The Supreme Court has, by a majority of 5-1, suspended its October 23 order that declared the trials of civilians in military courts null and void regarding the May 9 riots.
The decision came in response to intra-court appeals (ICAs) filed by the federal and provincial governments, as well as the defense ministry, challenging the earlier verdict.
A six-member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood and comprising Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Musarrat Hilali, and Justice Irfan Saadat Khan heard the set of intra-court appeals.
Justice Hilali differed with the majority decision.
On October 23, a five-member apex court bench headed by Justice Ahsan unanimously admitted the pleas and nullified the government’s decision to try civilians in military courts in connection with the May 9 riots which erupted after the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-then chairman Imran Khan.
Four judges out of the five declared that Section 2(1)(d) of the Army Act and 59(4) (civil offences) are “ultra vires the Constitution and of no legal effect”.
“Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing the trials of civilians and accused persons, being around 103 persons […] shall be tried by criminal courts of competent jurisdiction established under the ordinary and/or special law of the land in relation to such offences of which they may stand accused,” the short order read.
Following its verdict, the federal and the provincial governments along with the defence ministry filed intra-court appeals (ICAs). However, the caretaker government of Sindh refused to file any plea against the SC order.
Justice Masood, who faced objections regarding his inclusion in the bench, refused to recuse himself.
Former Chief Justice Jawwad S Khawaja and others had raised concerns about Justice Masood’s previous expressions on the matter, but the judge maintained his position.
The Supreme Court’s recent decision to suspend the October 23 verdict means that the trials of 103 civilians will continue, with the final ruling conditional upon the Supreme Court’s subsequent orders.
An anti-terrorism court has declared several leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) proclaimed offenders (POs) in three cases related to the May 9 riots.
The decision was made by Judge Abher Gul Khan in response to separate applications filed by the investigating officers (IOs) of the cases.
The IOs reported that despite strenuous efforts, the suspects, fearing arrest, had gone into hiding, making their apprehension challenging. Non-bailable arrest warrants had previously been issued against them, but the suspects failed to surrender to the law, prompting the police to request the court to declare them POs.
Those declared POs in two cases of torching police vehicles near Jinnah House and Sher Pao Bridge are Hammad Azhar, Murad Saeed, Farrukh Habib, Azam Swati, Mian Aslam Iqbal, Hamid Raza, Karamat Khokhar, Khalid Gujjar, Sajjad Ahmad and Zubair Khan Niazi.
In the third case, which pertains to burning the PML-N office in Model Town, Fawad Chaudhry, Hammad Azhar, Jamshed Iqbal Cheema and his wife Musarrat Cheema, Zubair Khan Niazi, Ghulam Abbas, Farhat Abbas and Hamid Raza had been declared POs.
The judge also directed the IOs to submit details regarding moveable and immovable assets of the suspects so that proceedings for the attachment of their properties under section 88 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) could be started.
It is noteworthy that several of these PTI leaders have already been declared POs in other cases related to the May 9 protests, including the attacks on Jinnah House and Askari Tower.
Hamza Shehbaz wants an exemption
In a separate legal development, an accountability court issued a notice to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on an application submitted by former chief minister Hamza Shehbaz. Hamza sought permanent exemption from personal appearance in the trial proceedings of the Ramzan Sugar Mills reference.
Appearing before the court with his lawyer, Hamza Shehbaz’s application prompted the court to direct a NAB prosecutor to submit a reply by January 12. The NAB had reopened the reference, initially closed under defunct amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance 1999, following a Supreme Court decision that struck down those amendments.
In the Ramzan Sugar Mills reference, NAB alleged that Shehbaz Sharif, then chief minister, and his son Hamza, in abetment and connivance, caused a loss of Rs213 million to the national exchequer by misusing their authority. The allegations revolve around the construction of a drain in Chiniot district primarily for the use of Ramzan Sugar Mills owned by Hamza and his brother Suleman.
Following an intervention by the court, Fawad Chaudhry’s wife has been granted permission to visit him during incarceration.
Additionally, the court has issued an order directing the provision of medical facilities to Chaudhry in accordance with the jail manual.
Presiding over the case, Justice Gul Hasan Aurangzeb emphasized the paramount importance of upholding the petitioner’s dignity.
Expressing concern over incidents akin to Chaudhry’s case, the court referenced the restrictions placed on Asif Zardari and the late former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, underscoring the need to ensure access for individuals to meet their families and lawyers.
Justice Aurangzeb remarked that such incidents bring shame to the officers involved, highlighting the significance of respecting the rights and dignity of those under legal scrutiny.
Chief Commissioner Anwar-ul-Haq presented a report before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) regarding the implementation status of Fawad Chaudhary’s plea for permission to meet with lawyers and family members.
The report revealed that former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry has been granted B-class facilities in jail, and as per the court’s directives, he has been permitted to meet with family and legal representatives.
In addition, the court sought details regarding the number of cases Chaudhry is involved in, to which his lawyer replied that he only had knowledge of one case. Fawad Chaudhry, a former leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, was arrested on November 4 from his residence on charges of allegedly accepting bribes after promising a job.
What are the facilities provided to class A or B?
Superior class prisoners are entitled to books and newspapers, a 21-inch television, a table and a chair, a mattress, personal bedding and clothing and food. The prisoners have to pay for all this themselves. The government is only obligated to provide them security in a high-security ward where they will be kept away from other prisoners.
Rooms are supplied with a cot, one chair, one teapot, one lantern if there is no electric light, and necessary washing and sanitary appliances. ‘A class’ prisoners may supplement the furniture by other articles within reasonable limit at their own cost, at the discretion of the Superintendent.
When several superior class prisoners are confined together, two ‘C class’ prisoners may be provided to cook food for them. If a superior class prisoner is confined individually he may be permitted a ‘C class’ prisoner for cooking. One attendant and one cook prisoner may be allowed to superior class prisoners up to 10 in number.
Anchorperson Mansoor Ali Khan has recently revealed details about what incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) women leaders do in jail.
Talking on a vlog published on his YouTube channel on November 22 titled “In the line of interviews: Who is next? | Dr. Yasmin Rashid’s message to Mansoor Ali Khan from jail”, he explained that he got a call from a woman who said that she wants to deliver Dr. Yasmeen Rashid’s message to him.
According to him, Yasmeen, PTI Central Punjab’s President, is taking care of other PTI-related women incarcerated in Central Jail Lahore.
Interestingly, they play Scrabble to pass their time in jail.
He further revealed that Dr. Yasmeen Rashid is doing well and feels healthy.
The Lahore police registered a case against the PTI leader for allegedly setting vehicles on fire on May 9, the day the PTI chairman was arrested from the premises of Islamabad High Court (IHC).
Mansoor Ali Khan stated during his vlog that Yasmeen Rashid will not only contest the election against Nawaz Sharif but Shehbaz Sharif too.
Previously, she contested the election from National Assembly (NA) 130 which is the same constituency as Nawaz but this time she intends to be a contestant in NA 132 which is Shehbaz’s constituency.
The Election Commission of Pakistan has yet to finalise the delimitation process but these are the areas that fell under NA 130 and NA 132.
NA 130
3-4 Gulberg F.F.C A.B.C.Q Block flates , Model town extention A-3 gulberg 3 Abu Bakr Block, New Garden Town Abu Bakr Street Shah Kamal Road Achra Baba Azam Chowk Aebak block new garden town Ahata Mol chand Feroz pur road ichra Ahata Mol Chand Ichra Ahmed Block, New Garden Town Akram Park Guromangat Akram Park Guromangat 3 Alhamd colony Alhamd Colony Allama Iqbal Town Ali Block New Garden Town Ali Park new samanbad Allama Iqbal Block Town Ravi Block Anayat colony , L block ANC Model Town A-one Nabi Pura gulberg 3 A-one Nabi Pura gulberg 4 Asif Block Allah Iqbal Town Askari 5, Flates Gulberg- 3 Askari Gulberg 3 Askari housing complex Gulberg 3 Askari-5, Gulberg 3 Ataturk Block, New Garden Town Atiq Street Shah Kamal Road A-Two Ghalib Market gulberg 3 Aurangzeb Block, New Garden Town Aurangzeb Block, Tariq Block New Garden Town Avenue civil Services academy Azeez park Ichra B-1 Gulberg 3 B-2 Audit Colony gulberg B-2 Gulberg 3 B-3 Gulberg 3 Babar Block, New Garden Town Baddar Block Allama Iqbal town Bahar Colony No.2 kot Lakhpat Bank Colony Bhabra Gulberg 3 Bhatti colony link road Moon street B-J-K Block Gulberg 3 Bloc k Model Town Block A Faisal Town Block B Faisal Town Block B-2 Gulberg Block C Faisal Town Block C-E gulberg 3 Block C-E Gulberg-3 Block D Faisal Town Block D New Muslim Town Block L Model Town Extension Block N LDA Flat Model Town Block N model town Block P Model Town Bukhari Market Rehmanpur Busti Allah Hoo Gulberg- C Block Model Town C Block New Muslim C-1, C-2, gulberg 3 Canal Park Canal Park Gulberg, 2 Canal Park, Ahata Bashi Ram Canal Park, Gulberg colony, D. Block Chah Mughal Chakian Ichra Chaudhary colony Samanabad Chaudhary colony samanbad Chenab Block Allama Iqbal Town Clifton Colony Cristian colony , Khan colony gulberg-3 D Blcok Model town D block Model Town D Block safdar Market Model Town Dohata Colony Ichra Dohata Colony Muhammad Ali road ichra E Block Model Ton E Block Model town E Block Model town, K Block Edin Villas, Q Block Model town F.C college Ferozpur road F.C college Kachi Abadi Falcon Colony Falcon Colony Gulberg 3 Fazila Colony Ichra Fazila Colony Shah Jamal Feroz Pur Road ichra Flate Block GOR-2 Model Town G,H Block Model town Garden Block, Ali Block Garden Block, Garden Town Ghazali Khushnama Flate Block GOR-2 Model Town Ghazali Park Ghos Azam Colony Gulberg-2 Gopal Nager GOR 3 SHADMAN Gulab Devi Hospital , Civil Eveation Quarters Gulberg 3, Block No4 Gulberg Block G,H Gulshan Block Allama Iqbal town Hafeez center Halli road Hameed Ali park Hameed park Hassanine Street Ashiqabad Hinray Kay gulber3 Hinza Block Allama block town Huma Block Allama Iqbal town Ichara Main Bazar Ichra Marbel Market, Muneer Shaheed Road Ichra Mata Rani Ichra Millat park Ichra sultan Ahmed Road Rehman pura Shah Jamal Chowk Ichra Sultan Ahmed Road Zaildar Road Shah Din Scheme Islam abad colony paki thathi Ithaad Colony Ithaad colony gulberg 3 Ithaad Colony Ichra J Block Model Tonw Jail road Shadman Market Jamia Asharfia / Asharfia Park J-Block gulberg 3 Jevan Hana Garden Town Jinnah Park Gulberg-2 Kacha Ferozpur Road Kachi Abadi F. C Collge Gulberg 3 Kachi Abadi Shah Jamal Kamboh Street Ichra Kamran Block Allama block town Karamabad Rehmanpur Karim Block Allama Iqbal Town Kashmir Blcok Allama Iqbal Block Khan colony Q Block Kothy Pind Faisal Town Kousar colony, Model Town L Block , Kalma Chowk L, J, K Wahdat Colony Lala Zar Colony LDA Flat Model Town Link Road Model Town M Block , Bulberg 3 , Bhabra M block , Gublerg 3 M Block , Gulberg Ferozpur road M. Block Wahidat M. Block Wahidat Colony M.M Alam Road Gulberg-3 Main Bazar Gopal Nagar gulberg 3 Main Bazar ichra Madina Bazar Main Bazar Zaildar Road Ichra Main Bluavard Gulberg- 2, P-Block Main Bluavard Gulberg-2, P-Block Main Gulberg Makkah colony , gulberg Makkah Colony block-1-Gulberg 3 Makkah Colony block-2 Gulberg 3 Makkah colony gulberg Makkah colony Street No.17-18 Makkah colony Street No.19-22 Maqbool Road Ichra Mehran Block Allama Iqbal Town Miraj Street ichra Model colony , Makkah Colony Model colony , Makkah colony Gulberg 3 Model Colony gulberg Model Colony Model Model Colony Model town Near Q block Model Town Block A Model Town Block B Model Town Block F Model Town Block F, E Block Model Town Block F, K Block Model Town Block G Model Town Block H Mohammad pur Faisal Mohammadpur Faisal Muhallah Sultan Ahmed Road Muhallah usman street , Muhallah usman street , nawab street Bhatti colony link Road Muhammad Pura Ichra Mumdoot Block Mustafa town Wahdat Road Muslim Block Allama Block town Mustafa abad , gulberg N block model town Nabi pura Two gulberg 3-2 Najaf colony Najaf colony , Hinza Block Naqsha Stop New Muslim Town Nargis Block Allama Iqbal Block Town Nasir Colony gulberg 2 Nawab Pura Ichra nawab street Bhatti colony link Road Nawaz Shareef Colony Nawaz Shareef Colony, Ferozpur Road Neelam Block Allama Iqbal Town New Muslim Town New Muslim Town EGC Colony New Muslim Town EGC Colony New union park New union park samanabad Nishtar Block Allama Iqbal Town Nishtar Park Allama Iqbal Town Nizam Block Allama Iqbal Block Town Nizam Block, Bhekay wal Nizamuddin Road Ashiq P Block, gulberg 3 P-3, link road BGECHS, Model town PAF Falcon Colony Gulberg 3 PAF Falcon Complex Pak Block Allama Iqbal Town Pakistani chowk Ichra Pakistani chowk Ichra Hamiyon Street Pakistani Chowk Ichra, Peer Ghazi Road Ichra Phase B-3, GECHS Pind Bhekay Wal Punjab University New Campus Pura Air Port , PIA colony PWD colony , Bhekay wal Q Blcok Model town Extention Q Blcok Model town Flates Q Block Model town Q Block Model town extention Q Block Umer Colony Kousar colony Qurban line , Iqbal Qurban line , Iqbal colony , gulberg Qurban line, kachi abadi R Blcok Model town Bahar Colony R Block Model Town R Block Model Town Extention R, Block Model town R, Block Model town Bahar colony Rachna Block Allama Block Rahat Park Rakh Chandray Rasool park Samanabad Ravi Block Allama Iqbal Town Rawan Abadi Raza Block Allama Iqbal Town Rehman Pura Akbar Street Rehmanpura Rehmanpura Ichra Rehmanpura Karam Abad Research Staff Colony New Campus Sadiq Trade Center, H- Block Sadiq Trade Center, H-Block Sait merry Colony Gulberg 3 Sakindria Block Allama Iqbal Town samanabad Sardar pura Ichra Satlej Block Allama Iqbal Town Search Colony New Campus Search Colony New Campus Shadman colony Shadman Colony 1 Shadman Colony Jail road Shadman colony No.1 Shadman II Shah Di Khui New Shah Di Khui New Campus Shah Jamal Shah Jamal Colony Shah Jamal Colony Shadman Shah Jamal Colony Shadman I, II Shah Kamal Road (Ithaad Park) Shair Shah Colony Sher Shah Block New Garden Town Shora Kothi Rehman park Sultan Ahmed road , Sultan Ahmed road , Zaildar Road Shah Din Scheme Ichra Tariq Block, New Garden Town Thay Pind Firdos Market Tipo block, Garden Town T-P block Guberg 2 T-P Block Gulberg-2 ulberg Block G,H Umer Block Allama Iqbal Town Umer Street , usman street, Link Road Union park samanabad Union park samanbad Usman Block, New Garden Town Usmana Bazar ichra Wahdat Colony Wahdat Park Wahdat Road Wahidat Colony Shah Kamal Road Z.Blcok flates Model town Zafar Ali road , Azeez Zafar Colony Nadeem Shaheed Road Zahoor Ilahi Road Gulberg 3 Zaildar Park Ichra Ahata Mol Chand Zaildar Road Ichra Zeenat Blcok Allama Block
NA 132
Araiyan Main Bazar Hidyara Muhallah Aahilo Wali Gali Kahna Nau Aahiloo Aasil Karogy Aasil Suleman Aatoo Asil Air Avenue Phase-8 DHA Airport Road Sehjpal Chowk Amam Bargah Araiyan Esayan Badhoki, centeral Park Badoki Badoki, centeral park Badoki, Haveli Mochiyan Baduwar Baho Bholy Baoo Wala Baoo Wala Barki Road Baoo Wala Barki Road Main Bazar Baoo Wala Caras Colony Baoo Wala Darbar Khawaja Wali Road Bar Ka Khurd Barki Barki Government Barki Koheryan Barki Muhallah Koyan Barki Muhallah. Basti Eid Gah , Kachwana road kahna Basti kachwana Basti kahna Nau Bawa Wala Bawa Wala Main Bazar Bay Dag, Jalal Abad Berhaman Abad Bhangali Bhatta Kohar Badian Road Bhatta Kohar Juggian Alfa Bheeni Sandhu Burhaman Abad Burka Kalan Chak Aahiloo Chak Dheera Chaneeko Mondi Chapa Dara Iqbal Butt Chapa Masjid Hafiz Sahib wali Class Mari Dara Abdul Rehman Aahilo road kahna Nau Dara Chahil Dera Pindi Dev Sani Dhala Dhaloke Dhaloky Dhalwan Dheerkay Dhori Dogran Khurd Drag Pura Chak Bhart Fatah Jhung Sing wala Fazal Park Chacho Wali Khurd Sharqi Gaga Gajjumata Gajjumata ( Afzal Park / Millat Town) Gajjumata ( Asif town No.12) Gajjumata ( Faisal Town/ Shalimar Town) Gajjumata ( Ghosia park) Gajjumata ( Ghosia Park/ Niko Wali Haveli) Gajjumata ( Ghulam Hussain colony) Gajjumata ( Green Scheme cap Housing Scheme) Gajjumata ( Gulshan Muneer Housing scheme Street No.3-4) Gajjumata ( Gulshan Muneer Housing scheme) Gajjumata ( Gulzar colony) Gajjumata ( Haveli Hakim Wali / Haroon Park) Gajjumata ( Haveli Samanbad) Gajjumata ( Millat / Gulshan Muneer Housing Scheme) Gajjumata ( Muhammad Pura / Haroon Park) Gajjumata ( Muhammad Pura Sawa) Gajjumata ( New Avenue colony/ gulshan Muneer Colony) Gajjumata ( Rehmat Park / Khalid town) Gajjumata ( Rehmat Park / Millat Town) Gajjumata ( Rehmat Park) Gajjumata ( Rehmat Park/ Millat Town) Gajjumata ( Shahzad colony) Gajjumata ( Tiba Ansarian) Gajjumata (Khalid Town) Gajjumata (Robi Nala Madina town) Ghali Mohammad Ali Tail Wala Kahna Nau Gheenay Ghillar Colony Ghohawa Ghohawa Badian Road Ghond Ghondi Gooband Pur Guli Haji Alam Ansari, Gulzar Park Gulvera Gulzar Park Guru Mangat Nau Abad Hadyara Muhallah Arayan Hair ( Ahmadi colony) Hair ( Badian road) Hair ( Fareed Kot) Hair ( Khandyala) Hair ( Khandyanwala) Hair ( Meeran town ) Hair ( Sabzi wala pul) Hair ( Saddique town) Hair ( Wara Jattan) Haji Park Badian Road Harpalkay Hassan Abad Health Center Manhala Hidyara Hidyara Basti Jan Hidyara Basti Jan Muhammad Hidyara Boher wali Masjid Hidyara Muhallah Hidyara Muhallah Araiyan Esayan Hidyara Muhallah Araiyan Main Bazar Hidyara Muhallah Awan Hidyaran Jattan Imran Wali Street, Shahzada road Ismail Pura Ghohawa Jhaliyan Jhalo Jhalo Health center Jhalo Kashmir Muhallah Jhalo Khokhar House Jhalo P/S girls Jhalo Jhalo Phatik Railway Jhamin Jhandeer Jhulkay Jhulkay ( Post office kahna Nau) Jhulkay ( Shareef park) Jhulkay (Anwar Wali Haveli / Central park) Jhulkay (Anwar WaliHaveli / Central park) Jowad Town Ghohawa dian Road Juggian Alfa Kachwana Basti, eid Gah Kachwana Basti, eid Gah Basti kahna Nau Kahna Kuhna Kahna Kuhna ( Gulshan Shafiq colony) Kahna Kuhna ( Kashmir Pati) Kahna Kuhna ( Muhallah/ Muhallah Meowatian) Kahna Kuhna ( Purana Muhallah) Kahna Nau Kahna Nau, Town Committee Karankay Karbath Kark Keerka Keet Keet ( Gaon) Khand Khanokharni Khar Maliyan Khawaja Khaliq Kheera Khuda Buksh Colony Bhatta Chowk Khushal singh Wala Koheriya Gujjar Muhallah Koheriya Malik Muhallah Kot Islam pura Kot Mela Ram Kot Nabi Baksh Kot Purs Ram ( Azad town) Ladhaykay Bhullar Ladhykay Ladhykay, Bhullar , Lakhoky Lalwa Lehna Singh Wala Lidher Main Bazar Baoo Wala Barki Road Main Bazar Manhala kalan Malik Chohar Wali Malik Chohar Wali Street Ameen Wali Street malik Pura Malik Pura Bhatta Kohar Malik Pura Bilal Town Maliyan Malkhoki Mandyala Manhala kalan Meer Colony Kahna Nau Mohalla Manawala Mohalla Rehmat Pura Badian Road Mojokay chak Danokay Mota singh wala Moya Kalan Moya Khurd Moza Bhatta Kohar Khuda Buksh Colony Ghazi Road Moza Ghohawa Moza Ghohawa Gulshan Scheme Muhallah Baabywal Muhallah Main Bazar Muhallah Meowatian Muhammad Muhammadi pur Munhala Kalan Munhala Khurd Mustafabad, lalyani Nai Abadi Class Mari Nai Abadi Ghohawa Nai Abadi Ghohawa Badian Road Nalka Stap Baoo Wala Naror Lailah pur Naseeb Abad Naseem Abad , Bilal Nagar Natha singh wala Nathoki Nawa Pind Gujjaran Nayab Colony Bhatta Chowk Near Aatta Floor Masjid Kahna Nau Noor Pur Noorani Masjid Street Chairman Wali Nurwar – Londo Khan Nurwar -Dara Ghory Khan Nurwar- Dara Moj Khan Nurwar govt girls high school Nurwar-Dara Muhammad Ismail Opal Paday Dara Lal Din Pandoki, Haveli Khokhran Pandoki, Mashmola Sultan Pura Pandoki, Muhallah Araiyan Pandoki, Muhallah Baba Bhullay Shah Pandoki, Muhallah Khokhran Pathankay Phadhana Phadhana Gharki Phadhana Muhallah Jattan DA Phularwan Phulrwan Pudri Qila Jeewan Singh Rahman Pura Raja Bhola Rakh Rakh Bangali Rakh Banikat Rakh Bhangali Rakh Dara Chahil Rakh Dhori Rakh Herdut Singh Rakh Padri Rakh Teda Rakh Teda Berhaman Ram Pura Kalan Ram Pura Khurd Road Nepal Bohigen Roadanwala Rustam Park Kahna Nau Sangat pura School Shahzad Shahzada Road , Deri Pura Shahzada Road Kahna Nau Shajpal Shajpal Bhatta Kohar Shankay Soora Sraich Street Gorgeous Warrior Street Street Master Amaad ul Street Master Amaad ul Din Kahna Nau Taqi Pur Dara Yousaf Chaki Wala Terda Thatha Khurd Thather Thay Pura The Sija Mirja Theh Janib Tiba Ghohawa Tiba Ghohawa Badian Road Tiba Ghohawa Badian Road Tiba Ghohawa Badian Road Masjid Bilal Tiba Ghohawa Bhatta Kohar Tiba Ghohawa Bhatta Kohar Main Bazar Tiba Ghohawa Pind Titlay
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) senior leader Raza Rabbani said on Monday that a resolution in favour of military trials against civilians is unconstitutional, promising that he will continue opposing it.
Last week, the Senate passed a resolution against the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision on civilian trials in military courts, calling for halting implementation of the judgment “unless it is considered by a larger bench”.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s Mushtaq Ahmed and PPP’s Rabbani opposed the resolution against the apex court’s decision.
Speaking in the Senate on Monday, Raza Rabbani said that he voted for setting up military courts in the country in 2015 as he was bound by his party’s discipline.
He also said that he voted in support of the resolution at the time on behalf of PPP. “I was ashamed for voting for the bill,” he said, adding that he, even today, was ashamed.
After voting in favour of setting up military courts in January 2015, the senator was in tears.
Rabbani said that he “never felt as ashamed” as he was on that day.
The Senate of Pakistan passed a resolution on Monday against the Supreme Court’s decision on civilians’ trial in the military courts, urging that the implementation of the judgment be stopped “unless it is considered by a larger bench.”
A five member bench of Supreme Court (SC) last month unanimously declared civilians’ trial in military courts null and void.
“Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing the trials of civilians and accused persons, being around 103 persons […] shall be tried by criminal courts of competent jurisdiction established under the ordinary and/or special law of the land in relation to such offences of which they may stand accused,” the short order read.
Independent Senator Dilawar Khan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) moved the resolution on Monday, stating that the decision is legally flawed as the larger bench did not announce the verdict and should not be implemented. The resolution observed with “apprehension that the invalidation of the jurisdiction of army courts is likely to facilitate vandals and abettors of terrorism and anti-state activities”.
“The Senate of Pakistan calls upon the apex court to reconsider its decision, urging alignment with the national security paradigm and sacrifices of the martyrs in order to address the concerns raised regarding the ramifications of the judgment on the security and stability of the nation.”
Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Murtaza Solangi, has said that President Dr. Arif Alvi should represent all political parties in accordance with the law and the constitution, to foster unity in the country.
Talking to the media on Sunday, Solangi said that the President’s role was not limited to one party, urging him to speak on behalf of all political parties.
“If the president continues to speak for one political party, it would undermine his own credibility,” he said.
Highlighting the essence of democracy as a platform for dialogue, Solangi dismissed concerns over complaints and grievances, stating that every party and individual had the right to voice their concerns at appropriate forums including courts and the election commission.
As regards the upcoming elections, Solangi pledged the caretaker government’s full cooperation and assistance to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), in accordance with the law and the constitution.
He commended the competence and the sense of responsibility shown by the current ECP management, noting that they adhered to the action plan outlined for the elections.
The people of Pakistan will determine the country’s future course on February 8, 2024, a date slated for the elections, he added.
President Arif Alvi has penned a letter to Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, expressing the concerns of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding the “erosion of fundamental rights and a level playing field for all political parties” in the upcoming general elections.
This communication follows the announcement of elections being held on February 8, 2024, stirring political activity across major party lines.
The details mentioned on X (formerly Twitter) account state, “President Dr. Arif Alvi has conveyed to the Care-taker Prime Minister, Mr. Anwar ul Haq Kakar, the concerns of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on the erosion of fundamental rights and level playing field for all political parties.”
He also forwarded a letter addressed to him by the General Secretary of PTI, Mr. Omar Ayub Khan, to the Prime Minister containing the concerns of the party.
In his letter, the President stated that it was of utmost importance that the caretaker government under the Prime Minister’s leadership made efforts as a neutral entity to provide a level playing field for all political parties.
President Dr. Arif Alvi has conveyed to the Care-taker Prime Minister, Mr. Anwar ul Haq Kakar, the concerns of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on the erosion of fundamental rights and level playing field for all political parties.
“In this context, it was reassuring to hear your recent statements whereby you stated that it was the caretaker government’s policy that all registered political parties should have equal rights and opportunities to contest the forthcoming elections”, he wrote.
He said that “there was a resonance in Pakistan that for free, fair and credible elections, all political parties and leaders had right to contest and it was up to people to decide.”
In his letter, President Alvi said that he was constitutionally “duty-bound, along with the prime minister and all institutions, to protect the rights of the citizens”.
He said that in his missive, the PTI secretary general had conveyed the party’s concerns and allegations regarding the “erosion of fundamental rights, with particular reference to enforced disappearances, forced conversions of political loyalties, absence of level playing field for major political parties, crackdown on media and mistreatment of female political activists through prolonged illegal detentions”.
In response to the concerns, PM Kakar has offered assurances that individuals affiliated with PTI Chairman Imran Khan, currently incarcerated in connection with the cipher case and convicted in the Toshakhana case, will be permitted to participate in the upcoming polls.
Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader and ex-federal minister Farrukh Habib announced his departure from the party on Monday, pledging allegiance to the Jahangir Tareen-led Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) during a press conference held at the IPP’s head office in Lahore.
In a significant blow to the PTI, Habib condemned the May 9 riots, attributing the responsibility for the turmoil to former prime minister and Chairman of PTI, Imran Khan. He criticized Imran Khan’s handling of the political situation, alleging that the former premier fueled violence and instigated a confrontation against state institutions.
Habib said PTI’s “war” with the state institutions was “not a war between believers and non-believers,” lamenting that the ex-premier brought the country to the verge of violence.
The IPP was formed on June 8 by estranged PTI leaders Tareen and Aleem Khan, who left the ex-PM’s party after severe disagreements, while several Imran loyalists have also joined hands with them.
“I wasn’t at my house for the past five months […] and for the last few weeks, I wasn’t even in contact with my family,” Habib told journalists.
“Since May 9, we did not face the law and were away from our houses. For the past five months, I was constantly pondering whether I joined politics for this reason,” he said.
During the press conference, Farrukh Habib highlighted a series of grievances with the PTI’s leadership, citing instances where he felt the party had deviated from its ethical and moral compass. He criticized the PTI chief for allegedly accepting gifts from the Toshakhana despite previously condemning similar actions by other political leaders.
“I realised that we took our real struggle to the path of violence. We stepped away from Pakistan which was envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam,” he said.
Habib recalled that the PTI government was ousted via a vote of no-confidence constitutionally, but regretted that the party did not wait peacefully after that. Expressing his perspective, he said the PTI should have opted for a “democratic struggle” and waited for elections.
“But you opted for violent resistance. We have faced beatings as youth leaders but we never opted for a violent approach. We used to work so dedicatedly for our vision,” Habib said. “But if you look at that struggle and compare it with the post-May 9 violence, you will see a difference.
“There were messages for people to take to the streets and their minds were hijacked. Their sentiments were provoked that Pakistan’s institutions are working against them,” he claimed.
Habib stated that “a message of hatred” was run on television all the time and a “bullet approach instead of ballot approach” was taken.
Habib’s decision to join the IPP follows a series of similar defections from the PTI in recent weeks, suggesting internal upheavals within the party ranks. The former minister’s remarks resonated with similar sentiments expressed by other estranged PTI members who have found a common cause in the IPP.
A police raid on a residence in Peshawar’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) narrowly missed apprehending former federal minister and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader, Murad Saeed, as confirmed by authorities on Sunday.
While Saeed managed to slip away, law enforcement officials disclosed that they had successfully detained some of his close associates, including a relative and personal staff members.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Warsak, Arshad Khan, has revealed that Murad Saeed was purportedly harbored in a residence located in Nasir Bagh, where he received assistance in his escape.
It was further reported that the relatives of Murad Saeed not only obstructed the police operation but also verbally abused the officers involved in the raid. Shockingly, Saeed managed to flee just minutes before the police’s arrival.
The trigger for the raid was a tip-off received by the Nasir Bagh police station, suggesting Saeed’s presence at the house of his relative in DHA. The Superintendent of Police (SP) Warsak division, Arshad Khan, confirmed the intelligence and subsequent action taken by the police team.
The First Information Report (FIR) filed after the incident highlighted Saeed’s alleged involvement in multiple cases, including a violation of Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorist Act. The report also accused the individuals present at the scene, including women, of obstructing the police’s efforts, allowing Saeed an opportunity to flee.
Additionally, the FIR detailed the recovery of firearms and ammunition from the vehicles seized during the operation. Notably, the owner of the house, Ilyas, along with Mohammad Arsalan, Azizur Rehman, and two women, who were identified as relatives of the former federal minister, faced charges under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Arms Act, including 506, 353, 186, 216, 148, 149, and 15.
It is pertinent to mention that there are ongoing cases against Murad Saeed related to incidents that occurred on May 9 and 10. The situation surrounding this case continues to evolve as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged escape of the prominent PTI leader.
