Pakistan Bar Council has held a meeting and strongly condemned the decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to delay elections beyond the constitutional limit of 90 days, citing delimitation.
According to sources, the members discussed the situation regarding the delay in elections and decided to launch a “lawyers’ movement in case elections are not held within 90 days.”
Pakistan Bar Council apex regularity body of lawyers has strongly condemned ECP's decision to delay elections beyond constitutional limit of 90 days due to delimitation. pic.twitter.com/OmCBSr5V6X
They reiterated that Article 224 of the constitution of Pakistan binds ECP to conduct the general election within 90 days after the dissolution of assemblies.
The Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Executive Committee said, “It is the duty of the commission to conduct free, fair and transparent elections within stipulated period as mandated by the constitution.”
Earlier this week, The Supreme Court Bar Association challenged the decision to hold the upcoming general elections based on the fresh census, seeking suspension of the decision.
It further demanded that the Supreme Court order the ECP to hold general elections immediately in the country. The SCBA says elections on the new census is an attempt to unconstitutionally delay the exercise. In the petition, the federation, the Council of Common Interests, the four provinces and the Election Commission of Pakistan have been made parties. The formation of the Council of Common Interests was not constitutional, the petition maintains.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar’s 24-member cabinet comprising of politicians, TV artists and anchors, retired bureaucrats, and servicemen has been sworn in by the President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi, on Thursday.
Of the 24 members cabinet, 16 are federal ministers, three are advisers to the prime minister, and five are Special Assistants to the Prime Minister (SAPMs). Most of them are new faces, not seen before in a government set-up.
Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, the 14th former governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, who has also served in Asian Development Bank (ADB) as its Director General of the Southeast Asia Department, has been given the portfolios of Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs and Privatization.
The portfolios of Defense and Defence Production have been given to Anwar Ali Hyder, a retired lieutenant general, who formerly served as chairman Naya Pakistan Housing and Development Authority and has an association with Army Welfare Trust.
Jalil Abbas Jilani, a former foreign secretary, who has served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Belgium, Luxemburg and the E.U, and Australia, has been appointed the foreign minister.
Former Balochistan minister for Home, Tribal Affairs, Prisons and PDMA, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, has been given three portfolios — federal minister for Interior, Overseas Pakistanis and Narcotics Control.
The information ministry has gone to senior journalist Murtaza Solangi, who has served as director general of the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation and has been in journalism for over 30 years.
The ministries of Law and Justice, Climate Change and Water Resources were given to Ahmed Irfan Aslam, a senior lawyer who has served as a member of the Supreme Court’s International Arbitration Cell . His significant contribution is facilitating Pakistan’s successful resolution of the Karkey and Reko Diq cases through out-of-court settlements.
The ministries of Power and Petroleum have been given to Muhammad Ali, a former SECP chairman, who has also served as a Director on the Boards of reputable companies like Engro Corporation Limited, Karachi Stock Exchange (Guarantee) Limited, Dawood Bank Limited, etc.
The portfolios of Commerce, and Industries and Production have been given to industrialist Dr. Gohar Ejaz, chairman of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association, a recipient of Sitara e Imtiaz, who has also been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in management from the Uniersity of Punjab, Lahore.
Dr Umar Saif, a former Chairman of the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), has been given two portfolios of Information Technology and Telecom, and Science and Technology. Dr. Saif served on the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Pakistan between 2013-14. He has served on the Boards of several government and semi-government organizations, including Aitchison College, Bank of the Punjab, Technical Education & Vocational Training Company (TEVTA), Engineering Consultancy Services of the Punjab, Urban Sector Planning and Management Services Unit, Lahore Parking Company, Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company and Punjab Educational Endowment Fund.
The portfolio of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives has been given to Muhammad Sami Saeed, a former federal secretary and former director of Asian Development Bank representing Kazakhstan, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Pakistan, Philippines and Timor-Leste. He joined the Civil Service of Pakistan in 1980 and has extensive experience in public finance and development.
Prominent TV artist and former Director General, Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Jamal Shah has been picked up as federal minister for National Heritage and Culture. Jamal is also the founder of Artists Association in Pakistan and Hunerkada College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Madad Ali Sindhi — a famous Pakistani writer, columnist and journalist, who has written numerous Sindhi books — has been given the portfolio of federal Education and Professional Training.
The portfolio of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has been given to prominent health expert Dr. Nadeem Jan, a professional for 24 years who has worked with UN, USAID, World Bank, EU, DFID, INGOs and national Governments.
Khalil George of the Balochistan Awami Party, former Parliamentary Secretary for Minority Affairs, has been awarded the Human Rights ministry.
Religious scholar, TV anchor, host on Dunya Tv, popular for his religious show Peyam-E-Subh, Aneeq Ahmed, graduated from Karachi University in International Relations and started his career from PTV in 1999, joined GEO in 2002 and then moved to ARY in 2005. He has been with DUNYA TV since June, 2011. Aneeq Ahmed has been appointed as the minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
Shahid Ashraf Tarar, a retired captain, has been given three portfolios — Communications, Maritime Affairs, and Railways. Shahid Ashraf is also the Chairman of Federal Public Service Commission. He formerly served as Executive Director World Bank Group where he led HR Committee as Chairman for two years. He also worked as Federal Secretary Communication, Chairman NHA, Secretary Excise & Taxation, Director General NAVTEC, Deputy Commissioner, Director to the President and Head of Economic Sector Los Angeles, USA.
Advisers
Retired air marshal, Farhat Hussain, a recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military), Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) , and Sitara-i-Basalat, has been made an adviser to the premier on aviation with the status of a federal minister. He is the Chairman of Scaled Aviation Pvt Ltd and President of Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies.
Ahad Khan Cheema, a confidant of former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, has been appointed as an adviser on establishment, also with the status of a federal minister. Cheema joined the District Management Group (now called Pakistan Administrative Service) in 2001 and had served under former chief ministers Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Ellahi and Shehbaz Sharif on various welfare and development projects. He was the first high-profile arrest in Punjab by the NAB before the 2018 general elections. A BPS-19 PAS officer, he became the head of the Lahore Development Authority, in 2013, during the last PML-N government and was conferred the award of Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in recognition of his services for carrying out the Lahore Metro Bus Service Project.
Former federal secretary for Finance Division, an eminent economist with wide-ranging experience of both public and private sectors, Dr Waqar Masood will perform as a special adviser on finance, with the status of a state minister. He has held several prestigious positions in the Federal Government including Special Secretary to the Prime Minister, Secretary Finance Division, Secretary Economic Affairs Division, Secretary Petroleum & Natural Resources and Secretary Textile Industry.
Special Assistants
The caretaker PM also appointed five special assistants, with the portfolio of adviser on human rights and women empowerment going to Mishal Hussain Malik, wife of the Kashmiri freedom movement leader Yasin Malik. She is the chairperson of Peace and Culture Organisation which highlights the plight of people of Kashmir in IIOK&K.
Jawad Sohrab Malilk, a qualified lawyer and businessman, has become an SAPM for overseas Pakistanis. He was formerly SAPM for Shehbaz Sharif. He has been successfully running a vast business empire stretched to Lon¬don, Pakistan and Dubai and has good contacts inter¬nationally including with the Ameri¬can members of Congress, British parliamentarians, global business elite, Gulf royal families and political parties in Pakistan across the board.
Retired vice Admiral Iftikhar Rao has been made the adviser on maritime affairs, He has more than 40 Years of Maritime Experience. He has served on board and commanded ships and is also a Naval Aviator.
TV anchor and writer Wasih Shah has been made advisor on tourism. He is famous for his poetry and contribution to literature and has been hosting TV shows for a while now.
Syeda Arfa Zehra has been made advisor on federal education and professional training. She is a Pakistani educationist and urdu language expert. Zehra is also a former caretaker provincial minister of Punjab. She is recognized for her knowledge on the Urdu language and literature and is specialized in intellectual history and South Asian social issues; outside of the university sphere, she speaks at language conferences and televised forums.
A case has been filed under anti-terror laws against Shayan Ali – a UK-based based activist of the the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)- at Ramna Police Station in Islamabad.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), Shayan Ali made videos of a judicial officer Humayun Dilawar and harassed him in London. “An attempt was made to attack a judicial officer, he was saved by a security official,” the FIR adds. According to the copy of FIR received by Geo News, the SHO of the Ramna Police Station Nasir Iqbal filed the FIR due to the several videos of Shayyan threatening a judicial officer.
“In one video which went viral on social media, Shayan said that he would make the life of the judicial officer hell who was come to a training at an educational institution in the United Kingdom,” the FIR stated.
The report asserted that Shayan had also called on other Pakistanis to join him in “making the official’s life hell”. Moreover, Adil Farooq Raja, another prominent PTI social media activist, joined the activities online by making these videos aiding and abetting the “terrorist activators”, the FIR claimed.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been booked under Section 5 of the Official Secrets Act 1923 by Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Geo News has reported.
Alleging that as Prime Minister, Khan deliberately got involved in using the classified document fraudulently, the FIA registered the case against Imran Khan. Last year in April, Khan was removed from office through a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly (NA).
Government sources told Geo News on Thursday that Imran Khan has been booked under Section 5. However, authorities were not sharing a copy of the FIR.
The punishment in this case is imprisonment for two to 14 years, or even a death sentence in some cases.
According to Section 5 of the Official Secrets Act 1923: “(1) If any person having in his possession or control any secret official code or password or any sketch, plan, model, article, note, document or information which relates to or is used in a prohibited place or relates to anything in such a place, or which has been made or obtained in contravention of this Act, or which has been entrusted in confidence to him by any person holding office under [Government], or which he has obtained or to which he has had access owing to his position as a person who holds or has held office under [Government], or as a person who holds or has held a contract made on behalf of [Government], or as a person who is or has been employed under a person who holds or has held such an office or contract —
a) wilfully communicates the code or password, sketch, plan, model, article, note, document or information to any person other than a person to whom he is authorised to communicate it, or a Court of Justice or a person to whom it is, in the interests of the State, his duty to communicate it; or b) uses the information in his possession for the benefit of any foreign power or in any other manner prejudicial to the safety of the State; or c) retains the sketch, plan, model, article, note or document in his possession or control when he has no right to retain it, or when it is contrary to his duty to retain it, or wilfully fails to comply with all directions issued by lawful authority with regard to the return or disposal thereof; d) fails to take reasonable care of, or so conducts himself as to endanger the safety of, the sketch, plan, model, article, note, document, secret official code or password or information;
He shall be guilty of an offence under this section.
(2) If any person voluntarily receives any secret official code or password or any sketch, plan, model, article, note, document or information knowing or having reasonable ground to believe, at the time when he receives it, that the code, password, sketch, plan, model, article, note, document or information is communicated in contravention of this Act, he shall be guilty of an offence under this section.
(3) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be punishable, (a) where the offence committed is a contravention of clause (a) of sub-section (1) and intended or calculated to be, directly or indirectly, in the interest or for the benefit of a foreign power, or is in relation to any work of defence, arsenal, naval, military or air force establishment or station, mine, mine-field, factory, dockyard, camp, ship or aircraft or otherwise in relation to the naval, military or air force affairs of Pakistan or in relation to any secret official code, [with death, or] with imprisonment for a term which may extend to fourteen years; and (b) in any other case, with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.”
The cipher case against the former premier took a turn after his former principal secretary Azam Khan stated before a magistrate as well as the FIA that the former PM had used the US cipher for ‘political gains’ and to avert a vote of no-confidence against him.
Azam Khan also stated that he told Imran Khan not to proceed with using the cipher. However, in response, Imran Khan said that the classified document can be used to divert the public’s attention towards “foreign involvement” in the opposition’s no-confidence motion.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced the schedule of delimitation of constituencies as required by Article 51 of the constitution of Pakistan and section 17(2) of the Elections Act 2017, in accordance with the official results of the 7th Population and Housing Census-2023. The schedule makes it almost impossible to conduct elections in the next 90 days, as per constitutional requirements.
According to the given schedule, the final publication of the delimitation will be on December 14th, 2023.
As per the schedule, boundaries of administrative units across the country will stand frozen from today (August 17) and delimitation committees for all the provinces and the federal capital will be formed by Aug 21.
In another notification, the ECP has directed its provincial chief secretaries, chief commissioner, the federal government, and the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics to provide assistance in the process.
Former federal interior minister and senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Rana Sanaullah, has said on Wednesday that his party has obtained a “guarantee” now, paving the way for the return of PML-N head Nawaz Sharif.
Talking about his leader’s return on Express News’ ‘Hashtag Siyasat’, Sanaullah said that Nawaz Sharif’s innocence as declared by a court is indicates that the former Prime Minister will return.
“We have received the guarantee on this issue [Nawaz Sharif’s return home]. So now there is zero risk for the party,” the former minister said on the show. “Nawaz Sharif’s acquittal has also been almost certain,” he added.
Rana Sanaullah’s comments came after a consultative meeting of party leaders, chaired by party president Shehbaz Sharif. Senior leadership reportedly remained divided on the matter of Nawaz’s return.
While some leaders said that September is a good time for the party head to return, others thought that October would be more suitable.
A few party leaders reportedly expressed the opinion that Nawaz shouldn’t return until all of the legal challenges standing in his way have been resolved. They emphasised that they didn’t want to take any risks.
PML-N leaders revealed on Wednesday that the party is working on two plans: one is about Nawaz Sharif’s arrival in Islamabad, and the other is him landing in Lahore.
According to PML-N sources, a bail application will be filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) before Nawaz Sharif arrives in Pakistan, while plans are underway that he will be given a warm welcome upon his arrival in Islamabad or Lahore.
“If Nawaz Sharif reaches Islamabad from London, he would be warmly welcomed, and a big rally would be held in the Parade Ground,” a source said, adding that the former prime minister would proceed to Lahore from Islamabad via GT Road.
“On the way home, in the form of a big procession, the PML-N Quaid will also address supporters at various places on GT Road. And a historic public gathering will be held in Lahore,” the source added.
Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, the Caretaker Prime Minister, is likely to take oath from his cabinet today, following an official announcement disclosing the names of the selected members, Geo News has reported. Speculations are rife that notable figures will take up significant roles within the interim administration.
Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, the former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), is rumoured to become the finance minister, as reported by The News. Additionally, Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani, a former foreign secretary, is likely to be the interim foreign minister.
Prominent textile industrialist Dr. Gohar Ejaz is a contender for interim federal minister for commerce and industries. Syed Muhammad Ali, a defense analyst, is being considered for the information ministry while Senator Sarfraz Bugti is likely to be the interior minister.
Some earlier reports indicated that the interim prime minister would retain three senior aides from his predecessor, Shehbaz Sharif’s team. The Principal Secretary to the prime minister (PSPM), Dr. Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah and Press Secretary to the PM, Abdul Akbar, are expected to remain in office. Ahad Cheema, the former advisor to the PM, will likely get a role equivalent to a federal minister.
Furthermore, Arshad Muneer Khan is likely to become the principal information officer (PIO) while Brigadier Tajdeed Mumtaz, will also continue to work as Military Secretary (MS) to the Prime Minister.
It is predicted that the caretaker federal cabinet will be relatively concise, comprising only reputable individuals who will be assigned specialized tasks in accordance with their respective portfolios by the caretaker prime minister.
According to Bol News, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has congratulated caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan Anwaar-Ul-Haq Kakar on assuming office.
“Congratulations to the new Pakistan Interim Prime Minister, @anwaar_kakar. As Pakistan prepares for free and fair elections in accordance with its constitution and the rights to freedom of speech and assembly, we will continue to advance our shared commitment to economic prosperity,” Blinken tweeted.
In response, Anwaar Kakar said on Thursday that “The caretaker government would assiduously work to facilitate a free and fair election in the country”.
Anwaar Kakar also thanked the US Secretary for his good wishes and said in his tweet “We place importance on our partnership with the US and deeply value the shared commitment to economic prosperity, democracy, and stability in the region”.
Thank you @SecBlinken. The interim government will be assiduously working to facilitate a free and fair election process in Pakistan according to the Constitution. We place importance on our partnership with the US and deeply value the shared commitment to economic prosperity,… https://t.co/6lSlmLvv19
On Wednesday morning, Jaranwala, Faisalabad, became the site of communal violence as multiple churches were burnt amid allegations of blasphemy against two Christian community members. Mobs attacked churches and residential houses along with office of the assistant commissioner of Jaranwala. As yet, Salvation Army Church, United Presbyterian Church, Allied Foundation Church, and Shehroonwala Church situated in the Isa Nagri area along with multiple houses have been burnt. Christian colonies all around the city have been evacuated, while the Lahore-Multan motorway was also blocked by protestors amid a complete shutter down in the city.
Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, Anwaar ul Haq Kakar has asked all law enforcement to apprehend the culprits & bring them to justice and given assurances that stern action will be taken against those who violate law and target minorities.
I am gutted by the visuals coming out of Jaranwala,#Faisalabad. Stern action would be taken against those who violate law and target minorities. All law enforcement has been asked to apprehend culprits & bring them to justice. Rest assured that the government of Pakistan stands… https://t.co/GHWUGA1fXS
Politicians from different political parties of Pakistan have raised their concerns, condemned the incident, and shown solidarity with the Christian community of Pakistan.
Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the incident while saying that government should take action against the culprits.
What is happening in Jaranwala is sad and disturbing. There is no place for violence in any religion. All religious places, Books and personages are sacred and deserve our highest level of respect. I urge the government to take action against the culprits. I also appeal to Ulama,…
Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party and former Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, urged the administration to ensure the safety of the Christian community and their churches.
Horrified to hear about the attack on Churches in Jaranwala, Faisalabad, Violating the sanctity of places of worship is absolutely unacceptable. The administration must ensure the safety of the Christian community and their Churches.
The Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan, Riina Kionka, said, “We call for restoring calm & order.”
Disturbing reports out of #Jaranwala. The degree to which a society’s minorities feel safe, in 🇵🇰, in the 🇪🇺, around the 🌏, is a measure of respect for the rule of law, for tolerance of diversity, a core EU value. We call for restoring calm & order. @EUPakistanhttps://t.co/UvYkdAs4mQ
Senator Sarfraz Bugti tweeted, “Punjab Govermnet should enforce its full might to protect the Christian churches and homes.”
We as a Pakistani can’t allow the madness happening in Jaranwala. Punjab Govermnet should enforce its full might to protect the Christian churches and homes. We have a responsibility toward the minorities in our country, and we couldn't let the crisis worsen any further!…
Former Interior Minister of Pakistan and President of PMLN Punjab, Rana Sanaullah said, “The culprits must be brought to justice at the earliest, and the law should take its due course.”
Strongly condemn the dastardly attack on the church in Jaranwala today. The culprits must be brought to justice at the earliest, and the law should take its due course. Extremism and hatred nullify the fundamental principles of Islam.
Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council, Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, tweeted that there is no space in Islam for violence.
I condemn brutal act of setting churches on fire in Jaranwala, Faisalabad.Pakistan is not a lawless country and no one can take law into their hands, no matter the urgency. Culprits of this heinous crime shld be apprehended & punished ASAP. There is no space in Islam for violence
— TahirMahmoodAshrafi حافظ محمد طاهراشرفى (@TahirAshrafi) August 16, 2023
Politician and activist Ammar Ali Jan stated that the police is helpless in front of bigots.
Terrible scenes in Jaranwala where a mob is vandalizing a Church in broad daylight. This is the result of years of religious indoctrination & impunity for criminals. The police that is efficient against political workers & ordinary citizens is helpless in front bigots. Shameful! https://t.co/DtDf05GhcY
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Lahore, Imran Kishwar, has said in an interview that after receiving the order to arrest former Prime Minister Imran Khan, when police reached Zaman Park, the doors were locked, thus requiring the need to break them down.
The DIG told Geo News that while searching the premises, he found ash and taweez in a box. He further said that when I touched them, Imran Khan’s wife, former First Lady Bushra Bibi, resisted and said, “You should not touch them; they are sacred things”.
Bushra Bibi misbehaved with the police officials and said, “Police walay hain, Paisy lainy aye hoon gay,” [They are policemen. Must have come to take money], the DIG narrated.
Imran Khan got arrested in the Toshakhana case on August 5 and was transferred to Attock jail for a 3-year sentence on the same day.
