review must be requested within 30 days of the judgment. He mentioned that in some cases, the highest court has allowed for delays but stressed that the applicant would need to provide a valid reason for the delay.

    Senior lawyer Raja Inam Ameen Minhas mentioned that the Supreme Court Bar Association has an ongoing review petition against the disqualification of politicians. He argued that since the matter of disqualification is still under consideration, it’s “still appealable.”

    Barrister Zafarullah Khan, the former special assistant on law to the ex-PM, pointed out that the Supreme Court’s decision wouldn’t affect Mr. Sharif’s cases because he wasn’t seeking relief from the highest court. Instead, he intends to pursue his appeals against convictions, which would eventually reach the Supreme Court.

    Some lawyers believe that the decision is a setback for Nawaz Sharif, who recently planned to return to Lahore after spending four years in London.

    The decision declared Section 5(2) of an act as ultra vires, meaning that the lifetime disqualification in the Panama case remains in effect.

    Lawyer Abdul Moiz Jafferi questioned who really won in this matter.

    Lawyer Usama Khawar Ghumman argues that Nawaz Sharif and Jehangir Tareen can still contest elections.

    “Despite Supreme Court’s decision to strike down retrospective rights of appeal, Nawaz Sharif & Jehangir Tareen can, in the short run, contest elections due to the PDM-led Parliament’s amendment to Section 232 of the Election Act, 2017,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

  • Israel-Palestine war will not affect any economic agreements, UAE

    Israel-Palestine war will not affect any economic agreements, UAE

    The trade minister of the United Arab Emirates has clarified that the Israel war on Gaza will not affect any economic agreements.

    “We don’t mix economy and trade with politics,” Thani al Zeyoudi told reporters in Dubai on Tuesday.

    Amidst the decades long pro-Palestine policy of the Arab world, UAE was the first Gulf country to establish relations with Israel in 2020. Is also the first Arab state to have a free trade agreement with Israel as in March, as the two countries signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

    The recent claim is followed by a statement issued by UAE on October 8, 2023, in which the country strongly condemned Hamas attacks on Israelis, stating that, “attacks by Hamas against Israeli towns and villages near the Gaza strip, including the firing of thousands of rockets at population centers, are a serious and grave escalation.”

    The ministry of foreign affairs was “appalled” by the reports of the abduction of Israeli civilians, calling for the protection of civilians on both sides

    “The UAE remains in close contact with all regional and international partners to swiftly de-escalate the situation and restore calm in Israel and the OPT and a return to negotiations for a final settlement within the parameters of the two state solution for Palestinians and Israelis, who deserve to live in peace and dignity.”, the statement concluded.

  • Supreme Court upholds Practice & Procedure Act 2023

    Supreme Court upholds Practice & Procedure Act 2023

    The Supreme Court (SC) has issued a verdict in favour of the SC (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023, dismissing petitions challenging its validity.

    Headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, the SC full bench consisted of Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Ahsan, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Naqvi, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, Justice Mazhar, Justice Ayesha, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Rizvi, Justice Waheed and Justice Musarrat Hilali.

    The decision was upheld by 10-5 majority.

    While reading out the order, CJP Isa noted that five members of the full court bench — Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Sayyed Mazahir Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Ayesha A Malik, and Justice Shahid Waheed — had opposed the law.

    The decision on the SC (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023, case was delivered after the completion of all arguments. Attorney General Mansoor Awan presented a comprehensive case in favor of the act, leading to the full court’s decision in support of the legislation.

    The SC (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023, has been a subject of considerable debate and legal scrutiny, with various petitions seeking its annulment. However, the apex court has preserved the Act, emphasising its continued relevance in the legal system.

    However, by an 8-7 decision, the majority of judges have decided against the provision of law wherein retrospective right of appeal was given in the Act.

    The Supreme Court (Practice & Procedure) Act, 2023, which has been at the centre of legal debate and judicial proceedings, introduced several crucial provisions, reshaping the functioning of the Supreme Court of Pakistan:

    1. Sou Motu Notice: The Act granted the power of taking suo motu notice to a three-member committee, consisting of senior judges, including the Chief Justice. This provision aimed to facilitate the initiation of legal proceedings in the apex court and ensure transparency. It also included the right to appeal.
    2. Constitution of Benches: According to the Act, every case, matter, or appeal brought before the Supreme Court would be heard and decided by a bench formed by a committee comprising the Chief Justice and the two most senior judges. Decisions of the committee would be made by a majority vote.
    3. Original Jurisdiction: When exercising the apex court’s original jurisdiction, the Act mandated that any matter invoking the use of Article 184(3) must first be presented before the committee.
    4. Interpretation of the Constitution: In cases where the interpretation of the Constitution was necessary, the Act stipulated that the committee would assemble a bench consisting of no fewer than five Supreme Court judges.
    5. Right to Appeal: In instances where a decision was made by a Supreme Court bench exercising Article 184(3) jurisdiction, the Act allowed for an appeal to be filed within 30 days of the bench’s order. This appeal would be scheduled for a hearing within a period not exceeding 14 days.
    6. Retrospective Right of Appeal: The Act also extended the right of appeal retrospectively to individuals who had been affected by an order made under Article 184(3) before the commencement of the SC (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023, provided that the appeal was filed within 30 days of the Act’s implementation.
    7. Choice of Counsel: Parties involved in legal proceedings were granted the right to select their counsel for filing a review application under Article 188 of the Constitution.
    8. Urgency and Interim Relief: The Act outlined that any application claiming urgency or seeking interim relief in a case, appeal, or matter would be scheduled for a hearing within 14 days from the date of filing.
  • Did Hamas actually decapitate Israeli children and women? No, they did not.

    Did Hamas actually decapitate Israeli children and women? No, they did not.

    False news has been circulating on social media pertaining to the on-going Israel-Palestine war.

    This wave includes fake or old videos, photos and misleading information reshared across social media platforms.

    The latest fact-check done by various journalists has, once again, unveiled the clear pro-Israeli narrative of various news platforms across the globe — including renowned names like BBC and The Independent.

    Without any proof, it had been reported that Israeli women and children have been beheaded by Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades.

    Anadolu Agency reached out to the Israeli spokesperson on Tuesday who stated that the Israeli army has no information confirming allegations that “Hamas beheaded babies.”

    “We have seen the news, but we do not have any details or confirmation about that,” she added.

    Hamas has asserted that it “does not target children,” stating that the Western media should be factual and “not blindly side with the Zionist narrative, which is full of lies and slander”.

    In a statement, it said the resistance and Al-Qassam Brigades targeted the “Zionist military and security system”.

    “We … categorically affirm the falsehood of the fabricated allegations promoted by some Western media outlets, which unprofessionally adopt the Zionist narrative full of lies and slander against our Palestinian people and their resistance, the latest of which was the claim of killing children, beheading them, and targeting civilians.”

    Journalists also busted the disinformation on social media, criticising reporters and news agencies for their lack of research and open biasness. 

  • Israel is dropping white phosphorus bombs on Gaza: what we know about Day Five

    Israel is dropping white phosphorus bombs on Gaza: what we know about Day Five

    Use of white phosphorus

    The official channel of Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates have posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the Israeli military attacked the Al-Karama neighbourhood in Gaza with white phosphorus bombs.

    White phosphorus bombs burn up oxygen and suffocate people in the area. Moreover, white phosphorus causes burns and can spread fire over an area of hundreds of square yards.

    Power supply to deplete

    Authorities have claimed that the electricity supply in Gaza can shut down “within hours” as “it is running out of fuel”.

    Palestinian enclave houses more than two million people. Hospitals and shelters are currently operating without electric power.

    Additionally, an ambulance in Gaza was attacked, killing two. The health ministry has accused Israel of “deliberately targeting” medical workers.

    Attacks on Gaza

    Hamas has stated that in the span of one night, at least 30 people have been killed and hundreds wounded after Israel launched hundreds of air raids.

    According to Salama Marouf, who spoke with AFP news agency, dozens of residential buildings, factories, mosques and shops were hit.

    On the contrary, the Israeli military has claimed to have hit several Hamas targets at night.

    Displaced, wounded, dead

    According to the UN humanitarian agency OCHA, more than 260,000 people have forcibly fled their homes following the Israeli attacks.

    “Over 263,934 people in Gaza are believed to have fled their homes,” and “this number is expected to rise further”.

    Whereas the Palestinian health minister has reported that the death toll has reached 950 with more than 5,000 wounded.

    Moreover, at least 260 children have also been killed due to attacks on Gaza.

    As per the Palestinian foreign ministry, since Saturday, Israeli air strikes have destroyed more than 22,600 residential units and 10 health facilities and damaged 48 schools.

    Israel refuses food, medical supply

    The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) requested the delivery of food and medical supplies into Gaza “but Israel refused”.

    “We call on international humanitarian institutions and the international community to intervene urgently to stop the aggression and allow the entry of relief materials and restore electricity and water, because the Gaza Strip is facing a major humanitarian catastrophe,” PLO official Hussein al-Sheikh said on X.

    Israeli death toll rises to 1,200

    An Israeli military spokesperson has confirmed that the Israeli death toll has now risen to 1,200, with more than 2,700 injured.
    Biden’s speech in support of Israel

    The US president Joe Biden gave a speech on Tuesday, condemning the attacks by Hamas and deeming them as “sheer evil”.

    “Let there be no doubt: The United States has Israel’s back. We’ll make sure the Jewish and democratic state of Israel can defend itself — today, tomorrow, as we always have. It’s as simple as that,”

    He noted that 14 US citizens are also among those who died in Israel while others have been taken captives.

    Biden has committed to giving more military assistance to Israel, adding that the US has altered its military disposition in the region to warn anyone “seeking to take advantage” of the conflict.

    Biden said that he spoke with Neyhanyatu, “We also discussed how democracies like Israel and the United States are stronger and more secure when we act according to the rule of law,” Biden added.

    What’s next?

    Jonathan Conricus, a spokesman for the Israeli military has announced that hundreds of thousands of troops are assembling near the Gaza Strip for the war with Hamas.

    In a video posted on X, he stated that Israel has sent infantry, armoured soldiers, artillery corps and soldiers — 300,000 in total.

    “And that is to make sure that Hamas, at this end of this war, won’t have any military capabilities by which they can threaten or kill Israeli civilians,” he said.

    Courtesy: Al-Jazeera

  • Court reserves verdict on Practice and Procedure Act 2023

    Court reserves verdict on Practice and Procedure Act 2023

    The Supreme Court (SC) has reserved its decision on petitions that challenge the 2023 SC (Practice and Procedure) Act, which restricts the authority of the Chief Justice of Pakistan.

    Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa led the full-court bench consisting of Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Ayesha A Malik, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Shahid Waheed, and Justice Musarrat Hilali are hearing the case.

    “We will discuss amongst ourselves [now]. If there is a consensus, then we will announce it, otherwise, the decision will be reserved,” Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa said at the end of today’s hearing.

    During the hearing, the CJP emphasised the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship between the Parliament and the SC.

    “Do not pit the Parliament and Supreme Court against each other,” he remarked, insisting on the idea of “live and let live”.

    “Why do we see each other’s institutions negatively? Why can’t it be said that one institution legislated for the betterment of another?” CJP Isa questioned.

    All the petitioners, including all political parties, concluded their arguments in today’s hearing. The Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP), Mansoor Usman Awan, also gave his arguments today.

  • Director of Punjab Local Fund Audit alleged to be involved in corruption case of Rs400 million

    Director of Punjab Local Fund Audit alleged to be involved in corruption case of Rs400 million

    Amir Saeed, a Grade 17 officer working as the director of the Punjab Local Fund Audit Department at a Grade 20 level with the approval of the relevant authorities, is facing allegations of receiving kickbacks while supposedly conducting audits of different local government departments during his tenure from 2019 to 2022, SAMMA has reported. 

    The report indicates that Saeed used his position and influence to dishonestly obtain benefits from officials by employing various deceitful methods, such as making recommendations for officials to attend training programmes, handling pension disbursements, arranging transfers and postings, and manipulating record-checking procedures.

    Numerous complaints were filed against Saeed, accusing him of corruption and unethical practices. These complaints have been lodged with several authorities, including the Prime Minister’s Complaint Cell, the Anti-Corruption Establishment, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), and various other forums.

    In spite of the allegations and the evidence put forward, no significant action has been taken up to this point.

    Nevertheless, an investigation into the accusations was initiated by the director general of the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment in 2022. This inquiry also failed to produce any outcomes, allowing Saeed to avoid being held accountable.

    At present, Amir Saeed holds the position of an auditor at Arfa Karim University, although his rank has been reduced from 20 to 17.

  • ‘I have passed all exams of life,’ Zardari tells ‘enemies’.

    ‘I have passed all exams of life,’ Zardari tells ‘enemies’.

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman and former president of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, has told his enemies that “elections are near” and he has passed all “exams of life”, Geo has reported.

    While addressing a dinner party given by PPP leader Ghulam Qadir Mari in Naushero Feroz district on Tuesday, Zardari said, “I was born in this land (Sindh), and I will continue to strive for the development of this land.”

    The PPP co-chairman also said that he is the son of soil and will always struggle for it.

    “The PPP has always served the people. I have struggled all my life, and my workers have also supported me,” said the former president, adding, “We know each other. Allah gave us the opportunity, so we served the people and this soil. I have to be buried in this soil. It is our duty to serve it.”

    The PPP leader also mentioned that he gave Pashtuns their separate identity, and by bringing the 18th Amendment, his party gave provincial service.

    Recounting the sacrifices of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, Zardari said, “Today, I am serving you, then Bilawal Bhutto will serve, as will Aseefa Bhutto. We are all with the people of Sindh.”

  • Chartered plane booked for Nawaz Sharif’s return on October 21

    Chartered plane booked for Nawaz Sharif’s return on October 21

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) head and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will travel on a chartered plane to reach Pakistan from Dubai on October 21.

    According to a report filed by Geo News, the flight carrying Nawaz will be named ‘Umeed-e-Pakistan’. It can carry approximately 150 passengers.

    The former prime minister will leave Dubai for Pakistan on October 21, along with senior and close party members. Nawaz Sharif’s flight will land in Islamabad for a 30 minute long stay, with the PML-N supremo then flying to Lahore to address a gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan.

    Before the final leg of the journey, Nawaz Sharif will reach Saudi Arabia on Wednesday and perform Umrah there. He will stay in Saudi Arabia for a week and hold important meetings.

    Earlier, former finance minister Ishaq Dar said there is no chance of Nawaz’s arrest upon his arrival in the country.

    Dar also said that PML-N’s narrative will be about the economy, adding that, “recovery of the economy is the best revenge.”

  • Major changes in Punjab’s National and Provincial Assembly seats

    Major changes in Punjab’s National and Provincial Assembly seats

    Five newly created districts in Punjab are set to receive a total of 13 national and provincial assembly seats as part of the preliminary delimitation, marking a notable shift in the political landscape.

    The districts in question are Kot Addu, Taunsa, Wazirabad, Talagang, and Murree. Among these, Kot Addu district in southern Punjab stands out, securing two National Assembly seats, NA-179 and NA-180, along with three provincial assembly constituencies: PP-276, PP-277, and PP-278.

    Wazirabad and Taunsa districts are also set to gain representation, with Wazirabad obtaining NA-66, PP-35, and PP-36, while Taunsa secures NA-183, PP-284, and PP-285.

    Talagang, which was carved out of Chakwal, will now share a National Assembly seat, NA-59, with Chakwal itself. This arrangement leads to Chakwal having one independent NA seat, and Talagang securing one provincial assembly seat, PP-23. PP-22 will be referred to as Chakwal-cum-Talagang.

    Similarly, Murree will not have an independent NA seat but will be included in NA-51, referred to as Rawalpindi-cum-Murree. Nonetheless, Murree will have representation in the provincial assembly with PP-06.

    These changes also entail a reduction in the number of national and provincial assembly seats for some districts. Dera Ghazi Khan, for instance, will see a decrease from four to three NA seats and a reduction from eight to six provincial assembly seats. Muzaffargarh, too, will experience a decrease, with two fewer NA seats, resulting in a drop from six to four NA seats, and a reduction in provincial assembly seats from 12 to eight.

    Gujranwala and Hafizabad, despite Gujranwala’s sizable population of 5.95 million, will collectively have only five seats, despite the potential for an additional independent seat. Dera Ghazi Khan is also set to lose one NA seat and two provincial assembly seats.

    These changes in seat allocations underscore the evolving political landscape in Punjab, reflecting efforts to ensure fair and equitable representation for all regions within the province.