Governor’s delay helps defamation bill to convert it into law

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) attempts to distance itself from the defamation bill that received assent from the acting governor after Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider, who had been abroad since earlier this week, delayed its approval for over ten days, either advertently or due to a lack of legal knowledge, thereby paving the way for the bill to become a law. The controversial defamation bill was passed by the Punjab Assembly on May 20 and later landed at the governor’s office.  Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider did not approve of the content of this bill and cited a lack of proper deliberation on the issue as a matter of grave concern. While talking to The Express Tribune, the governor had stated that he would seek permission from the party leadership before returning it to the assembly.  He said that his decision would align with the PPP’s policy. His party’s provincial leadership was bitterly critical of the bill, and termed it a draconian move to suppress the freedom of media.  The open criticism of the bill and PPP's claims of their absence during the voting of the bill led many to assume that the Punjab governor would return it to the assembly for reconsideration. Contrary to the PPP's public position, the Punjab governor continued to delay action on the bill for over ten days, opting not to return it. Earlier this week, the governor left for Dubai, and under Article 104 of the Constitution, the charge of his office landed with Provincial Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan.  After assuming charge, Khan gave assent to the bill, effectively converting it into a law. Under Article 116 of the Constitution, the Punjab governor only had 10 days to give his assent to the bill or send it back, which meant that if the governor had any intention of returning it to the assembly, he would have done so within the stipulated time period. However, this did not deter his party from claiming that PPP was still against the bill, despite giving their coalition partner an open field. This was not the first time the PPP adopted a hypocritically confused stance on national issues. Previously, during the constitutional matter of holding elections within 90 days, PPP publicly advocated for timely polls but, during the Council of Common Interests meeting, it sided with parties pushing for an unconstitutional delay of general elections under the pretext of fresh census.    PPP Central Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza, reacting to the passage of the Defamation Bill 2024, said that it has been approved in haste and that its consequences would be detrimental. He believed it would have been better to take all the stakeholders on board before passing the bill. PPP considers the defamation bill a restriction on journalism and freedom of expression, he said.  Murtaza accused the acting Punjab governor of taking undue advantage of the situation.  It seems that the PML-N waited for the departure of Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider from the country, Murtaza said, adding that PPP has been expressing its reservations on the bill since day one. “Despite the worst media trial of the party leadership, PPP never targeted journalism.” Murtaza noted that the defamation bill garnered immense criticism, particularly from journalists and digital rights activists.  The bill received its final approval from Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, who currently holds the position of acting governor in the absence of Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider. PPP Central Punjab Information Secretary Shahzad Saeed Cheema, in a press statement issued by the party, reiterated that his party’s stance on the defamation bill was clear and unwavering. He emphasized that questioning anyone's intentions regarding the approval of the bill is unjustifiable. In a statement, Cheema asserted that undermining freedom of expression with allegations was not their style. He stressed that blaming the Punjab governor for this issue is equivalent to defamation and slander, as Haider’s overseas trip was already planned. Linking his personal activities to the approval of the defamation bill is malicious, Cheema said. A PPP leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that the party would seek answers from the Punjab governor as to why he delayed action on the bill. He said that the PPP had wanted the bill to be returned with suggestions, expecting the Punjab governor to engage with all stakeholders to seek their input point by point. He said that this only reflects his lack of legal knowledge, as there was no malice on his part.  

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Govt faults political parties for Chaman flare-up

As the border town of Chaman remains on tenterhooks after three days of violent clashes between protesters and police, Balochistan’s home minister defended the government’s handling of the situation and blamed some political parties for exasperating the standoff.  The previous caretaker government had enforced passport regulations for cross-border movement, sparking a marathon protest sit-in by local businessmen and workers in the Pak-Afghan border town whose economy depends on trade with the neighbouring country. Defending the government policy on Saturday, Home Minister Meer Zaiullah Langau shared purported evidence of terrorist activities allegedly facilitated by the earlier policy, which allowed free movement of people on both sides of the border. The minister expressed deep sorrow over the death of a child and offered condolences to the bereaved family. He, however, criticised local political parties and accused them of exacerbating tensions rather than serving as a bridge between the government and protesters.  He urged the people of Chaman to seek political avenues for resolving their issues and to stay away from elements stoking unrest in the town. Meanwhile, a tense calm prevailed in the border town on Saturday after a turbulent week. Despite the calm, security measures were visibly heightened. The streets, typically bustling with daily commotion, were under the vigilant watch of patrolling security forces, including police and levies, tasked with maintaining law and order. Parallel to the quietude, the city's heartbeat was marked by the steadfast presence of protesters, who have been calling for an end to restrictions that have long influenced their cross-border movements and daily lives. The situation in Chaman escalated last week when participants of the marathon sit-in allegedly attacked the deputy commissioner’s office. Subsequently, authorities launched a crackdown, arresting the alleged attackers and lodging cases against them. A recent explosion in the area resulted in injuries to security personnel, further complicating the crisis.  

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Escalating costs, delays hinder road projects

The proposed dualisation project of the Faisalabad-Chiniot-Sargodha road, from Kamalpur interchange to Phattay Stop in Tehsil Lalian, has become a victim of mismanaged planning, funding shortages, and official apathy. Initially estimated at Rs3 billion in 2015, the project's cost has now escalated to Rs17 billion, yet it remains unapproved. Sources said the road was initially carpeted in 2008 with financial assistance from China. Due to increasing traffic and numerous public complaints about its deterioration in 2014, the Punjab government prepared a PC-1 to dualise the road, estimating a cost of Rs3 billion for the 2016-17 fiscal year. The project was to be completed in PPP mode (public-private partnership) on a BOT basis (Build, Operate, Transfer) by the contractor. NESPAK conducted a comprehensive survey to determine traffic volume, land acquisition needs, estimate preparation, encroachments, and traffic counts. In 2018, under political pressure, the project was formally launched from district Chiniot towards Faisalabad, with the tender awarded to NLC. However, the Punjab government failed to release the allocated funds, leading to the project's abandonment and the cancellation of the tender. In 2019-20, the project was revived under the PPP mode, with Rs800 million released for land acquisition on both sides of the road from Chak 3 JB Bypass to district Chiniot (24km). Land was acquired in 2020, but further funds were not released, causing the project to be shelved again due to lack of funds. In the current financial year 2023-24, Moulana Ilyas Chinioti, a three-time MPA from Chiniot, raised the issue in the provincial assembly and threatened to resign if the project was not restarted. Consequently, the Highway Department divided the project into two phases: Kamalpur interchange to district Chiniot (Phase-1, costing Rs7 billion) and Chiniot to Phattay Stop Lalian Tehsil (Phase-2, estimated at Rs9.5 billion). This road is one of the busiest routes in Punjab, handling a significant volume of heavy load dumpers and trucks carrying stone and construction materials. The current road is 24 feet wide, in poor condition, and insufficient for the traffic volume, leading to numerous fatal accidents and severe losses of lives and property. Abdullah Kakar, Executive Engineer of the Highway Department, emphasised the urgent need for the road's dualisation to accommodate heavy traffic and ensure commuter safety. He stated that improving the road will not only facilitate the headquarters of Sargodha, Chiniot, and Faisalabad districts but also uplift the socio-economic conditions of the area by serving several towns, including Kamalpur, Chak 2 JB, 3 JB, 4 JB, Ramdiwali/Arfa Karim Nagar, FDA City, Loona Adda, Fast University, Jhoke Mor, Madina Sugar Mills, Rabwa, and Lalian and its surrounding localities. The PC-1/cost estimate of the project has been submitted to the Punjab government for approval, with plans to tender it under the PPP mode. Published in The Express Tribune, June 8th, 2024.

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‘Pindi to get 78 eco-friendly buses’

To enhance the quality of public transport, the Punjab government says it will run 78 electric buses on various routes in Rawalpindi. Punjab Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar Khan made the announcement and said the routes for these buses are being planned in consultation with elected public representatives as per the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Additionally, repair work on the metro bus track has commenced and is anticipated to be completed by December. Addressing a press conference in Rawalpindi, The minister shared that his visit to the city was directed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, focusing on resolving transport issues in Rawalpindi through discussions with members of the national and provincial assemblies. The public transport project, featuring 78 electric buses, will begin next year, with the buses set to operate on six routes, including Taxila, Wah Cantt, IJ Principal Road to Chungi No 26, and Daultana to Rawalpindi. Route proposals have been solicited from local assembly members to ensure comprehensive coverage. He criticised the previous government for neglecting the maintenance of the metro bus system, noting that the current administration has initiated repair work on the metro track, with completion expected by December. He emphasised that despite propaganda against the PML-N for constructing the metro bus, millions of citizens now rely on this service. Without the metro bus, the condition of the roads would have significantly deteriorated. Highlighting the accomplishments of the current administration, he mentioned that 32 new field hospitals have been incorporated into Punjab's healthcare system within a hundred days. These hospitals provide essential services, including delivery, dispensary, and pharmacy facilities, benefiting 30,000 to 35,000 people daily with free treatment. Additionally, a farmers' package is being introduced, allowing farmers to obtain fertilizer without interest. Significant changes have also been implemented in the police force to address harassment complaints against women. The provincial minister announced that 20,000 students would receive motorbikes without interest, and 7,500 women have applied for e-bikes, all of whom will receive them. He also stated that every institution in Punjab has been digitised, allowing files to reach officers instantly. The Dastak Project has been launched to deliver certificates and vehicle files to homes for a fee of Rs900, with Rs100 retained by the Punjab government. Already, 10,000 people have joined this system. Minister Khan emphasised that the current administration does not engage in the politics of vandalism and dismissed the opposition's claims of election theft as outdated. He challenged PTI supporters to compare their performance, asserting that the current administration's accomplishments within a hundred days surpass those of PTI. He criticised the chief minister of KP for his lacklustre performance and emphasised the importance of national unity for development and economic stability. Published in The Express Tribune, June 7th, 2024.

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Pakistan's communication satellite reaches orbit

Pakistan's national space agency’ Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), has announced its communication satellite, PakSAT-MM1, has reached its designated orbit. A SUPARCO spokesperson confirmed that its second satellite, launched on May 30, has reached its geostationary orbit. "PakSAT-MM1 is now positioned at an altitude of 38,786 kilometres above the Earth," the spokesperson said. The satellite is stationed at 38.2 degrees East. Weighing 5 tonnes, PakSAT-MM1 is equipped with state-of-the-art communication technology, which will provide high-speed internet access across the country. "Following its deployment, the satellite's solar panels have started functioning," the spokesperson added. "Various tests will be conducted to assess the satellite's health and performance in orbit." Read also: PAKSAT MM-1 satellite launched to orbit The launch of PakSat-MM1 marks a significant milestone for the country’s space programme, which aims to enhance the country’s communication infrastructure and reduce dependency on foreign satellites. The satellite is expected to improve internet connectivity, especially in remote and underserved areas, supporting the country’s digital transformation initiatives. The satellite was sent into orbit from China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC). This launch follows the successful deployment of Pakistan's first communication satellite, PakSAT-1R, in 2011.

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Police to patrol around cattle markets

In preparation for the upcoming Eidul Azha celebrations, over 3,000 officials have been deployed across 227 cattle markets throughout Punjab. IGP Usman Anwar emphasised the importance of strict adherence to approved cattle market locations designated by district administrations, with no tolerance for unauthorised markets. He issued directives for legal action against any illegal cattle markets or sale points, stressing the need for effective patrolling to deter criminal activities such as fraud and pickpocketing. To reinforce security efforts, specialised units including the Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit, and patrolling teams will be deployed to patrol the vicinity of cattle markets, ready to swiftly apprehend any offenders engaging in illegal activities. In Lahore, over 500 police officials have been assigned to secure the 10 designated cattle markets. Similarly, deployments have been made across various regions, with 200 personnel in Sheikhupura, 600 in Gujranwala, over 100 in Rawalpindi, 200 in Sargodha, 300 in Faisalabad, 275 in Multan, 150 in Sahiwal, over 200 in Dera Ghazi Khan and over 300 in Bahawalpur. Published in The Express Tribune, June 6th, 2024.

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Imran Khan’s X handle operated by Ilyas, Mashwani from abroad: Gohar

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Gohar Khan, in his statement to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) regarding the controversial video released from Imran Khan's social media account, expressed disagreement with the decision to upload the said video. He confirmed that Jibran Ilyas and Azhar Mashwani manage the social media accounts of the incarcerated PTI founder from abroad. During the FIA's cybercrime inquiry into the contentious video, Barrister Gohar was interrogated for two hours, while the party's Information Secretary, Raoof Hasan, was questioned for four hours. Sources revealed that Gohar expressed disagreement with the content of the controversial video. He stressed the need to avoid escalating the situation and importance of finding a peaceful resolution. Barrister Gohar reiterated that he did not conclusively agree with the upload of the contentious video, affirming that Ilyas and Mashwani, managing social media accounts from abroad, bear primary responsibility for the content creation and video production. He distanced himself from any involvement in this regard. Also read: PTI’s Sanam Javed rearrested after delay in delivery of release order When asked about the rationale behind PTI's decision to entrust social media responsibilities to individuals residing outside the country, Gohar refrained from providing satisfactory clarification, citing prior approval of such arrangements within the party before his involvement. Raoof Hasan, responded to inquiries during the investigation, stating that the party’s social media is being operated by Ilyas, based in the United States, and he remains accountable for the situation. However, Hasan stated that he lacked information leading to the video's upload. When queried about the similarities depicted in the controversial video by displaying the image of the current military leadership, Raoof Hasan stated that he would bring these concerns to Imran Khan's attention and seek clarification. Sources also revealed that Barrister Gohar struggled to justify the controversial video during the inquiry. Raoof Hasan also attributed the video to the social media team, while PTI Secretary-General Omar Ayub did not attend the inquiry and instead sent his lawyer.

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