Tag: Pakistan

  • Islamabad High Court orders Parvez Elahi’s release

    Islamabad High Court orders Parvez Elahi’s release

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Sept 5 suspended the detention of PTI President and former chief minister Punjab, Parvez Elahi, under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), ordering his release.

    On Friday, the Lahore High Court (LHC) had ordered that the former Punjab chief minister be released.

    However, hours after he was released from Adiala Jail, Islamabad Police arrested Chaudhry Parvez Elahi from Canal Road in Lahore, leaving with him for the federal capital. Earlier that day, the Lahore High Court (LHC) ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to release Parvez Elahi, along with a restraining order against his possible arrest by any agency or preventive detention, after the accountability watchdog’s decision to arrest the former chief minister of Punjab was challenged in court through a petition.

    The visuals of his arrest went viral on social media.

    According to the capital police, Elahi was taken into custody on orders of the district magistrate under Section 3 of the MPO.

    Section 3 of MPO empowers the government to arrest and detain suspected persons. It states: “The government, if satisfied that with a view to preventing any person from acting in any manner prejudicial to public safety or the maintenance of public order, it is necessary to do, may, by an order in writing, direct the arrest and detention in such custody […] and [the] government, if satisfied that for the aforesaid reasons, it is necessary so to do, may extend from time to time the period of such detention, for a period not exceeding six months at a time.”

    After being moved to Attock jail, Parvez Elahi had approached the IHC against his detention, urging the court to declare it as “patently illegal, unlawful and without lawful authority”.

    In the petition, Elahi had requested the IHC to set aside the detention order and issue directives for his release. Interior secretary, district magistrate, the Islamabad police chief and the Adiala Jail’s superintendent were made respondents in the case.

    On Tuesday, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri took up Elahi’s plea. The court suspended the PTI leader’s detention order and also ordered his release. The court also issued a notice to the duty magistrate who ordered Elahi’s detention.

    Further, the court also summoned Elahi at the next hearing and ordered him to not issue any kind of statement until the next hearing. The hearing was subsequently adjourned till Tuesday (September 12).

  • PDM is not ready to talk with Imran

    PDM is not ready to talk with Imran

    Central leaders of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) have mutually decided not to talk with former Prime Minister Imran Khan about any political matter.

    Sources privy to inside details have told Jang that PDM leaders called Imran Khan responsible for inflation in the country as well term him the mastermind of the incidents of May 9.

    Sources also confirmed that PDM will contact the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) within 48 hours to discuss the matter of talking to Imran.

    Earlier, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said after meeting Imran Khan in Attock jail that the former prime minister was ready to talk to institutions and political parties about elections, stressing that he wants free and fair polls in the country.

    In a tweet, the lawyer said that he met Imran Khan at Attock Jail along with his colleagues. “Alhamdulillah, he is in great spirit but concern about ongoing uncertainty, inflation, and terrorism. He is willing to talk to all BUT about election,” he stated.

  • IMF declines request for tariff adjustment and subsidy on high electricity bills 

    IMF declines request for tariff adjustment and subsidy on high electricity bills 

    In light of the government’s comprehensive deliberation on strategies to alleviate the burden of electricity bills, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has declined the proposal for tariff adjustments or additional subsidies. This decision was made despite the government’s assertion that its bill collections for August had nearly met expectations, as reported by The News on Tuesday. 

    The IMF has expressed strong reservations regarding the government’s initiative to provide relief to economically disadvantaged individuals facing high power bills. Pakistan has consequently approached the global lender, requesting permission to phase in upcoming quarterly tariff adjustments (QTAs) and Fuel Price Adjustments (FPAs) amounting to Rs7.50 per unit over the next four to six months. 

    An authoritative source confirmed this request, stating, “Pakistan has sought the IMF’s approval for a gradual implementation of QTAs and FPAs over a four to six-month period, potentially incurring additional costs that will require mutual agreement.” 

    According to sources, the power sector continues to grapple with challenges, given the necessity of increasing tariffs by approximately Rs5 per unit in the current month and incorporating FPAs amounting to Rs2.72 per unit. Consequently, a cumulative tariff increase exceeding Rs7 per unit is anticipated.  

    The computation of QTAs will be based on losses incurred during the April-June period, reflecting reduced unit usage, increased interest payments, and fluctuations in exchange rates. Meanwhile, the FPA is calculated to address the rising prices of imported fuel, resulting in a potential hike of Rs7.50 per unit in September bills, subject to regulatory approval.  

    Simultaneously, the Ministry of Power asserts that its bill collection performance for August 2023 has improved and is nearing expectations. They contend that to mitigate the impact of inflated bills, they must seek the IMF’s approval for the staggered implementation of QTAs and FPAs.  

    According to calculations by the Ministry of Power for various consumer categories, those utilising 400 units can anticipate a reduction in power charges from Rs21,000 in August 2023 to Rs16,963 in September and further to Rs11,356 in October, factoring in QTAs and FPAs. Similarly, charges for consumers using 300 units are projected to decrease from Rs13,000 in August to Rs10,000 in September and Rs8,000 in October 2023. 

    With the onset of winter in October, it is anticipated that the issue of escalated bills will gradually subside. Additionally, officials are planning to approach the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to determine the next tariff adjustments, considering seasonal usage trends. Given the peak usage during the summer months followed by a decline in winter, tariff adjustments will be tailored to accommodate these seasonal fluctuations. 

    The Prime Minister has instructed the Ministry of Finance to develop a strategy for economic stability in Pakistan. During a meeting with Interim Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar, the current economic situation was discussed. 

    The government aims to find innovative solutions to ease the burden on electricity consumers, addressing issues like circular debt, power theft, and taxes with short-term measures. 

    The caretaker government’s primary goal is to facilitate early general elections while upholding constitutional obligations such as constituency delimitation following the population census. The focus is on restructuring fiscal and monetary policies for economic revitalization. 

  • When is Nawaz coming back? PML-N sources announce a date

    When is Nawaz coming back? PML-N sources announce a date

    As former Prime Minister Imran Khan remains incarcerated at Attock Jail, the matter of the return to Pakistan of another former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, remains unclear with no official announcements as yet.

    However, SAMAA News has reported that the official date may finally have been decided.

    There is a strategy in place for Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif’s long-anticipated return from London. Nawaz Sharif will reach Lahore from London on a passenger plane on October 15, SAMMAA has reported. PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif will also meet Nawaz in this regard today.

    PML-N sources said that Nawaz Sharif has assigned his central leadership with arranging his reception.

    According to sources who talked to the news outlet, former assembly members and organisation executives have been told to gather as many individuals as possible for the party head’s reception.

    Maryam Nawaz, the PML-N’s chief organiser, is in charge of reception-related matters.

    Earlier, it was reported that Nawaz will return to Pakistan by mid-September; however, the party’s plans changed in the last few days after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced that elections will not take place within 90 days.

  • Action taken against those who attacked Ahmaddiya place of worship

    Action taken against those who attacked Ahmaddiya place of worship

    Journalist Arshad Yousafzai took to X (formerly twitter) on Monday to share a video where a charged mob can be seen vandalizing The Ahmadiyya Hall, a place of worship for the Ahmaddiya community in Karachi. The mob was breaking the minarets of the building in Saddar, just a few streets away from Preedy Police Station. Around two hours after the post, Mayor Karachi, Murtaza Wahab announced that action has been taken and three people have been arrested.

    The constitution of Pakistan and Pakistan Penal Code ensures that all citizens have the right to practice their religion in peace. Interim Prime minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar also offered assurances after the Jaranwala incident that all minorities, including Ahmedis, will be protected by the state.

    X user Samrina Hashmi reminded everyone how targeting anyone’s place of worship goes against constitution and religion.

    Fahad Desmukh wrote how the same building was attacked a few months ago.

    ShaRzyeea talked about her childhood memories linked to this place, “So many of my childhood memories are in this place that is connection and safety.”

  • Public Holiday on Sept 7 in Lahore

    Public Holiday on Sept 7 in Lahore

    A public holiday has been announced by Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi to observe the annual Urs (death anniversary) of Data Ganj Bakhsh Syed Ali Hajwari on Thursday, September 7, in Lahore.

    Naqvi announced the holiday on Monday after his visit to the Data Darbar in Lahore.

    The Urs will last for three days, starting Tuesday and going on till Thursday. The CM states that efforts are being made to make better arrangements for the event, reports Geo.

    “We also held a meeting with the commissioner about the langar khana so that everyone who attends the celebration can eat,” he said. He also stated that the best qawwals will be arranged for mehfil-e-samaa.

    Plans have also been chalked out for Lahore’s traffic, with arrangements for parking facilities keeping security clearances in mind.

  • Rizwana torture case: Somia Asim’s bail application approved

    A District and Sessions Court in Islamabad has accepted the bail plea of the accused, Somia Asim, the wife of the judge suspected of beating her minor house maid, Rizwana.

    A hearing was held on the bail application of the Somia Asim in the Rizwana torture case where the court accepted Somia Asim’s bail application against a surety of one lac rupees.

    Rizwana’s family was also present in the court at the time.

    Somia Asim, wife of Civil Judge Asim Hafeez, had allegedly beaten up and tortured a minor house help at home.

  • Police claims to uncover events that led to Jaranwala incident

    According to Samaa News, a spokesperson for Faisalabad Police has claimed that their depart has uncovered the events that led to the Jaranwala tragedy last month in which a mob of 7,000 Muslims attacked the Christian community, destroyed their houses, and burnt churches.

    As per the spokesperson, the incident was a result of a personal resentment between two Christians.

    Police claim that Pervez Masih, a Christian, suspected his wife of having an illicit affair with Umair Raja. Masih hired a shooter, gave him money and provided him with a motorcycle to kill Raja.

    “A heinous conspiracy was made to desecrate the Quran after the failure to kill,” the Police claimed.

    Pervez Masih is among the three suspects involved in the conspiracy. The police allege that Pervex wrote an insulting letter in Umair’s name and desecrated the holy book.

    Resultantly, on seeing the letters and papers, people got furious, leading to the formation of a violent mob.

    Currently, the three people, including Pervez Masih and Umair Raja, are under custody.

  • Who met the president in Aiwan-e-Sadr?

    Who met the president in Aiwan-e-Sadr?

    Political commentators and analysts are speculating about an alleged meeting held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr (Presidency) on Friday.

    According to the sources of The News, two important personalities met President Alvi in Aiwan-e-Sadr. The meeting was held on the fourth floor of the Aiwan-e-Sadr, with the premises being off-limits for everyone, including staff.

    No statement has been issued by the President’s House to confirm or deny the meeting.

    Earlier, Kamran Yousaf reported in his vlog that Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief General Nadeem Ahmad Anjum was also part of the meeting. Yousaf had earlier given the news that President Alvi was all set to announce elections dates for November.

    On the other hand, senior journalist Umar Cheema also confirmed that two generals were part of the meeting in Aiwan-e-Sadr. However,
    he did not give any names.

    According to some political pundits, President Arif Alvi will announce the date of the upcoming elections in the next 72 hours.

    President Arif Alvi’s tenure is going to complete on September 8. There is still no confirmation from the President House whether he will go home after completing his tenure as president or continue till a new president is sworn in.

    As per the Constitution, the president may continue in his office until the arrival of a new president.

    As yet, no formal announcement of a date for the polls has been announced by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

    The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Sunday asked the ECP to release the schedule of the general elections.

    The HRCP said that the uncertainty surrounding the elections should end and new delimitations should not be used as an excuse to further delay the general polls.

    “The law of the land says that the Election Commission of Pakistan has to decide [the date of the elections],” said caretaker Prime Minister (PM) Anwaar ul Haq Kakar in an interview with senior anchorperson Saleem Safi in his programme ‘Jirga’ on Geo News.

  • Navy personnel martyred in helicopter crash in Gwadar

    Navy personnel martyred in helicopter crash in Gwadar

    Pakistan Navy’s spokesperson has confirmed that two Navy officers and one soldier have been martyred in a helicopter crash in Balochistan’s Gwadar on Monday.

    As per the statement, the helicopter crashed during a training flight in Gwadar.

    “The helicopter crashed during the flight due to a possible technical fault,” the spokesperson said. “As a result of the accident, two officers and one jawan of the Pakistan Navy lost their lives.”

    Moreover, the incident will be investigated.

    Political figures and parties have expressed grief over lives lost.

    In a statement issued by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, he expressed “regret” over the helicopter accident in Gwadar and over the martyrdom of Pakistan Navy officers and the young soldiers in the accident

    “Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s expresses sympathy and condolence to the families of the martyrs”, reads the statement.

    Similarly, Maryam Nawaz Shairf expressed regrets on X (formerly Twitter): “We deeply regret the accident that happened to the helicopter of Pakistan Navy in Gwadar and the resulting martyrdom. We pray to Allah Ta’ala to raise the ranks of martyred soldiers and officers. These sons of the nation are the pride of the nation. May Allah grant patience and reward to their families, Ameen.”