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Tag: LHC

  • After court blocks appointment of DROs, ROs, election date could be delayed

    After court blocks appointment of DROs, ROs, election date could be delayed

    The Lahore High Court (LHC) issued an order on Wednesday to decline a notification to appoint Returning Officers (ROs) from bureaucracy. General elections, set to take place on February 8 2024, could be delayed as a result of the decision.

    Former secretary of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and current caretaker Punjab CM’s Adviser on Law, Kanwar Dilshad, told The News that polls are likely to be late after the LHC verdict, stating that a few days delay in the polls is expected as the issue regarding suspension of ECP notification for appointments of ROs and District Returning Officers (DROs) will soon be taken up and decided by a larger bench of the LHC.

    He also said that after the LHC judgment, ECP declined its December 11 notification regarding the appointment of DROs and ROs.

    The LHC, in its order, said, “On factual ground, the apparent absence of a level playing field for the political party of the petitioner is visible to all and has also been seriously noted by many independent groups. With top political leadership locked inside the jail or gone underground, the electioneering by his political party would be a big question mark. The apprehension of the petitioner of avoiding fair and free elections by the Election Commission of Pakistan appears to be well founded as some District Returning Officer, Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers are appointed from the presently posted members of administration throughout the country with whom the petitioner’s political party does not inspire any confidence.”

  • 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.

  • Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar wants to rejoin PTI

    Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar wants to rejoin PTI

    Senior politician Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar is reportedly seeking a return to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as per Geo News.

    Having previously been associated with the PTI, Sarwar, currently the chief organizer of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), parted ways with Imran Khan’s party during last year’s no-confidence motion in April, leaving when Imran Khan was ousted from the prime minister’s office.

    In March this year, Sarwar joined the PML-Q in the presence of its president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain.
    In December 2021, Sarwar slammed Khan’s government by saying that the PTI had handed over everything to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    During the no-confidence motion, Sarwar, as the chief organizer of the PML-Q, defied Khan’s orders and explored the possibility of joining the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

    However, this idea was rejected by PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, citing Sarwar’s earlier defection to the PTI after the failed 2014 sit-in led by Khan and Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri.

    Sarwar joined the PML-Q in March of the current year, assuming the role of chief organizer.

    However, he has been residing in Scotland since several months, showing little interest in party affairs.

    Despite initial hopes of the PML-Q gaining prominence, especially without Parvez Elahi and Moonis Elahi, it appears that Jahangir Tareen and Aleem Khan’s Istehekam Pakistan Party (IPP) is currently the frontrunner.

    Sources reveal that Sarwar, for the past two weeks, has been reaching out to PTI leaders directly and indirectly, discussing his potential return to the party from his base in Scotland.

    A senior PTI leader disclosed that Sarwar had expressed a desire to rejoin the party, but the PTI has not responded to the overtures thus far.

    “The only person who can allow re-entry of Chaudhary Sarwar is Imran Khan but he has made it clear he will not forgive and forget those dozens of leaders who let him down in difficult times. Those who lobbied against Imran Khan and the PTI are not acceptable.”

    Chaudhary Sarwar wants to join the PTI again because his family members want to run for elections on the party’s tickets in Faisalabad, as there are no seats vacant in PML-N ranks and no other option, said a source close to Sarwar.

    The source also said that the senior politician’s son Anas, the Scottish Labour leader, also has an election coming up in Glasgow and there is a considerable Pakistani vote in the local constituency.

    Another source said that so far the PTI had not shown any interest in the offer and it had no time to even consider it given the circumstances the PTI was facing in Pakistan.

    When asked about efforts to rejoin the PTI, Sarwar didn’t deny it.

    He said: “All options are on the table. Discussions at various levels are ongoing. I have not made a final decision yet. I will make the final decision soon.”

    Sarwar joined PTI in 2015 after criticising Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif, days after resigning as the Punjab governor. However, he was appointed to the post for a second time once the PTI came to power in 2018.

    Sarwar’s allies said he was not happy as Punjab governor and didn’t like Usman Buzdar. He was sacked from the post around the no-confidence vote by the PTI government, with Omer Sarfraz Cheema being appointed as his replacement.

  • Sheikh Rashid’s bail gets extended

    Sheikh Rashid’s bail gets extended

    An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi has granted an extension to the interim bail of former federal minister Sheikh Rashid in connection with 10 cases related to the May 9 riots.

    The bail has now been extended until December 9, following a hearing presided over by ATC Judge Malik Ejaz Asif.

    During the proceedings, the court adjourned the hearing at the request of the public prosecutor, instructing both sides to present their arguments in the upcoming session.

    Addressing the court, Rashid asserted that although there are a dozen cases against him related to the May 9 riots, he was not personally present at any of the locations in question.

    After the hearing, while speaking to the media, Rashid urged those responsible to focus on the country’s declining economic conditions and added that the people are concerned with inflation and not elections.

    Referring to PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s return, the Awami Muslim League (AML) leader said that elections are “imminent”.

    On election day, people roaming in Murree “will face the music,” he said.

  • Lockdown restrictions revised in Punjab

    Lockdown restrictions revised in Punjab

    The Punjab government on Thursday revised the terms of the lockdown imposed in multiple districts of the province as major cities grapple with crippling fog.

    In its amended notification, the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department of the province notified that call centres and international information technology companies will be allowed to operate during the lockdown.

    While markets in the eight smog-hit districts will be allowed to operate today and tomorrow; however, shopping malls and markets will be closed on Saturday and Sunday.

    The notification also states that cinema halls, restaurants and gyms will remain open today as per routine.

    The decision will remain in effect in Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala Narowal, Hafizabad and Sialkot.

    Previous Notification

    A day earlier, an environmental and health emergency had been declared in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Hafizabad divisions for four days due to the prevailing smog conditions.

    Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi made the announcement during a press conference on Tuesday when the air quality index (AQI) in the city measured 390, falling under the category of hazardous.

    At this AQI level, the city maintained its position as one of the most polluted cities with citizens experiencing a hazy and smoggy atmosphere throughout the day. The air quality was severely poor, making it nearly impossible to breathe normally outdoors.

    Notification issued on Tuesday detailed that from Thursday to Sunday i.e., November 9, 2023, to November 12, 2023, all markets, shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, gymnasiums, schools (public and private), and offices (public and private) will remain closed in Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala Narowal, Hafizabad and Sialkot.

    Also, the movement of people will be limited to and from these areas by public and private transport.

    The following will be exempted from closure:

    • Pharmacies/ Medical Stores
    • Medical Facilities and Vaccination Centers
    • Petrol Pumps
    • Oil Depots
    • Tandoors
    • Bakeries,
    • Grocery / Karyana stores
    • Milk / Dairy Shops
    • Sweet Shops,
    • Vegetable / Fruit Shops
    • Chicken / Meat Shops
    • E-commerce
    • Postal / Courier Services
    • Utility Services (Electricity, Natural Gas, Internet, Cellular Networks /Telecom.

    Large departmental stores will only keep their grocery /pharmacy sections open while all other sections will remain closed.

    It has been suggested by the government that people buy groceries and medicines within the vicinity of their residence.

  • Punjab imposes partial smart lockdown for four days

    Punjab imposes partial smart lockdown for four days

    The Government of Punjab, after approval from the Chief Minister, has ordered “restricted movement” in some areas of Punjab to combat smog. 

    The areas of Lahore Division (District Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur), District Gujranwala, District Hafizabad, and District Narowal, have the worst Air Quality Index (AQI), becoming potential hotspots for Conjunctivitis, and will go under lockdown.

    From Thursday to Sunday i.e., November 9, 2023, to November 12, 2023, all markets, shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, gymnasiums, schools

    (public and private), and offices (public and private) will remain closed in these areas.

    Also, movement of people will be limited to and from these areas by public and private transport.

    The following will be exempted from closure:

    •           Pharmacies/ Medical Stores

    •           Medical Facilities and Vaccination Centers

    •           Petrol Pumps

    •           Oil Depots

    •           Tandoors

    •           Bakeries,

    •           Grocery / Karyana stores

    •           Milk / Dairy Shops

    •           Sweet Shops,

    •           Vegetable / Fruit Shops

    •           Chicken / Meat Shops

    •           E-commerce 

    •           Postal / Courier Services

    •           Utility Services (Electricity, Natural Gas, Internet, Cellular Networks /Telecom.

    Large departmental stores will only keep their grocery /pharmacy sections open while all other sections will remain closed.

    It has been suggested by the government that people buy groceries and medicines within the vicinity of their residence.

  • Lahore smog: Court orders government to impose emergency

    Lahore smog: Court orders government to impose emergency

    The Lahore High Court (LHC) held the interim government responsible for the current situation of smog in Lahore, directing authorities to impose an emergency in the city.

    The LHC issued an order after reviewing applications demanding action.

    Lahore Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhwa and other officers appeared before the court in today’s hearing.

    The court ordered the caretaker government not to unseal factories that are emitting black smoke.   

    LHC judge Shahid Karim said that “previously, smog started to affect the city at the end of November and December, but now it has started in October.”

    While ordering an imposition of an emergency in the city, he said, “The government is responsible for the current situation of smog.”

    The judge directed officers to fulfil their responsibility as the owners of the city and to take care of Lahore.

    The judge then adjourned the hearing till November 3.

  • ‘Last chance’ given by Lahore High Court to recover Sheikh Rasheed

    ‘Last chance’ given by Lahore High Court to recover Sheikh Rasheed

    Awami Muslim League leader and former federal interior minister, Sheikh Rasheed, was arrested from his house in Rawalpindi last month. On Thursday, the Lahore High Court gave the police one more week to find him.

    At today’s hearing, RPO Rawalpindi Syed Khurram Ali and CPO Rawalpindi Khalid Hamdani appeared before the court, seeking more time for recovering Sheikh Rasheed.

    “How much more time do you need for recovery, what have you done so far,” the court asked the cops. The RPO Rawalpindi said the officers responsible for the arrest were not present in the area on that day.

    “We need a bit more time for recovery,’ the RPO informed the court.

    “We are giving you a week’s time as the last chance to recover Sheikh Rasheed else the court will pass an order with a warning,” was the reply.

    The hearing was then adjourned until October 27.

  • Court restricts political parties from holding rallies at Liberty roundabout

    Court restricts political parties from holding rallies at Liberty roundabout

    The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to submit a new request for organizing a rally at a different site, rather than Liberty Chowk, the originally proposed location by PTI.
    The court’s verdict came in response to PTI’s appeal seeking authorization to hold a rally at Liberty Chowk. Nevertheless, the Lahore High Court has denied permission for the rally to take place at the Liberty roundabout.

    Justice Raheel Kamran stated that if the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) fails to obtain approval for an alternative rally venue, no political party will be allowed to hold a rally.
    He granted PTI a 72-hour period to secure permission for the new location.
    The decision to decline permission for the rally at Liberty Chowk is rooted in security apprehensions, considering the events that transpired on May 9.