ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vice chairman and former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi arrested from his residence in Islamabad, ARY News reported.
According to sources, PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi was arrested in connection with the Cypher case and shifted to Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) headquarters.
In a press conference earlier today, the PTI leader said rejected reports regarding differences in the core committee saying that a media group is creating rumors regarding the committee.
He said that there is no replacement of PTI chairman in the party but he will be released from jail soon.
Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Former federal minister Asad Umar were summoned by the Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) Counter Terrorism in cypher case.
The joint inquiry team constituted at the request of the federal cabinet investigated the former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and former finance minister Asad Umar.
It is pertinent to mention here that Azam Khan, ex-principal secretary to the PTI chairman and former prime minister made startling revelations and claimed that the former PM used US cypher for his ‘political gains’ and to avert a no-confidence motion against him.
Khan, who had earlier been “missing” for months, suddenly appeared before the scene and made startling revelations about US cypher, while recording his statement under the CrPC 164 before a magistrate.
On September 28, last year, an alleged audio of ex-PM and his aide Azam Khan discussing US cypher, which the PTI chief claimed led to the ouster of his government, was leaked.
In the alleged conversation, Azam Khan can be heard informing former prime minister Khan about the controversial diplomatic cable.
ISLAMABAD: Police raided and sealed the residence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Zulfi Bukhari in Islamabad, however, no arrest was made, ARY News reported on Wednesday.
A police team raided Zulfi Bukhari’s residence following directives of the Islamabad administration. Sources told ARY News that Bukhari was not present at his residence at the time of the raid.
The raid was jointly conducted by more than 40 officials of the Islamabad administration and police force. Later, the raiding team sealed the house after vacating it from the servants.
In a Twitter message, Bukhari confirmed the development and said, “In an extremely low move, police, CDA & unidentified men raided and sealed my house in presence of Assistant Commissioner & Deputy Commissioner.
He alleged, “My house help & pets have been thrown out on the street at this hour. What’s left of a state that can stoop this low and attack empty private properties?”
In an extremely low move, police, CDA & unidentified men raided and sealed my house in presence of Assistant Commissioner & Deputy Commissioner.
My house help & pets have been thrown out on the street at this hour.
According to details, Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Shabbir issued arrest warrants for Zulfi Bukhari in case lodged against him at Islamabad’s Golra police station.
It is pertinent to mention here that Islamabad police had registered a case against PTI chairman and other party leaders including Zulfi Bukhari for attacking, vandalising, and damaging the judicial complex during former premier appearance.
ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court (SC) on Monday served notices to the federal and provincial governments in the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) review plea against its verdict of holding elections in Punjab on May 14, the deadline which expired, yesterday, ARY News reported.
The Supreme Court – in its April 4 order – declared the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to postpone elections to the Punjab Assembly till October 8 “unconstitutional” and fixed May 14 as a new date.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Umar Ata Bandial is hearing the ECP’s plea on May 15. Justice Ejazul Ahsan and Justice Muneeb Akhtar are the other members of the bench.
At the outset of the hearing, CJP Bandial said ECP has raised ‘good’ points in its review petition.
Earlier, ECP told about the problems of funds and security but now it has challenged the ambit of the Supreme Court.
The points raised by ECP were not raised earlier. We want to hear ECP on the admissibility of the plea, the CJP remarked.
PTI’s lawyer Barrister Ali Zafar in his arguments before the SC said new points cannot be raised in the review petition. Objecting Zafar, ECP’s counsel Sharjeel Swati said new points can be raised in the review petition as the ambit is not narrow.
Commenting on the current law and order situation, CJP said they want peace in Pakistan. Constitution is the base of democracy.
The country’s institutions and assets are being set on fire, who will ensure enforcement of the law and order in the country? CJP asked.
The top judge observed that people kept on violating Section 144 in Islamabad and entered Red Zone with the ‘facilitation’ of the federal government. Despite ‘tough’ times, we are performing our duties, the CJP added.
CJP Umar Ata Bandial asked the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to resume talks again. “There are “mature political parties” on both sides.”
CJP Bandial reiterated his resolve to ensure the implementation of the constitution.
Later, the Supreme Court while issuing notices to the federal, and provincial governments and the ECP adjourned further hearing on the case till next Tuesday.
Plea
In a 14-page review petition filed by the ECP on May 3, the electoral body pleaded with the Supreme Court to suspend its May 14 decision until a verdict on the revision petition on the issue.
“SC should review its decision as the judiciary doesn’t have the authority to give the date of elections,” the ECP petition read.
“If the decision is not suspended, the election commission will suffer an irreparable loss,” the petitioner pleaded.
The electoral watchdog further requested the apex court to “accept the instant Review Petition by revisiting, reviewing, reconsidering and recalling its April 4 order”.
ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has finally left the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) premises for Lahore’s Zaman Park residence after hours-long delay due to ‘security concerns’, ARY News reported on Friday.
Imran Khan, who stayed inside the IHC for several hours, had earlier decided not to leave the court premises until written orders are issued in a bid to evade his arrest.
When he got the written order, the former premier tried to leave but was stopped by police officials due to ‘security concerns’.
Islamabad police said that unidentified assailants resorted to firing at police officials in G-11 and G-13 areas of the federal capital. Police officials remained safe in both firing incidents.
The PTI chief was not given security clearance for travelling on the Islamabad route. The police said that they do not receive orders from the higher authorities and they cannot provide security clearance for the route.
Imran Khan later issued an ultimatum to the administration, demanding the immediate clearance of the route.
Sources told ARY News that Islamabad Inspector-General (IG) of Police Dr Akbar Nasir Khan met Imran Khan and informed him about the ongoing shelling on Srinagar Highway. However, sources claimed, the talks between the PTI chief and IG Islamabad failed.
After his response, senior police officers reached the Islamabad and allowed the PTI chairman to leave.
Police said that unidentified assailants resorted to firing at police officials in G-11 and G-13 areas of the federal capital. Police officials remained safe in both firing incidents.
The spokesperson said that a search operation was launched in adjacent areas of the IHC following the firing incidents. It was learnt that unidentified persons opened fire near a graveyard and a street near the high court’s building.
Rangers personnel were deployed outside the IHC’s courtroom again, whereas, the security of the high court’s building was also enhanced.
The court also granted protective bail to PTI chief in three terrorism cases registered against him in Lahore and stopped authorities from arresting him till May 17 in any case registered in Islamabad after May 9.
Justice Jahangiri also approved Imran’s protective bail in a case pertaining to the death of Zille Shah — a PTI worker who was killed during a party rally in Lahore earlier this year — for 10 days against surety bonds worth Rs50,000.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted protective bail to former prime minister Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case, a day after the Supreme Court ruled his arrest “unlawful”.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, who is still present inside the Islamabad High Court (IHC), has decided not to leave court premises until written orders are issued, ARY News reported on Friday, citing sources.
Sources told ARY News that the former prime minister was still present inside the court room despite the competition of hearing of multiple bail pleas.
Sources claimed that Imran Khan decided not to leave court premises until written order are issued and ‘strict security arrangements are made’.
Moreover, the PTI chief has also summoned his personal security staff outside the High Court. The former premier was holding consultation with his legal team inside the court room.
Sources also claimed that Imran Khan will leave for Lahore’s Zaman Park after receiving the written orders. PTI workers and supporters will accompany the party chairman from Islamabad to Lahore.
The court also granted protective bail to PTI chief in three terrorism cases registered against him in Lahore and stopped authorities from arresting him till May 17 in any case registered in Islamabad after May 9.
Justice Jahangiri also approved Imran’s protective bail in a case pertaining to the death of Zille Shah — a PTI worker who was killed during a party rally in Lahore earlier this year — for 10 days against surety bonds worth Rs50,000.
Earlier in the day, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted protective bail to former prime minister Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case, a day after the Supreme Court ruled his arrest “unlawful”.
ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court (SC) has fixed the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) review plea for hearing against its verdict of holding elections in Punjab on May 14, ARY News reported on Friday.
The Supreme Court – in its April 4 order – declared the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to postpone elections to the Punjab Assembly till October 8 “unconstitutional” and fixed May 14 as a new date.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Umar Ata Bandial will take up the ECP’s plea on May 15. Justice Ejazul Ahsan and Justice Muneeb Akhtar will be the other members of the bench.
In a 14-page review petition filed by the ECP on May 3, the electoral body pleaded with the Supreme Court to suspend its May 14 decision until a verdict on the revision petition on the issue.
“SC should review its decision as the judiciary doesn’t have the authority to give the date of elections,” the ECP petition read.
“If the decision is not suspended, the election commission will suffer an irreparable loss,” the petitioner pleaded.
The electoral watchdog further requested the apex court to “accept the instant Review Petition by revisiting, reviewing, reconsidering and recalling its April 4 order”.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan will be prosecuted at the Police Lines Headquarters Islamabad today (Wednesday) after its guest house was declared sub-jail on the request of National Accountability Bureau (NAB), ARY News reported.
Sources said cases relating to NAB and Toshakhana will be heard at the New Police Guest House, Police Lines Headquarters instead of F-8 Court Complex and Judicial Complex G-11/4 Islamabad.
Imran Khan will be kept at the Police Lines Headquarters Islamabad after remand and he will be investigated there by a three-member team of NAB headed by its deputy director Mian Umer.
It may be noted that a team of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), with the help of Rangers, on Tuesday took the former prime minister into custody in the Al-Qadir Trust case, prompting the IHC to take note.
Earlier, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) termed the arrest of former premier and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan ‘legal.’
The court also issued contempt court notices to Interior Secretary and IG Islamabad for ‘vandalism’ on the premises of the court.
The plea challenging Imran Khan’s arrest was taken up by Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Aamer Farooq in which the director general (DG) National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the prosecutor general appeared.
PTI to move SC against IHC’s verdict
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to challenge the Islamabad High Court’s verdict of terming the arrest of Imran Khan, legal, in the Supreme Court.
The decision was taken in an overnight emergency meeting of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Tuesday with the help of Rangers in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
The meeting was attended by senior leadership of PTI. The meeting also decided to continue ‘peaceful’ protests across the country against the arrest of Imran Khan.
Remain peaceful, Qureshi tells PTI supporters
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senior Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that objections across the country would continue and called on the people to remain peaceful.
“Peaceful protest is your constitutional right, keep it going. But don’t take the law into your own hands,” Qureshi said while talking to the media outside the Police Lines Guest House in Islamabad.
PTI leader said that since yesterday he had been calling on protesters to remain peaceful while protesting. He made an appeal to the IHC chief justice to issue an order for his immediate recovery and appearance in the court.
Karachi’s Shahrah-e-Faisal being clear
Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) mobilized various teams to carry out cleaning operations on the track from the Awami Markaz to FTC on Shahrah-e-Faisal.
The SSWMB teams are working to carry out clearing operations on Shahrah-e-Faisal, removing stones and trees barriers that are being used by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protestors to block the track following the protest call after party chief Imran Khan’s arrest.
Moreover, large numbers of vehicle’s broken glass is present in on the road that may pose a hazard to motorists.
ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court (SC) on Monday directed Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan to submit a parliamentary record by tomorrow in petitions challenging the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill 2023, aimed at clipping the powers of the CJP, ARY News reported.
On the last hearing, Supreme Court (SC) issued notices to the government, AGP, political parties, bar councils, and others to submit their response in the petitions against Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill 2023.
The bench is headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and comprises Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Ayesha Malik, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Shahid Waheed.
At the outset of the hearing, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz also forwarded plea for the formation of the full court to hear the matter. Justice Ijazul Ahsan said your plea has not been marked till now.
After being asked by CJP Justice Umar Ata Bandial, AGP Mansoor Awan hoped that the record of the Parliamentary proceedings will be received tomorrow. “We have filed plea for full court to hear the pleas.”
AGP in his arguments before the SC said that the matter of benches and appeals in the SC has been fixed in the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill 2023. The right to change lawyer has also been given to the petitioner in the judicial reforms bill, he added.
He said the matters fixed in the law were of administrative in nature and added that rules of SC were also finalized by the full court and the amendment can only be done by the full court.
Responding to the AGP Mansoor Awan, Justice Ayesha Malik said any bench can hear the cases at SC. “Do government wants to take advantage of the full court,” she asked.
PML-N’s arguments
After the completion of arguments of the AGP for the formation of a full court, PML-N lawyer Barrister Salahuddin in his arguments said for the first time the implementation on the law is halted via a stay order.
He said pleas for the formation of full court are given in routinely, the same happened in the cases of Justice Qazi Faez Isa and former CJP Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.
Justice Ahsan said the matter of Justice Isa was forwarded to the CJP, the top judge was not hearing the matter by himself.
CJP Justice Bandial said the cases of Iftikhar Chaudhry and Justice Isa were of presidential reference. The trial of the SC is initiated whenever there are allegations against any of the judges, he remarked.
The top judge said the full court is only formed when the matter is of deep concern. Justice Muneeb Akhtar questioned how can PML-N plead for the formation of a full court.
SC has directed the attorney general of Pakistan to submit the record of the Parliamentary proceedings by tomorrow. Later the hearing was adjourned for three weeks.
Last hearing
In his arguments, Imtiaz Siddiqui said the political crisis emerged after the restoration of the National Assembly. The federal government and the ECP are not ‘interested’ in holding elections after which the SC had to take suo moto notice.
After the decision, the judges were criticized for which the government, ministers and the members of the parliament are ‘responsible’ he added.
Imtiaz Siddiqui said that the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill 2023 is against the independence of the judiciary. The bill was rejected but later it was passed by the joint session of the parliament, he maintained and added as per article 191, the SC forms its rules and procedure.
SC rules are available, which cannot be amended by the Parliament, he added. To this, the CJP remarked: “You mean to say that the freedom of judiciary is basic fundamental which is safeguarded by the constitution.”
Umar Ata Bandial remarked that the court has the utmost respect for the parliament and issued notices to AGP, political parties, bar councils and others during the hearing of petitions challenging a bill clipping the powers of the chief justice.
CJP Bandial said the next hearing of the case will be decided after consultation with the fellow judges and added that the court will release the order of today’s hearing.
The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) ruled coalition government has rejected the 8-member bench of the Supreme Court formed to hear a petition challenging the Supreme Court (Procedure and Practice) Bill 2023.
The bench headed by CJP Umar Ata Bandial includes Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Shahid Waheed, Justice Muzahir Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Ayesha Malik and Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi.
In a statement after a consultative meeting, the ruling coalition rejected the move and called it ‘controversial’.
Bill
On Monday, amid strong protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers, the Joint Sitting of Parliament passed the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill 2023, which aims to curtail the suo motu powers of office of the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP).
Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar moved the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill, 2023 which was passed by the Parliament.
It is to mention that President Dr Arif Alvi returned the ‘judicial reforms’ bill for reconsideration to the Parliament as per the provisions of Article 75 of the Constitution.
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has sought more time for negotiations from the Supreme Court (SC) for developing consensus on the same-day elections in Pakistan, ARY News reported.
The coalition govt and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf sat together for three days and tried to talk out the issue.
A three-member bench of the Supreme Court comprising Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar is hearing the case.
At the outset of the hearing, Farooq H Naek, read the statement submitted by the coalition government in the Supreme Court. Naek said that Pakistan’s debt has reached to 78pc and circular debate has also increased by 125pc.
The last year’s floods caused a loss of $31 billion to the national economy, Naek said and added that before the dissolution of the NA, the approval for the IMF agreement and Trade Policy is necessary.
The PPP lawyer said govt and PTI agreed on same-day elections in the country but the consensus on the date of the dissolution of the assemblies has not been finalsied yet.
Both the parties showed flexibility during the talks, but more time was needed for negotiations, he added.
CJP Umar Ata Bandial said the political issue should be resolved by the political leadership. We are hearing the issue on the legal matter.
Negotiations with the IMF and the federal budget are important issues currently, the CJP remarked. CJP observed that government wants to do politics on the issue.
“We have taken the oath to protect the constitution in front of Allah,” the CJP remarked and added they will not respond to the political statements.
The top judge remarked the govt did not take the matter seriously from the start of the issue. We will not hesitate from any ‘sacrifice’ for the implementation of the constitution.
“The SC is exercising restraint, but it should not be taken as its weakness.”
The chief justice remarked that no one can deny that the Constitution mandates elections be held within 90 days of the assembly’s dissolution.
The government is bound to implement the decision of the Supreme Court, CJP Umar Ata Bandial remarked.
Later, the hearing was adjourned.
PTI pleads to implement orders of elections on May 14
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyer Barrister Ali Zafar in his arguments before the SC said they agreed to hold elections on the same day across the country during negotiations.
During negotiations PTI forwarded three conditions, Zafar said.
Dissolve NA, Sindh and Balochistan Assemblies by May 14.
Hold elections in the second week of July
In case of delaying the polls, a constitutional amendment should be made.
PTI’s counsel said the incumbent govt has not filed a review petition regarding the decision of holding Punjab elections on May 14. He pleaded with the court to ensure implementation of its verdict of holding polls on May 14 and dismiss the plea.
Govt, PTI submit their reports
Earlier in the day, the federal government submitted its response to the Supreme Court (SC) regarding dialogue with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for developing consensus on the elections in the country.
The statement submitted by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar through the attorney general of Pakistan said the negotiations with PTI for elections yield positive results. “The coalition partners showed flexibility in the talks.”
In the negotiations, the matter of dissolving assemblies before time was also discussed but no consensus was reached on the matter. The coalition-govt believes that the solution to political matters lies in negotiations, the reply submitted by Ishaq Dar to SC read.
In the larger interest of the country, the coalition govt is ready to commence the talks again, the SC was told by the federal govt.
On Wednesday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) submitted a detailed report of negotiations with the ruling alliance in the Supreme Court (SC).
The report had been submitted to SC Registrar’s Office with the details regarding three rounds of talks held with the coalition government.
Taking to his Twitter handle earlier, Fawad wrote that the party in its report will also request the apex court to implement its order [April 4 verdict] regarding the Punjab Assembly elections.
Talking to media after the meeting, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar from the government’s side said that a consensus was reached on holding elections on the same day across the country under a caretaker setup.
The finance minister noted that both sides tabled their proposals on date for holding general elections. “Both the side still don’t agree on one point in the agenda,” he said, adding that another round will soon take place.
ISLAMABAD: The third round of talks between delegations of ruling coalition and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) concluded, with both sides agreeing on holding general elections on the same day across the country, ARY News reported on Tuesday/
A three-member delegation – comprising of Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Fawad Chaudhry and Senator Ali Zafar – were representing PTI in the talks.
Meanwhile, the delegation of ruling coalition includes PML-N’s Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Azam Nazeer Tarar and Sardar Ayaz Sadiq along with PPP’s Senator Yousuf Raza Gilani and Syed Naveed Qamar.
Talking to media after the meeting, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar from the government’s side said that a consensus was reached on holding elections on the same day across the country under a caretaker setup.
The finance minister noted that both sides tabled their proposals on date for holding general elections. “Both the side still don’t agree on one point in the agenda,” he said, adding that another round will soon take place.
Ishaq Dar further said that the delegations will consult with their respective leaders, adding that flexibility was being shown from both sides in the negotiations.
PTI’s presser
Separately, Shah Mahmood Qureshi from PTI side – while talking to journalists – also confirmed the development, saying that they had “shown flexibility for the sake of national consensus”.
The PTI senior vice chairman noted that his side has agreed on some points in the negotiations with the government team. “We have agreed on holding elections on the same day across the country under a caretaker setup,” he added.
However, he said, both the sides failed to reach consensus on date for elections and dissolution of assemblies – national and provincial. “Both sides also agreed on holding transparent polls so that no one can express concerns later,” he added.
Qureshi further said that the ruling coalition side did not show flexibility on the dissolution of all assemblies before May 14.
Govt-PTI talks
It is pertinent to mention here that delegations of the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) held two rounds of talks on holding elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
During the second round of talks, PTI delegation sought the date for the dissolution of the National Assembly (NA) before the budget.
Moreover, the delegation also rejected the government’s plan to conduct general elections in October.
Sources closer to PTI said that the political tensions can be reduced if the government gives a date for NA dissolution. They added that PTI wants significant progress in talks with the government before the next hearing in the Supreme Court (SC).
Political impasse
It is to be noted here that the government had assured the Supreme Court of holding talks with the opposition over elections in two provinces on April 26.
During SC’s last hearing on polls delay case, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had assured the Supreme Court that they will sit with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and try to find a solution on the election date.
The Supreme Court – in its April 4 order – declared Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to postpone elections to the Punjab Assembly till October 8 “unconstitutional” and fixed May 14 as new date.
The National Assembly later passed a resolution rejecting the three-member Supreme Court bench’s verdict on the Punjab polls, stating that it would not provide funds to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for polls.
