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Tag: IHC

  • NAWAZ IS FREE in Al Azizia Steel Mills Case

    NAWAZ IS FREE in Al Azizia Steel Mills Case

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday acquitted former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif in the Al-Azizia reference, the biggest hurdle in the way of him contesting in the general elections.
    The only obstacle now for the former prime minister to contest an election is his lifetime disqualification as a parliamentarian.

    “It is unfortunate that if a former prime minister is facing such sham cases, then [we can’t imagine] what is happening to a common man,” senior lawyer Irfan Qadir told Geo News, calling upon the judges who convicted Nawaz to apologise to the nation.

    He also stated that, in response to the contentious Panama verdict, the Supreme Court had directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to initiate legal proceedings against Nawaz by filing references.

  • Mongolia’s IHC won PUBG Mobile Global Championship 2023

    Mongolia’s IHC won PUBG Mobile Global Championship 2023

    IHC E-sports (formerly known as ZEUS E-Sports or Z3US E-Sports) from Mongolia won Player Unknown Battlegrounds (PUBG) Mobile Global Championship (PMGC) 2023 held in Malaysia.

    IHC played extraordinary in the three-day final by collecting 142 points in total including 110 kill points and 32 placement points. IHC E-sports was awarded with $300,000.

    Zyol from IHC E-sports awarded with MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the tournament, as he collect 37 eliminations with total 7,616 damage.

    This PMGC was a LAN (Local Area Network) event with a prize poll of three million USD and was organized by PUBG mobile officials.

    On the start of Day Three of the final, IHC was on third spot with 96 points while A7 E-sports from Brazil was on first spot with 115 points. But they played consistently, collecting one WWCD (Winner Winner Chicken Dinner) on day three, by collecting 46 points in the six matches.

    Stalwert E-sports from Mongolia took second spot, they were only 4 points away from first spot with 138 points. A7 E-sports from Brazil took third spot with 131 points. 4MV (4Mercial Vibes), another Mongolian team, played their first PMGC and took fourth spot with 127 points.

    Two teams (Agonxi8 and 7E) from Pakistan also participated in the event but unfortunately, they were eliminated in the group stage.

    Agonxi8, a very dominating team from Pakistan, faced many difficulties including visa problems during this event. Only three out of five players could get visas while the remaining two played from Pakistan.

  • IHC orders DG ISI to submit a report on Bushra-Khosa audio leak

    IHC orders DG ISI to submit a report on Bushra-Khosa audio leak

    The Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum has been ordered by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to submit a report on who is responsible for an alleged audio leak between the former first lady Bushra Bibi and her lawyer, Latif Khosa, Geo has reported.  

    The court also asked the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to do  forensics of the leaked audio between Bushra Bibi and Latif Khosa to know about the origin of its release.  

    Justice Babar Sattar of the IHC said during a hearing of a plea filed by Latif Khosa that a copy of the petition be sent to DG ISI, seeking a report on who is behind the audio leak.

    The court also issued notices to FIA, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), seeking their response on the matter.

    The hearing was then adjourned till December 11.

    Later, while leaving the courtroom, Justice Sattar said, “Big Boss is listening to everything, you must know this.”

    He then went on to ask who was recording the audio, in reply to which Khosa said, “Everyone knows who records.”

  • Reference case against Justice Mazahar: Application filed to separate Justice Ijaz from Judicial Council

    Reference case against Justice Mazahar: Application filed to separate Justice Ijaz from Judicial Council

    An application asking to separate Justice Ejazul Ahsan from the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) on the issue of a complaint against Supreme Court (SC) Justice Mazahir Naqvi in the SJC has been filed.

    Mian Dawood Advocate filed a constitutional petition in the SC in which the Federal Government and the Secretary SJC have been made parties, while the order sheet of the case of former CCPO Ghulam Mehmood Dogar is also attached to the petition.

    It has been argued in the petition that Justice Ijaz should be removed from the council hearing the complaint against Justice Mazahar, and another senior judge should be made a part of the SJC in his place.

    It has been said in the petition that the reference to corruption and misconduct against Justice Naqvi is under hearing in the Judicial Council. On the complaint of the petitioner, the Judicial Council has issued a second show cause notice to Justice Mazahar. In relation to the Ghulam Mahmood Dogar case, Justice Ijaz was part of the bench that heard the case; therefore, legally and in principle, no judge who heard the case of Ghulam Mahmood Dogar can be a member of the Judicial Council.

    It has been further stated in the petition that Justice Ejazul Ahsan being a member of the SJC is against Articles 10A and 9 of the Constitution. Justice Ejaz will not be able to meet the demands of justice in the council.

  • Toshakhana Case: Court rejects Imran Khan’s withdrawal petition

    Toshakhana Case: Court rejects Imran Khan’s withdrawal petition

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday rejected the plea of former prime minister Imran Khan to withdraw his petition challenging the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision on his disqualification in the Toshakhana case.

    On October 28, 2022, the former Pakistan. Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief filed a plea against his disqualification by the electoral body. He filed another petition on January 18, 2023, to withdraw his appeal against ECP.

    Imran Khan requested the withdrawal of his plea from IHC as the matter is pending before Lahore High Court (LHC).

    Justice Aamer Farooq announced the verdict, reserved on September 13, today, after hearing the arguments of all parties.

    The ECP disqualified Imran Khan on October 21, 2022, under Article 63(1)(p). The electoral watchdog said in its verdict that the PTI founder is not a member of the National Assembly anymore, and he is disqualified for making “false statements and incorrect declaration”.

    The decision of Khan’s disqualification was taken by the five members’ bench, and the ECP stated that Imran was found involved in corrupt practices, including submitting a false affidavit.

  • ‘Nawaz Sharif responsible for May 9 riots,’ Imran Khan

    ‘Nawaz Sharif responsible for May 9 riots,’ Imran Khan

    Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently under arrest, has said that he will ask the court to summon General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, former Army Chief, in connection with the cipher case. Imran Khan shared this information during an informal conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail.

    Imran Khan explained the circumstances of his arrest, stating that it was all part of London’s plan. He drew a parallel with Nawaz Sharif, stating that after the London plan, Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan. He further claimed that Nawaz Sharif is responsible for 9 May incidents.

    Journalist Azaz Syed posted in a tweet that, “Imran Khan while talking to reporters in the jail (during the jail trial) said that I will summon Gen Bajwa to the court , he (Bajwa) did all on the directions of Donald Lu , I will also bring US Embassy officials and Gen Bajwa in doc (as witness).He said that Donald Lu took the cypher to Gen Bajwa, it was meant for Bajwa. “They wanted to remove me. They are trying to do with me what they did with Sheikh Mujib,” Imran reportedly said. He added that he can give in writing that his party will win the elections.

    Imran Khan, also the former Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleged that General Bajwa had acted on the instructions of US diplomat Donald Lu, asserting that he would ensure that General Bajwa faced the court for his actions.

    Responding to a question, Imran Khan emphasized that he had not engaged in any negotiations for a deal, declaring his readiness to submit a written statement affirming that PTI would emerge victorious in the elections.

    He further stated that he has faced no difficulties in jail and considers incarceration a form of worship.

    In response to queries about PTI leaders leaving the party, Imran Khan expressed gratitude for those departing, considering it a positive development.

    It’s important to note that a special court, established under the Secret Act, has set December 12 as the date to formally charge Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the Safdar case. The case involves the alleged altercation with law enforcement at the Quaid’s mausoleum during Maryam Nawaz’s rally.

    Former prime minister Imran Khan has claimed that neither he met anyone in jail nor did somebody negotiate with him. He also stressed that the PTI will win the elections.

    Khan made these remarks while answering a reporter’s question, in his first interaction with the media since being imprisoned, about whether someone held negotiations with him.

    Recalling the events of May 9, the former PTI chairman said Dr Yasmin Rashid can be clearly seen asking people not to go inside the Lahore Corps Commander House. He added that CCTV footage could be seen to check who led the miscreants inside.  

    Furthermore, Khan said false accusations had been made through Khawar Maneka, adding that these were morally corrupt people. 

    “I can say on oath that I saw Bushra Bibi on the day of the marriage,” he insisted.

    Imran Khan said he wanted to convey a message that the “kaptaan” was ready to fight till his last breath. He further alleged that the so-called London Plan was meant to bring back PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, jail all PTI officials and finish the party.

    “I am making it clear to you today that the PTI will win the elections,” the former PTI chief said, adding that looking at the situation, it was feared they would run away from elections.

    He further commented on the economy, saying that growth has dropped from 6.17 to zero. “People are not mad; they know what these people have done.”

    On the other hand, Shah Mahmood Qureshi told a reporter he did not need any office within the party. The former minister was responding to a journalist’s statement that Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had been made the PTI chairman.

    “I stood by Khan yesterday; I am standing today and will continue to do so in the future,” Qureshi asserted. He added that he was at a stage where he did not need a position.

    He further urged the supporters of the former PTI chairman to go out of their houses and cast their votes. He added that he was in the hearts of Imran Khan and the people of the PTI.

  • ‘Fine line between enforced disappearances and self-disappearance’, says Sarfraz Bugti

    ‘Fine line between enforced disappearances and self-disappearance’, says Sarfraz Bugti

    Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti, while addressing the issue of missing persons in Pakistan, stated that the assemblies in the country represent “legitimate voices” for separatists expressing their perspectives.

    During an interview with DawnNewsTV program Doosra Rukh, Bugti delved into the complexities of missing persons cases, shedding light on the challenges faced in resolving them.

    Bugti’s comments come against the backdrop of an ongoing missing persons case being heard by the Islamabad High Court.

    On November 29, the court issued a warning that a case might be filed against the caretaker prime minister and others if they did not facilitate the reunion of missing Baloch students with their families.

    He also emphasized the delicate nature of the missing person issue, stating, “We have a commission on this matter, and it has resolved around 85 per cent of cases.”

    The commission was established in 2011 to trace missing persons and fix responsibility on the individuals or organizations responsible for it.

    In the interview aired on Friday, Minister Bugti pointed out the fine line between “enforced disappearances and self-disappearance”, highlighting that the commission had encountered cases with surprising details.

    “There were cases wherein people left their homes after a domestic dispute, and it transpired weeks later that they had left home themselves.”

    He also noted instances where individuals lost their lives in “encounters” with security forces.

    Minister added, “Then there are cases in which suspects are absconders required by a court, and their families submit pleas claiming their family member as missing to avoid court [action].”

    He remarked that such cases had been reported and documented.

  • FIR to be lodged against Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Sarfraz Bugti : Islamabad High Court

    FIR to be lodged against Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Sarfraz Bugti : Islamabad High Court

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a directive to the federal government, ordering the recovery of all missing Baloch students.

    During a hearing related to the implementation of recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani warned that a case will be registered against the caretaker prime minister if the recovery of the students is not ensured.

    Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan told the court that 22 Baloch students had been recovered and reached home while 28 Baloch students were still missing and efforts will be made to recover all the missing persons.

    Referring to the missing persons, the senior judge wondered: “Are such things take place in a civilised society? Every missing person who is recovered says I don’t want to pursue the case.”

    If the missing persons are not recovered, the IHC judge said he will order the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti.

    “I am stating this in very clear words.”

    The judge’s warning follows the non-appearance of the caretaker prime minister, who failed to attend the court hearing on November 29 as summoned by the IHC. The caretaker PM cited foreign trips as the reason for his absence, indicating that he is currently on an official visit to the Middle East.

    Justice Kayani also held the defense secretary and the interior secretary responsible for the recovery of the Baloch students if it didn’t take place. He urged the authorities to present the missing persons in court, even if they are labeled as terrorists.

    The hearing of the case has been adjourned until January 10.

  • Nawaz Sharif free in Avenfield apartments reference

    Nawaz Sharif free in Avenfield apartments reference

    In a massive relief for the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), the Islamabad High Court (IHC) acquitted PML-N supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in the Avenfield reference on Wednesday.

    The verdict was announced by a two-member bench comprising IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb.

    Nawaz Sharif was facing a 10-year jail sentence in the Avenfield properties corruption reference since July 2018, charged with owning assets beyond known income. An additional one-year sentence was imposed for non-cooperation with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), both to be served concurrently.

    Having been declared a proclaimed offender in two cases, Al-Azizia and Avenfield, in December 2020, Nawaz Sharif spent nearly four years in London on medical grounds before returning to Pakistan last month. Upon his return, he sought the restoration of appeals against his convictions, which had been dismissed for non-prosecution during his medical stay abroad.

    The second case against Nawaz was the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption reference, for which Nawaz Sharif received a seven-year jail term on December 24, 2018, accompanied by a fine of Rs1.5 billion and US$25 million. The decision for this case is yet to be taken. 

    The IHC restored these appeals in a decision last month, leading to today’s pivotal hearing. Nawaz Sharif’s legal counsel, Amjad Pervaiz, argued before the court, pointing out perceived loopholes in the Avenfield reference.

    Nawaz’s lawyer Amjad Pervaiz questioned the ownership of the properties, arguing that there was neither verbal nor documented evidence indicating Nawaz’s ownership. The defense emphasized the lack of evidence proving that Maryam Nawaz and other family members were under Nawaz’s patronage.

    Pervez argued that the NAB failed to prove any of the allegations against Nawaz Sharif. “The properties in question were acquired at different times, with some being acquired between 1993 and 1996. The appellant had no connection to these properties, and the prosecution did not clarify their relation to the properties in the reference.”

    He said that Wajid Zia, former DG FIA, admitted that there was no evidence to establish Nawaz Sharif’s connection to the properties. The charge sheet stated that the assets were not in accordance with declared assets.

    The court based the sentence on assumptions, and the decision was generally written without specific evidence. It was written that children are generally under the guardianship of their father, he said.

  • We won’t see Imran Khan’s trial in open court

    We won’t see Imran Khan’s trial in open court

    A special court declared on Tuesday that the trial proceedings of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cipher case will be conducted at Adiala Jail.

    Today, Judge Zulqarnain presided over the hearing at the FJC, where Barrister Salman Safdar appeared as Imran’s counsel while Advocate Ali Bukhari was present as Qureshi’s lawyer. FIA’s prosecutors Shah Khawar and Zulfikar Abbas Naqvi also appeared before the court.

    This decision comes after Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain emphasized the importance of security, prompting the trial to be held within jail premises.

    The court previously ordered that the former prime minister and Shah Mahmood Qureshi be present at Islamabad’s Federal Judicial Complex (FJC) for today’s hearing.

    However, Adiala jail authorities, citing “security risks” in their report, failed to produce Imran Khan, despite the court’s directives.

    The initial orders for a jail trial were issued in the first hearing of the cipher case outside the Adiala jail following the Islamabad High Court’s decision to nullify the August 29 notification for a jail trial.

    Judge Zulqarnain has been conducting the trial within the jail premises due to security concerns since Khan’s indictment last month.

    Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi were booked under the Official Secrets Act 1923 in the cipher case in August.

    The case revolves around a missing diplomatic cable allegedly containing a threat from the United States to topple the PTI government.

    The court’s decision to hold the trial within Adiala Jail, in an open court setting, aims to ensure transparency and accessibility for those interested in the proceedings.

    During the hearing, the jail authorities submitted their report to the court, which Judge Zulqarnain reviewed. The judge then said, “The jail officials are saying that he (Imran) cannot be presented.”

    According to reports by intelligence agencies and the police, the PTI chairman faces threats to life, the report stated. It further said, “It has been informed that the PTI chairman faces security risks of a serious scale”.

    The special court stated that those who wished to attend the court proceedings would not be stopped from doing so and that journalists would also be permitted to witness the case.

    It further said that five family members of each suspect would also be allowed inside the courtroom. The hearing was adjourned till Dec 1 (Friday).

    Both Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi were indicted in the cipher case on October 23, with the trial initially held at Adiala Jail.

    However, the proceedings were deemed “erroneous” by an Islamabad High Court division bench, leading to the initiation of a fresh trial. The court’s decision to approve an open jail trial addresses concerns about transparency and legal protocols.