IHC reinstates NBP chairman, president

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) allowed an intra-court appeal filed by the Finance Ministry and the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) on Monday and reinstated the appointment of NBP Chairman Zubair Soomro and President Arif Usmani. A two-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq, declared the appointments of both the officers as correct. The short order said that the reasons for granting the intra-court appeals would be issued later. Earlier, a single bench, comprising Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, had declared the appointments of Usmani and Soomro as illegal. The bench had said that Usmani’s appointment was illegal due to lack of relevant educational qualifications, while Soomro’s appointment was not made in a transparent manner. The notification of the appointment of Arif Usmani as the NBP President was issued on 12 February 2019. The appointment was challenged in the IHC last year.

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Cops with tainted record will not get field posting

Punjab Police Inspector-General (IG) Sardar Ali Khan has issued a new order for field posting of all personnel including officers in the police department. The order underlines honesty, good reputation, untainted track record and professionalism as the main criteria for a field posting. Police officials with tainted and blight records and facing departmental inquiries or convictions will not be given field posting. A senior police officer said that the IG’s newly-issued order for field deployment demanded that all police officers from district chiefs to head constables at police stations must meet the new criteria. “Any police officer in the field who has been convicted in any previous case will be immediately suspended and transferred from the field. He will be able to return to his field of posting after proving his innocence at the relevant forum,” the officer said. He said that police officers who have been convicted in departmental inquiries will not get field postings, while all officials who have received major punishments in the last two years will also stand ineligible for field posting. Additionally, Station House Officers (SHOs) will not be deployed in their respective home divisions and officials who have remained on the same post for five years will not be re-appointed to the same designation. The posting of an SHO within three months of appointment cannot be changed. If inevitable, the Regional Police Officer will be requested to look into the matter as the authority to do so rests with him.   Published in The Express Tribune, February 1st, 2022.

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Gilani resigns as opposition leader in Senate

Leader of the Opposition in Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani announced on Monday that he has resigned from the post of the opposition leader amid harsh criticism over his absence from the last session when the government passed a bill giving complete autonomy to the State Bank of Pakistan. Gilani, who along with other opposition senators has been accused of lending support to the government in the passage of the SBP Amendment Bill 2021, revealed on the floor of the upper house that he has already sent his resignation to the party leadership over the allegations that he supported the government on the bill by staying absent. In a disheartened tone, Gilani said that “some turncoats” accused him of helping the government, adding that criticism from the ministers would have been an honour for him while accusations from well-wishers were astonishing. “I am not astonished by the harsh words from my opponents, but I am astonished by the silence of my well-wishers,” he said, apparently after coming under fire by the opposition lawmakers, including his party colleague Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar. In his speech, the PPP leader also questioned the role of the government and Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, saying including a bill at the eleventh hour on the agenda was “incorrect” and casting a tie-vote by the chairman for the first time in the history in favour of the treasury benches contradicted the notion of impartiality attached to the chair. Read SBP bill puts ‘national security’ at risk Without wasting time, the Senate chairman chided the opposition benches saying that he was neutral and did not take any sides, adding that the opposition had failed to complete its numbers and was now alleging that the chair was biased. Meanwhile, the government side continued celebrating victory by teasing Gilani on the pretext that the passage of the bill became possible only after the “cooperation extended by him”. Leader of the House Dr Shahzad Waseem while responding to the PPP leader’s speech said the treasury benches were “thankful” to the PPP leader for skipping Friday’s session. Dr Waseem rejected the technical issues raised by Gilani, saying the rules allowed the same and in the past supplementary agendas were issued even when the Senate session was underway. “I don’t think that his argument holds any weight,” he said. Once again, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry took a jibe at PPP, noting that Gilani was an “honorable man” and that it would have made more sense if PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari or co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari had resigned as they were the ones who had allegedly instructed the party members to stay away from the session. He went on to add that senior leadership of the PPP and PML-N were “embarrassed” over the behaviour of their parties’ leadership. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Communication Shahbaz Gill thanked Gilani for his “cooperation” in passing the bill, saying giving resignation was understandable now. In a shocking revelation, the SAPM tweeted that “a few days ago, opposition leader in the National Assembly also offered his resignation on the condition that he be allowed to go abroad”. Taunting the opposition parties, Gill said that those who had been asking Prime Minister Imran Khan to quit office were now submitting their resignations. Soon after Gilani’s speech and Senate chairman’s remarks of being neutral, Senator Dilawar Khan also cleared the air about his group of six senators supporting the government on SBP bill, maintaining that the group was independent and did not take anything from the treasury or opposition benches but decided to vote in favour of the bill as it was in the interest of the country. Revealing that Gilani had asked him to come for a meeting at his office but he himself was absent, Dilawar said Finance Minister Shaukat Tareen met him and observed that it was in the interest of the country to get the bill passed. “Our group is a giver and not a taker,” Dilawar said while responding to the criticism that the independent senators sat on the opposition benches but supported the treasury. Dilawar went on to say that his group had voted for Gilani in the Senate elections because it did not know PML-N candidate for the opposition leader’s slot in Senate, Azam Nazir Tarar. “Check how many members of PPP, PML-N and other parties were absent instead of pointing finger at us,” he said. Not long ago, PPP and PML-N were at loggerheads over Senate’s leader of the opposition slot after PTI-backed candidates, Sadiq Sanjrani and Mirza Muhammad Afridi, defeated PDM’s joint candidates – Gilani and JUI-F’s Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri – even though the numbers favoured the opposition alliance. On Friday, Gilani had preferred to attend a Fateha of an old friend over the sitting of the Senate that led to handing over absolute autonomy to the central bank despite the fact that the opposition parties were opposing the bill tooth and nail. It had emerged that some members of PML-N, JUI-F, and PkMAP refrained from attending the session while a lone member of the ANP also skipped the final voting, helping the government get the bill passed with one vote majority. For the government, passing the SBP bill from the parliament was important to fulfill a condition of the International Monetary Fund. After the approval of the bill from both the houses, the government has met the IMF condition and is expecting to get the next tranche of $1billion out of the $6 billion bailout programme in February. Bilawal rejects resignation PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari refused to accept the post of opposition leader. The Bhutto scion regretted the “partisan role” played by Senate chairman in passing the bill and maintained that in siding with the government Sanjrani had once again “tainted his office and set a most unfortunate precedent”. Bilawal appreciated Gilani’s statement on the floor of the Senate, wherein he had said that PPP was the only political party whose representatives felt accountable to the people. Sources in the party said that the PPP leader had announced tendering his resignation as a sign of protest against his own party senators who openly criticised him. Gilani, it was said, relayed his concerns to the party chairman, who assured him of full party support.  

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‘Pakistan’s fashion industry is vibrant’

Pakistan’s Fashion industry is vibrant and is now gaining ground in the world’s fashion arena. Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Mian Nauman Kabir expressed these views in a meeting on Fashion and Clothing Exports here at the LCCI on Monday. LCCI Senior Vice President Mian Rehman Aziz Chan, Vice President Haris Ateeq, Convener LCCI Standing Committee Talat Hafeez also spoke on the occasion. Mian Nauman Kabir said that art promotion is extremely necessary for the soft image building of any country. The fashion industry is symbolic as well as practical for the image building of any country. Many countries are working extensively to promote their fashion industry, he added. In the European Union, Paris is highly respected in this particular field. Paris is a world leader in the fashion industry and earning huge revenue from this single sector, the LCCI president said. LCCI Senior Vice President Mian Rehman Aziz Chan said that LCCI’s role is to facilitate its members by playing the role of a spokesperson for the industry and traders. He added, “It is important that the government and LCCI collaborate on policy advocacy on the fashion sector. It is also very important that designers’ identity should be documented.” LCCI Vice President Haris Ateeq said that during his meeting with the additional secretary, they both discussed various avenues to promote the fashion industry. Published in The Express Tribune, February 1st, 2022.

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Altaf Hussain goes on trial in London for 2016 hate speech

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain went on three-week trial in London on Monday for his controversial speech inciting violence in Karachi in 2016. The MQM founder, who is also wanted by the Pakistani authorities in number of cases, had delivered the fiery speech via telephone to a party gathering outside the Karachi Press Club on August 22, 2016 after which party workers chanted anti-Pakistan slogans and vandalised a media office nearby. The Scotland Yard had previously charged Hussain with terrorism offences in October 2019. It claimed that the speech encouraged the incitement of violence and disorder. Hussain was arrested on June 11, 2019, under the pretense of having violated Section 44 of the Serious Crimes Act 2007. He was later released on bail. The MQM founder has vehemently denied the charge and has stated that he would defend himself against the accusations at the trial. Also read: Altaf Hussain charged under terrorism act in UK; granted conditional bail Metropolitan Police earlier issued a statement, saying, “Altaf Hussain [...], of Abbey View, Mill Hill, NW7, was charged under section 1(2) of the Terrorism Act (TACT) 2006 with encouraging terrorism”. “On August 22, 2016, published a speech to crowds gathered in Karachi, Pakistan which were likely to be understood by some or all of the members of the public to whom they were published as a direct or indirect encouragement to them to the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism and at the time he published them, intended them to be so encouraged, or was reckless as to whether they would be so encouraged,” it added. “Section 1(2) of the Terrorism Act states that if a person is charged then they must issue a statement to which this section applies or ensure someone else publishes such a statement. At the time he publishes it or causes it to be published. The person charged with this offence intended to instigate acts of terrorism or Convention offences. They are reckless as to whether their following is directly or indirectly encouraged to commit violent activities. “According to Section 1(7) of the same act, a person found guilty of the offence is liable to receive imprisonment for a maximum sentence of 15 years. or to a fine, or to both; (b) on summary conviction in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or to both; (c) on summary conviction in Scotland or Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or to both.” Hussain reached out to CPS ahead of today’s hearing, claiming that he was mentally and physically unfit to stand trial. He iterated that he had recently suffered from Covid-19 and had undergone an extremely difficult ordeal that took a toll on his health, in light of these concerns, he asked that the trial be canceled and the case dropped. His plea was however rejected by the CPS. Hussain reportedly spent a month in a London hospital from mid-December last year to January 12, 2022 owing to 'serious' Covid-19 symptoms. The MQM founder has lived in self-imposed exile in London for more than two decades. He requested asylum in the 1990s and later gained UK citizenship. The Pakistani authorities have repeatedly demanded action be taken against him for inciting people in Pakistan to violence.

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SC refuses to entertain plea against lifetime disqualification

Supreme Court has refused to entertain the petition filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) challenging the lifetime disqualification of lawmakers under Article 62 (1) (f) of the Constitution. The SC registrar office has returned the SCBA constitution petition by raising several objections. It is learnt that the SC office stated that the matter has already been settled by five judges of a larger bench. Likewise, the objection was also raised on the locus standi of the petitioner. However, the lawyers’ body is now considering moving an appeal against the registrar's objections. The petition filed by SCBA President Ahsan Bhoon had contended that the disqualification under Article 62 (1)(f) should be applied in cases of an election dispute. It added that the Supreme Court could not proceed as a trial court under the powers of Article 184(3). Also read: Not a party in plea against lifetime disqualification: Tareen Article 62(1)(f), which sets the precondition for a member of parliament to be "sadiq and ameen" (honest and righteous), is the same provision under which former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was disqualified by a five-judge SC bench on July 28, 2017, in the Panama Papers case. Similarly, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Tareen was disqualified by a separate bench of the apex court under the same provision. In 2018, a five-judge Supreme Court bench unanimously held that disqualification handed down under Article 62-1(f) of the Constitution is for life. The SCBA petition has requested the top court to declare that the proceedings and declarations under Articles 184(3) or 199 of the Constitution did not constitute declarations by a court of law, as per the principles expounded by it. Also read: Curtain falls on political careers of Sharif, Tareen “The apex court, while acting pursuant to Article 184(3) of the Constitution, “exercises extraordinary and original constitutional jurisdiction,” the petition said, adding that it did not act as a trial court where the person “is afforded the right to lead evidence, produce witnesses, and cross-examine the other side’s witnesses and so on”. It also stated that in addition to the failure to provide an opportunity for cross-examination, proceedings under Article 184(3) were “additionally violative of the principles of due process” and the right to a fair trial, as they precluded the possibility of any kind of appeal.

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Justice Gulzar leaves behind a mixed legacy

Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed is retiring on Tuesday (tomorrow) by leaving behind the legacy of an anti-encroachment drive in the biggest city of the country, Karachi. Justice Gulzar had taken oath as the CJP in December 2019. His tenure was adversely affected on account of the Covid-19 pandemic. When he became the top judge, around 42,000 cases were pending in the Supreme Court. That number has now reached above 53,200. Despite an 11,000 increase, Justice Gulzar could not evolve a strategy to reduce the pending cases. Even Justice Qazi Faez Isa in his judicial order gave a suggestion to hear cases online. Justice Gulzar also initiated suo motu proceedings to examine the executive steps for controlling the spread of the coronavirus. Also read: Judicial restraint and outgoing CJP’s swansong The outgoing CJP mainly focused on removing encroachments in Karachi. He ordered the demolition of Nasla Tower as well as illegal houses built around Gujjar Nullah. At the end, he also ordered the relevant authorities to end commercial activities on the military land in Karachi. Justice Gulzar further ordered to demolish a mosque and other encroachments built on amenity parks near Tariq Road in Karachi. Despite strong protests, he did not withdraw any order for the removal of encroachments in Karachi. However, his orders for demolishing Nasla Tower and Gujjar Nullah houses have rendered thousands of families belonging to the lower middle-class homeless. One section of lawyers is questioning his orders to remove the encroachments as they were lacking substance. A senior lawyer termed his anti-encroachment drive as “heartless”. "The way he evicted purchasers and demolished buildings did not punish the unscrupulous builders or officials but the common man who had been duped into buying them," he added. He also complained about the outgoing CJP’s temperament during hearing of public interest matters. They also believe that his views were very strict in service matters wherein government employees hardly received any relief. Also read: Law ministry notifies Justice Bandial's appointment as next CJP In fact, some lawyers preferred to avoid arguing a case before his bench on account of his strict views in service matters. A lawyer said Justice Gulzar's jurisprudence was “pro-employers” rather than being “pro-employees”. However, a senior law officer defended the outgoing CJP’s approach in service matters. He said the scope of review was very limited in service matters under Article 212 of the Constitution. During his tenure, leaders of the opposition parties complained against the misuse of the power to arrest by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman. However, he did not give much attention to issues related to civil liberties. The opposition leaders’ matters were fixed before those judges, who had a strict view on granting bail. Former CJP Asif Saeed Khosa had introduced several reforms to improve criminal justice system. Model courts were established for speedy justice. However, the outgoing CJP could not give attention to this matter as his predecessor had. Also read: CJ dismisses notion of judiciary being ‘under pressure’ Justice Khosa had also focused on clearing the pendency of criminal cases by forming two special benches. However, the pendency of criminal cases increased during the tenure of the outgoing CJP. Heirs of prisoners are complaining for not listing jail petitions for the last couple of years. Unlike his predecessor, Justice Gulzar did not form larger or special benches comprising by senior-most judges. His critics always questioned his selection of judges to hear constitutional and public interest matters. Justice Gulzar also went easy on the PTI-led government during his tenure. Attorney General for Pakistan Khalid Jawed Khan played a key role in maintaining a cordial relationship between the executive and him. Even a three-judge bench led by him summoned Prime Minister Imran Khan in a suo motu case on the martyrdom of children in the Army Public School (APS) Peshawar attack. Despite giving harsh remarks and observations against the maladministration and the federal government functionaries, the chief justice had not passed any coercive order during his tenure. Also read: Strong judiciary a must for stronger country: Justice Shah The Supreme Court had facilitated the federal government in a few matters like granting permission to hold general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) region and tempered its stance in several cases when the court was requested to show judicial restraint. The Sindh government, however, faced a tough time because of issues related to maladministration. However, no coercive order was passed against it too. Interestingly, the outgoing CJP had strongly questioned different high courts’ judicial and administrative orders in the previous year. The SC had also set aside high court orders on the release of prisoners. During outgoing CJP’s tenure, the Justice Qazi Faez Isa case has adversely affected the working of the Supreme Court. There is even a perception that SC judges have divided into two camps and few of them are being preferred by including them in benches hearing important matters while ignoring senior ones. During his tenure, a few SC full court meetings were held to redress administrative issues. A senior lawyer said the divide among SC judges had deepened during Justice Gulzar’s tenure and he could not provide leadership to end this perception. Also read: The mixed legacy of CJP Nisar Hamid Khan, another senior lawyer, criticised him for not fixing important cases wherein he was the counsel. The lawyers of Balochistan questioned the outgoing CJP’s order wherein he had observed that Justice Isa should not hear matters related to Prime Minister Imran Khan. The opinion is divided regarding his conduct as the chairman of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP). During his tenure, a serious debate was started for the first time among JCP members regarding the appointment of superior court judges. Similarly, the efforts of Justice Gulzar cannot be ignored to end the sense of insecurity among minority communities. He took courageous steps to send a strong message to extremist elements that the judiciary would not spare anyone involved in usurping the rights of minorities. The outgoing CJP made history by nominating Lahore High Court’s Justice Ayesha Malik for her appointment as the first female judge of the top court. One section of lawyers also appreciates him for immediately dropping misconduct proceedings against Justice Isa – in his capacity as the chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council -- after the April 26, 2020 order despite a strong campaign by powerful circles.

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CPNE says media freedom deteriorated in 2021

The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) on Sunday released a report to highlight how press freedom deteriorated in 2021 as compared to the previous two years. In the report titled “Pakistan Media Freedom Report - 2021”, CPNE expressed concerns over tactics aimed at stifling freedom of media, freedom of expression, and access to information. In 2021 alone, the report revealed, five journalists were killed in the line of duty, including Karachi-based social media activist and community journalist Nazim Jokhio, who was abducted and killed mercilessly. At least nine journalists lost their lives due to the coronavirus pandemic, whereas two newsmen committed suicide due to the lingering unemployment, it added. It stated that following 2020, the year 2021 came to be an extremely difficult year for journalists, media workers, and media organisations in Pakistan as freedom of press and freedom of expression remained under pressure. Also read: Journalist shot dead outside Lahore Press Club It went on to say that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, not only several journalists lost their lives, but it also plunged the media houses into deep financial crises. It added that different institutions continuously attempted to keep the journalist community under pressure through direct and indirect tactics. CPNE also noted that the number of journalists who were harassed, tortured, and killed in the line of duty last year could be higher. The report highlighted that many journalists had to face murder attempts, threats, lawsuits, and telephone calls from “unknown numbers”, in addition to online harassment on various occasions. The family members of the affected journalists were also subjected to physical and mental torture, it added. CPNE also mentioned that state institutions registered cases against several journalists during 2021. It also elaborated how the government enforced a controversial media law to control the media “by hook or by crook”. Talking about finances, CPNE mentioned that media houses’ financial woes precede the pandemic which only further aggravated the crisis. Also read: 45 journalists killed in 2021: media watchdog It warned that the journalist community is still at risk of economic collapse due to ongoing financial constraints. Unfortunately, the report regretted, Pakistan is one of the countries, where violence against journalists is increasing and not even a single murderer has been brought to justice. During the previous year, it observed that journalists and media institutions faced censorship and restraint on several occasions. It went on to mention notable journalists who were harassed or tortured during 2021. The report also mentioned the government’s attempts to stifle social media, including blocking 19,000 accounts and the repeated bans on TikTok. However, CPNE hailed the passage of the Journalist Protection Bill by the federal government. It also appreciated the Protection of Journalists and Media Practitioners Bill by the Sindh government and urged other provinces to follow suit.

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Another 'journalist' gunned down in Sindh

A suspect was arrested in Sindh's Sanghar district on Sunday after he allegedly gunned down a local "journalist". According to the police, suspect Ali Murad was taken into custody along with the weapon which he used in the killing of Ghulam Murtaza Shar. Sources told The Express Tribune that the incident took place due to a personal quarrel between the suspect and Murtaza. Read more: Journalist killed over financial dispute, say police SHO Sanghar Jhol Police Station Niaz Kalharo said that Murtaza was killed over a relationship dispute. Soon after the incident the SSP Sanghar took notice of the incident and ordered an inquiry. He claimed that the police had contacted Sanghar Press Club President Anjum Aftab who told him that the deceased did not belong to the journalist community. He further said that search for another suspect of the killing of Ali Nawaz is underway whereas more details will be revealed in this regard after further investigation. Meanwhile, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, taking to Twitter, said that the security of journalists in interior Sindh has become a challenge. Shocking….. اندرون سندہ صحافیوں کی سلامتی ایک چیلنج بن گیا ہے، وزیر اعلی ٰ مراد شاہ چیف سیکرٹری اور IG Sindh کو صحافیوں کے معاملات پر وفاقی حکومت کی گہری تشویش سے آگاہ کیا جائیگا https://t.co/MsC6T4l5gH — Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) January 30, 2022 Also read: Without tracing hitmen, police claim solving journalist’s murder He said that Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Chief Secretary and IG Police Sindh will be informed of the deep concern of the federal government on the issues of journalists in the province. Opposition Leader in Sindh Assembly Haleem Adil Sheikh, while condemning the incident, said that the killing of a journalist in broad daylight was a shameful act for the police. "Killings of journalists have become a normality in Sindh... those who give lectures on freedom of speech in Islamabad are silent on killings of journalists in the province," he added. The PTI leader also said that the killers of Aziz Memon and Ajay Lalwani have high ranks in PPP's Sindh chapter.

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Justice Gulzar leaves behind a mixed legacy

Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed is retiring on Tuesday (tomorrow) by leaving behind the legacy of an anti-encroachment drive in the biggest city of the country, Karachi. Justice Gulzar had taken oath as the CJP in December 2019. His tenure was adversely affected on account of the Covid-19 pandemic. When he became the top judge, around 42,000 cases were pending in the Supreme Court. That number has now reached above 53,200. Despite an 11,000 increase, Justice Gulzar could not evolve a strategy to reduce the pending cases. Even Justice Qazi Faez Isa in his judicial order gave a suggestion to hear cases online. Justice Gulzar also initiated suo motu proceedings to examine the executive steps for controlling the spread of the coronavirus. Also read: Judicial restraint and outgoing CJP’s swansong The outgoing CJP mainly focused on removing encroachments in Karachi. He ordered the demolition of Nasla Tower as well as illegal houses built around Gujjar Nullah. At the end, he also ordered the relevant authorities to end commercial activities on the military land in Karachi. Justice Gulzar further ordered to demolish a mosque and other encroachments built on amenity parks near Tariq Road in Karachi. Despite strong protests, he did not withdraw any order for the removal of encroachments in Karachi. However, his orders for demolishing Nasla Tower and Gujjar Nullah houses have rendered thousands of families belonging to the lower middle-class homeless. One section of lawyers is questioning his orders to remove the encroachments as they were lacking substance. A senior lawyer termed his anti-encroachment drive as “heartless”. "The way he evicted purchasers and demolished buildings did not punish the unscrupulous builders or officials but the common man who had been duped into buying them," he added. He also complained about the outgoing CJP’s temperament during hearing of public interest matters. They also believe that his views were very strict in service matters wherein government employees hardly received any relief. Also read: Law ministry notifies Justice Bandial's appointment as next CJP In fact, some lawyers preferred to avoid arguing a case before his bench on account of his strict views in service matters. A lawyer said Justice Gulzar's jurisprudence was “pro-employers” rather than being “pro-employees”. However, a senior law officer defended the outgoing CJP’s approach in service matters. He said the scope of review was very limited in service matters under Article 212 of the Constitution. During his tenure, leaders of the opposition parties complained against the misuse of the power to arrest by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman. However, he did not give much attention to issues related to civil liberties. The opposition leaders’ matters were fixed before those judges, who had a strict view on granting bail. Former CJP Asif Saeed Khosa had introduced several reforms to improve criminal justice system. Model courts were established for speedy justice. However, the outgoing CJP could not give attention to this matter as his predecessor had. Also read: CJ dismisses notion of judiciary being ‘under pressure’ Justice Khosa had also focused on clearing the pendency of criminal cases by forming two special benches. However, the pendency of criminal cases increased during the tenure of the outgoing CJP. Heirs of prisoners are complaining for not listing jail petitions for the last couple of years. Unlike his predecessor, Justice Gulzar did not form larger or special benches comprising by senior-most judges. His critics always questioned his selection of judges to hear constitutional and public interest matters. Justice Gulzar also went easy on the PTI-led government during his tenure. Attorney General for Pakistan Khalid Jawed Khan played a key role in maintaining a cordial relationship between the executive and him. Even a three-judge bench led by him summoned Prime Minister Imran Khan in a suo motu case on the martyrdom of children in the Army Public School (APS) Peshawar attack. Despite giving harsh remarks and observations against the maladministration and the federal government functionaries, the chief justice had not passed any coercive order during his tenure. Also read: Strong judiciary a must for stronger country: Justice Shah The Supreme Court had facilitated the federal government in a few matters like granting permission to hold general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) region and tempered its stance in several cases when the court was requested to show judicial restraint. The Sindh government, however, faced a tough time because of issues related to maladministration. However, no coercive order was passed against it too. Interestingly, the outgoing CJP had strongly questioned different high courts’ judicial and administrative orders in the previous year. The SC had also set aside high court orders on the release of prisoners. During outgoing CJP’s tenure, the Justice Qazi Faez Isa case has adversely affected the working of the Supreme Court. There is even a perception that SC judges have divided into two camps and few of them are being preferred by including them in benches hearing important matters while ignoring senior ones. During his tenure, a few SC full court meetings were held to redress administrative issues. A senior lawyer said the divide among SC judges had deepened during Justice Gulzar’s tenure and he could not provide leadership to end this perception. Also read: The mixed legacy of CJP Nisar Hamid Khan, another senior lawyer, criticised him for not fixing important cases wherein he was the counsel. The lawyers of Balochistan questioned the outgoing CJP’s order wherein he had observed that Justice Isa should not hear matters related to Prime Minister Imran Khan. The opinion is divided regarding his conduct as the chairman of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP). During his tenure, a serious debate was started for the first time among JCP members regarding the appointment of superior court judges. Similarly, the efforts of Justice Gulzar cannot be ignored to end the sense of insecurity among minority communities. He took courageous steps to send a strong message to extremist elements that the judiciary would not spare anyone involved in usurping the rights of minorities. The outgoing CJP made history by nominating Lahore High Court’s Justice Ayesha Malik for her appointment as the first female judge of the top court. One section of lawyers also appreciates him for immediately dropping misconduct proceedings against Justice Isa – in his capacity as the chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council -- after the April 26, 2020 order despite a strong campaign by powerful circles.

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Hundreds pour onto streets as Islamabad holds its first ‘full marathon’

A full marathon of 42.2 kilometres was held in Islamabad for the first time in the federal capital's history on Sunday. The city's Margalla road saw hundreds of men and women runners from across Pakistan participating in the event of its kind. It also saw considerably healthy participation from the expatriate community. President Arif Alvi was also part of the event organised by 'Islamabad - Run With Us' (IRU) and Adams Foods in collaboration with the district administration. President Dr. Arif Alvi and Begum Samina Alvi participated in a 10 Km #IslamabadMarathon. Through his participation in the marathon, the President gave a message of active participation of youth in sports activities and encouraged the idea of a healthier and positive Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/yRu5QTR3RN — The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) January 30, 2022 The marathon had multiple categories, including 42.2km, 21.1km, and a 10km to 5km slot, as well as a special category slot for children under the age of 14. "We are excited to be part of this first of its kind activity in Islamabad. We have always strived to be an inclusive community with people from all walks of life encouraged to participate at our events," said the Founder of Islamabad Run With Us, Qasim Naz. PHOTO: EXPRESS He added that the marathon, like their other events, emphasised a clean and green environment. "Through this activity, we wish to promote Pakistan internationally and bring Islamabad on the yearly full marathons calendar that even international athletes will participate in", he added. Expressing his views, Commercial Director Adam Milk Foods Limited Babar Riaz said: “Adam's Milk Foods is synonymous with a healthy life and is always focused on developing and promoting a healthy lifestyle." The running part below. Found myself reasonably fit. Admired a 72 year old man from Sialkot who comes every year & completes 42 Km marathon. A healthy body leads to a stress free life & an intelligent mind. Fitness needs a resolve. I walk 4 Km every day after Fajr with 6 Kg wts. https://t.co/vsrpRvhd36 — Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) January 30, 2022 Also read: Malam Jabba hosts Swat marathon He further said that "running is one of the healthiest sports and Adam's always looks forward to promoting it. IRU Marathon is one of its kind and Adam's takes pride in becoming the title sponsor of this event." Cash prizes were awarded to the winners of the first three positions in all the categories by chief guest Senator Faisal Javed. MashAllah at a very good fitness level, President Dr. @ArifAlvi completed 10KM today and encouraged everyone at #IslamabadMarathon He said events like this should be regularly done to promote healthy environment for all. Very well organized event, kudos to team @runwithuspk pic.twitter.com/KqD5fFhwTm — Imran Ghazali (@ImranGhazaliPK) January 30, 2022 The senator appreciated the zeal of the participants and applauded the organisers for holding an event highlighting the sporting potential of the country, both nationally and internationally. According to marathon organisers, all Covid-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) were strictly followed at the event. Senator Faisal Javed. PHOTO: APP

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Man booked for ‘raping, filming’ woman in Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi police on Sunday registered a case against a man accused of raping and filming a woman after luring her for marriage. The case was registered at the New Town Police station against the man, identified as Muntazir Mehdi, on the complaint of the victim. According to the victim, who hails from Swat, the two began interacting on social media two years ago and became friends. The woman added they soon started to talk about tying the knot, with the man eventually asking her to travel to Rawalpindi to solemnize the nikah. Also read: Man held for blackmailing woman into having illicit relations for one year When she arrived in the city, the suspect then asked the woman to book a room at a hotel, saying he would soon arrive. She added that she booked the room, and went out for dinner when he finally arrived. When they returned, he allegedly subjected her to sexual assault and filmed her as he did so. He also threatened her of dire consequences if she spoke about her ordeal. The victim further said that the man was now resorting to blackmail, threatening he would make her obscene video viral on social media. Police officials said that they have started a probe into the case after registering a case against the accused. Also read: Karachi woman ‘raped’ after being lured by PUBG partner in Lahore Just a day earlier, Rawalpindi police arrested a suspect for allegedly blackmailing a woman into having illicit relations for the past one year on false promises of marriage. The woman, in her statement, had said that the suspect, Mohammad Aqeel, would also blackmail her using inappropriate photos and videos he took while they fornicated on false promises of marriage. Police had also stated that the accused will be challaned with solid evidence to ensure a strict punishment to him.

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Islamabad eyes $3b loan from Beijing

Pakistan has set its sight on a loan to the tune of $3 billion from China to stabilise its dwindling foreign exchange reserves and also seeks an investment bonanza in half a dozen sectors during the visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Beijing next week. Government sources said that in addition to political engagement, the premier would also seek Chinese support in areas of finance, trade and investment. A final meeting to shape the agenda of the visit would take place on Tuesday -- two days before the scheduled visit, the sources added. The prime minister will depart for Beijing on February 3 and attend the inaugural session of the Winter Olympics there. A senior finance ministry official said the government was considering requesting China to approve another loan to the tune of $3 billion in China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange, known as SAFE deposits. China has already placed around $11 billion with Pakistan in the shape of commercial loans and foreign exchange reserves support initiatives, including $4 billion in SAFE deposits. The Chinese money is part of the country’s current official foreign exchange reserves recorded at $16.1 billion. In the last fiscal year, the country had paid over Rs26 billion in interest cost to China only for using a $4.5 billion Chinese trade finance facility to repay the maturing debt. Last month, Pakistan also received a Saudi loan of $3 billion, which the country has consumed. The foreign exchange reserves that before the Saudi injection stood at $15.9 billion have already fallen to $16 billion by January 21. The government would also seek Chinese investment in six priority sectors by highlighting the competitive advantages that the country has in areas of cheap but skilled labour, access to the two richest continents of the world and tax exemptions. “We will market textile, footwear, pharmaceutical, furniture, agriculture, automobile and information technology sectors for Chinese investment,” said Azfar Ahsan, the chairman of the Board of Investment. The government is expected to tell the 75 Chinese companies that it provided access to trade routes to the Middle East, Africa and the rest of the world – offering greater incentive in shape of reduction in freight cost. “Unlike in the past when we would only talk about Pak-Sino friendship being higher than the Himalayas and sweeter than honey, this time we are going prepared to China with a structured approach,” Federal Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar told The Express Tribune. He added that with the involvement of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority, the government had selected those sectors for foreign investment where there was evidence of huge benefits for Chinese investors. “The study of selected locations shows substantial benefits in transportation times via CPEC.” Read Pak-China relationship has grown stronger with time: PM Imran Sea freight charges often contribute 2% to 10% of unit cost depending on the product. Pakistan offers substantially better and lower sea freight rates to two of the largest import destinations, according to the CPEC Authority officials. If imported from Pakistan, the freight costs 4,000 Euros per large container to EU destinations compared with 15,000 Euros from China. Similarly, these rates are 6,700 Euros in case of the US East coast against 12,500 Euros from Chinese port to the US. These rates were also less when compared with India, Bangladesh and Cambodia. Cost savings on sea freight can materially reduce costs for transacting parties, make product pricing competitive. Similarly, Pakistani authorities believe that its labour is two times cheaper than that of China. This offers a greater opportunity for relocation of the dying Chinese industries. However, all these areas and the competitive advantages are already known to the investors but they remain reluctant to bring in “big money” to Pakistan because of its inconsistent fiscal and energy policies. China has decided to move into more sophisticated and high-tech-driven textile and apparel industry and engage in more value-added functions under its 2021-25 plan. The government officials claimed that the electricity tariffs were competitive to the regional peers, 9 cents per unit electricity cost compared with 7.1 cents in Indian Punjab and 7.3 cents per unit in Vietnam. They added that there was 100% exemption on income tax for 10 years, duty-free import of all plant, machinery and equipment and customs and other duty exemptions available for export-oriented raw material. However, this month the government has withdrawn tax exemptions on the import of machinery and plants, including for Export Promotion Zones. However, the Pakistani authorities believe that the country’s textile sector presents the most attractive opportunities for Chinese investors in the value-added segment particularly apparel and made-ups, where there is considerable growth potential. The investors will be able to take advantage of the “best possible” fiscal incentives in its special economic zones, skilled and inexpensive labour, easy availability of raw material, competitive energy tariffs, low freight costs and preferential access to European markets. The Pakistan Railways has also informed the prime minister about the hiccups in the execution of the $6.8 billion Mainline-I project -- the largest project of the CPEC that has already faced a delay of more than four years. The sources said the financing modalities of the project had not yet been finalised. Therefore, no major breakthrough was expected on this front. The government has shown some progress on the lingering issue of about Rs230 billion withheld payments to Chinese power producers and has so far paid Rs50 billion. Another Rs50 billion are also expected to be paid next month.

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Bilawal, Maryam ‘political infants’: Fawad

Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Saturday said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz should first contest the elections for the mayors of Karachi and Lahore, respectively, as they “lacked the political stature to become national leaders”. “The country cannot be handed over to political infants as they are incapable of ruling it,” he told reporters in Jhelum. The minister was of the view that the alliance of all opposition parties of the country could not politically defeat Prime Minister Imran Khan. “All opposition parties including the PPP, PML-N, JUI-F and others faced defeat in Senate yesterday [Friday] where they had a majority,” Fawad said while referring to the passage of SBP Amendment Bill in the opposition-dominated upper house of parliament. “This is a great country and those who are presenting themselves to lead the country are dwarfs,” he remarked. He urged Bilawal and Maryam to first work as common political activists in their own party ranks and allow the senior leaders to take the front seat. “We have a democracy and monarchy, so they both [Bilawal and Maryam] should vacate their positions for the senior leadership.” The minister claimed that a change was now being discussed within the PML-N as its activists wanted the replacement of the Sharif family. #Live: Info Minister @fawadchaudhry talking to media in Jhelum https://t.co/2IJHPgViJ4 — Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) January 29, 2022 He added that a similar debate should also take place within the PPP to bring experienced leaders to the top party slots. “If Bilawal and Maryam come up through the political process, then they have had the right [to lead], but there is no justification to impose them on senior party leaders.” He warned that there would be a “reckoning” from the State in the form of action against those responsible for spilling blood in recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan. Ten soldiers embraced martyrdom after terrorists attacked a security forces’ check post in Balochistan’s Kech district on Wednesday. On Friday, three Levies Force personnel along with a Bugti clan elder were martyred and eight others injured in twin bomb blasts in the Sui area of Dera Bugti. Of the 10 soldiers martyred in the first attack, two of them belonged to Jhelum. The minister maintained that there was a deep conspiracy was behind sabotaging the operations in Balochistan. He expressed solidarity with the families of those soldiers who had sacrificed their lives in Balochistan.  "We have retaliated before and will fully take action again and not one drop of blood of our children will be wasted. Bodies of young soldiers were felled here," he added. “The conspiracies of its [country’s] enemies will not succeed. Rather, Pakistan will remain on the map of earth till eternity. We will continue the war against terrorism, the blood of our martyred soldiers will be fully accounted for.” Fawad claimed that the opposition parties had no value inside or outside parliament and all their efforts to launch a movement failed in the past. “Their seventh attempt would be no different.” Also read: Fawad lauds PPP, Gillani for supporting SBP bill He said the opposition had to rely on the students of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman's madrassas as it lacked public support. However, he added that was not possible to dislodge an elected government through agitation by students of seminaries. "We have no personal enmity with Maryam Nawaz and [PML-N supremo] Nawaz Sharif. We just want to bring back the wealth they looted from the people.” The minister said that many people met Nawaz in expensive apartments but the latter still had the audacity to claim that apartments were not owned by him. Fawad claimed that Nawaz’s monthly expenses were tens of millions of rupees but nothing was disclosed about his source of income. He added that the British government had rejected Nawaz’s applications for visa extension twice and after realising the situation, the Sharif family had started saying that the former convicted premier was returning to Pakistan. "Nawaz Sharif knows that he will not get another chance to stay in UK and he will have to come back.” The minister said PM Imran’s upcoming visit to China would help strengthen economic ties with the friendly and time-tested country. He added that the premier would embark on more foreign visits in next few months. “They [foreign visits] would further strengthen Pakistan's international standing and its foreign policy would get a boost.” (With input from agencies)      

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PM questions West’s ‘double standards’ on China, IIOJK

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday questioned the “double standards” of the West towards China and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, saying that the allegations of humanitarian crisis in Xinjiang were “not true” while there was “selective silence” over IIOJK being turned into an open prison by 800,000 Indian troops. “Pakistan’s ambassador to China has visited the area [Xinjiang] and informed that such [humanitarian crisis] allegations are not true,” Premier Imran said while addressing the Chinese media. The prime minister said on the other hand, the West did not talk about IIOJK where the worst human rights violations had been committed by the Indian forces. “There is selective silence over Kashmir,” PM Imran said, adding that IIOJK had been turned into an open prison by 800,000 Indian troops, and such a silence on Kashmir was deafening which was based upon double standards. To a query regarding Afghanistan, he said the country had suffered for the last 40 years as the outer countries had turned its soil into a battleground. After 40 years, the war-weary country got a chance for peace, he said, adding that the international community did not think of the Afghans after the foreign troops’ withdrawal. “They did not think how these impoverished people would survive.” Imran said when the Soviets left Afghanistan, there was utter chaos and casualties. “Now, everyone abandoned Afghanistan. I am talking about 40 million Afghan people currently facing the worst humanitarian crises,” he said, warning that the same chaos and destruction could return to Afghan soil which occurred after Soviets’ pullout. Imran called upon the international community to focus on the welfare of the Afghan people immediately who needed help as soon as possible without its likes or dislikes for the Taliban. About Pakistan’s focus on geo-economics strategy, the prime minister stressed upon strengthening its economy which according to him had, unfortunately, never been paid attention to in the past. Expressing his eagerness to attend the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 during his upcoming visit to China, PM Imran said that time-tested ties between the two countries had grown strongly over a period of time. He said his upcoming visit to China in the next week would provide him an opportunity to witness the winter Olympics. Despite a sportsman for about 20 years, he had not witnessed such an event in the past. Being in politics, he did not get time for sports, he added. The prime minister said that they would also teach the Chinese nation how to play cricket, expressing hope that the Chinese would excel in this game as they had shown excellent performance in the Olympics games during the last few years. He observed that Covid pandemic had devastated the world and badly affected the sporting events. Read PM’s China visit to focus on joint ventures: FM The prime minister said they would also promote skiing in Gilgit-Baltistan and some other parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, which had ideal skiing locations, adding that in this regard, they would be looking towards Chinese cooperation and coordination as the country had performed well in the winter sports. He said both countries had bonds of friendship spanning over a period of 70 years, which were further cemented with the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He said, “There is a feeling in Pakistan that China always stood with us in times of need and supported us during difficult times. Similarly, Pakistan also always stood with China.” The prime minister also referred to the construction of the Karakorum highway as a vital milestone in the chapter of Pakistan-China friendship. A number of Chinese died during its construction, he added. To a query, he said that the most impressive thing about China as acknowledged by the entire world was its success in taking 700 million people out of poverty during the last 30 or 40 years, adding that such a huge achievement had never happened before in the human history. He said it was such a feast that had impressed the world. “It is this fact which also impressed me as it coincides with my objective of steering my people out of poverty.” To another question, he maintained that they would like to emulate the steps taken by China to alleviate poverty. “We want to emulate the Chinese model of inclusive growth. The Chinese economic growth resulted in the prosperity of all Chinese people,” he maintained. He said such an inclusive growth excluded the bridge between the rich and the poor. “China is a model for all those countries that wanted an inclusive growth.” Such a growth, he said, also contributed to wealth creation. China remained focused on the economy and when it attained growth, its fruits trickled down to all strata of society. About CPEC, the prime minister said its first phase was focused on connectivity and energy sector, but now they were developing special economic zones and agriculture, seeking Chinese cooperation to help improve their productivity, crops’ yield and livestock, citing the latest varieties of cotton crop as developed by China. He also referred to the information technology as another realm of cooperation as the future of the world hinged over the growth of the sector. He opined that China had made strides in the IT field. Talking about another field of cooperation between the two countries, he said that they would be learning from Chinese experience over building megacities and coping the problems of air pollution and waste disposal etc. He said Pakistan had been witnessing urbanisation at the fastest pace and the Chinese model of urban development would be of great help. The prime minister also expressed best wishes on his behalf and on behalf of the people of Pakistan to the Chinese government and the people on the advent of the new lunar year.

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Afghan soil will not be used against Pakistan, Taliban assure NSA

The interim Afghan Taliban government on Saturday assured a Pakistani delegation headed by the National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Moeed Yusuf that Afghan soil would not be allowed to use against the neighbouring countries including Pakistan. The assurance was given by Afghanistan acting Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi during meeting with Moeed, who was leading an inter-ministerial delegation to primarily assess the humanitarian needs of Afghanistan and discuss economic issues. He was accompanied by Pakistani special envoy on Afghanistan Ambassador Muhmmad Sadiq and other senior officials. Moeed was the second high ranking official to have visited Kabul after Afghan Taliban takeover in August last year. In October last year Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi undertook a visit to Kabul. Also read: NSA set to visit Afghanistan to assess humanitarian situation The visit by NSA came against the backdrop of spike in terrorist attacks carried out by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan is concerned that the TTP is still using the Afghan soil to launch attacks against Pakistan. But a statement issued by the Taliban government quoted the Afghan deputy prime minister as telling the Pakistani delegation that, “Policy of the Islamic Emirate is clear that we will not allow anyone to use Afghan soil against neighbours and other countries. We also demand similar action from others.”  NSA Moeed Yusuf called on Afghan Acting Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdus Salam Hanafi and discussed strengthening of Pakistan- Afghanistan brotherly relations to promote trade, transit, connectivity. Afghan Deputy PM hosted lunch for Pak delegation at Arg ⁦⁦@PakinAfg⁩ pic.twitter.com/WCB5DQMppD — Mansoor Ahmad Khan (@ambmansoorkhan) January 29, 2022 The Afghan Taliban had earlier brokered a ceasefire between Pakistan and the TTP but a month-long truce ended without much progress in the peace talks. Since then Pakistan announced the resumption of operations against the TTP and said the fight against them would continue till their threat is eliminated. The two sides also reviewed the bilateral ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan with focus on economic, trade cooperation and connectivity. The Afghan deputy prime minister said Pakistan and Afghanistan are two "neighbouring and brotherly countries which have historical, religious and brotherly relations and I hope that the relationship will be durable and will continue in the atmosphere of brotherhood”. “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan wants good relations with Pakistan on mutual respect and promotion of trade and transit relations,” Hanfi added. Our NSA Moeed Yusuf is in Kabul with an interministerial delegation. Had a productive meeting with Acting FM Mullah Amir Khan Muttaqi to kick off the visit. Will have multiple official meetings to strengthen humanitarian & econ engagement ⁦⁦@ForeignOfficePk⁩ ⁦ pic.twitter.com/J5mcOPm1xR — Mansoor Ahmad Khan (@ambmansoorkhan) January 29, 2022 He also thanked Pakistan for helping Afghan refugees and hosting them. “We want relations with Pakistan and all regional countries on the basis of mutual respect and goodwill in which trade and transit relations will further improve.” The Afghan deputy prime minister urged the Pakistani traders and investors to invest in Afghanistan’s energy, mines and agriculture sectors. Also read: TTP unilaterally scrapped ceasefire deal: NSA Moeed discussed Pakistan’s efforts to help revive the Afghan economy and address the humanitarian crises unfolding in the country. The NSA visited Kabul on the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan to assess the humanitarian situation on the ground and how Pakistan can help prevent a human catastrophe. Pakistan has been advocating engagement with the Afghan Taliban and also seeking the unfreezing of foreign assets of Afghanistan. Prime Minister Imran also on Saturday said the international community must think of 40 million Afghans irrespective of them liking the Afghan Taliban or not.

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COAS vows to make all-out efforts for Balochistan peace

Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that Pakistan Army will make all-out efforts to assist the provincial government towards achieving enduring peace and prosperity a day after 10 people, including three security forces personnel, were martyred in separate terrorist attacks in different areas of Balochistan. “Terrorists shall be brought to justice and blood of the martyrs will not go [to] waste,” the chief of army staff said while interacting with troops during his visit to the Kech district in Balochistan on Saturday. Read more: COAS calls for unity to thwart designs of hostile forces According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Gen Qamar paid tribute to the courage and resolve of Shuhada of Sibdan Top. “Balochistan is the future of Pakistan and progress and prosperity of the province means progress of the country,” the military’s media wing quoted the COAS as saying. “The disruptive efforts by inimical forces won't be allowed to succeed,” the army chief emphasised. “Security, stability and prosperity of Balochistan shall be pursued/ensured at all costs,” Gen Qamar concluded. Earlier, the army chief visited Turbat and spent a complete day with the troops. The COAS was given a comprehensive briefing at the FC Balochistan (South) Headquarters on the prevailing security situation in the area, Pak-Iran border fencing and measures being taken to counter hostile efforts to destabilise the security situation in Balochistan. Also read: PM, COAS discuss ‘professional matters’ of Pakistan Army The COAS was also briefed on the socioeconomic initiatives undertaken by the army in support of the Balochistan government and efforts under way for capacity enhancement of the law enforcement agencies (LEAs). On arrival, Gen Qamar was received by Corps Commander Lieutenant General Sarfraz Ali.

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Thousands throng Tableeghi Jamaat congregation in Karachi

A large number of people have arrived to attend the ongoing mass gathering of Tableeghi Jamaat, with the annual congressional meeting set to conclude tomorrow (Sunday). According to analysts, the place for the procession at the tarbiatgah has fallen short of place due to the incredibly high number of the participants. Countless convoys continued to head to the main venue even on the third day of the mammoth gathering. Also read: PM stresses need for improving moral standards The gathering saw speeches by renowned scholars on a continuous basis, as the attendees said special prayers. On Sunday, the day will begin with a special sermon, followed by the directives for the day and a collective prayer. Earlier, renowned scholars spoke about the importance of having complete faith in Allah. They said other than the Almighty no one can provide you anything or deprive you of it. They were told that success and honour were with Allah alone, and that putting the daily obligatory prayers in order would set other affairs in life in order too. The speakers also spoke about offering the obligatory prayers with a complete focus, saying it was a communication with the Almighty. Also read: Huge responsibility on literati to guide nation on moral values: PM The attendees were told that living a life as per the rules set forth by Allah will put worldly life and the Hereafter at ease. They said that life wasn't an end, but a transition that marks the beginning of another, everlasting life. The speakers quoted from Holy Quran that those saved from the hellfire and entered into paradise were the one who actually succeeded. They urged the participants to live a life desirable by Allah, and put the message across, terming it the purpose of their existence. The speakers asked the listeners to not prefer this world's pleasure over those promised for the life in the paradise. They were asked to spend their lives pleasing the Almighty and exhibit being a Muslim in all areas of life, adding doing so will resolve all issues they were facing. At the conclusion of the congressional meeting, hundreds of delegations will be formed for time spans of 40 days, four months and 12 months to put forth the message of the organisation at home and abroad.

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Anti kite-flying voluntary force set up

A voluntary force has been set up in Rawalpindi to discourage the controversial sport of kite-flying and to spread awareness about its potential hazards. The ‘Anti Kite-Flying Volunteers’ will launch an educational campaign in schools, colleges, universities, offices and public places to achieve their goal of a ‘Kite-Free Pakistan’. These views were expressed in a joint statement by Babar Aurangzeb Chaudhry, Yasir Farooq Usman, Muhammad Jamal, Haseeb Arshad and Usman Feroze, the founders of the voluntary body. “Our aim is to discourage the youth from kite-flying and to divert their attention towards healthier activities,” said the founders. “The purpose of the platform is to take a practical stand against the kite-seller mafia and to play a responsible role as a citizen.” Anyone who wishes to join the force will be welcomed without discrimination, they added. Published in The Express Tribune, January 29th, 2022.

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Bilawal to attend Sargodha rally on Jan 30

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday arrived in Lahore on a three-day visit during which he would travel to Sargodha to attend a rally at Sial Sharif. Apart from this, he would hold meetings at his residence to chalk out a plan of action for the Islamabad bound long march that is scheduled to commence from Karachi on February 27. Talking to The Express Tribune, a PPP office-bearer said Bilawal will attend a rally on January 30, organised by the Sialvis, a spiritual family from Sargodha. Read more: Bilawal Bhutto set to ‘tie the knot next year' Recently on January 11, Sahibzada Pir Naeemuddin Sialvi, former PTI ticket holder and a runner up from NA-92 Sargodha during his meeting with party chairman had announced joining the PPP. Naeemuddin Sialvi is son of late Pir Naseeruddin Sialvi, a Sargodha based religious cleric. The PPP office-bearer further said that this rally would allow Sialvis to exhibit their street power whereas for PPP it would help the party to not only exhibit its growing political muscle in the province but also charge its political workers for the February showdown. He added that the party has also notified an eight member team to coordinate the arrangements for the rally. Other important activities that the PPP chairman will indulge in whilst in Lahore include deliberating upon the road map, stopover points and party campsites for the long march with the provincial leadership. The PPP office bearer went on to say that several proposals were under consideration for the long march. Also read: PPP to clean up ‘garbage in Islamabad’: Bilawal “There was one proposal of commencing the long march on Feb 27 and reach Islamabad by March 10-12,” he said. “There were other proposals, favoring further prolonging the march and that of condensing it to a mere few days.” The PPP worker concluded that other than the march, there will be a discussion on party reorganisation and arrangements for Feb 5, the Kashmir Solidarity Day. PPP chairman Bilawal on Friday notified new office bearers of PPP Gujranwala Division. Asif Bashir Bhagat was made President of Gujranwala division, Malik Tahir Akhtar Awan General Secretary and Abdul Razaq Saleemi, the Information Secretary of the division.

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Pakistan improves 14 points on internet network residency index

Pakistan has improved its ranking in the internet network residency index (NRI) after the country jumped 14 points on the global index in 2021, the Senate was told on Friday. During the question hour, the Information and Technology Ministry submitted a written response, informing that Pakistan’s ranking increased by 14 spots – from 111 to 97 -- in the Internet Network Residency Index. The country now ranks 9th among subscribers and 68th in adopting new technologies. The Ministry of Information Technology (IT) and Telecommunications had last year approved the allocation of funds for the Universal Service Fund (USF) projects for -speed internet services and contracts for next-generation broadband. Read more: Country’s internet penetration stands at 54% Meanwhile, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan, speaking during the session, apprised the panel that the federal government was taking steps to make the country’s small airports functional. He said different airports are not functional due to the non-availability of commercial flights, adding that a decision regarding making small airports operational will be made keeping in view the commercial viability of routes. Noting the presence of the secretary of commerce, who had skipped the session last time, the chairman of the Senate said that the former could not attend the last meeting due to some reasons. The chair asked him to ensure the attendance of his officials. Also read: Bolstering internet services Science and Technology Minister Shibli Faraz also introduced a bill to legislate for the establishment of the National Meteorological Institute of Pakistan which was passed unanimously. The upper house also offered Fateha for the soldiers, who were martyred in a terrorist attack on a security forces’ check post in Balochistan’s Kech district. Science and Technology Minister Shibli Faraz also introduced a bill to legislate for the establishment of the National Meteorological Institute of Pakistan which was passed unanimously.

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Section 489-F can't be used for recovery of amount

The Supreme Court has ruled that the rationale and intention behind section 489-F of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) was not recovery of an alleged amount, saying the section’s objective was to determine the offence. Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi issued the ruling while granting bail to the accused involved in the offence under section 489-F. A three-judge bench of the apex court led by Justice Maqbool Baqar heard the bail matter. The court observes that prima facie Section 489-F of PPC is not a provision that is intended by the legislature to be used for the recovery of an alleged amount. Rather, it is only to determine the guilt of a criminal act and award of a sentence, fine or both as provided under the said section. “On the other hand, for recovery of any amount, civil proceedings provide remedies, inter alia, under Order XXXVII of CPC,” says the three-page judgement. Also read: NAB’s actual recoveries stand at Rs6.5b The court stated that at this stage, only a tentative assessment of the matter was required and it cannot presume dishonesty on the part of the petitioner as any such determination would prejudice his right to a fair trial guaranteed by the Constitution. Liberty of a person is a precious right that cannot be taken away without exceptional foundations, it added. “The law is very liberal, especially when it is salutary principle of law that the offences which do not fall within the prohibitory clause, the grant of bail is a rule while its refusal is mere an exception,” observes the court order. The accused had issued a cheque amounting to Rs.1,00,000,00 to the complainant in order to settle some business-related transactions. However, the cheque was dishonoured when presented to the bank. The order said that it is an admitted position that the petitioner is behind the bars for the last six and half months whereas the maximum punishment provided under the statute for the offence under Section 489-F PPC is three years and the offence does not fall within the prohibitory clause of section 497 Cr.P.C. "It is settled law that grant of bail in the offences not falling within the prohibitory clause is a rule and refusal is an exception.” The court referred to its 2017 judgment wherein it was held that “once this Court has held in categorical terms that grant of bail in offences not falling within the prohibitory limb of section 497, Cr.P.C. shall be a rule and refusal shall be an exception then the Courts of the country should follow this principle in its letter and spirit because principles of law enunciated by this court are constitutionally binding on all courts throughout the country including the Special Tribunals and Special Courts”. The order said that the case of the petitioner squarely falls within the ambit of section 497(2) Cr.P.C. entitling for further inquiry into his guilt. The court also converted this petition into appeal, allow it and set aside order dated October 25, 2021. The petitioner is admitted to bail subject to his furnishing bail bonds in the sum of Rs.10,00,000 with one surety in the like amount to the satisfaction of the learned trial court, the order added.

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Bilawal to attend Sargodha rally on Jan 30

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday arrived in Lahore on a three-day visit during which he would travel to Sargodha to attend a rally at Sial Sharif. Apart from this, he would hold meetings at his residence to chalk out a plan of action for the Islamabad bound long march that is scheduled to commence from Karachi on February 27. Talking to The Express Tribune, a PPP office-bearer said Bilawal will attend a rally on January 30, organised by the Sialvis, a spiritual family from Sargodha. Read more: Bilawal Bhutto set to ‘tie the knot next year' Recently on January 11, Sahibzada Pir Naeemuddin Sialvi, former PTI ticket holder and a runner up from NA-92 Sargodha during his meeting with party chairman had announced joining the PPP. Naeemuddin Sialvi is son of late Pir Naseeruddin Sialvi, a Sargodha based religious cleric. The PPP office-bearer further said that this rally would allow Sialvis to exhibit their street power whereas for PPP it would help the party to not only exhibit its growing political muscle in the province but also charge its political workers for the February showdown. He added that the party has also notified an eight member team to coordinate the arrangements for the rally. Other important activities that the PPP chairman will indulge in whilst in Lahore include deliberating upon the road map, stopover points and party campsites for the long march with the provincial leadership. The PPP office bearer went on to say that several proposals were under consideration for the long march. Also read: PPP to clean up ‘garbage in Islamabad’: Bilawal “There was one proposal of commencing the long march on Feb 27 and reach Islamabad by March 10-12,” he said. “There were other proposals, favoring further prolonging the march and that of condensing it to a mere few days.” The PPP worker concluded that other than the march, there will be a discussion on party reorganisation and arrangements for Feb 5, the Kashmir Solidarity Day. PPP chairman Bilawal on Friday notified new office bearers of PPP Gujranwala Division. Asif Bashir Bhagat was made President of Gujranwala division, Malik Tahir Akhtar Awan General Secretary and Abdul Razaq Saleemi, the Information Secretary of the division.

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UK man found guilty of plot to murder Pakistani blogger

A British man has been found guilty of plotting to kill a Pakistani political blogger in the Netherlands after being hired as a hitman with a fee of £100,000. A jury trial convicted supermarket worker Muhammed Gohir Khan, 31, of plotting to kill the blogger and liberal activist Ahmad Waqass Goraya after being recruited by middlemen apparently based in Pakistan. The judge postponed sentencing until March 11. Prosecutor Alison Morgan said Goraya, who lives with his wife and two children in the Netherlands, appeared to have been targeted for speaking out against the Pakistani authorities in satirical social media posts. Khan was hired by "others who appeared to be based in Pakistan", Morgan told the jury at Kingston-upon-Thames. In 2018, Goraya had "received information from the FBI that he was on a kill list", she added, saying he feared an orchestrated attack. "He believes that some of the threats that he received were from internet trolls” but that others were in fact being led and orchestrated, she alleged. Also read: UK man had chef's knife to attack Pakistani blogger Waqass Goraya: court Goraya, who has lived outside Pakistan for more than a decade, did not attend the hearings. Khan, from east London, was charged in June last year with conspiring with unknown other people to murder Goraya in the Netherlands. He was arrested after returning to the UK by train. British police liaised with the Dutch authorities to build up a dossier of his encrypted communications with middlemen on WhatsApp and Signal and security camera footage of his movements. After travelling to the Netherlands on Eurostar, Khan spent days watching Goraya's home in Rotterdam and bought a professional chef’s knife. He returned to the UK after realising the blogger was away. Khan, who pleaded not guilty at his trial held at Kingston-upon-Thames in southwest London, acknowledged sending the messages and travelling to Rotterdam, but claimed he was only seeking money and never intended to commit the killing. "He was enthusiastic about carrying out the killing to earn the money and to carry out further attacks in the future," Morgan said. Goraya has previously reported violent attacks and threats made against him.

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Spread of misinformation threatening cohesion in society: COAS

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has emphasised that the spread of misinformation by vested interests is not only creating misperceptions but also threatening cohesion in the society, the military said. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief visited headquarters in Lahore on Friday and was briefed on various operational and training matters of the formation at Corps HQ. Also read: COAS stresses mental, physical preparedness to win future wars Later, the army chief interacted with Vice Chancellors, faculty and students of LUMS, FCU, UET, LSE, PU and GCU. COAS appreciated the critical role being played by these premier educational institutions in preparing the future leadership and useful citizens of Pakistan. General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) visited Headquarters #Lahore Corps today. #COAS was briefed on various matters of the formation. Later, COAS interacted with VC’s, faculty and students of LUMS, FCU, UET, LSE, PU & GCU@OfficialDGISPR #PakistanArmy #ISPR 1/4 pic.twitter.com/sK8e1B4a5K — Pakistan Armed Forces 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) January 28, 2022 He said that there is a dire need for human resource development in the fields of education, health, infrastructure, industry and environment. Read more: PM, COAS discuss ‘professional matters’ of Pakistan Army The army chief stressed on the need to stay united in order to thwart designs of hostile forces. "Pakistani youth is extremely talented and enterprising, given the right opportunities and enabling environment they will lead the country to progress and prosperity," the COAS remarked. According to the ISPR, faculty members and students asked candid questions during the exhaustive session and hailed the interaction as very positive and illuminating. Corps Commander Lieutenant General Muhammad Abdul Aziz was also present during the session.

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SC moved against lifetime disqualification of lawmakers under Article 62

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has challenged the lifetime disqualification of lawmakers under Article 62 (1)(f) of the Constitution, pleading to the apex court that the constitutional provision did not entail a perpetual bar. The petition filed by SCBA President Ahsan Bhoon contended that the disqualification under Article 62 (1)(f) should be applied in cases of an election dispute. It added that the Supreme Court (SC) could not proceed as a trial court under the powers of Article 184(3). In 2018, a five-judge Supreme Court bench unanimously held that disqualification handed down under Article 62-1(f) of the Constitution is for life. Article 62(1)(f), which sets the precondition for a member of parliament to be "sadiq and ameen" (honest and righteous), is the same provision under which former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was disqualified by a five-judge SC bench on July 28, 2017, in the Panama Papers case. Similarly, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Tareen was disqualified by a separate bench of the apex court under the same provision. Read more: SCBA chief opposes life-long disqualification under Article 62(1)f The SCBA petition has requested the top court to declare that the proceedings and declarations under Articles 184(3) or 199 of the Constitution did not constitute declarations by a court of law, as per the principles expounded by it. “The apex court, while acting pursuant to Article 184(3) of the Constitution, “exercises extraordinary and original constitutional jurisdiction,” the petition said, adding that it did not act as a trial court where the person “is afforded the right to lead evidence, produce witnesses, and cross-examine the other side’s witnesses and so on”. It also stated that in addition to the failure to provide an opportunity for cross-examination, proceedings under Article 184(3) were “additionally violative of the principles of due process” and the right to a fair trial, as they precluded the possibility of any kind of appeal. “While it may indeed be true that the legislature did not envisage an appeal in proceedings under Article 184(3), this Honourable Court’s judgments on the nature of a court under Article 62(1)(f), and the resultant jurisprudence that has been established since, requires harmonisation,” the petition said. “More specifically, if the legislature intended that a court under Article 62(1)(f) provide a fair opportunity of vindication to a person, and also that proceedings under Article 184(3) be conducted sans the right to an appeal, then the two cannot be reconciled in a single case and at the same forum,” it added. Political implications Earlier, the superior courts had shown restraint in disqualifying lawmakers for more than two decades. However, soon after his restoration in March 2009, former chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry enforced Article 62 and Article 63, disqualifying lawmakers by exercising suo motu jurisdiction. Dozens of lawmakers were disqualified under the articles by the superior courts for having fake degrees, dual nationalities and concealment of assets. In 2018, then chief justice Saqib Nisar had constituted a five-judge larger bench led by himself to examine whether or not the disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution was for life. The Supreme Court had held that if it declared that a lawmaker was not ‘Sadiq’ and ‘Ameen’ [truthful and trustworthy] under the article, then he or she would be permanently disqualified from contesting the elections. The Supreme Court had also rejected the contentions of (late) Asma Jahangir, Sakindar Bashir Mohmand, Sardar Aslam, Kamran Murtaza, who were opposing the lifelong disqualification. Justice Umar Ata Bandial had authored a 52-page ruling that justified the permanent disqualification of the parliamentarians under the constitutional provision. Instead of referring the matter to parliament to take a final decision on the time duration of disqualification, the court comprehensively discussed the importance of Article 62(1)(f). The verdict said that Article 62(1)(f) of the constitution imposed Islamic ethical conditions for eligibility of a candidate for the election to parliament but these were made applicable to both Muslim as well as non-Muslim candidates for parliamentary membership. The court also reproduced the current code of conduct of the members of the United Kingdom to assert the conditions of eligibility. It also said that the same constitutional provision was endorsed by the 18th Amendment, wherein several adjustments were made that if the declaration by the court had attained finality, the embargo under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution acquired permanent effect. “A court of law does not issue a declaration that offends mere sentiments or sensibilities. Consequently, a valid declaration by the court would involve the breach of a legal duty or obligation owed by the candidate for election to another person or the violation of the latter’s legal right or privilege.” Justifying lifetime disqualification, Justice Bandial further said that a candidate for election, who had committed misconduct falling within the terms of Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution, had on the Islamic and also universal criteria of honesty, integrity and probity, rendered himself unfit to hold public office. However, the verdict has been criticised by senior lawyers on several grounds, including the very nature of the bench that passed the landmark ruling. The legal eagles raised objections that out of five, four judges – Saqib Nisar, Azmat Saeed Sheikh, Umar Ata Bandial and Ijaz ul Ahsan – of the bench belonged to Punjab. Justice Sajjad Ali Shah, who belongs to Sindh, was also part of that larger bench. Interestingly, most of these judges were part of benches that issued rulings in high-profile cases. Legal experts believe that such matters should either be fixed before a full-court or if the CJP constitutes larger benches, proper representation of each province should be ensured to remove any negative perception. Also read: SCBA set to challenge lifetime disqualification of MPs They also say that a larger bench, comprising the senior-most judges, should hear the SCBA petition in this regard. Some senior lawyers point out several inconsistencies in matters, which were adjudicated under Article 62(1)(f). Interestingly, a murderer can contest elections after a specific time, but a lawmaker, who lies under oath, has been barred permanently, they say. In October 2018, the apex court in the Khawaja Asif case finally laid down an ‘objective criterion to test the honesty of a lawmaker by declaring that Article 62(1)(f) could not be applied to every omission or non-disclosure of assets. Later, the court set aside the lifetime disqualification of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Balochistan chief Yar Muhammad Rind in the fake degree case, declaring that such disqualifications must be based on oral or documentary evidence and not presumptions. In May, the apex court reiterated that it was now a well-settled principle that every non-disclosure or misdeclaration would not be sufficient enough to permanently disqualify a member of parliament or a candidate under Article 62 (1) (f). “The purpose and intention need to be seen behind the non-disclosure or misdeclaration. The returned candidate would be disqualified only when if he/she has dishonestly acquired assets and is hiding them to derive certain benefits,” an 11-page judgment authored by Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi stated. The verdict was issued on a petition filed by a politician, Shamona Badshah Qaisarani, who was disqualified for a lifetime over non-disclosure of her agricultural property inherited from her parents in the nomination papers. The court said that it was the credibility of the explanation that would be the determining factor as to whether non-disclosure of an asset carries with it the element of dishonesty or not. In view of the latest judgment, several lawyers contend that Tareen could not be disqualified for life. Justice Qazi Faez Isa had also posed seven questions to determine the eligibility criteria of lawmakers.

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ECP urged to make records of PTI's foreign funding public

Secretary Information Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Marriyum Aurangzeb has demanded making all records of the foreign funding case public and broadcast the proceedings live after the "damning revelations" made in the report of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Earlier this month, the scrutiny committee of the election organising authority unearthed that the PTI had concealed several accounts and around Rs310 million between 2008 and 2013 from the electoral body. In a statement, Marriyum demanded that all documents, including those unearthed by the State Bank of Pakistan, should be made public as per the orders of the ECP. Also read: Senators seek debate on PTI foreign funding audit "The huge sums of money that [PM] Imran Khan took through private accounts of his employees were also kept a secret," she added. The PML-N spokesperson said that the details of the premier's "accounts in foreign banks including the UK, US, Australia, Finland are yet to be exposed. She termed the turning of "charity money for Shaukat Khanum into a political fund another "undeniable proof of Imran Khan's fraud and forgery". She added: "The listing of the hospital's donors as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's donors in the ECP report is a dreadful disclosure." Also read: PTI ‘vindicated’ in foreign funding case The former information minister claimed that 35 per cent of donors that didn’t provide funds to the PTI were fraudulently included in the list of party funding in the context of foreign funding. For the same reason, she added, about eight volumes in the case were being hidden. “Imran is guilty of money-laundering and using charity money for political purposes," Marriyum said and urged the ECP to carry out the hearing into the case on a daily basis. On Monday, the government urged the chief justices of the country to consider holding corruption trials of the Sharif family on daily basis and broadcast them in order to acquaint the people with the details of the evidence so as to be able to make up their minds.

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Pakistani medical student heals 'souls' in China

Dr Fazal Rahim, a master's student on burn and plastic surgery at Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China has so far treated hundred of burned patients. Hailing from Upper Dir Wari, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Fazal will graduate and become a doctor in a hospital or a PhD candidate half a year later. He still remembers the first time when he came to China, which was then a strange and foreign land for him. However, his uncertainty and anxiety about going abroad were soothed when going off the plane at the Urumqi Airport and welcomed by teachers who had come to meet him crossing 144 kilometres from Shihezi to Urumqi, Xinjiang’s capital city. With some food brought to him by the teachers, Fazal started his eight-year medical journey in northwestern China. Read more: China’s problems provide opportunities for Pakistan Before going to Ningxia for graduate studies, he learned MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery) at Shihezi University, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Up till now, he has treated hundreds of burned patients. For most Chinese students, medicine is a challenging major, because they have endless courses and examinations. As a master's student, working in the hospital is Fazal’s daily routine. “While in Pakistan, medical students learn more about the theories, in China, we have more chances to gain first-hand experience by working side-by-side with surgeons in hospitals.” Most patients Fazal received are burned ones seeking treatment from an electrical burn, chemical burn and heat injury. In his first assisting task of a grafting surgery, he worked for 14 hours in a row from morning till night. But Fazal takes a positive mindset towards the pressure in his study and work in the hospital. “It was through these hands-on experiences that I can better learn all the nuances and norms throughout the procedure. A patient may ask any question and you have to be fully prepared,” he told CEN. Also read: Civil-military huddle finalises agenda for PM’s China visit It was also in the hospital that Fazal met for the first time in his life a patient suffering from a four-degree burn. The damage penetrated through his skin and muscle to the bone. It took nearly two years for the patient to fully recover after a sophisticated grafting. “He said he felt like a rebirth,” Fazal said. “Here I have witnessed many advanced medical equipment and technologies. Last year, we introduced robotic surgery. We are the second one in China to do this following a hospital in Shanghai,” he added. Fazal’s hometown and Ningxia share some similarities. Both located in the north of their respective countries, boast varied terrains and offer ideal resorts for winter sports. Echoing the upcoming Winter Olympics to be inaugurated on February 4, Fazal’s university organised a winter sports meeting for the international students. “It was really fun. I felt immersed in the world of ice and snow when I soared down from the snowy slope.” From skating, skiing, bike-riding on ice, to “treasure hunting” on the snow land, Fazal and his Pakistani fellows won three games, the most of all the teams with a combination of students from Africa, India, Bangladesh and others. Fazal is a sports fan. During his spare time, he likes playing badminton and volleyball with his Chinese friends. Sports have become an integral part of his life and a bridge connecting him and his peers in China. “As in all sports, winning or losing is not the most important thing. To build a bond with others and ignite your inner passion through sports is more meaningful,” said Fazal. Talking about the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics where three Pakistani athletes will participate, Fazal sent his best wishes. “Looking forward to seeing them in the sports venue and showcasing the best that Pakistanis can do,” he concluded.

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Mentally challenged woman ‘raped’

A minor girl and a mentally challenged woman were sexually assaulted in the city on Wednesday. The suspects in both cases were taken into custody by police. Reportedly, the 12-year-old girl went to the bazaar to buy groceries when the suspect Sharafat lured her and took her to his shop and raped her while his two accomplices were kept on guard. The police took the suspect Sharafat into custody and registered a case against him under Section 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). Meanwhile, a mentally challenged woman was raped in the city. Reportedly, the 21-year-old differently abled woman was lured and taken by Mushtaq Ahmed, a vegetable seller, to his shop where he sexually abused her. The area locals apprehended suspect Mushtaq Ahmed on the noise of the 21-year-old victim and handed him over to the police. Razaabad police registered a case under Section 376 of PPC and sent the suspect to jail. Cases of sexual assault are rampant in Punjab. On March 21, 2021, a 27-year-old differently-abled girl was molested in Kurianwala. According to a police report, the minor boy playing outside his house near Jhumra Road village 18JB was allegedly sexually abused by an 18-year-old boy identified as Liaqat Ali. Police raided various places to arrest the suspect and registered a case. Separately, a man who molested a mentally challenged girl was caught by the police. A widow, Rashida Sajid, a resident of Garden Mohalla, lodged the report at Millat Town Police Station. She stated that she had gone to Toba Tek Singh to attend the funeral of a relative. Meanwhile, her differently-abled 27-year-old daughter was present at her house when the suspect Farhan Ali entered it and tried to assault her. The suspect tried to escape when the citizens passing by the house gathered at the spot. The people came to the spot after they heard the girl screaming. Millat Town police have arrested Farhan Ali and registered a case against him under section 377 PPC. Incidents of sexual violence against children have been reported frequently across the province. On July 5, 2020, A man was arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a four-year-old mentally challenged girl in Okara, while a seven-year-old escaped a rape attempt in a village near Okara. The police registered a case and arrested the accused after he lured the four-year-old daughter of Noor Ahmed, a resident of Sabir Piya Town, Okara, to a shop and sexually assaulted her. The victim is mentally challenged. Local people gathered on hearing screams of the child but the accused managed to escape. On the complaint of the minor girl’s uncles, the police registered a case against the accused Tahir. They arrested the accused during a raid and started an investigation into the incident. The mother and father of the victim are also reported to be mentally challenged. Published in The Express Tribune, January 27th, 2022.

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Pakistan needs to put ‘economic house in order’, says Qureshi

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday said that for Pakistan to achieve its foreign policy objectives, putting its "economic house in order" is crucial. Addressing a ceremony held for the launch of "Leveraging Private Investment for Pakistan’s Sustainable Development" report at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the foreign minister said that the government is working towards a more hospitable investment environment to help bolster the confidence of investors. He said that Pakistan is committed to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations’ (UN) Agenda 2030 to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth. He emphasised that Agenda 2030 and SDGs need to become a global framework to encourage the private sector to capture the benefits and trade-offs of sustainable development. He recalled that the country had achieved an encouraging growth of 5.37 percent even though the macro-economic indicators pointed towards the wrong direction in August 2018 when the incumbent government assumed power. Qureshi said that for Pakistan, it was a challenge to achieve the objectives of sustainable development, as it was in the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) programme. In this regard, he said, Pakistan needs to be innovative and should think out-of-the-box solutions to spur growth. He also said that the government’s priority has changed with the recent launch of the National Security Policy, which focuses on economic policy with a special focus on food and water security. The foreign minister said that linking sustainable growth to development is the goal of the government and expressed confidence that the report would set guiding principles for inclusive and sustainable development. He said that the Foreign Office (FO) has a leading role to play in this regard, and encouraged the diplomats to get out of the concept of working solo, and should focus on a coordinated approach. UN Development Programme Resident Representative Knut Ostby said that the global development financing sector is at a crossroads with many countries struggling in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change.   Also read: Foreign investment jumps 20% in H1   He said that the UNDP was providing policy advisory and technical assistance to Pakistan, and has proposed that the government should adopt a holistic policy framework. He also said that UNDP recognises Pakistan’s economic and development policy goals to foster regional trade, investment, and connectivity between Afghanistan, China, Iran, and Central Asian Republics for stability. He emphasised encouraging the private sector to spur economic growth in the country. UNDP’s Senior Adviser on Finance Haroon Sharif briefed the participants about the key features of the report, focusing on leveraging the private sector for Pakistan’s sustainable development. UN Additional Secretary Nabeel Munir said that the government was committed to achieving sustainable development and UN’s Agenda 2030 for a prosperous Pakistan.   

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