Tag: Babar Awan

  • Imran Khan’s name and picture to be banned on TV? Babar Awan expresses concern

    Imran Khan’s name and picture to be banned on TV? Babar Awan expresses concern

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Babar Awan has expressed concern over a possible ban on airing pictures and names of Party chairman Imran Khan.

    “Due to fear of Imran Khan, there is news of banning his name and picture on TV channels,” Babar tweeted on Wednesday.

    He further said that the government should file a review appeal against the results of the 1992 World Cup.
    “if Shehbaz and Maryam will not mention Imran in their speeches what else will they talk about?” his tweet added.

    Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) PEMRA has urged TV channels to boycott people “damaging peace” and not to promote people “inciting hatred” in relevance to the incidents of May 9 when PTI supporters clashed with law enforcement agencies. However, the media regulatory authority did not specifically mention Imran Khan’s name.

    It is being assumed by commentators that the notification was referring to the PTI chairman.

    “As per Article 19 of The Constitution of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and there shall be freedom of the press, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, [commission of] or incitement to an offence,” the notification issued by PEMRA read.
    “It is crucial to strike a balance between protecting freedom of speech and maintaining public order,” the notification added.

  • Supreme Court seeks reply from Imran on violation of May 25 order

    Supreme Court seeks reply from Imran on violation of May 25 order

    The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday sought a detailed reply from Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over the violation of the apex court’s May 25 order, which restricted the party’s Azadi March from entering D-Chowk in Islamabad.

    A five-member larger bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice (CJ) Umar Ata Bandial, heard the contempt of court petition filed by the government against the PTI chief over his violation of previous orders. The government argued that the former ruling party went against SC’s order and entered D-chowk.

    In May, the top court had issued clear instructions to hold its Azadi March protest near Peshawar Mor between the H-9 and G-9 areas of Islamabad. However, Imran Khan and his protestors made their way to D-Chowk, prompting the government to call in the Pakistan Army for the security of the capital’s Red Zone.

    During the hearing, the CJ said, “We are giving another chance to Imran for an explanation”, adding that the court had been proceeding with “caution” and “patience” in this case.

    “According to the material available with the court, a notice should be issued to Imran Khan. We are still giving him a chance to explain,” he said.

    The bench further expressed disappointment to the two PTI lawyers present in the court, Babar Awan and Chaudhary Faisal Hussain, over violating the court’s trust in the May 25 order.

    “When our trust is breached then it is very wrong,” said Justice Bandial and he noted that it seemed that the apex court was misled through the two counsels.

    Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan also noted that the SC order was misused. The hearing of the case was then adjourned until next week.

    Earlier, in a reply to the SC over the contempt of court plea, Khan had maintained that he was unaware of any statement or undertaking having been submitted to the court on behalf of the “senior leadership” of the party ahead of its May 25 long march.

    In a video shared by journalist Talat Hussain, Imran Khan, standing on top of his container on May 25, can be heard directing his supporters to reach D-chowk. He told the public that Supreme Court has said that would be no hurdles.

  • Azam Swati sent to jail on judicial remand for tweeting against Gen Bajwa

    A local court in Islamabad on Monday has sent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Azam Swati to jail on judicial remand in a case involving “controversial tweets” against Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

    During the hearing, Swati’s lawyer Babar Awan told the court that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) was praying for the recovery of the tweet sent by Swati. He also claimed before the court that the senator had an injury on one of his fingers and had a fracture as well.

    On the other hand, the prosecutor requested the court that a three-day physical remand of the senator be approved. But the court rejected the request and instead sent Swati to jail on judicial remand

    Azam Swati in custody: Court rejects FIA request, extends one-day physical remand instead of eight days

    A district and sessions court on Saturday extended the physical remand of Swati for one day. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had requested an eight-day extension.

    On October 13, Swati was arrested in the early hours of the morning for tweeting against General Bajwa. According to Swati, he was tortured by the investigation agency while in custody.

    Earlier in the day, when the hearing began, the Senator was presented in the court after a delay.

    During the hearing, FIA officials, along with their eight-day remand request, presented the record of Swati’s “controversial tweets” in the court.

    Giving the reason for the extension, Special Prosecutor Raja Rizwan Abbasi said that the FIA has to recover the said Twitter account’s password. He also informed the court that Swati wasn’t cooperating in the interrogation.

    Moreover, he said: “The said tweet is not the only tweet as Azam Swati has posted such tweets earlier as well.” He added that the FIA has records of the planned tweets from Swati’s official account.

    PTI’s lawyer Babar Awan also presented arguments, maintaining that the defence admits that Swati did post the tweet in question but there was legal cover.

    Awan said that he had told the senator to not say anything now. “If you want to check anything, check his [Swati’s] wounds,” he added.

  • ‘A dark day’: PTI reacts to Maryam Nawaz’s acquittal

    ‘A dark day’: PTI reacts to Maryam Nawaz’s acquittal

    Following the verdict of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) acquitting Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Thursday (today), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have said that today is, “Another dark day in the history of Pakistan”.

    PTI Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry took to Twitter to say that “The country’s institutions have lost the trust of the public”.

    “Beyond any doubt, it is another dark day in the history of Pakistan”, he added.

    Another PTI leader and former Energy Minister Hammad Azhar claimed that “PML-N itself seems to be a bit embarrassed after today’s ruling”.

    In a tweet, PTI Secretary-General Asad Umar made a claim that “Imran Khan’s government was removed so that imported government leaders could get their cases dismissed”.

    The former ruling party leader Babar Awan said, “Jitna bara daku, itni bari kursi“. (The bigger the thief, the bigger the chair). He added, “The jail department would teach lessons about the Sharif family to prisoners so that they can get NRO II as well.”

    The verdict:

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) acquitted Maryam Nawaz and her husband Captain (retd) Safdar in the Avenfield reference, nullifying the conviction handed to them in 2018 by an accountability court.

    After the victory, Maryam said that she was thankful to Allah for making Nawaz and herself proud today. She also took a jibe at PTI Chairman Imran Khan, telling him that he is a “helpless” person now and whether or not he decides to answer for his deeds, history will ensure that he answers for it.

  • Govt spends Rs20 million per month on Khan’s security: IG Islamabad

    In a meeting of the Senate Standing Com­mittee on Interior chaired by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Senator Mohsin Aziz, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Isla­mabad Dr Akbar Nasir Khan revealed that 266 personnel have been deployed for PTI Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s security, which costs the government Rs20 million per month.

    The meeting took place on Wednesday, in which IGP Islamabad also admitted that there are reports of threats to Khan’s life.

    IGP Nasir provided these details in the form of a report sought by Committee Chairman Mohsin Aziz, who took a suo moto notice on reports of withdrawal of Khan’s security.

    He was asked about the reasons for the withdrawal of Khan’s security and revoking of private security companies’ licenses that were deployed for his protection. In reply, the IGP said that besides the two private security companies, 266 personnel from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) police, Frontier Consta­bulary and Rangers have been deployed for PTI Chairman’s security.

    He added that the said licenses were revoked by the Interior Ministry, however, they are still performing security duties.

    Chairman Committee Aziz observed that Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah was invited eight times for this meeting, but he did not come to attend the meeting once.

    Senator Shahadat Awan remarked that instead of calling a meeting, the committee chairman could have directly asked the IGP about the issue.

    “An hour-long meeting costs Rs15 lakh from the national exchequer”, he pointed out.

    Federal Minister of Law and Justice, Azam Nazeer Tarar, said that despite concerns for flood victims, Imran Khan’s rallies were being held and abuses were being hurled. “This forum is not for discussing such matters,” he said.

    On Thursday, Imran Khan’s counsel, Babar Awan, informed the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) that Khan’s life is under threat.

    “IGP and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations will be responsible if something happens to my client,” warned Babar.

  • Imran Khan gets bail extension in 10 vandalism cases, to appear before court on July 30

    Imran Khan gets bail extension in 10 vandalism cases, to appear before court on July 30

    A district and sessions court in Islamabad extended Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s interim bail till July 30.  He got bail extension in 10 cases related to vandalism during his party’s Azadi March in the federal capital held on May 25.

    During today’s hearing, District and Sessions Court Judge Kamran Basharat Mufti approved an application filed by Khan seeking exemption from personal appearance and extended his interim bail.

    Read more: Khan in court, granted pre-arrest bail in 10 cases against him

    When Khan’s junior counsel Rai Tajamul pleaded with the court to grant his client interim bail in a case registered in Kohsar police station, the judge remarked that “Khan’s personal appearance is necessary” since he is seeking a fresh bail.

    He informed the court that the PTI chief is in Lahore, while his lawyer Babar Awan is abroad. However, Khan’s counsel assured the judge that his client would appear at the next hearing, which is on July 30.

    On July 19, Judge Mufti extended the interim bail of the PTI Chairman till July 21 in these cases.

  • Three year prison sentence, fine for false moon-sighting witnesses: bill

    Three year prison sentence, fine for false moon-sighting witnesses: bill

    The moon-sighting issue in Pakistan is a socio-religious challenge as many religious events(Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha) are directly related to it. In a bid to put an end to the moon sighting controversies around key festivals like Eid, the Pakistan government is imposing a three years imprisonment and a Rs 50,000 fine for anyone who announces the false moon sighting before the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.

    Adviser to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan introduced the Pakistan Ruet Hilal Bill 2021 on behalf of the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Noorul Haq Qadri.

    The proposed bill mainly aims to tackle the formation of a Federal Ruet Hilal committee, led by recognised Ulema and scholars from all sects and schools of thought which has a history of announcing Eid and the start of Ramazan.

    The bill authorises only the chairperson of the federal committee or his nominee to make an announcement regarding the sighting of the moon. The bill proposes a fine of up to Rs50,000 for anyone violating the law.

    The federal committee, according to the bill, will comprise 16 members, including the chairperson. The federal committee will consist of two Ulema from each province and Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir; a grade-20 officer from Met Office, a science and technology expert and a representative of the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission and an officer of the level of director general from the Ruet Hilal Affairs division of the ministry, who will act as the secretary of the committee.

    The bill has suggested a complete ban on any other committee formed by individuals under any name for sighting of the moon for commencement of each Islamic Hijri calendar month.

  • Government decides to give extension to NAB chairman

    The government has decided to give an extension to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal and a draft ordinance has been prepared, Ayaz Akbar Yousafzai reports for Geo News.

    Law Minister Dr Farogh Naseem, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan, and Adviser on Interior and Accountability Mirza Shahzad Akbar suggested changes in the law.

    According to sources privy to the matter, more than one amendment has been proposed.

    Geo reports that Prime Minister Imran Khan will chair a meeting today (Tuesday), in which a final approval will be given to the proposal drafted in consultation with federal ministers.

    The tenure of a NAB chairman cannot be extended under section 6(b) of the NAB Ordinance 1999.

    Earlier, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari tweeted that the PPP will forcefully oppose the illegal extension in the tenure of Chairman NAB.

  • ‘Set Election Commission on fire,’ PTI’s Azam Swati accuses ECP of taking bribes

    ‘Set Election Commission on fire,’ PTI’s Azam Swati accuses ECP of taking bribes

    Federal Minister for Railways Azam Khan Swati on Friday accused the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of taking bribes and being on the payroll of ‘someone’.

    Swati said that the ECP was responsible for destroying Pakistan’s democracy and for rigging all elections. Swati added that such institutions should be “set on fire”. This happened when the Senate Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs met today to vote on two key election bills.

    When the meeting started, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan said that the government would like to respond to the ECP’s 37 objections to the proposed introduction of electronic voting machines (EVMs). While Awan was giving the government’s answers point-by-point to the ECP’s objections, suddenly Azam Swati interjected and accused the ECP of taking money. Opposition members present in the meeting strongly objected to this accusation and protested.

    As the Opposition members were protesting, ECP representatives present in the meeting all got up and said that they will not tolerate such behaviour and are boycotting the meeting. ECP representatives then walked out.

    Chair Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs Senator Taj Haider asked a few Opposition members to go and talk to the ECP representatives so as to bring them back to the meeting. By the time Senator Kamran Murtaza went to bring them back, the ECP delegation had left the building.

    Meanwhile, Azam Swati kept hurling accusations at the ECP even after the constitutional body’s representatives had left. Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar and other Opposition members condemned Swati’s remarks and said that he cannot accuse a constitutional body of taking bribes, and asked for proof.

    Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar asked Swati: “Kis se paisay pakrray hain ECP ne? Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) se ya Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) se?”

    [Translation: Tell us who has given money to the ECP? PPP or PML-N?]

    Swati and Khokhar then had a heated exchange.

    “I told Swati that the government should stop browbeating the ECP. It is a constitutional body. How can the government accuse a body of taking bribes without any proof — only because the ECP does not agree with the government on EVMs? Such accusations are shameful,” Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar told The Current. Senator Khokhar added that the government must apologise to the ECP.

    After things calmed down, Babar Awan asked for permission to continue with his answers to the ECP objections. He was then told that since the ECP members are not present anymore, he cannot continue in their absence. The standing committee then decided to vote on the amendments but the government raised objections as Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri was not present in the meeting. Due to her absence, the Opposition members were in majority today. The government asked that she should be allowed to vote via video link.

    According to sources, Senator Zehri had missed her flight from Karachi in the morning. The government wanted to delay the voting till she could take a flight and reach Islamabad after the Friday prayers. It should be noted that Senator Samina Zehri had been included in the Senate Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs by Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani in order to tilt the balance towards the government in the Senate panel, as per Dawn.

    The Senate panel rejected the government’s proposed amendments but the government members walked out and did not take part in the voting process and walked out.

    Babar Awan tweeted that the government will get the two election bills passed through a joint session of parliament.

  • Send domestic violence bill to Islamic council, suggests PM’s aide

    Send domestic violence bill to Islamic council, suggests PM’s aide

    Adviser to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan has written a letter to Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser suggesting that the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill 2021 should be sent to the Council of Islamic Ideology to check if the proposed law is or is not “repugnant to the Injunctions of Islam”.

    Journalist Ansar Abbasi shared the news on Twitter and congratulated Prime Minister Imran Khan for this step.

    Speaking on Geo News programme ‘Naya Pakistan’, Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari had asked, “Can someone tell me which clause in the bill is against our religion?”

    “This law is not only for women but men can also file a case using it,” Mazari added.

    Senate passed two key government bills related to human rights last month, which include the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill 2021 and the Islamabad Capital Territory Senior Citizens Bill 2021.

    Analyst Ansar Abbasi took to his Twitter account to oppose the bill.