Imran trying to 'kill' political opponents: Marriyum

 Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Thursday strongly condemned the alleged firing by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers on the camp office of PML-N MPA Bilal Tarar from Gujranwala. In a statement, the minister said that attempt on the life of the MPA was made on the orders of former prime minister Imran Khan, but luckily Bilal Tarar was safe. "Those who ruined the national economy now had started killing their political opponents," she remarked. Castigating the former PM, she said Imran who was begging for the security of the prime minister for himself, was trying to kill his opponents. Read more: PM Shehbaz lauds LEAs after Imran 'calls off' sit-in “The hearts of those who set fire to Islamabad are burning in the fire of political revenge”, she said, adding that now the PTI had moved from gaali (abuses) to goli (bullet) as Imran Khan had taken the path of terrorism facing humiliation at the chaotic march last night. The people of Pakistan had buried the politics of chaos and anarchy by those elements who committed economic terrorism, she added. Expressing solidarity with Bilal Tarar and his family she said that the police should arrest terrorists at the earliest and bring them to justice. She advised Imran to shun the negative thinking of eliminating political opponents and seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty for his crimes against the country and the people. Also read: Twitter takes a dig at PTI for 'short-lived march' Earlier, while talking to the media, Marriyum said that the long march of Imran Khan had badly failed as the people of Pakistan proved that they want politics of development and prosperity. She said that people yesterday witnessed the difference between disruptive and constructive politics. Marriyum said that Imran staged this drama only to fail negotiations with the International Monetary Fund. The minister said that the PTI chairman also committed contempt of the Supreme Court by directing his workers to reach D-Chowk. Marriyum said that the announcement of holding of general elections will only be made by the government and its allies at a stipulated time. She said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is working round the clock to bring countrymen out of the economic crisis. حکومت اپنی مدت پوری کرے گی، الیکشن کا اعلان حکومت اور اتحادی مقررہ وقت پر کریں گے وفاقی وزیر اطلاعات مریم اورنگزیب کی پارلیمنٹ ہائوس کے باہر میڈیا سے گفتگو (1/4)#APPNews @Marriyum_A @pmln_org @MoIB_Official pic.twitter.com/mtSwEWknRZ — APP 🇵🇰 (@appcsocialmedia) May 26, 2022 (WIth additional input from APP and Radio Pakistan)

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Punjab CM election: LHC to run day-to-day proceedings

The Lahore High Court’s larger bench fixed May 31 for the completion of arguments by PTI’s counsel upon alleged unconstitutional procedure adopted in administering the oath to newly-elected Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz. The bench headed by Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan expressed its viewpoint to run day-to-day proceedings from the next date to wrap up the case. The bench was hearing three intra court appeals against LHC’s three orders – one against the decision of LHC Justice Jawad Hassan who had directed the National Assembly speaker to administer the oath to newly-elect CM Hamza – two against Chief Justice Lahore High Court Muhammad Ameer Bhatti’s decisions wherein he had first ordered the President of Pakistan to nominate anyone to administer the oath to Hamza and secondly, he had advised the Punjab governor to ensure administration of the oath. Read more: LHC issues notice to Hamza, others on petitions challenging his position as CM As the proceedings commenced, the arguments of PTI’s counsel Imtiaz Rasheed Siddiqi revolved around different points including the silence of the Constitution over the process of summoning the person who becomes chief minister by securing the majority of the vote in the assembly in response to the “resignation” tendered by the previous one. The Constitution is very clear to the extent of summoning to that person by the governor who reaches in the assembly after contesting the general election and after completion of due process on speaker or the deputy speaker’s contest he is elected upon chief minister’s slot with the majority of votes in the assembly, he argued. He implored the court that the orders passed by the LHC’s chief justice Muhammad Ameer Bhatti and Justice Jawad Hassan were not constitutional orders. Justice Sadaqat asked if the Constitution is silent then the specific clauses enshrined in the constitution relating to how a CM is elected will not be active. The counsel Siddiqi reiterated that the constitution is quite silent. He argued that the governor was not given sufficient time to work and wrap up the constitutional crises although he was working on it but the LHC did not deem it appropriate to hear his version. "You are defending the governor in most arguments rather than the appellants. Your question is that the election held in the Punjab Assembly on April 16 is unconstitutional," Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan asked. The counsel argued that this is not his case, adding that the LHC overreached its power by deputing the National Assembly speaker for administering the oath to Hamza. “My right of due process was deprived by the LHC”, the counsel argued. On this, Justice Shahid Jamil asked if the president of Pakistan had been advised and the word directed has not been used in order then what would you say the president should not be expected to give honour to the court’s order. As the counsel used the word “manmaani” for bench, Justice Shahid Jamil warned him for using appropriate words for the bench. However, the counsel argued that his case relates to the delay but not to denial. The governor was facing this situation first time as neither there was the chief minister nor his cabinet so he sought assistance from the President of Pakistan but it was portrayed perhaps the governor rejected this matter. He implored the court that the LHC’s orders in a way usurped the powers of the governor and directed the administration of the oath. Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh, in response to the counsel’s argument, said that the LHC could not direct the NA speaker for the administration of the oath. He asked the counsel to whom the court could direct if the National Assembly speaker was not appropriate for the purpose. On this, the counsel replied: Senate chairman. However, the bench fixed the next date with the direction to run day-to-day proceedings by the next date to conclude the case. Other appellants’ counsels and the law officers will argue on the next date.

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Govt, PTI ‘all set to initiate talks’ following backdoor contacts

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to initiate contacts with the federal government after the latter's invitation for talks to resolve the prevailing political crisis in the country. The dialogue will take place after formal approval by PTI chairman Imran Khan for the same. The talks would encompass crucial issues such as the schedule for elections and electoral reforms, besides other matters. In this regard, the former ruling party would constitute its team, and the government would then form its team as well. The talks will initially be held behind closed doors, followed by a formal session between the two sides. If the informal talks don't see success, a formal session of talks won't be held either. The talks widely rely on a policy by both sides to maintain a calm political posture. Also read: Imran gives 6-day ultimatum to govt for announcing elections A high-profile federal government source revealed that the two sides had been engaged in establishing contacts even before the planned long march by the former ruling party, and a number of prominent political and other personalities were said to be playing a role in this regard. Due to these behind-the-scene talks, the two sides were able to defuse some of the political tension. They claimed that in view of the current situation in the country, the former premier changed his political strategy, postponed his plans of staging a sit-in and returned after issuing an ultimatum to the government. This positive 'signal' followed an invitation by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the PTI for talks. The sources further said that the contacts between the two sides may now intensify as the former premier's party has started considering the offer. After a formal start to the dialogue, the government may formally invite the PTI to make a return to the National Assembly. They added that the prominent political and other personalities in efforts to rebuild contacts between the two have advised them to maintain calm and resolve any differences through talks. The sources also said that the main focus of behind-the-scene talks is focused on finding a middle way regarding the schedule for elections. Also read: Imran’s election ultimatum just a ‘face-saving’ attempt: Maryam According to the sources in the former ruling party, the PTI could adopt another strategy of protest if there's further progress in the backdoor contacts. The federal government's sources maintain that an immediate schedule for the election can not be announced. They also say that if formal talks between the two sides begin, then the coalition parties may come up with a future political strategy. Political leaders from the two sides, while speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the doors for talks are never closed in politics. A PTI leader, however, denied that the protest had been ended due to backdoor contacts with the government. On the other hand, a political leader from the government's side denied that there had been any backdoor talks with the former ruling party. "It is Imran Khan's policy to not stage a sit-in; we cannot say anything about PTI's ultimatum," the political leader maintained.

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FIA denies ‘interfering’ in PM’s case

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has denied interference in the prosecution and investigation in cases against top government functionaries including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. FIA Director General Muhammed Tahir Rai submitted a concise statement in the Supreme Court, which is hearing a suo motu case about the alleged interference in the prosecution and investigation in high-profile cases. On the removal of Prosecutor Sikandar Zulqarnain Saleem in a graft case against PM Shehbaz, the statement read that after the submission of a challan, FIA deputy directors Munazza Shaheen and Chand Ashraf replaced him. On January 3, two special public prosecutors, Naseer-ud-Din Khan Nayyer and Moazzam Habib, were appointed by the law ministry. However, on February 1, Naseer-ud-Din Nayyer de-notified as a prosecutor by the law ministry. On February 16, Sikandar Zulqarnain and Rao Sami-ud-Din were appointed as special public prosecutors by the law ministry in addition to Moazzam Habib, who had already been assigned the task. On April 11, one Usman Riaz Gill appeared before the special judge central and submitted an application signed by Prosecutor Sikandar Zulqarnain as he had not appeared in the trial court on that day. In the application, he had claimed that the FIA DG, through an investigation officer of the case, had conveyed to him not to appear in the court as the suspects in the case were going to be elected the prime minister and Punjab chief minister and the quarters concerned might not be interested in prosecuting them. The FIA DG’s concise statement mentioned that on April 11, neither Prosecutor Sikandar Zulqarnain, nor Investigation Officer Ali Mardan Shah had appeared in the court. Also read: SC stops transfers in high-profile cases "The IO had been transferred out on 02-02-2022 and he relinquished charge on 08-04-2022. The new IO had not been appointed till that day. FIA law officers produced the record of the case in the court in that hearing. FIA law officers, Munazza Shaheen and Aqeel ur Rehman, had appeared in the court on behalf of the FIA. They have stated that all three special prosecutors of the prosecution team did not appear in the court on April 11.” The concise statement further read that the FIA law officers performed the functions of the prosecution. “The court proceedings order of the Special Judge (Central-1) dated 11-04-2022 also proves that the prosecution team had not appeared in the court. After the court had adjourned and fixed the Case for 27-04-2022, the application in question was submitted by one Usman Riaz Gill on behalf of the Prosecutor Sikandar Zulqarnain. The said person Usman Riaz Gill was not a member of the prosecution team. Sikandar Zulqarnain has not given any evidence in support of his assertion that he was stopped from appearing in the court." The FIA DG’s statement further read that if Zulqarnain provided any evidence, then his predecessor as well as the previous IO could be asked for an explanation. This happened during the tenure of previous FIA DG Sanaullah Abbasi. The statement added that on the next date of hearing on April 27, the prosecution team again did not appear in the trial court. "On 13-05-2022, the team of three prosecutors, namely Sikandar Zulqarnain, Rao Sami-ud-Din and Moazzam Habib was de-notified by the Ministry of Law and Justice. They were changed because they had not appeared on two consecutive trial court hearings. Moreover, Sikandar Zulqarnain had submitted an application through one Usman Riaz Gill in the Court on 11-04-2022 wherein the learned prosecutor himself recused from the case for reasons best known to him. Hence, his team was de-notified ultimately on 13.05.2022. Farooq Bajwa Advocate was appointed by the Ministry of Law and Justice as a new special public prosecutor." On the death of FIA Punjab Zone-I Lahore Director Dr Muhammad Rizwan, the statement read that he was granted leave by the previous DG Sanaullah Abbasi on “07-04-2022 with effect from 11-04-2022 to 17-04-2022”. "Through this leave order, he was also transferred to the FIA HQ on expiry of leave by the previous DG. He reported to the FIA HQ on 18-04-2022. Since then, the charge of the post of Lahore director has been assigned to the Deputy Director Nazia Ambreen, who is still holding the charge. All these changes were made during tenure of the previous FIA DG Sanaullah Abbasi. On 18-05-2022, Jahanzeb Nazir was posted the new Punjab Zone Lahore director against the vacant post. But due to the suo motu case order dated 19-05-2022, his posting order has been held in abeyance with effect from 19-05-2022. Therefore, he has not practically worked as director." The reply also stated that adequate steps had been taken for the preservation of the case files and record with the investigation branch of the FIA. “Instructions have been issued to all field formations of the FIA in this regard wherein active measures have been devised for protection of case records.”

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Kashmiris across Europe reject Yasin Malik's farcical sentencing

The Kashmiri diaspora across Europe on Thursday rejected the sentencing of Hurriyet leader Yasin Malik, urging the international community to intervene in the matter to safeguard the rights of the locals facing brutal Indian occupation for decades. The members of the community held protests in the UK, Norway, Italy and Germany, lashing out at Indian courts for falsely convicting Malik. Fahim Kayani, who heads Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK, said in a statement that the Kashmiri diaspora had resolved to take up the matter with European nations to hold India accountable for this “travesty of justice". "This is a recipe for genocide already underway in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)," he added. He added he had asked all TeK chapters across the UK to hold protests against the wrongful conviction after Friday prayer on May 27. Also read: Indian court jails Yasin Malik for life The demonstrations will be held to press India to release Kashmiri resistance leaders including Shabir Shah, Masarat Alam, Asiya Andrabi, Peer Saifullah, Dr Muhammad Qasim Faktoo and others. “Kashmir was never part of India,” Kayani said, referring to various resolutions by the United Nations that saw IIOJK as “disputed” and its future to be decided by its people. “It is India, which is denying this right of a free and fair plebiscite to Kashmiris, with its military might,” he also said. He maintained that the “kangaroo courts had no jurisdiction, whatsoever, to decide about the future of the freedom-loving Kashmiris.” The TeK president also thanked British lawmaker Muhammad Afzal Khan for raising the illegal jail term in the UK parliament. “It is a moral and international responsibility of the UK government to ask India to release all Kashmiri resistance leaders as Kashmir is a disputed territory." Also read: Yasin Malik’s conviction While addressing the protesters outside the Indian embassy in Oslo, Shah Hussain, the TeK president Norway, said: "Our stance has once again been proven that Indian courts are part and parcel of the illegal Indian military regime in the occupied territory. "These courts aid the illegal military occupation, thus, they have no credibility to decide these cases," he maintained. Hussain urged the Kashmiri diaspora across the world to stand up for “saving the Kashmiri leader in danger.” Addressing a separate public gathering, Mian Tayyib, the TeK secretary-general Europe, said: “We have seen no one prosecuted for the murder of Syed Ali Geelani and Ashraf Sehrai.” “Now, under the guise of the so-called courts and justice system, India wants to kill another Kashmiri leader.” Concluding, he said, "Kashmiris reject Indian courts and their justice system and we will never succumb nor be cowed down."

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Bilawal says $6 billion IMF deal is 'outdated'

An ongoing bailout deal between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is "outdated" given a number of global crises, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Wednesday, as the country struggles to implement targets set by the lender. He said it would be justified for Pakistan to plead this case before the IMF in current talks. Pakistan entered a three-year, $6 billion IMF deal in 2019, but is struggling to implement tough policy commitments. Talks are underway in Doha, the Qatari capital, to release funds to stabilise the country's struggling economy. "This IMF deal is not based on ground realities, and the context has absolutely changed from the time that this deal was negotiated," Bilawal told Reuters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Also read: Pakistan, IMF again fail to reach staff level agreement "This deal is a pre-Covid deal. It is a pre-Afghanistan fallout deal. It is a pre-Ukrainian crisis deal. It is a pre-inflation deal," he said. Terming the deal "outdated," he said it would be unfair and unrealistic to expect a developing country like Pakistan to navigate geopolitical issues under the current agreements. The IMF deal was struck by the government of former prime minister Imran Khan, who last month was voted out of power by a combined opposition - of which Bilawal is a part - based on his handling of the economy. "We have to engage with the IMF and we have to keep Pakistan's word to the international community... However, going forward, it is very legitimate for Pakistan to plead its case," FM Bilawal said. Under the programme, Pakistan has committed to fiscal consolidation and would require the removal of large unfunded subsidies on fuel and power, which are costing the cash-strapped country billions as global oil prices rise. Also read: Fate of IMF talks hinges on PM’s ‘big nod’ A pending tranche of over $900 million is contingent on a successful IMF review, and would also unlock other multilateral and bilateral funding for Pakistan, whose foreign reserves currently cover just two months' worth of imports. IMF staff made "considerable" progress during in-person and remote meetings with Pakistani authorities in Doha from May 18-25, the IMF said in a statement on Wednesday. IMF mission chief Nathan Porter said the two sides held "highly constructive discussions," and agreed on the need for Pakistan to continue to address high inflation and elevated fiscal and current account deficits. Porter noted that Pakistan had deviated from policies agreed in the last review of its Extended Fund Facility programme, and said the IMF officials had emphasized the urgency of removing fuel and energy subsidies to get back on track with reforms. Pakistan is faced with high inflation numbers - CPI inflation clocked at 13.4% in April. Removal of fuel subsidies would likely have political consequences for the country's new coalition government with elections expected within 16 months. Bilawal said he had earlier this month flown to the United States and met Secretary of State Antony Blinken in an effort to engage Washington, despite anti-American sentiment being whipped up by his political rival Khan in Pakistan. Imran alleges that Washington conspired with his political opposition to oust him from power because of his independent foreign policy, which included a trip to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. Washington denies the allegation. The two countries, once close allies, have had frosty relations in recent years. Bilawal said, despite the possibility of the US visit being used against him politically, that it was not in the interest of Pakistan to conduct foreign relations on the basis of domestic pressures. He also said he envisaged a role for Pakistan that bridges the gap between the United States and China. The United States is Pakistan's top export market and China is pledging billions of dollars of investment under its Belt and Road Initiative. On Afghanistan, Bilawal said he would like to see the Taliban regime live up to commitments made to the international community, including those on women's rights and education. "We believe that if we address the humanitarian and economic issues, it'll be easier for us to get to the new regime in Afghanistan, to comply if they have the economic and political space to do so," he said.

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FBR takes notice of seizing ‘luxury items’ from travellers at airports

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Wednesday took notice of the seizing of 'luxury goods' in small quantities from the luggage of the passengers arriving at the country's airports, and issued fresh directives in this regard. In a statement sent to Chief Collectors of Customs Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and Lahore, the authority said that the government had released a list of luxury items under SRO No 598, banning them until further orders. However, it has come to the knowledge of the board that the field formations, especially the relevant officials have started to seize items in small quantities, even edible items, causing inconvenience to the travellers, it added. The FBR directed the authorities to seize only the commercial quantities of the said items and facilitate the passengers as per the earlier practice in this regard. The communique made it clear that any violation of the fresh directives will lead to punitive steps against those responsible. Also read: Customs officials begin to seize 'luxury items' at airports A day earlier, it was reported that the Pakistan Customs had started seizing luxury goods from the travellers arriving at the country's airports. The items include chocolates, used mobile phones, branded shoes and those related to sanitary ware. According to some passengers, they had brought the items for their families and children on a non-commercial basis. On the contrary, Customs officials had said that they started taking the action in light of the federal government's directives. On May 19, the federal cabinet banned import of around 41 items for two months to forestall a looming default to support the balance of payments position. The prohibition will not apply to the imports in rupees or through barter mechanism by land routes. The prohibition may be reviewed after two months, the federal cabinet had decided.

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