19 prisoners escape from AJK jail

As many as 19 prisoners, including six on death row, escaped from Rawalakot District Jail on Sunday, official sources reported. Inspector General of Prisons, Azad Jammu Kashmir Bader Muneer confirmed the shocking development. “Further investigations into the incident are in progress to ascertain further details and determine the jail staff responsible for this major negligence and dereliction of duty,” the IG added in a brief statement to the news agency. According to immediate details gathered by this correspondent, the escape occurred when the prisoners were being moved from their barracks for lunch. The escapees, convicted of various serious crimes including murder, hail from different parts of Azad Jammu Kashmir. The jail staff reportedly failed to prevent the escape. Among those who fled were Saqib Majeed, Usman Afraz, Shameer Azam, Amar Abdullah, Faisal Hameed, and Nazir Yasoon, all of whom were awaiting death sentences. Additionally, the escapees included Nouman Asif, Asif, and Saqlain Sarfraz, who were serving 25-year life sentences for murder. Mukarram Faisal, Sajid Naseer, and Suhail Rasheed, serving 10-year sentences for various crimes, also managed to evade custody during the incident. Furthermore, Naseebullah and Ghazi Shehzad, both under trial at the time, seized the opportunity to escape. Among those under trial for murder were Faizan Aziz, Usama Murtaza, and Immama Mustafa. During the escape, Hayam Saeed, who was serving a 5-year imprisonment, reportedly sustained injuries.  

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PTI supports traders' protest against increase in electricity prices

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) President of the Islamabad region, Amir Mughal, on Sunday announced support for a strike by the All Pakistan Traders Association against the alarming increase in electricity prices.  He said that PTI workers will participate in the protest scheduled for 4 pm today (Monday) at Abpara Chowk. Mughal emphasised that PTI stands united with the entire nation against the unjust budget, inflation, and staggering hikes in utility bills. He further criticised the illegitimate government of Form 47 for attempting to inflict a public massacre through exorbitant electricity bills.  The PTI leader denounced the government formed through deception for its inability to comprehend public sentiments and emotions. PTI, in accordance with Imran Khan's ideology, will never retreat from its struggle for public rights, he added. The protest is expected to draw attention to the plight of traders and citizens grappling with the economic burden imposed by recent policy decisions. 

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Minallah directs ECP to detail election complaints

Raising grave concerns over the electoral process, Justice Athar Minallah has instructed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to document the nature of complaints received before, during, and after the general elections held on February 8, 2024. He raised concerns about whether a level playing field was provided to all political parties during the controversial polls. In a four-page additional note, Justice Minallah asserted that the Supreme Court cannot be a slave to technicalities in matters of public importance affecting every citizen and the future governance of the country. Justice Minallah, as part of a full-court bench hearing a plea from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), which demanded reserved seats based on their post-election representation in the National Assembly and provincial assemblies, directed the ECP to provide a comprehensive record of complaints. “As a member of this bench I had, therefore, directed the commission, through the counsel who had appeared before us, to place on record the nature of complaints received prior to, during and after the general elections held on February 8, 2024, and to satisfy this court that each political player was dealt with in accordance with the command of the Constitution by providing a level playing field to all of them,” he stated. The note expands the scope of the SIC’s case, which challenges the Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) judgment against an ECP determination. Justice Minallah asserted that the issue of reserved seats can not be isolated from broader democratic and constitutional rights. “The larger issue involves the most fundamental democratic and constitutional right of the real stakeholders; the people of Pakistan,” he noted, stressing that the apex court’s approach, as the highest court vested with jurisdictions under Articles 184(3) and 187 of the Constitution, should be inquisitorial, especially when the real stakeholders are not before the court. Justice Minallah underscored that the ECP must demonstrate that all political parties were treated equitably. “It is reiterated that the buck stops with the commission to satisfy this court that each political party had a level playing field in the electoral process and that no stone was left unturned to discharge the onerous constitutional duties under the Constitution.” He further commented that the arguments presented by ECP’s counsel raised significant questions of public importance with far-reaching implications for fundamental rights and the representative character embedded in the Constitution. He criticised the ECP’s interpretation of the bat symbol judgment, stating, “Prima facie, the interpretation (of the bat symbol judgment) was flawed, and the judgment could not have been construed as having the effect of disqualifying a major political party from the general elections.” Justice Minallah noted the unusual circumstances faced by candidates of the disqualified party who were striving to maintain their political identity. “The record placed before us showed, prima facie, that the circumstances were unusual and extraordinary because the candidates of the purportedly disqualified enlisted political party were desperately endeavouring to maintain their status, as far as the voters were concerned, as a political entity.” He raised grave concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the role of the ECP. “The exclusion of a major political party from the general elections by the commission, on the basis of its flawed interpretation of the judgment of this court, definitely has the consequence of the disenfranchisement of voters and thus deprivation of the reserved seats.” “The fundamental mechanism for giving effect to the political representation implicitly entrenched in the scheme of the Constitution is solely based on ensuring a genuine and credible electoral process.” Justice Minallah stressed that the court must ensure that no voter is disenfranchised and that the integrity of the electoral process is maintained. According to Justice Minallah, the pivotal factor in determining whether the electoral process was genuine and credible was solely the public trust in the electoral institution entrusted with the constitutional obligation to conduct the elections, i.e. the ECP. “The legitimacy of governance, future policies, legislation and public trust in the representative institutions exclusively depends on the integrity of the electoral process and the electoral institutions,” he wrote. “The onus is on the ECP to satisfy this court that a major political party was justifiably excluded from the political and electoral process and that conditions were not created for depriving it of the legitimate right to claim its share of reserved seats.” Justice Minallah further added that the failure of the ECP to discharge this onus would definitely raise grave questions regarding the fulfilment of its constitutional duty to conduct elections in accordance with the Constitution’s mandate. “The matter before us has a direct nexus with the purported disqualification of one of the major political parties from the electoral process on the basis of a flawed interpretation of the judgment of this court.” “This court is the custodian of the rights of the people, and the right to vote is one of the most important fundamental rights,” he observed, adding that all other rights become illusory and the Constitution is gravely violated when voters are disenfranchised because the commission fails in its duty to conduct the elections in accordance with the mandate of the Constitution. “This court cannot turn a blind eye by ignoring the grave allegations regarding the integrity of the electoral process as doing so would have profound consequences regarding the matter in hand,” he wrote. “This court cannot and must not be seen as ignoring the elephant in the room.” He directed the ECP to submit a concise statement addressing these concerns and to confirm that a level playing field was provided to all political parties, including the PTI. Justice Minallah concluded by noting that petitions raising questions about the electoral process should be heard alongside the current case.  

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India script stunning T20 title win

Fans in blue India jerseys shed tears of joy and danced on tabletops at a sports bar in New Delhi on Saturday as Rohit Sharma’s team edged South Africa to win the T20 World Cup and end a global title drought. India won a thrilling final by seven runs in Barbados to clinch their first major title since the 2013 Champions Trophy. India last won a World Cup in 2011 at home under M.S. Dhoni, who earlier led the team to a T20 World Cup trophy in the inaugural edition in 2007. Star batsman Virat Kohli played a knock for the ages in his 59-ball 76 to guide India to 176-7, a total their bowlers defended by restricting the Proteas to 169-8. “It’s an out-of-the-world feeling,” Abhishek Bhagat, a 34-year-old software pro fessional on a visit to Delhi from Belgium, told AFP outside the sports bar. “I experienced it as a child in 2007 and then again in 2011 and now again in 2024. It’s been a long, long wait and I can’t tell you how much fun we will have.” Kohli, 35, announced his retirement from international T20 matches in his man-of-the-match speech, and Bhagat said: “King Kohli is a player who performs when it matters.” Another fan, Rajneesh Duggal said: “It’s a proud moment for every Indian. It is a fitting finale for outgoing coach Rahul Dravid and for Kohli. Hope Rohit stays on.” Hundreds of fans took to the streets and drove past the iconic India Gate shouting “Long live, India” slogans from their cars and bikes. India have faltered in the knockout stages of International Cricket Council (ICC) events, despite being ranked number one in both T20s and one-day internationals (ODIs) and number two in Tests. Rohit and his team came agonisingly close to winning the one-day ICC World Cup at home last year but lost to Australia in the final at the world’s biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad. But the team held their nerves in a close final, and pace bowler Hardik Pandya kept calm to defend 16 runs off the last over. South Africa, who played their first-ever World Cup final, looked set for the target when they needed 30 from the last five overs but Indian bowlers put the choke on. Emotional scenes followed as fans hugged each other at the sports bar, danced on tabletops and ran out to celebrate on the streets at midnight. News channels repeatedly showed images Saturday of fans holding Hindu fire rituals to urge the gods to take the team to victory over South Africa. Some featured pictures bedecked with flower garlands of Rohit, who has hit three half-centuries in the tournament, holding the World Cup trophy. India knocked out defending champions England in the semi-final in Guyana and remained unbeaten in the tournament. The World Cup could be the last for the 37-year-old Rohit as the next edition in the shortest international format would be in 2026. Rohit was part of India’s T20 World Cup triumph in the inaugural edition in 2007, while Kohli won the ODI prize under Dhoni in 2011. That was India’s previous World Cup triumph, when Dhoni lifted the trophy at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium and the country erupted in joy. Two years later, Dhoni’s team beat hosts England in the 50-over Champions Trophy final but fans had to wait for 11 years for another major title. India lost in the semi-finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup, before last year’s ODI final defeat again left fans heartbroken. AFP  

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Sri Lankan performers light up Alhamra’s ‘Kanya’ event

In a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange, Sri Lankan artists brought the rich hues of their heritage to life at Alhamra's 'Kanya' program. The event featured mesmerizing dance and music performances, captivating the audience with the essence of Sri Lankan culture. Executive Director Sarah Rashid graced the occasion and expressed her admiration for the artists. Notable performers such as Chandana Wickramasinghe and Sonal showcased their cultural artistry with immense zeal and dedication. Rashid noted that traditional endeavors like these foster peace and create a conducive environment for stability. "Pakistan is an exemplary place for art lovers worldwide, where people cherish and love their guests," Rashid added. The Sri Lankan artists thanked Alhamra for providing a beautiful venue where they could perform their art. Singer Sonal won the attendees' hearts by singing Pakistan's super hit songs "Pasoori" and "Kana Yaari."

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Court relief eludes Imran in Iddat case

A district and sessions court on Thursday rejected an appeal filed by former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to suspend a February ruling that their 2018 marriage violated Islamic law. Additional district and sessions judge (ADSJ) Afzal Majoka announced the verdict, which had been reserved on Tuesday. The decision by the court means that the PTI founder and his wife will remain behind bars. The seven-year jail sentence, handed on February 3, was announced five days before the country’s general elections and followed two other convictions for Khan in separate cases. Both have since been overturned. In his written order, the judge cited older judgment and noted: “It can be said that as convict cannot claim bail as a matter of right even in bailable offence under section 426 [of] CrPC. “Therefore on the same analogy it cannot be said that [a] women convict is entitled to bail under section 426 [of] CrPC like first proviso to sub-section (1) of section 497 [of] CrPC,” it added. “Resume of above discussion is that no ground for suspension of sentence is available to both the petitioners. Accordingly, both the petitions under section 426 [of] CrPC are dismissed,” the order stated. The marriage case against the couple was filed last year by Bibi’s former husband, Khawar Maneka, who alleged that his divorced wife did not observe the necessary three-month break required under Islamic law before marrying Khan. Maneka claims he divorced his wife in November 2017. Khan announced his third marriage with Bibi in February 2018, months before he became the prime minister. The couple filed multiple appeals against the conviction, seeking a suspension of the judgement. Another appeal by Khan and Bibi to annul the February conviction is expected to be heard from July 2. Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan condemned the court’s decision and said an appeal would be filed. In a statement on Wednesday, the party has warned that a new political crisis would grip the country if Khan was not released. “The former prime minister has been imprisoned for 11 months, while during this time he has been acquitted or granted bail in 18 different cases,” the PTI said in its statement. Speaking to the media, he reiterated that no dialogue would be held with the government until all PTI leaders and workers had been released. The PTI termed the development “absolutely ridiculous”. In a post on its official X account, the PTI said the case was “unprecedentedly despicable in both our country’s as well as Islamic history”, and had been “globally condemned and brought immense embarrassment to Pakistan”. “Every single individual responsible for fabricating and carrying this case will go down in the dirtiest, darkest alleys of history,” it asserted. Rana Sanaullah, a top leader of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) party, had recently alleged that Khan’s narrative was to sow chaos in the country. Khan and his wife were previously handed a separate 14-year sentence in a case related to the illegal sale of state gifts, but in April their conviction was overturned by the Islamabad High Court. Khan had also been sentenced to 10 years on charges of leaking state secrets, along with former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Earlier this month, the Islamabad High Court overturned that verdict, but Khan remained behind bars due to his conviction in the unlawful marriage case.

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Collaboration with China, Belarus to double agricultural yields: Rana Tanveer Hussain

National Food Security and Research Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain said on Thursday that the agriculture sector remains a top priority for the government. He discussed the opposition’s cut motions on the ministry’s grant demands, highlighting ongoing efforts to integrate research and modern technology into the sector to enhance per-acre yield. Hussain informed that a National Development Regulatory Authority was established to improve productivity, with targeted subsidies for the Kharif crop currently being implemented. He underscored the government's commitment to ensuring prompt payment to sugarcane farmers. The minister noted that food security is a pressing global challenge, and the government has focused significantly on agriculture, which he described as the backbone of the national economy. He mentioned initiatives such as Kharif crop subsidies overseen by a cabinet committee chaired by the finance minister aimed at ensuring transparency, as directed by the prime minister. Also read: PM Shehbaz calls for enhanced trade partnership with Azerbaijan Assuring farmers of fixed crop prices and timely payments for sugarcane, the minister highlighted improvements in agricultural output and ongoing technology transfers, including collaborations with China and Belarus. He further announced plans to send students to China to enhance agricultural practices and double per-acre yields. The minister emphasised the importance of agricultural research, noting a federal allocation of Rs5 billion for research conducted across 26 universities and research centers.  He shared the introduction of subsidies for solar-powered tube wells by the federal and Punjab governments and efforts to cultivate more land, including making Cholistan land arable.  Hussain mentioned providing billions in loans to farmers and ongoing schemes. He also mentioned new legislation aimed at reducing chemical usage while increasing production. He further said the National Development Regulatory Authority aims to improve seed quality for higher per-acre yields, including developing local tomato seed production. 

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K-P jirga opposes new anti-terror initiative

The PTI on Wednesday passed a resolution in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa tribal jirga against the anti-terror initiative ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ and for the release of its founding chairman Imran Khan. According to details, the K-P’s ruling party organised a tribal jirga in connection with ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ that was attended by leaders and dignitaries from the tribes of the province. The central and provincial leadership of the PTI also participated in the jirga. Addressing the jirga, K-P Information Adviser Barrister Saif made it clear that the people would never allow such an operation to be launched on their land until they and their elected representatives were taken on board. “We have been suffering the consequences from 1979 until now,” he added. Saif continued that any decision made without taking parliament, the provincial government and people into confidence would be “unconstitutional” and “undemocratic”. “No decision about the country’s affairs can be taken without parliament’s approval. Parliament includes the Senate and the four provincial assemblies.” Saif demanded that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif disclose the details of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam and its objectives. “Ever since this operation has been announced, the people are in a state of uneasiness and distress. That is why they have been expressing their resentment and displeasure.” The provincial adviser maintained that they too opposed terrorism but a solution could be found to address the issue. He continued that they were unwilling to allow anyone to act on “foreign dictation”. Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the head of the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), also addressed the gathering. He said they should not be pushed into moving the international court. He added that the entire population of the K-P paid the cost for the crackdown against 3% of the terrorists present within it. Speaking on the occasion, PTI leader and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser said if peace could not be established in K-P’s tribal districts, the whole country would remain in a state of unrest. The jirga passed a resolution opposing Azm-e-Istehkam, with participants demanding that the matter be debated in the national and provincial assemblies, involving all stakeholders. The jirga also approved a resolution for the removal of obstacles curtailing trade with Afghanistan. The resolution further called for effectively conducting negotiations with the jirgas at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Additionally, a resolution calling for the release of PTI leaders and workers, including the party’s founding chairman, who they claimed had been detained on political charges, was approved. Another resolution recognising the local population’s right to its natural resources was also passed by a show of hands. Saif said the approved resolutions would be presented in the provincial assembly.

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PTI wants to be a party in seats case

The PTI has approached the Supreme Court to become a party in the reserved seats case which a 13-member full bench of the SC will resume hearing today (Thursday). The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on December 22, 2023, stripped the PTI of its election symbol in view of irregularities in its intra-party polls. The Supreme Court on January 13 upheld the ECP order, forcing the PTI candidates to contest the February 8 general elections as independents. The independent candidates joined the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) after the announcement of official election results. The SIC later sought reserved seats in the parliament and provincial assemblies in proportion to its general seats. However, the ECP on March 1 refused to allot these reserved seats to the SIC. It allocated additional reserved seats to other political parties. The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on March 25 also upheld the ECP order, prompting the SIC to approach the apex court. In its application, the PTI has noted that the denial of reserved seats to the SIC/PTI and/or the grant of a disproportionate number of seats to other political parties is like disregarding the will of the people.  Read: PM Shehbaz Sharif extends olive branch to incarcerated Imran Khan “[A] denial of the will of the people… is underway through the oppression and election fraud to which the PTI and its supporters and candidates have been subjected.  "The danger of far-reaching amendments to the constitutional and legal structure of the state through an unrepresentative parliament must be met with upholding the cardinal principles of democracy and representativeness of parliament," it said  The PTI argued that the language of Article 51(6) (d) and (e) does not impose an absolute requirement that independent returned candidates must join a political party with at least one general seat in a house in order for such returned candidates to be counted for the purpose of the election for the reserved seats.  "The Constitution or Section 104 of the Election Act, 2017 do not require that lists for reserved seats be necessarily filed before the date of the general election," it added.  It further contended that the 86 PTI-backed returned candidates in the National Assembly, 107 in the Punjab Assembly, 91 in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, and 9 in the Sindh Assembly are entitled to be counted for the purpose of election to the reserved seats on the basis of proportional representation.  Also Read: PTI opposes Operation Azm-e-Istehkam in K-P jirga "The denial by the ECP of reserved seats to the SIC will result in the NA and the provincial assemblies losing their representative character. These seats cannot be allowed to any other party," it said.  The PTI further claimed that the SIC is committed to providing lists of candidates for the reserved seats who have a long history of involvement with the PTI and engagement with the PTI voters.  "Grant of reserved seats to which the SIC/PTI are entitled to other political parties would be unconstitutional as well as unjust and unfair. No political party can be allowed reserved seats in excess of the proportion of general seats held by it in a house. "It may kindly be noted that the PTI had filed lists of candidates for the seats reserved for women and non-Muslims in the National Assembly as well as the provincial assemblies on or before the last date for the filing of such lists by the ECP before the Feb 8 general elections."  It said many of the candidates on these lists also filed their nomination papers declaring their affiliation to the PTI. Meanwhile, Attorney-General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan also submitted his reply before the top court in the reserved seats case. Read More: AGP submits written arguments to Supreme Court in SIC reserved seats case The reply stated that the reserved seats for women and non-Muslims cannot be allocated except to political parties that contest general elections, have at least one returned candidate, and have furnished a separate list of candidates with the ECP. It added that the provisions of the Constitution should be interpreted in a manner where none of them is rendered redundant, superfluous, or unworkable. "The Constitution demands that its provisions are read in harmony," AGP submitted. "In this backdrop, Articles 51(6)(d) (e) and 106(3)(c) ought to be looked at alongside Article 63A."  He further submitted that an independent returned candidate who duly joins a political party, in terms of provisos to Articles (51)(6)(d)(e) and 106(3)(c) becomes a member of such a political party. "As a consequence, such a member ought to be a member of the parliamentary party of such a political party." The AGP further submitted that on account of becoming a member of such a political party, the independent returned candidate, after administering the oath and becoming a member of a house, must necessarily become a member of the parliamentary party of such political party.  "On the other hand, Article 63A (2) mandates that an independent member can only become a member of a parliamentary party of such a political party whose, at least one, candidate or nominee won in the elections prior to such joining and constitutes a parliamentary party in a house." He said no candidate or nominee of the SIC, not even its chairman, got elected to any house. "Therefore, the SIC did not have a parliamentary party in any house after the general elections," he added.

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Khawaja Asif slams US House call for probe into election

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday criticised a US House of Representatives resolution calling for a probe of alleged voting irregularities in the February 8 general election. The vote, in which no single party won a clear majority, was marred by violence, communication blackouts and allegations by former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party that the polls were rigged. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) denies this. "They have no right to interfere in our internal affairs or give any sort of verdict on the matter," Khawaja Asif told a private TV channel. He said the resolution, passed on Tuesday, had "no value" and was political posturing in an election year in the United States. In addition to calling for an independent investigation, the US House resolution condemned any effort to subvert the electoral process. Pakistan's foreign office released a more carefully worded statement, saying that the resolution "stems from an incomplete understanding of the political situation and electoral process in Pakistan." Also read: Pakistan condemns US resolution, cites misunderstanding of political landscape Washington's support will be crucial for Islamabad in coming weeks as it looks to secure a fresh bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to stave off an economic crisis. The resolution will not have much impact on Washington's policy towards Pakistan, Michael Kugelman, director of the Wilson Center's South Asia Institute, said in a post on social media platform X. But, he added, it raised questions about whether Pakistan legislation could follow, noting bipartisan support for the resolution. The resolution was welcomed by Khan's party, which was banned from contesting the elections. "The hope is that other nations and leaders will follow the US House's example," senior Khan aide Zulfikar Bukhari said in a text message. Independent candidates backed by Khan won the most seats but did not have the numbers to form a government. Instead an alliance of his rivals formed a government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The polls remain contentious and are facing a number of legal challenges.

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Gandapur calls APC as ANP, JI oppose op

The government and opposition parties in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday vehemently opposed the proposed counterterrorism campaign originally titled “Operation Azm-i-Istehkam” but rebranded as “Vision Azm-i-Istehkam”. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur called an all parties conference (APC) to discuss the reinvigorated and re-energised national counter-terrorism campaign and gather opinions and form a unified stance among political parties in the province. According to chief minister’s adviser on information Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, all political parties will be brought to the table. The nitty-gritty details, such as the date and time, will be ironed out later. The purpose of the APC is to inform and gain the confidence of all political parties on the current situation. In a related development, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to convene a jirga to discuss the operation on Wednesday (today), which will include tribal elders and PTI’s central and provincial leaders. The jirga will have extensive discussions on peace and stability in the tribal areas. Resolutions passed during the jirga will be presented to the chief minister and later to the parliament and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. Reacting to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s statement that four chief ministers were present in the apex committee meeting, and none of them opposed the operation, Barrister Saif accused Asif of engaging in deceitful politics. He clarified that the chief minister did not support any operation during the Apex Committee meeting, where only a discussion on Azm-e-Istehkam took place without any decision. Opposition Meanwhile, the ANP and Jamaat-e-Islami questioned the effectiveness of the government policy with regard to planning and strategy under the campaign. Criticising the operation, Mian Iftikhar, provincial president of Awami National Party (ANP), stated that the presence of banned organisations in Punjab was an undeniable reality. He recalled that the federal interior ministry acknowledged the presence of 94 banned organizations in Punjab in 2015, and the Punjab Home Department reported 84 such organisations in 2023. In a video message, Mian Iftikhar urged that his statements not be taken as criticism but questioned the actions taken under the National Action Plan against these groups. He reiterated ANP’s clear stance against terrorism, stating that they have always opposed terrorism and will continue to do so. He condemned the use of terrorism for political and personal gains and stressed that no one should be allowed to exploit terrorism for such purposes. He also mentioned that any significant decisions should involve all stakeholders, including Parliament, the Senate, and all assemblies. He also criticised resettlement agreements with terrorists, which lacked transparency and seriousness. Meanwhile, JI provincial emir Prof Mohammad Ibrahim Khan has issued a stern warning that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan can no longer bear the burden of additional military operations as the provinces were still recovering from the ‘destruction’ of previous such moves. Criticising the launch of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, Prof Ibrahim stated that the military operations ongoing since 2001 have yielded nothing but bloodshed and dollars. He questioned how much more blood would be spilt for a few dimes in these regions and insisted that this cycle of violence must end. The JI leader called for an end to the “curse” imposed by former president General (rtd) Pervez Musharraf, declaring that neither Jamaat-e-Islami nor the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa support any military operations. He lamented that the province has yet to recover from the destruction of previous operations, and now another one is being imposed. “This is not an operation for stability; it is the destabilisation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he stated. He further criticised former military leaders who claimed to have broken the back of terrorists, questioning how these “broken” terrorists have reappeared. He warned that further operations would only widen the gap between the military and the public, eroding the remaining trust in the armed forces.

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Govt to prolong Imran Khan's detention with legal tactics, says Rana Sanaullah

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, indicated that the federal government may pursue new legal cases against imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to delay his release from prison. Speaking on Geo News, he emphasised the government's intention to utilise all legal avenues, including filing new cases, to prevent Khan's release. He clarified that the government aims to act within constitutional and legal bounds and does not intend to unlawfully detain Khan. Khan, ousted as prime minister through an opposition no-confidence motion in April 2022, has faced a range of charges from corruption to terrorism since his removal from office. Despite recent legal victories, such as acquittals in the £190 million and Toshakhana cases, Khan remains incarcerated due to a conviction in the iddat case. According to Sanaullah, Khan's objective appears to be destabilising the country and fostering chaos, which motivates the government to keep him detained for as long as possible. Regarding Khan's political stance, he accused him of boycotting parliament after his government's ousting and launching agitation movements against the government. He asserted that Khan's actions have consistently aimed at sowing anarchy, necessitating, in Sanaullah's view, his continued detention for the country's stability. Also read: Imran Khan moves SC to seek swift hearing on disqualification appeal The district and sessions court is scheduled to announce its verdict on Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi's pleas for suspension of their sentence in the iddat case on June 27 at 3 PM. Sanaullah acknowledged that both the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and PTI received public mandates in elections. However, he criticised Khan for allegedly resorting to violent protests, including attacks on courts and orchestrating riots, which he claimed violated the electoral mandate. Despite these allegations, Sanaullah downplayed fears of turmoil if Khan were released, urging Khan to engage in democratic dialogue with political rivals. He expressed that Nawaz Sharif's party harbours no personal animosity towards Khan and advocated for dialogue as the sole viable means to settle political disputes. Sanaullah reiterated the government's stance on employing lawful measures to manage Khan's legal status while emphasising the importance of political dialogue in resolving national issues.

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Mushahid Hussain links political stability, security to economic growth

Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed has stated that political stability and security are vital for boosting the country's economy.  While talking to a private news channel on Monday, he said improved security conditions and political stability are crucial for attracting foreign investment in this region. The senator highlighted the success of past security operations, such as Zarb-e-Azb, Radd-ul-Fasaad, and Rah-e-Nijat, attributing their achievements to the political support of the governments.  He added that the Azm-e-Istehkam operation could also achieve its goals if political parties and stakeholders fully cooperate with the current government. Read: Fazl warns Azm-e-Istehkam operation would further 'weaken' Pakistan Responding to a question about the achievements of past operations, he mentioned the tragic incident at Peshawar's Army Public School in 2014, when the then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif convened a meeting of all political parties to formulate a National Action Plan (NAP) against miscreants and terrorists.  Following the NAP's implementation and political support, Pakistan's soldiers, law enforcement agencies, security institutions, and civil organisations achieved tremendous success in the war against terrorism, he added. Commenting on global participation, he expressed hope that Pakistan's inclusion in the BRICS nations would help address many issues faced by the country. In response to another question, he noted that Russia is keen to expand economic, diplomatic, and business relations with Pakistan.

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Senate unanimously condemns mob lynching incidents in Sargodha, Swat

In a session on Monday, the Senate unanimously approved a resolution unequivocally condemning the mob lynching incidents that occurred in Sargodha and Swat. The resolution demanded that both the federal and provincial governments ensure public safety for all, including vulnerable communities and minorities. Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman, stressed the critical need for counter-terrorism operations across the country to stem the resurgence of terrorism. https://ift.tt/75Rs9JY “Do PTI want instability, extremism, and violence against minorities? I am shocked to see that PTI members in the National Assembly did not sign the resolution on the Swat mob lynching incident, which demanded an end to the weaponisation of religion and extremism. They have learned no lesson from the past,” she said. She added that the attitude of PTI lawmakers was a disgrace to the 90,000 civilians and martyrs of the armed forces who sacrificed their lives in the war on terror. Read: National Assembly passes resolution condemning rising mob lynching incidents While tabling the resolution, the senator read, “The House unequivocally condemns the recent mob lynching in Swat and Sargodha of persons accused of offences pertaining to religion. The right to life is the most fundamental right as guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan and must remain inviolable. "The House, therefore, urges the Federal and Provincial Governments to ensure the safety and security of all persons living in Pakistan, including religious minorities and vulnerable communities. "The House also demands that the Provincial Governments of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab take all measures to ensure that the persons involved in these heinous crimes are identified, investigated, and prosecuted without delay. "The House also expects that the courts dealing with these cases shall ensure justice.” https://ift.tt/dCiK2r5  

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PM vows security for Pakistanis, foreigners

A couple of days after China’s expression of concern about the security of their citizens working on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) related projects, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the commitment of the state to ensure the security of Pakistanis as well as foreign nationals. “Ensuring protection and security of both Pakistani people and foreign nationals is the topmost priority of the state,” PM Shehbaz said on Sunday. While co-chairing a meeting of the Pakistan-China Joint Consultative Mechanism with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday, Liu Jianchao, the Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, had said: “We need to improve security and the business environment. Security threats are the main hazards disturbing CPEC cooperation.” Liu was apparently alluding to the March 26 terrorist attack on a convoy of Chinese engineers in the Besham area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In this attack, five Chinese engineers working at the Dasu Hydropower Project were killed along with their Pakistani driver. PM Shehbaz Sharif, who was chairing a meeting in Punjab’s provincial capital regarding law and order and security projects in Islamabad on Sunday, noted that “no negligence in establishing law and order situation and protection of citizens will be tolerated.” Earlier, the participants of the meeting were briefed regarding the current law and order situation in Islamabad as well as progress with regard to Islamabad Model Jail, Islamabad Safe City, Federal Anti-Terrorism Department, and Special Protection Unit. The PM was told that the Islamabad National Facility Centers and K-9 unit had been established for identification and tracking of narcotics and explosives. Speaking on the occasion, the PM directed an inquiry into the delay in completion of Islamabad Model Jail.

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NDMA issues alert ahead of expected stormy rains in July

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning to relevant agencies to stay alert in anticipation of stormy rains in the fourth week of July, as the monsoon season approaches. The national disaster management authority has announced that the monsoon season will begin in the first week of July and will likely spread across almost all parts of the country. In the fourth week of July, heavy and torrential rains are expected, which could lead to flooding in streams and rivers. July forecast Second week (approximately 25-35 mm of rain): Monsoon activity will continue in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Lahore, and Faisalabad divisions. Scattered rains are expected in Multan, DG Khan, and Bahawalpur divisions. Third eeek (approximately 15-25 mm of rain): Monsoon activity will be significant in Islamabad and Upper Punjab, while there will be a notable decrease in rainfall in central and southern Punjab as the monsoon enters a weaker phase. Fourth week (approximately 50-70 mm of rain): Heavy rains in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sargodha, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad divisions could cause flooding. There is a risk of hill torrents in the DG Khan division. Moderate to heavy rains are forecasted for Sahiwal, Multan, and Bahawalpur divisions. In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, around 50-70 mm of rain is expected in the fourth week of July. Also read: Punjab on high alert as heavy monsoon rains predicted Active monsoon phases are anticipated, with heavy to very heavy rains in Malakand, Hazara, and Mardan divisions, and moderate to heavy rains in Peshawar, Kohat, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan divisions. In Sindh, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, the fourth week will bring torrential rains, potentially causing flooding in seasonal streams and rivers. All relevant agencies have been advised to stay alert, and residents in low-lying areas are urged to take precautions. The NDMA highlighted the following anticipated effects in the specified areas of Pakistan due to the upcoming weather conditions: - Moderate to heavy rains could increase water flow in local streams and rivers, posing a risk of riverine and flash floods in vulnerable areas. - There is a risk of hill torrents in sensitive areas of DI Khan, DG Khan, Rajanpur, and the Suleiman and Kirthar ranges due to moderate to heavy rainfall. - Urban flooding is a concern in sensitive urban areas of the country due to the anticipated heavy rains. - Landslides may occur in vulnerable hilly regions of Murree, Galliyat, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. - Rising temperatures and forecasted rains could increase the water flow in rivers and streams in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. - There is a higher likelihood of glacier lake outburst flooding in vulnerable valleys. Additionally, dust storms, strong winds, and heavy rains could damage loose structures such as electricity poles, solar panels, billboards, tall trees, and buildings under construction. The NDMA has advised all relevant agencies and stakeholders to stay alert and take precautionary measures to mitigate the adverse effects of monsoon rains. The public is also urged to take steps to protect themselves from the potential hazards.

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SC to hear SIC reserved seats case today

The Supreme Court is set to conduct a hearing on Monday (today) regarding the case of reserved seats for the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC). The full court, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, will commence the session at 9:30 am. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has already submitted a written response to the apex court, stating that the SIC is no longer entitled to the reserved seats. It reiterated that the SIC’s eligibility was compromised on several grounds. ECP told the Supreme Court that the SIC’s constitution is violative of articles 17, 20 & 25 of the Constitution and the party is not entitled to any reserved seats for women and in particular for non-Muslims. Read:SIC not entitled to reserved seats: ECP “Article 3, Chapter 1, of the Constitution of the SIC restricts membership of the SIC to only adult Muslims, and places further three other conditions of a like nature to membership. “The conditions in said Article 3 of SIC’s Constitution are violative of Articles 17, 20 and 25 of the Constitution, in view thereof, SIC clearly is not entitled to any reserved seats for women and in particular for non-Muslims,” the ECP said in, a concise statement submitted to the to court. The ECP on December 22, 2023 stripped the PTI of its election symbol in view of irregularities in its intra-party polls. The Supreme Court on January 13 upheld the ECP order, forcing the PTI candidates to contest the February 8 general elections as independents. The independent candidates joined the SIC after the announcement of official election results. The SIC later sought reserved seats in the parliament and provincial assemblies in proportion to its general seats. Also read:SC lists SIC’s reserved seats appeal However, the ECP on March 1 refused to allot these reserved seats to the SIC. The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on March 25 also upheld the ECP order, prompting the SIC to approach the apex court. The SC is scheduled to complete hearings on two other cases on June 24 and 25.

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Rain, thunderstorm expected in Karachi today: PMD

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted rain and thunderstorms in Karachi on Sunday after light showers were experienced in parts of the city on Friday. The PMD reported that Karachi's weather is expected to remain hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 39°C and humidity at 75%. The recent rainfall has provided relief from the prolonged dry spell in Sindh, including Karachi, where areas like North Karachi, New Karachi, and Saddar experienced light rain. Chief meteorologist, Sardar Sarfaraz, predicts above-normal rainfall for Sindh this monsoon, expected to begin after July 5-6. Yesterday, the PMD forecasted light rain in Karachi, with temperatures expected to soar to 40°C on Monday. Due to a continued increase in humidity, June 22 recorded a hot and humid day in the city. The minimum temperature in the morning was 30.5°C, while the humidity level reached 73%, resulting in a heat index higher than the actual temperature. Yesterday, according to the meteorological department, the maximum temperature recorded in the city was 37.2°C, with a daytime humidity level of 58%. On Monday, however, northwesterly winds from Balochistan may blow through the city from morning to afternoon, the weather is expected to be mostly clear, hot, and humid, with temperatures possibly exceeding 40°C. Moderate to light showers were experienced in several neighbourhoods, including New Karachi, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, North Karachi, Bahadurabad, and areas surrounding Hassan Square, Saddar, Kala Pul, and Bizerta Line on Friday

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PTI's door ajar for ‘constructive proposals’

PTI leader Raoof Hassan on Tuesday announced that former premier and party founder Imran Khan was open to considering any "constructive suggestions" brought forward by Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai through his dialogue with the government. About Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Hassan stated, “Regarding Mehmood Khan Achakzai [...] Imran said that if he wanted to talk [to the opposition] on his own then he is allowed.” He further added, “We cannot pressure any party [...] if they think that they can play a constructive role then they should try.” “Imran said today that if they bring forward constructive suggestions, we would consider them. It is an open-ended policy.” Read:Gandapur meets Imran Khan in Adiala Jail to discuss K-P matters When asked if the PTI had given Achakzai the authority to negotiate, Raoof Hassan was crystal clear: “No, PTI’s position is clear. Do not confuse two things together. PTI’s position is clear that we don’t want any contact with mandate thieves.” “If he [Achakzai] comes to us and says that this is something positive and we should move forward with it, to that Imran has said that we will consider it,” Hassan reiterated. Responding to PTI leader Gohar Khan’s comments about the party being open to negotiations, Hassan clarified that they had consulted Imran following Gohar’s remarks. Imran denied making any such statement. “There will not be any direct contact with the parties that have stolen the mandate,” Gohar quoted Imran as saying. The winds of change started blowing in February when PTI spokesperson Raoof Hassan revealed that Imran Khan had greenlit contact with all political parties—except the PML-N, PPP, and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan. These three parties are currently at the helm of the coalition government. In what seemed to be a flip-flop from its previous stance of only engaging with 'empowered' stakeholders and shunning the 'powerless ruling coalition', Imran Khan on June 11 directed his party's top brass to reach out to the government for dialogue. Also read:Imran gives PTI go-ahead for talks However, the plot thickened when three days later, at a press conference in Islamabad with Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, Hassan addressed the media buzz: “Regarding a controversy on the media that the PTI is moving to have negotiations with three political parties that are mandate usurpers, Imran has clearly told us that there is no situation like this.”

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Balochistan includes 70% of approved schemes in PSDP for 2024-25

For the first time in Balochistan’s history, the provincial Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the fiscal year 2024-2025 includes 70% of approved uplift schemes. "About 70% of approved schemes are included in the provincial PSDP in an effort to enhance good governance while 100% of schemes will be included by the following year," stated Chief Minister Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti on Friday. “Our goal this time is to spend 70 to 80% of the PSDP as the utilisation rate of development budget money has been relatively low in the past,” he added while speaking to the media outside the Balochistan Assembly following the budget session. The chief minister mentioned that the provincial coalition administration had set a target of 70% for spending money on PSDP projects as, historically, the expenditure ratio had been extremely low. “There will be a healthy competition among lawmakers, the bureaucracy, and other parties concerned for the timely completion of the development schemes,” he added. Bugti also issued a warning, stating that development funding would be transferred from those PSDP schemes that were not meeting expectations to those that were progressing quickly. “The parliamentarians have been asked to remain in their respective constituencies and monitor the pace of uplift schemes,” he added. Also read: PPP withdraws ‘unconditional’ support as deadlock over budget persists Regarding the budget for the year 2024-25, the chief minister said that, for the first time, the provincial government has presented a surplus budget, credit for which goes to the coalition partners. He emphasised the importance given to the sectors of health and education, with education being prioritised first, health second, and climate change third. He pointed out that it was not just difficult, but impossible to develop 43% of Pakistan’s area with a limited budget, and that the province’s development and prosperity could not occur without the support of the federal government. In the battle against terrorism, Bugti emphasised that the police and levies were fighting on the front lines, and attempts were being made to match their pay with the Punjab police. Responding to a question, he mentioned that Pakistan Petroleum Limited owed over Rs50 billion in gas development surcharge and that attempts would be made to contest the case politely. He expressed gratitude to his team, the coalition partners, and the Department of Finance for their collaboration on the budget while also acknowledging the numerous problems and difficulties facing the province.

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Federal government decides to extend seventh NFC Award

The federal government has decided to extend the seventh National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, as reported by Express News. Sources from the Ministry of Finance stated that the NFC must issue a new award before July 1 while the current NFC Award needs to be extended. Sources indicated that the extension of the NFC Award is recommended by the government and enacted by the President. The current NFC Award allocates resources based on 82% population and 10.3% poverty, with an additional formula of 5% based on revenue collection and 2.7% based on area. Under the seventh NFC Award, the provinces are to receive 57.5% of the divisible resources, while the federal government is allocated 32.5%. An NFC Award is issued for a period of five years. If a new award cannot be finalised, the government has the authority to extend the current award. Since 2011, the distribution of divisible resources between the provinces and the center has continued under the existing award.

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Minister orders 3rd-party audit of urea makers

Federal Industries and Production Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain on Thursday announced that a third-party audit would be conducted to determine the cost of production of fertiliser companies. The minister made the decision while chairing a meeting of the fertiliser review committee, according to a statement. It added that Federal Industries and Production Secretary Dr Muhammad Fakhre Alam Irfan also attended the huddle. The participants of the meeting reviewed the stock availability, demand, and prices of urea in the country. The minister noted that the country was not witnessing a shortage of urea. He continued that uninterrupted supply of gas to fertiliser companies was being ensured for the smooth production of urea. Tanveer told fertiliser companies to review the performance of dealers and agencies. He also instructed the provinces to verify fertiliser dealers and agencies. The minister added that any ghost dealers and agencies should be blacklisted. Tanveer directed the companies to ensure the provision of fertiliser to the provinces. The minister announced that the fertiliser review committee would hold a meeting every week from now on to monitor the situation. Last month, the Fertiliser Manufacturers of Pakistan Advisory Council (FMPAC) agreed to reduce the prices of urea if the companies were provided with gas. Fauji Fertiliser Company Managing Director Jhanagir Paracha conveyed the FMPAC decision to the federal industries and production minister during a meeting. The minister assured him that the proposals forwarded by the FMPAC would be presented to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet for the final decision. According to the proposals, all fertiliser plants should formally be allocated and supplied gas exclusively from the Mari Gas field under bilateral arrangements in accordance with applicable gas pricing policies and that the government must ensure an uninterrupted supply for the next 10 years. The government was also requested to fix uniform prices of urea all over Pakistan to discourage hoarding by middlemen and agencies. According to the FMPAC, this will ensure the availability of affordable urea for the farmers and save foreign exchange on its import. The minister was informed that if the proposals were accepted by the government, the fertiliser industry would not require any subsidy in the future. He was further told that these proposals would attract more investment in fertiliser production capacity and energy efficiency. During the meeting, Tanveer said the government was committed to taking every step to ensure facilities to the farmers during the ongoing Kharif season.

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PM looks to Georgia for energy reform

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said the government was bringing reforms in the energy sector to reduce per unit rate of electricity in the country. He was talking to a delegation of foreign experts in the energy sector, led by former Georgian prime minister Nika Gilauri, which called on him here at the PM House. In the meeting, the prime minister highlighted that circular debt, line losses and electricity theft were the major challenges in Pakistan’s energy sector. Emphasizing the importance of energy sector for the country’s economic growth and development, he expressed his government’s commitment to implementing policies that reduce circular debt and improve the efficiency of electricity bill collection. He said privatization and outsourcing of the power distribution companies was the top priority of the government. “In this regard the government desires to take benefit from the Georgian experience.” The prime minister expressed his government’s desire to promote alternative energy sources, particularly solar energy, and reduce reliance on expensive energy sources. He said the government would also promote public private partnership in the energy sector. The prime minister directed the federal ministers to consult with the delegation regarding the basic reforms of the energy sector in the country and to set up a comprehensive strategy regarding these reforms immediately. Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik, Power Minisetr Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervaiz Malik, and relevant high officials attended the meeting.

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Can CJ Isa ensure judicial independence?

After the Eid vacations, all eyes are on the Supreme Court as it prepares to take up crucial cases with significant implications for national politics. The judiciary's role is vital amid the ongoing confrontation between the security establishment and the PTI, which complains about alleged rigging in the February 8 general elections and human rights violations following the May 9, 2023 incidents. There is no doubt that the February 8 election results have strained the relationship between the judiciary and the establishment. Some judges are raising concerns about spy agencies’ interference in judicial functions. A division bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, is set to hear the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) petition challenging the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) decision to appoint six more tribunals to settle election disputes in Punjab. Instead of filing an intra-court appeal (ICA), the ECP has approached the SC against the decision of a single-member LHC bench. It will be interesting to see whether the bench insists on adjudicating the ICA in the LHC or decides the case itself. Read: LHC CJ meets CJ Isa prior to new SC role Several lawyers believe that since the matter involves interpreting the law regarding the consultation between the chief justice of a high court and the ECP on nominating election tribunals, a larger bench should hear the case, which is significant for both the executive and the PTI. A full court led by CJ Isa will also resume hearing the Sunni Ittehad Council’s (SIC) petition next week against the Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) decision to uphold an ECP order denying reserved seats to the party, which primarily comprises PTI-backed lawmakers. The outcome of these proceedings will impact national politics. If the SC upholds the ECP’s decision, reserved seats in parliament and provincial legislatures will be allocated to the ruling parties, including the JUI-F, enabling the government to pursue constitutional amendments. A senior official confirmed to The Express Tribune that the government plans to extend the tenure of every superior court judge by two years. CJ Isa's January 13 ruling, which resulted in stripping the PTI of its election symbol, is also under scrutiny. During the full-court hearing, the CJ is going to justify the January 13 order. CJ Isa's opinion will be crucial in the reserved seats case. A seven-member larger bench led by CJ Isa is also hearing a suo motu case regarding agency interference in judicial functions. The matter has not been scheduled for hearing in the last couple of months, but it is expected that the larger bench will conclude the hearing before the summer vacations. It will be interesting to see if the bench considers allegations by Sargodha Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Judge Muhammad Abbas about the top agency’s interference in judicial functions. The LHC chief justice has already taken suo motu notice of the matter, but a written order from the last hearing is still awaited. Read: CJP Isa faces heat over controversial ruling Since October last year, the SC led by CJ Isa has been unable to decide appeals against a larger bench decision declaring the trials of civilians in military courts as unconstitutional. It is expected that the three-member SC committee led by CJ Isa will form a new larger bench to give a final decision on the matter during his tenure. The government has also challenged in the SC the Islamabad High Court’s decision to acquit former prime minister Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cipher case. CJ Isa is likely to list this case for hearing during his term. A five-member larger bench led by Justice Isa has reserved its judgment on a government ICA against a majority order declaring amendments in the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) as illegal. The SC led by CJ Isa has also reserved its decision on a Punjab government petition seeking review of its February 6 judgment that overturned appellant Mubarak Ahmad Sani’s conviction on charges of distributing “proscribed literature”. Imran Khan has also requested the SC to hear PTI petitions about alleged rigging in recent elections and human rights violations after the May 9 incidents. It will also be a significant test for CJ Isa and the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) regarding the nomination of the new chief justice of the LHC. The establishment is very upset over one section of judges who are questioning the executive’s interference in judicial proceedings. All eyes are now on CJ Isa to see how he, as head of the judiciary, secures its independence.

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India has no right to object to Pak-China joint statement on Kashmir: FO

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday responded to the Indian statement on references made to Jammu and Kashmir in the Pakistan-China joint statement issued in Beijing, following talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang on June 8. The Foreign Office stated, "It is an established fact that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally-recognised disputed territory. The dispute has been on the agenda of the UN Security Council for over seven decades. The relevant Security Council resolutions clearly stipulate that the final disposition of the State of Jammu and Kashmir will be made in accordance with the will of the people expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United Nations. In that backdrop, the Indian claims over Jammu and Kashmir are totally unfounded and misplaced." India had rejected “unwarranted” references to Jammu and Kashmir in the joint statement last week and criticised the mention of projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying that New Delhi rejects any move to legitimise Islamabad’s illegal occupation of territory. Read more: Indian police accuse Pakistan of instigating violence in IIOJK that killed 12 “We have noted unwarranted references to Jammu and Kashmir in the joint statement between China and Pakistan. We categorically reject such references,” External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal had said. “The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh have been, are, and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India,” he added. While responding a week later, the FO spokesperson asserted that India should not mislead the international community on CPEC, which is a flagship developmental endeavour, agreed upon by two sovereign nations. "Instead of making baseless claims about CPEC, India should implement, at the earliest, the relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir,” she maintained. The joint statement from June 8 read that Pakistan briefed China on the latest developments in Jammu and Kashmir, adding that the Chinese leadership reiterated that the “Jammu and Kashmir dispute is left over from history, and should be properly and peacefully resolved”.

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Shahid Afridi denies endorsing ‘pro-Israel’ event in UK

Pakistani superstar cricketer Shahid Khan Afridi faced controversy after a pro-Israel account on Instagram claimed he supported a "Friends of Israel" event in the UK on Wednesday. Hours after the Instagram account posted Afridi's photo as an "endorsement" of the event in Manchester, Afridi responded on his X handle. "Imagine strolling down a street in Manchester (UK) and so-called fans approach you for a selfie. You oblige, and moments later, they upload it as some form of Zionist endorsement…," Afridi wrote. "Unbelievable! Please don't believe everything that is uploaded." He added that the photo does not signify his support for any situation where "human lives are at stake." "Seeing innocent lives in Palestine suffer is truly heartbreaking. Any photo or association shared in Manchester does not reflect my support for any situation where human lives are at stake," he wrote. "I take pictures with fans from all over the globe, and this situation was no different," he said. The "NW Friends of Israel" account on Instagram shared Afridi's picture with two of its officials, saying: "Pakistani international cricketer @SAfridiOfficial stopped to offer his support for our call to release the hostages at our NWFOI vigil last Sunday in Manchester."         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Fatima Bhutto (@fbhutto) "Shahid is pictured with NWFOI co-Chair Raohi Bloom and deputy Chair Bernie Yaffe… Thank you for your support, Show more," the account added. Fatima Bhutto, granddaughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, also expressed her astonishment, saying: "Waiting for a comment from @SAfridiOfficial on what he was doing at a Friends of Israel event."

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TTP ringleader killed in Afghanistan

A militant ringleader of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was reportedly killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday. The slain terrorist Abdul Manan alias Hakeemullah fatally shot in the Chaghasarai area of Asadabad district in Kunar province. Hakeemullah was formerly associated with the TTP Malakand Shura and served as an aide to Wali, overseeing terrorist activities in Bajaur and carrying out various acts of violence including target killings, landmine explosions, checkpoint attacks, and extortion. His death is seen as a significant setback for the TTP and underscores the internal conflicts among various armed factions operating within Afghanistan. On April 27, TTP Malakand chapter commander Talha Swati was killed in the Asadabad area of Afghanistan's Kunar province, sources confirmed. Swati – associated with the Fazlullah group belonged to Swat. He was gunned down in broad daylight after Friday prayers. The TTP commander was linked to the intelligence group and worked as intelligence chief in the Barikot area. As per reports, the slain terrorist was reporting on Jammatul Ahrar's activities to the South District Taliban, Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), and his close aide Noor Wali Mehsud. There were conflicting reports surrounding the commander's death. Some reports suggested he was killed by ISKP, while others stated he was killed by a rival faction due to some internal rifts. The Swati group, following the commander's death, demanded punishment for the killers.

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Intense heat claims lives of 550 pilgrims during Hajj, confirm diplomats

On Tuesday, diplomats reported that at least 550 pilgrims died during the hajj, highlighting the challenging conditions of this year's pilgrimage marked by sweltering temperatures.  Most of the deaths, including 323 Egyptians, were attributed to heat-related illnesses, according to Arab diplomats coordinating responses with AFP.  One Egyptian pilgrim died due to injuries sustained in a minor crowd incident, while the overall tally was confirmed by the Al-Muaisem hospital morgue in Makkah. Additionally, 60 Jordanian pilgrims were reported deceased, an increase from the earlier official count of 41 by Jordanian authorities. These new figures bring the total deaths reported by multiple countries to 577, as per AFP's count. The pilgrimage, a fundamental practice in Islam, is increasingly impacted by climate change, with a recent Saudi study noting a rise in temperatures in the ritual areas.  On Monday, temperatures soared to 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 Fahrenheit) at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, as reported by the Saudi national meteorology center. Saudi efforts included treating over 2,000 pilgrims suffering from heat stress, although specific updates on fatalities have not been provided since Sunday. Last year, various countries reported 240 deaths among pilgrims, predominantly Indonesians. During the hajj rituals, such as prayers on Mount Arafat, pilgrims endured prolonged outdoor exposure despite Saudi advisories to use umbrellas, stay hydrated, and avoid the sun during peak hours. Nonetheless, reports indicated challenges with overwhelmed ambulance services and instances of pilgrims succumbing to extreme heat along the route. This year's hajj involved around 1.8 million participants, with 1.6 million from abroad. A significant number attempted the pilgrimage through unofficial channels due to the costs associated with official hajj visas, placing them at greater risk without access to Saudi-provided amenities. An Egyptian official highlighted that many unregistered Egyptian pilgrims contributed to chaos in camps, resulting in inadequate services such as food, water, and cooling facilities, which likely exacerbated the death toll from heat-related causes. Saudi authorities had earlier cleared hundreds of thousands of unauthorized pilgrims from Makkah ahead of the hajj. Countries including Indonesia, Iran, and Senegal also reported deaths during this year's pilgrimage, although specific details on heat-related fatalities were generally not disclosed. Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdul Rahman Al-Jalajel noted successful health plans during the hajj, which prevented major outbreaks of disease and managed over 5,800 virtual consultations primarily for heat-related illnesses, ensuring timely medical intervention.

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Hunza’s unique communal sacrifice for Eidul Adha

In the remote and serene valleys of Hunza, Eidul Adha is marked by a unique and communal approach to the tradition of Qurbani. Unlike elsewhere, where individual families perform Qurbani privately, Hunza's practice revolves around a collective effort that emphasises anonymity and communal harmony. Read also: In pictures: Celebrating Eid ul Adha across the globe Villagers who commit to sacrificing animals bring them to a central location, where a joint Qurbani (sacrifice) ceremony takes place. Here, the meat from the sacrificed animals is distributed equally among all residents, regardless of whether they contributed an animal themselves or not. This egalitarian distribution ensures that everyone in the community receives an equal share, without knowledge of who the original donors are.         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Karim Azeez (@karimmazeez) There are no public announcements or displays of generosity; instead, the focus remains on collective benefit and communal spirit. This operation is entirely community-driven. There are no professional butchers involved; instead, the youth of the village take on the responsibility of butchering, while women participate in cleaning and preparing the meat.

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AJK authorities reportedly investigating leopard cub deaths after photo circulates on social media

The reported deaths of two leopard cubs has prompted officials in Azad Jammu and Kashmir to launch an investigation into the incident. Local authorities in Muzaffarabad's Phgwan Dupatta area were alerted after pictures of the feline cubs began circulating on social media. Wildlife authorities reached the site where the cubs were apparently present in the video.  Officials told a local news organisation that an investigation into the incident had been launched but there was not much to be done until the bodies od the leopard cubs were found.   Although residents couldn't share any details regarding the latest incident they said that leopards would often stray into their area in search of food. They added that the felines' presence posed a risk to the villagers' cattle.

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Donkey’s ears chopped off over land dispute in Rawalpindi

A troubling incident emerged involving a donkey whose ears were reportedly cut off over a land dispute in Rawalpindi. The incident, which occurred on June 4, was brought to attention by the donkey owner Tanveer. Tanveer accused Arshad Mehmood of being responsible for mutilating the donkey. Tanveer has been persistent in seeking justice for the donkey, but he expressed frustration as he continues to visit the police station for the case to be formally registered.  The police, on their part, have stated that they are actively investigating the matter. They mentioned that there are also ongoing disputes over land between Tanveer and Arshad Mehmood. The case has caused concern among local residents and animal rights activists, who are urging swift action to ensure justice for the donkey.  In a similar shocking incident in Sanghar, Sindh, a brutal landlord, accompanied by his employees, severely tortured a camel before amputating its leg with a sharp tool after it entered his fields. A video of the incident went viral on social media, showing the camel in agony and crying. The owner of the camel protested vehemently at the Sanghar Press Club, holding the severed leg. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the brutal incident, directing authorities to ensure swift justice and appropriate action against those responsible. Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced that a case had been registered against the culprits, resulting in the arrest of five individuals. “The matter had been settled between the camel owner and the accused, but this act is inhuman and unacceptable, which is why the case was registered on behalf of the state,” Memon said.

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Light rain forecasted for parts of Karachi this evening

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) announced on Tuesday that certain areas of Karachi may experience light rain tonight.  However, Karachi's weather is forecasted to stay hot and humid over the next 24 hours. The PMD reported a minimum temperature of 30°C, with maximum temperatures expected to range between 35 to 37°C.  Humidity levels are currently at 72%, and sea winds are blowing at speeds of 30 to 35 kilometers per hour. Last week, the Meteorological Office predicted that most parts of Sindh would endure hot conditions until June 20.  Additionally, the weather department noted that much of the country will experience very hot and dry weather today.  It also mentioned the likelihood of thunderstorms in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, and the Potohar region.  

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Rami rituals suspended in Saudi Arabia amidst severe heat

On Monday, the Saudi Government announced the suspension of Rami rituals until 4 pm during the final phase of Hajj 2024, advising pilgrims to stay in their tents in Mina due to extremely hot weather.  A government spokesperson emphasized that this decision prioritized the safety of pilgrims. Meanwhile, a representative from Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs expressed concern over certain media reports that exaggerated complaints about arrangements, causing anxiety among Pakistani pilgrims and their families.  The spokesperson assured pilgrims that the ministry was in constant communication with Saudi authorities to ensure their well-being. This year, over 2.5 million Muslims, including 160,000 Pakistanis, gathered in Makkah for Hajj. Despite some complaints about arrangements for such a large number, the spokesperson viewed them as indicators of the operation's overall success.  The Saudi authorities manage all aspects of the Mashair rituals over five days, promptly addressing concerns raised by some Makatib this year. In response to the issues raised, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, called for an urgent meeting with ministry officials at the Pakistan Hajj Mission in Makkah on Tuesday.  The aim was to investigate and resolve complaints related to the Mashair days and develop strategies to prevent future incidents.

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Afghan Taliban to attend crucial UN huddle in Doha

The Afghan Taliban government will attend the upcoming UN conference in Doha, breaking the deadlock that was hampering the progress on the way forward for the international community on how to deal with the de facto rulers in Kabul. Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid on Sunday told reporters that authorities in Kabul decided to participate in the third UN conference being held in Doha on June 30. The development is seen as a major breakthrough as the Taliban boycotted the last UN meeting held in Doha in February. Taliban stayed away from the Doha huddle attended by special representatives of 25 countries, the UN Secretary General and Afghan civil society activists. The Taliban's move stemmed from their reservations over the agenda of the conference as well as the invitation to certain Afghan activists. Taliban were adamant that they were the only true representative of Afghanistan and hence any invitation to Afghans should have gone through their system. Secondly, the interim government was not happy with the agenda of the conference, particularly, a proposal that has been seeking the appointment of a UN special envoy on Afghanistan. Read:Afghan Taliban nudge TTP on talks with Islamabad The proposal was part of the broader recommendations prepared by a UN special coordinator, who conducted an independent assessment of how to deal with the Taliban government. Recommendations were submitted to the UN Secretary General in November last year and the UNSC approved them in December with China and Russia abstaining from the voting. The Taliban assert that appointing a UN special envoy for Afghanistan is unnecessary, as such appointments are typically made for countries in conflict or war. They contend that Afghanistan is now at peace and has a legitimate government representing its people. The absence of the Taliban from the second UN conference couldn't deliver the required results as UN Secretary General sought time for consensus. Ahead of the upcoming conference, the UN and other key stakeholders engaged with the Taliban, urging them to attend the meeting. It is believed that Qatar, the host of the conference, played a major part in persuading the Taliban to join the UN process. "A delegation of the Islamic Emirate will participate in the coming Doha conference. They will represent Afghanistan there and express Afghanistan's position," Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said of the talks, which are scheduled to start June 30. Read:Afghanistan agrees to review Pakistan's findings on Besham attack probe The participation of the Taliban authorities in the two-day conference of special envoys on Afghanistan had been in doubt after they were not included in the first round and then refused an invitation to the second round in February. Mujahid told local media on Sunday the decision had been made to send a delegation, the members of which would be announced later as it was deemed "beneficial to Afghanistan". The third Doha meeting on Afghanistan, with the participation of special representatives of countries for Afghanistan, will be held in Doha in two weeks hosted by the United Nations. The United Nations has stated that the purpose of this meeting is to increase the world's structured and organised interaction with the caretaker government.

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Extreme heat stifles women’s sports in Sindh

Aqsa Shabbir, a keen field hockey player, is tired and frustrated because she can no longer train during the day and can’t sleep at night amid a brutal heatwave, and fears that she will not play well in a tournament at the end of June. The 17-year-old student, who lives in Jacobabad city of Sindh, already had to overcome many obstacles like many other girls in Pakistan’s smaller cities, where exercising in public is frowned upon, and the heatwave is making things harder. Two years ago, Jacobabad was named the hottest city on earth after temperatures reached 51°Celsius. “We cannot keep waiting for the weather to get better – it won’t,” Shabbir told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone from Jacobabad. Rising temperatures are one more barrier for women and girls who want to stay active in a country where there are few training spaces available to them, apart from private sports clubs reserved for the wealthy. A 2022 study found that the main obstacles to participating in sport in Pakistan are “religious and cultural limitations, a lack of permission from parents, and a lack of sports facilities and equipment”. Now add extreme heat, linked to climate change, to the list. Shabbir is a member of the Star Women’s Sports Academy in Jacobabad, the only women’s sports club in the city of nearly 300,000 people. The girls have started training later in the day in a bid to beat the heat but parents are unhappy with their daughters returning home late on their own. Shabbir is trying to look on the bright side ahead of her important tournament in the neighbouring Sukkur district. “Who knows, we may outdo other teams from other cities with relatively lower temperatures, being more acclimatised to extreme heat.”

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Maryam’s approval climbs in 100 days

The majority of the people in Punjab were satisfied with the performance of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz-led government, acknowledging her “effective” steps for reducing prices of various commodities, according to a survey released on Sunday. The release of the data of the survey, titled, ‘Punjab Speaks—Public Perception of Performance’ conducted by the Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR), an independent research institution, marked the 100 days in office of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Maryam was elected the chief minister of Punjab on February 26, following the general elections held on February 8, 2024. She is the 20th chief minister of the country’s most populous province and had just completed the first 100 days in office. According to the IPOR, Maryam Nawaz’s leadership in Punjab was highly regarded, with strong public approval of her performance and initiatives. Besides, there was significant support for her efforts for reducing commodity prices, particularly the projects like the bread price reduction. “An overall majority of 55% of the respondents expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Punjab government, in the urban-rural split,” the survey said, adding that her approval rating was higher in the urban area, 62%, compared with 48% in the rural areas. The survey said that 53% of respondents believed that the government’s steps had been effective in reducing prices of various commodities. “A decrease in the price of Roti was the most-favoured project, with 44% of respondents considering it the best initiative,” it said. Other projects follow in the list of her most popular initiatives included the Solar Panel Programme, 11%, and the 200 Clinic on Wheels initiative, 11%. The survey revealed that 60% respondents believed that Maryam Nawaz’s popularity had increased over the last three months. Among the dissatisfaction side, according to the IPOR, the level was higher in the rural areas, 42%, compared with 28% in the urban areas. It added that 35% were not satisfied with the three-month performance of chief minister. Out of that 35%, the survey said, 51% believed that the government would never be able to improve the situation, regardless of the time given. On the other hand, 19% of the respondents were willing to give the government as much time as needed to improve the situation. The IPOR survey was conducted from May 29 to June 12, 2024. The sample size was 2,010 – 65% of them males and 35% females. Age-wise, 43% were between the age of 18 and 35 years, 48% between 36 and 50 years, and 9% above 51 years old. Geographically, 60% of the respondents were from rural areas and 40% from urban areas. Among them, the IPOR added, 16% were illiterate, 12% had completed primary education, 15% secondary education, 28% matriculation, 14% intermediate, 10% graduates, and 5% had a master’s degree. The IPOR said that the response rate was approximately 45% with a margin of error of not more than ±3-4% at 95% confidence level. “The information in this report has been compiled in accordance with international standards for market and social research methodologies,” the IPOR said.  

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LHC benches to take up Imran’s pleas on 20th

The LHC has scheduled PTI founding chairman Imran Khan’s petition — challenging the Punjab cabinet’s decision to register fresh serious cases against him and other party leaders — for hearing on June 20 by a new bench. The newly formed two-judge bench, headed by Justice Aalia Neelum, will take up the matter. The Punjab government and others have been made respondents in the plea. Last month, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s cabinet approved the initiation of ‘fresh legal action’ against Imran and other party leaders for their purported involvement in crafting a ‘narrative of hate’ against state institutions. Imran in his petition argued that the cases were “unlawful and unconstitutional” as he and his party leaders were “falsely accused”. Disqualification, Bat The LHC has constituted a new larger bench to hear the PTI founder Imran Khan’s plea against his disqualification in a gift repository case as well as the PTI petition against the ECP’s decision to strip it of its iconic election symbol of the cricket bat. The bench will hear the PTI’s appeals from June 20.  

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Rs10m, mobile phones showered in Sialkot wedding celebration

During a wedding ceremony in Sialkot on Saturday, approximately Rs10 million in local and foreign currencies and mobile phones were showered in celebration, leading the local police to file a case against the groom and wedding attendees. According to authorities at the Saddar police station, the groom was adorned with a garland consisting of foreign currency, Express News reported. When the wedding party arrived at the marriage hall, relatives and friends in attendance threw millions of rupees as a form of celebration, causing a two-hour traffic jam and inconveniencing the surrounding residents. Also read: The ultimate wedding gift: Newlyweds want cash for a down payment The police added that the younger attendees also indulged in aerial firing, prompting the DPO to take notice and file a report against the groom and other members of the wedding party. Authorities conducted raids to arrest the accused but were not successful in arresting anyone.

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PM unveils Rs200b package for industry

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced an over Rs200 billion “relief package” for industrial electricity consumers through a 24% reduction in their current per unit rates – giving back more than Rs125 billion that the government will collect from exporters in income tax next year. The PM’s decision is based on a recommendation by the power sector regulator which, on Friday, cut the cross-subsidy of industries by Rs10.69 per unit but approved an increase of Rs5.72 per unit for the residential consumers. In another announcement, the prime minister also approved a Rs10.20 per litre reduction in the prices of petrol –- a day before the scheduled fortnightly adjustment. The two separate announcements appear to calm people who are extremely aggrieved due to unjustified taxation — particularly for the salaried class. The diesel prices were cut by over Rs2.33 per litre. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday approved a reduction in electricity tariff for the industrial sector by Rs10.69 per unit in order to boost production and exports, according to an official announcement by the Prime Minister’s Office. It added that the new electricity per unit price for the industrial and export sector has now been fixed at Rs34.99 –a 24% reduction compared to the expected rates. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) had recommended a reduction of Rs10.69 per unit for industries, said the PM’s Office. The industrial sector was cross-subsidising the residential consumers, which the NEPRA has disallowed this time. This has provided Rs240 billion relief to the industrial sector but its burden has partially shifted to the budget and the remaining has been passed on to the electricity consumers. For this fiscal year, the government recovered Rs676 billion from residential, commercial and industrial consumers to pay subsidies to lower-end residential consumers. Out of this Rs676 billion, an amount of Rs240 billion had been charged to the industrial consumers. However, the PM has only felt the pain of an industry that was becoming uncompetitive due to undue increases in its prices caused by cross-subsidisation. The premier has not yet implemented such a decision for the residential consumers who are also paying the price over and above the cost of electricity to subsidize low-end residential consumers. In anticipation of the NEPRA’s decision, the government had already allocated Rs120 billion “additional subsidy” in the proposed budget 2024-25. The allocated additional subsidy is almost equal to the Rs125 billion that the government plans to recover from exporters in the next fiscal year by ending their fixed income tax regime. The industrialists have received back more than what they were going to pay in the shape of income tax –an arrangement where the government has taken political mileage and at the same time did not put any additional burden on them. Rather, the Rs115 billion burden has been taken off even after adjusting Rs125 billion in income tax payments. Since the salaried class has no voice, it has been slapped with Rs75 billion additional income tax and a Rs5.72 per unit increase in electricity prices –the third such increase in as many years. “The PM’s package, which is expected to provide relief of over Rs200 billion to the industry, will help bring down the manufacturing cost of the goods making them competitive in the global market,” according to the Prime Minister’s Office. The initiative would also help decrease the prices of agricultural commodities, it added. The PM Office said that Shehbaz Sharif’s step will likely spur industrial growth, create new job opportunities, and stimulate economic activity. However, the Rs5.72 per unit increase that the NEPRA announced on Friday will be the third such increase on account of annual adjustments. During the past two years, the government has increased the average prices in the range of Rs7 per unit to Rs8 per unit. The annual adjustments are in addition to the monthly and quarterly price adjustments. In March this year, Pakistan assured the International Monetary Fund of a timely increase in electricity prices, including the recovery of pending generation costs totalling over Rs210 billion. The Pakistani authorities apprised that the upcoming increases in electricity prices would overburden consumers due to multiple increases on account of monthly fuel adjustments, quarterly adjustments, and the upcoming big annual base tariff increase. Pakistan has informed the IMF that electricity prices may skyrocket in July due to simultaneous adjustments on account of monthly, quarterly, and annual increases in tariffs. The NEPRA has approved the second increase, as it has already implemented quarterly adjustments. The prices of electricity are going to skyrocket after the implementation of all three increases in July. Fuel price reduction PM Shehbaz Sharif also announced a significant cut in petrol and diesel prices by Rs10.20 per litre and Rs2.33 per litre respectively. Earlier on June 1, the government had announced to cut the petrol price by Rs4.74 per litre while that of HSD by Rs3.86 per litre, a PM Office press release said on Friday.  

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Supreme Court to take up ECP’s tribunal plea on 20th

A day after it was filed, the Supreme Court on Friday scheduled the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) petition — challenging the Lahore High Court’s decision to appoint six tribunals to settle polls disputes in Punjab — for hearing on June 20. A division bench of the apex court comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan will take up the matter. Instead of filing an intra-court appeal (ICA), the ECP has approached the SC against the decision of a single judge of the LHC. It has been learnt that the ECP’s legal team was also interested in moving an ICA but a senior law officer suggested that the commission should approach the apex court against the LHC decision. A cause list has been issued about the scheduling of the ECP’s petition. It will be interesting to see whether the top court’s division bench will urge the ECP to move an ICA in the LHC or grant it the right to appeal. It will also be intriguing to observe whether the SC division bench will deliver the final verdict or refer the matter to the three-judge committee for the formation of a larger bench under the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act, 2023. A senior ECP official admitted that there was a need to interpret the “consultation”, which was required under Section 140 of the Election Act, 2017 to take place between the commission and the relevant high court chief justice on the establishment of polls tribunals. The LHC decided that under Article 219(c) read with Article 222(b) of the Constitution, the LHC chief justice had pre-eminence in the appointment of election tribunals over Section 140 of the Elections Act. The ECP has questioned whether the commission or the LHC had the final say in the appointment of tribunals. Sikandar Bashir Mohmand is the lawyer representing the ECP in this case. CJP Isa is already facing immense criticism on account of the January 13 order wherein the intra-party elections of the PTI were declared illegal. Salman Akram Raja is the opposing lawyer in the case. It has been witnessed that there is a serious confrontation between the executive departments and PTI since the violent riots on May 9 last year. There are two main issues between them. The PTI is complaining about the alleged human rights violations and rigging in this year’s general elections. The role of the superior courts is crucial amid all these occurrences.

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LHC orders action against smoky vehicles

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday ordered traffic authorities to take strict action against smoke-emitting vehicles and impound them. The court further ordered that impounded vehicles should not return to the road until their rectification. Justice Shahid Karim passed the orders while hearing different environmental petitions filed by Haroon Farooq and others.

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