Tag: topnews

  • President Alvi writes letter conveying PTI concerns to PM Kakar

    President Alvi writes letter conveying PTI concerns to PM Kakar

    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.

    “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.

  • ‘Nawaz Sharif cannot play without his own umpires’: Imran Khan

    ‘Nawaz Sharif cannot play without his own umpires’: Imran Khan

    The legal saga surrounding Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s jail trial and the controversial cipher case took center stage in Islamabad this week.

    On Tuesday, three witnesses provided their testimonies against the PTI chief and his party’s Vice Chairman, Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

    Judge Zulqarnain presided over the proceedings at Adiala jail under the special Official Secrets Act court. PTI legal representatives included Barristers Salman Safdar, Taimur, and Gohar Ali Khan, while special prosecutors comprised of Shah Khawar, Zulfikar Abbas Naqvi, and Raja Rizwan Abbasi.

    During the proceedings, PTI’s lawyer, Salman Akram Raja, representing Khan, raised concerns over the trial’s confined space within the jail premises, emphasizing that it wasn’t in line with legal protocols.

    Family members met the two leaders before witnesses’ statements and cross-examination were conducted; legal teams consulted with Khan and Qureshi. The PTI chief met with his wife Bushra Bibi and sisters Aleema Khan, Noreen Khanum, and Uzma Khan, within the jail premises.

    Qureshi’s daughter, Meharbano, was also present during the trial. She also spoke with the media outside the jail, and demanded justice and a fair trial for her father.

    “Let the family in; no one can have security concerns from their family. Fair trial is my father’s right and as a daughter, I have the right to see the trial,” she added.

    Contempt of court petition

    Adiala jail superintendent responded to the contempt of court petition filed by Khan on Wednesday, requesting the court to dismiss the contempt of court petition.

    “Can’t even think of disobeying the court order,” he stated in his reply.

    The superintendent told the court there is no permanent facility to make phone calls abroad on WhatsApp. He informed the court that the PTI chief spoke with his children on October 18, after the jail took special measures to make the call possible.

    “Arrangements are made for prisoners to speak with family and lawyers at the jail PCO,” he said, adding that the court can direct the Punjab Home Department to amend the rules with regard to making phone calls.

    The court, meanwhile, adjourned the hearing of the contempt petition till Monday due to the absence of Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain.

    Islamabad High Court

    Islamabad High Court’s Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb asked the Attorney General of Pakistan to ensure that the cipher case trial was not conducted in an inappropriate manner, otherwise, it might collapse like a house of cards.

    An IHC bench, comprising Justice Aurangzeb and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz, heard the intra-court appeal filed by Khan against his jail trial and the appointment of the special court’s judge in the cipher case.

    The court adjourned the proceedings to November 14, allowing time for the attorney general to present arguments.

    Nawaz wants his own umpires

    Talking to media persons outside Adiala Jail, Imran Khan’s lawyer Barrister Umair Niazi said the PTI chief had criticised PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and also rejected the trial of civilians in military courts.

    The PTI lawyer quoted Mr Khan as saying that Nawaz Sharif cannot play without his own umpires and is again looking towards them. All political parties, except the PML-N, are calling for a level playing field, he added.

    Khan expressed concern over the fresh wave of terrorism in the country and said this was because of a “weak” Afghan policy as Mr Bhutto-Zardari, being the foreign minister, did not visit Kabul to address the issue of terrorism.

  • PMLN, PPP ki dosti? MQMP k sath PMLN elections mein? What is happening?

    PMLN, PPP ki dosti? MQMP k sath PMLN elections mein? What is happening?

    Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari have agreed to collaborate for the betterment of the country during a recent telephonic conversation, Geo news has revealed.

    The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) expressed their commitment to jointly tackle crucial issues affecting the nation.

    Zardari reportedly extended congratulations to Sharif on his return to Pakistan on October 21 after spending four years in self-imposed exile in London.

    Both leaders underscored the significance of the participation of all stakeholders in the collective effort to steer the country towards stability and progress, according to reliable sources.

    Acknowledging the pressing concern of inflation, the leaders also discussed plans to alleviate the burden on the public. In light of their discussion, it is anticipated that a high-level meeting will soon be convened to deliberate on crucial matters.

    The timing of their conversation coincided with the directive given to their respective party workers to gear up for the forthcoming general elections scheduled for February 8.

    Notably, the PPP and the PML-N were previously coalition partners in the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government, which came into power following the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    However, while the news of the conversation has been making rounds, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari downplayed its significance, emphasizing that the PPP remains open to collaborating with all political parties.

    Contradicting earlier reports, PPP Central Information Secretary Faisal Karim Kundi denied any direct communication between Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, urging the public to verify the authenticity of such claims before spreading them.

    He took to X (former Twitter) and said, “I would like to clarify that the news of Mr. Mian Nawaz Sharif contacting President Asif Ali Zardari is false and holds no truth. We urge everyone to verify information before spreading it.”

    In related developments, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) on Tuesday announced that they would be jointly contesting the upcoming general elections scheduled to take place on February 8, 2024.

    The development comes following a meeting of an MQM-P delegation led by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Farooq Sattar, and Syed Mustafa Kamal with the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif in Lahore at the party’s Model Town secretariat.

    Later, speaking to the media, senior PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique said, “It has been decided that both parties will contest February 8 polls jointly”.

    Amidst escalating political activities, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and President Arif Alvi have reached an agreement to hold the general elections on February 8, adhering to the Supreme Court’s directives following a case regarding the delay of elections.

    Following the electoral alliance between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari has said that he welcomes his opponent’s intention to stand in elections.

    “We will stand against our opponents that are coming in elections and we welcome them,” Zardari said while addressing party works in Ghotki’s Khangarh. 

    The former president was of the view that when people who oppose each other contest elections then the competition among them delivers the “best results”. 

  • Superintendent Adiala jail served notice on creating hinderance for Imran Khan

    A notice has been served to the superintendent of Adiala Jail on November 6 for not allowing phone conversations between Imran Khan and his sons, as per Geo News.

    The legal counsel of Chairman PTI, Shiraz Ranjha, filed a petition in the Special Court of the Official Secrets Act.

    He alleged contempt of court on the part of the Adiala Jail superintendent for not allowing a phone conversation between Chairman PTI’s sons and their father.

    The petition claimed that despite court orders, the superintendent of Adiala Jail did not facilitate the conversation.

    The petition further requested that action be taken against the superintendent of Adiala Jail for not adhering to the court’s orders and that the jail authorities be directed to enable the phone conversation between Imran Khan and his sons.

    Justice Abual Hasanat heard the petition filed by Chairman PTI and issued a notice to the superintendent of Adiala Jail, demanding a response by November 8.

  • He’s gone, but Supreme Court to decide death penalty case against Musharraf

    He’s gone, but Supreme Court to decide death penalty case against Musharraf

    The Supreme Court of Pakistan is set to begin hearing a series of appeals on November 10, including those filed by the late former President, retired General Pervez Musharraf, in an attempt to overturn his death sentence, as per Dawn.

    A four-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, along with Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Aminud Din Khan, and Justice Athar Minallah, will preside over the hearings.

    Represented by his counsel Salman Safdar, the late General filed an appeal requesting the annulment of the conviction, citing a trial process that was conducted in violation of the Constitution and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1898.

    The appeal seeks a suspension of the judgment in the interest of justice and fair play.

    The petition highlights Musharraf’s military career and claims that the trial for a constitutional crime was conducted in an unconstitutional manner.

    In a separate development, the Sindh High Court Bar Association contested the Lahore High Court’s decision on January 13, 2020, which deemed the Special Court’s decision unconstitutional.

    The association has appealed to the Supreme Court to reinstate the conviction for subverting the Constitution.

    Presented by counsel Rasheed A. Razvi, the appeal argues that the high court’s verdict is legally flawed, alleging a misinterpretation of evidence and failure to appreciate the material presented by the prosecution during the trial.

    Additionally, the appeal asserts that the high court neglected to acknowledge that the material presented by the prosecution before the Special Court was not denied by Gen Musharraf at any stage of the case.

    It further argues that the verdict contradicts established principles of the Qanoon-e-Shahadat Order, stating that unchallenged facts are deemed admitted by the parties and do not require further proof.

    The petition asserts that the high court’s decision contradicts the precedent set by superior courts and the Supreme Court, referencing the 2019 Lahore High Court Bar Association case.

    A special court in Islamabad found former military ruler retired Gen Pervez Musharraf guilty of high treason and handed him a death sentence under Article 6 of the Constitution on December 17, 2019.

    This was the first time in Pakistan’s history that a military chief has been declared guilty of high treason and handed a death sentence. The verdict was split 2-1.

    Article 6 of the Constitution says: “Any person who abrogates or subverts or suspends or hold in abeyance, or attempts or conspires to abrogate or subvert or suspend or hold in abeyance the Constitution by use of force or show force or by any other unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason.”

    The three-member bench of the special court was headed by Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth and comprising Justice Nazar Akbar of the Sindh High Court (SHC) and Justice Shahid Karim of the Lahore High Court (LHC).

  • Fawad Chaudhry arrested again from Islamabad

    Former Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry’s wife, Hiba Chaudhry, and brother, Faisal Chaudhry, have claimed on Saturday that he has been arrested from his home in Islamabad by police.

    In a tweet posted on X (formerly Twitter), Hiba wrote, “Fawad arrested and taken to unknown place.”

    Geo News has reported in its bulletin that Fawad was arrested from home in front of his children and his wife by police and other officials in plain clothes.

    Hiba Chaudhry told Geo News that she was not shown an arrest warrant by the police officials.

    Hiba Fawad also said in her tweet that “Islamabad police taken Fawad. I need the Case information in which he is nominated.”

    Fawad became one of the first famous names to leave Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf after the events of May 9, joining Istehkaam Pakistan Party (IPP), a joining political analysts consider a reluctant decision.

    This would make it the third arrest within the year for Fawad Chaudhry.

  • Government announces public holiday on November 9

    Government announces public holiday on November 9

    The federal government has announced a public holiday on November 9 on account of Iqbal Day.

    “November 9, Thursday, will be a public holiday across the country,” said a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Friday.

    November 9 is celebrated as Iqbal Day nationwide in honour of Dr. Allama Mohammad Iqbal’s birthday, marking his 146th birth anniversary this year.

    Allama Iqbal played a vital role in encouraging millions of Muslims across the subcontinent to struggle for their separate homeland, where they could live freely.

    The day would begin with mosques holding special prayers for the advancement and well-being of Pakistan.

    Dr. Iqbal, born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot, is widely recognised as the ‘Poet of the East’ in Pakistan and various other regions around the world.

    Iqbal was an acclaimed poet and philosopher.

  • How politicians are reacting to election date

    How politicians are reacting to election date

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) told the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) that general elections will take place on February 11, 2024. Different political leaders of multiple political parties reacted to the announcement of election date.

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) senior leader Qamar Zaman Kaira told SAMMA TV that the announcement of the election date has helped to end uncertainty in Pakistan politics.

    “The date announcement was necessary so political parties could start the political process. In fact, the PPP has launched the electoral campaign process. Let’s end the uncertainty,” Kaira said.

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyer, Barristor Syed Ali Zafar, said in a tweet that, “Supreme Court has said once date of election given it will be written in stone and shall not be changed. After the meeting between President and ECP, the date will be announced hopefully today. This could be a historic and game changing decision by SC. Constitution is supreme.”

    On the other hand, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) declared the announcement of election’s date a good development.

    PML-N leader Muhammad Zubair said that it’s a good thing that ECP is conducting elections on February 11, 2024.

    “There was uncertainty related to the election in the country. It is written very clearly in the constitution regarding the election,” he said.

    Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam (JUI-F) leader Hafiz Hamdullah also said that his party is ready for elections. “Now the ECP has told the apex court that elections will be held on February 11,” he added.

    Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) also stated that conducting elections is a responsibility of ECP. MQM-P’s leader, Amin ul Haq, said that the election date announcement is a good omen and would take the country ahead.

  • Zardari Accountability Court mein hazir hon

    Zardari Accountability Court mein hazir hon

    Former president and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has been summoned by an accountability court in Islamabad in connection with the Thatta water supply case.

    The court, headed by Judge Mohammad Bashir, has also summoned several other individuals, including Ijaz Ahmed Khan, former secretary to the Sindh government, Hassan Ally Memon, former head of the committee responsible for procurements related to the water supply scheme, Khawaja Abdul Ghani Majeed, CEO Omni Group, Menahel Majeed, spouse of Khawaja Abdul Ghani Majeed and others to appear on December 15.

    The case revolves around allegations of illegal contract awards to private contractors.

    Earlier this year, proceedings in the case had been halted due to changes in the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO).

    The case was among dozens of references transferred from accountability courts because of the amendments made in the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) by the PDM coalition government headed by then-prime minister Shehbaz Sharif.

    These amendments were struck down by the Supreme Court on September 15.

    This development comes as the latest in a series of legal battles for Zardari, who was indicted in the water supply reference back in October 2020, as part of the broader fake bank accounts case.

    The reference specifically focuses on the alleged award of a contract by the special initiative department for the Thatta water supply scheme to a private contractor.

    The accountability court has directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to ensure the reference is properly presented before the appropriate forum.

  • Imran Khan releases another message from jail

    Imran Khan releases another message from jail

    Imran Khan has released another message for Pakistanis from jail via his family on Tuesday.

    Talking about the responsibility of the judiciary, Imran Khan said, “It is the fiduciary duty of the judiciary and the lawyers to protect the Constitution, upon which rests the progress of our nation. Therefore, the legal fraternity must start and lead a movement for upholding the rights of the people of Pakistan, foremost their fundamental right to vote, to choose their leaders, and to define their future themselves.”

    He also emphasised giving fundamental rights to Pakistanis and said that “whom they choose as their leader is secondary, but they must be given their basic and fundamental right enshrined in the constitution to choose their representatives.”

    While encouraging people to struggle for the betterment of law in the country, Khan said, “Pakistan stands at the crossroads; it is a critical juncture where we are watching the steady destruction and dismantling of our justice system. We must, therefore, act immediately if we are to prevent its complete collapse.”

    Imran Khan also mentioned in his message that “if we do not fight for justice and stand behind our judges, we will not be able to establish constitutional supremacy in this country or stand up against this rule of might, where only the fittest and the richest survive.”