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                        <title>The Express Tribune</title>
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                        <description>The Express Tribune keeps you up to date with all the latest happenings from Pakistan and across the world!</description>
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			<title>GHQ attack case: Indictment of Imran Khan, 124 others postponed for third time</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2509950/ghq-attack-case-indictment-of-imran-khan-124-others-postponed-for-third-time</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2509950/ghq-attack-case-indictment-of-imran-khan-124-others-postponed-for-third-time#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 16 Nov 24 06:16:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Express News]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[During proceedings, prosecution raised objection regarding lawyers presenting arguments without power of attorney]]>
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				<![CDATA[The indictment of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan and 124 other accused individuals in the GHQ attack case has been postponed for the third time.

The hearing, related to the May 9 violence, took place in an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi.

Lawyers for Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Amjad Khan Niazi, Omar Tanveer Butt, Waqas Qayyum, Major Tahir Sadiq, Omar Ayub, and others completed their arguments before Judge Amjad Ali Shah.

During the proceedings, the prosecution raised an objection regarding lawyers presenting arguments without having any official power of attorney.

Public Prosecutor Zahid Shah argued that 102 lawyers for the accused had not yet filed their power of attorney documents.

He requested that the court appoint a state counsel to represent the case of the accused.

Additionally, lawyers representing Shireen Mazari and Shakeel Niazi completed their arguments, after which the prosecution presented their case.

The court directed government lawyers to present arguments regarding the acquittal petitions of Sheikh Rashid, Shireen Mazari, Amjad Niazi, and others today. Later, the accused present in court were allowed to leave after marking their attendance.

The court also directed that additional copies of the charge sheet be distributed to the absconding accused and adjourned the next hearing until November 25.

The government lawyers are expected to respond to the acquittal requests during the next hearing.

Before the hearing, the court had summoned Shah Mehmood Qureshi from Lahore, while also issuing a notice to the Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, for indictment.

The indictment of all 125 accused in the GHQ attack case, including PTI&rsquo;s founder, Imran Khan, was exptected to take place during today&#39;s hearing.

However, the proceedings were adjourned once again due to various objections and arguments presented by the defence counsel.

PTI chairman Omar Ayub spoke to the media during his court appearance, stating that he had come for the indictment proceedings and had attended previous hearings as well.

He mentioned preparations were ongoing for the November 24 protest.

PTI&rsquo;s lawyer, Muhammad Faisal Malik, also spoke to the media, stating that some new copies of documents were presented today, which had not been part of the original charge sheet.

He called the introduction of these documents into the proceedings a case of forgery.

Faisal Malik emphasised that every accused has the right to a fair trial, and that &#39;documents that were not part of the charge sheet held no legal standing.&#39;

He also pointed out that no CCTV footage had been provided to the defence team, and noted that Ali Amin Gandapur had requested an exemption from attendance &#39;due to his government duties.&#39;

Malik further requested that the court allow the defense team to meet with Imran Khan, as they had not been granted permission to do so previously.

He also mentioned concerns regarding a &#39;fabricated narrative about a conspiracy,&#39; and highlighted that the evidence being presented had already been rejected by the Sargodha ATC.

Previously, in the Toshakhana case, Pakistan&rsquo;s National Accountability Bureau (NAB) requested the Islamabad High Court to nullify sentences handed down to former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, and to remand the case for further proceedings.

NAB prosecutor, Amjad Pervez stated that he disagreed with the manner in which the trial and sentencing were conducted, admitting that he had already called for suspending the sentences.

Furthermore, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman has clarified that he has no role in the efforts to secure the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The police revealed that there are 62 registered cases against Imran Khan in the capital, with additional inquiries taking place at the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Express News reported.]]>
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			<title>Lawyers urge swift action for recovery of Imran Khan's focal person</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2502322/lawyers-urge-swift-action-for-recovery-of-imran-khans-focal-person</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2502322/lawyers-urge-swift-action-for-recovery-of-imran-khans-focal-person#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Oct 24 07:07:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2502322</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[A legal team led by Faisal Chaudhry is pushing for the swift recovery of missing PTI lawyer Intizar Panjutha.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Lawyers have ramped up their efforts for the recovery of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyer and focal person for Chairman Imran Khan, Intizar Hussain Panjutha, who has been missing for several days.

A legal team, led by Advocate Faisal Chaudhry, arrived at the office of the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to push for an urgent response over&nbsp;the case.

The lawyers plan to meet Chief Justice Aamer Farooq in his chambers to discuss Panjutha&#39;s disappearance.

Panjutha&rsquo;s disappearance has led to a legal petition in the Islamabad High Court, where his colleagues are pushing for immediate action. The court has already instructed authorities to provide a progress report on his recovery by today.

In addition to Faisal Chaudhry, the delegation included High Court Bar Secretary Shafqat Abbas Tarar, along with advocates Ali Ijaz Butter and Mirza Asif. The legal community remains actively involved in the case, calling for Panjutha&rsquo;s safe return.

The case has gathered attention in legal and political circles, with concerns raised over the prolonged disappearance of the lawyer, who is also PTI Chairman Imran Khan&rsquo;s focal person. Despite ongoing legal efforts, Panjutha remains missing.

The Islamabad High Court has demanded updates on the progress of the investigation, with expectations for further developments in the coming days.

Few days ago,Islamabad High Court ordered the Ministry of Defence to submit a report regarding the disappearance of Intizar Hussain Panjutha.

The court held a hearing on the matter, during which the Inspector General (IG) of Islamabad appeared before the bench, Express News reported.

The lawyer representing Intizar Hussain informed the court that the last known location of the missing individual was F-6, after which his whereabouts remain unknown. Chief Justice of Islamabad inquired about the last known location, seeking clarity on the situation.

The IG of Islamabad responded that a special investigation team had been formed, led by the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Investigation.

The last sighting of Intizar Hussain&#39;s vehicle was reported at Ayub Chowk, and it was noted that he had travelled to Faizabad with Advocate Mirza Asif.

Additionally, the IG mentioned that a mobile number had been identified, and they were attempting to obtain the WhatsApp location through the Intelligence Bureau.

He stated that the vehicle was last seen at Ayub Chowk, while the advocate&#39;s statement indicated that Panjoth was last known to be in Faizabad. The authorities are coordinating with other IGs to share information regarding the vehicle and the mobile number.]]>
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			<title>£190m case: Court gives 'final chance' to lawyer for Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2498608/190m-case-court-gives-final-chance-to-lawyer-for-imran-khan-and-bushra-bibi</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2498608/190m-case-court-gives-final-chance-to-lawyer-for-imran-khan-and-bushra-bibi#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 Sep 24 07:51:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2498608</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Accountability court urges the defence team to finish cross-examination in the £190m by the next hearing.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The accountability court hearing the&nbsp;&pound;190 million case, has given a final deadline to the lawyers representing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi for cross-examination of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) investigation officer.

The hearing took place at Adiala Jail, where both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were present.

The court adjourned the next hering until Friday due to the absence of Bushra Bibi&#39;s lawyer, Usman Gul, who was reported to be suffering from dengue.

The defence requested a delay, explaining that Usman Gul&rsquo;s illness prevented him from attending. NAB lawyers, however, pointed out that Bushra Bibi had four lawyers named in the case, and any of them could have conducted the cross-examination.

NAB lawyers argued in court that the defence themselves brought an order from the Islamabad High Court to proceed with the trial. Now, the defence lawyers are deliberately causing delays in the hearing of the reference.

The court instructed the defence lawyers that they are being given a &#39;final opportunity,&#39; and the cross-examination of the NAB investigation officer must be completed in the next hearing.

The court, led by Judge Nasir Javed Rana, granted the defence one final opportunity to cross-examine the NAB officer during the next hearing.

The &pound;190 million reference hearing was conducted inside Adiala Jail, where the PTI chairman and his wife were presented before the court. Defence lawyers, including Intizar Panjutha, Naeem Panjutha, and Faisal Fareed Chaudhry, were present, while the NAB team was represented by Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi and his legal team.

NAB prosecutor opposed the request for an adjournment, pointing out that the defence lawyers had already submitted 12 letters of attorney. He argued that the other senior lawyers present could proceed with the cross-examination of the witness.

The prosecutor noted that the last witness in the &pound;190 million reference had appeared in court for 23 previous hearings, but had yet to be cross-examined.

On September 18, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) barred the accountability court from delivering a final judgment in the &pound;190 million case involving Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.

A two-member IHC bench, consisting of Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, heard the couple&rsquo;s plea for acquittal in the case. While the court ordered the trial court to continue the proceedings, it instructed that no final verdict should be issued at this stage.

On September 7, Imran Khan had filed an acquittal plea in the case, citing the Supreme Court&#39;s ruling on NAB amendments, which reinstated previous legal provisions. However, the accountability court rejected Imran Khan&#39;s plea on September 12, after hearing arguments from all sides during a hearing held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

Earlier, the defence lawyers for Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi had missed a hearing due to commitments in the Lahore High Court, preventing the cross-examination of the reference&rsquo;s last witness, Mian Umer Nadeem, an investigating officer. The NAB prosecutor accused the defence of employing delay tactics to stall the case.

In the &pound;190 million corruption reference, Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and others stand accused of misappropriating Rs50 billion (equivalent to &pound;190 million at the time) sent by the UK&rsquo;s National Crime Agency (NCA) to the Pakistani government.

The sum was part of a settlement involving a property tycoon. On December 3, 2019, Imran Khan, as prime minister, received cabinet approval for the settlement with the NCA without disclosing details of the agreement.

His former cabinet members say the approval was sought without disclosing details of the transaction.

NAB claims that Imran Khan and his wife acquired land worth billions from the tycoon, intended for an educational institute, in exchange for making the settlement transaction.]]>
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			<title>Imran Khan's sons follow his cricket legacy</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2484091/imran-khans-sons-follow-his-cricket-legacy</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2484091/imran-khans-sons-follow-his-cricket-legacy#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 30 Jul 24 05:14:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2484091</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Jemima Goldsmith shares playful posts of sons Sulaiman and Qasim in cricket kits, ready to play like their father]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Sulaiman and Qasim, the sons of Pakistan&rsquo;s former cricket captain and ex-prime minister Imran Khan, have likely taken their first steps into the world of cricket.

Their mother, Jemima Goldsmith, announced this development on social media through her Instagram page.

Although Jemima has previously shared photos of her sons playing cricket, this is the first time she has posted photos awarding cricketing titles to both Khans.

Imran Khan&rsquo;s first ex-wife, Jemima, posted photos of Sulaiman and Qasim dressed in full cricket gear. The boys looked ready to follow in their father&rsquo;s illustrious footsteps.





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A post shared by Cricket Pakistan (@officialcricketpakistan)





In one of Jemima&rsquo;s Instagram stories, Sulaiman can be seen wearing an all-white cricket kit, humorously earning his proud mother&#39;s title of &lsquo;Man of the Match.&rsquo;

In another post, Jemima showcased her younger son, Qasim, donning his cricket kit with the caption, &ldquo;And the fast bowler.&rdquo;

The playful posts have delighted fans and followers, sparking a wave of enthusiasm and support for the young Khans as they embark on their cricketing journey.]]>
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			<title>Non-bailable warrants issued for arrest of CM Ali Amin Gandapur</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2475635/non-bailable-warrants-issued-for-arrest-of-cm-ali-amin-gandapur</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2475635/non-bailable-warrants-issued-for-arrest-of-cm-ali-amin-gandapur#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jul 24 10:52:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2475635</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[ATC judge warns defendants absent on July 8 would be declared fugitives]]>
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				<![CDATA[An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad on Monday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Express News reported.

The warrant was issued by Judge Tahir Abbas Supra, who presided over the hearing of cases registered at the Sangjani and I-9 police stations against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and others.

Ali Nawaz Awan, Wasif Qayyum, Amir Kiani, and others appeared in court, while exemption pleas were filed on behalf of Chief Minister Gandapur and Amir Mughal. The court expressed dissatisfaction with Gandapur&#39;s repeated absences since April 2024, stating that warrants would be issued for all absent defendants.

&quot;The situation has become a spectacle; one defendant appears while two do not. We are issuing arrest warrants for all absent defendants,&quot; remarked Judge Supra.

He further warned that defendants absent on July 8 would be declared fugitives, emphasising that the usual 30-day period is not mandatory for declaring someone a fugitive.

&quot;These cases must be concluded, which will ultimately benefit you,&quot; he added. The judge assured that if the cases have merit, they will proceed; otherwise, they will be dismissed, and daily hearings will commence after July 8.

The court rejected Gandapur&#39;s exemption plea and issued his non-bail-able arrest warrant. Additionally, the court requested a written response from the superintendent of Adiala Jail regarding the PTI founder&#39;s appearance via video link, adjourning the hearings of both cases until July 8.]]>
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			<title>Imran claims negotiations may result in toppling of PML-N govt</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472859/imran-claims-negotiations-may-result-in-toppling-of-pml-n-govt</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472859/imran-claims-negotiations-may-result-in-toppling-of-pml-n-govt#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Jun 24 11:15:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2472859</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Former PM says he wants to negotiate for the sake of Pakistan, not for himself or the government]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan stated on Friday that any negotiations with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) could result in the downfall of their government.

During an informal media chat at the hearing of the &pound;190 million reference case, the incarcerated former PM expressed his desire to negotiate for Pakistan&#39;s benefit, not for personal or governmental interests.

&quot;I want to negotiate for Pakistan, not for myself or the government,&quot; he said.

Imran reiterated his willingness to step back if it benefits the country, saying, &quot;Convince me it benefits the country, and I will step back.&quot;

He criticised the current government for not reducing expenses and failing to create an investment-friendly environment. &quot;The country is in crisis,&quot; the ex-PM said.

&quot;The government has not reduced its expenses, which is troubling. The current government has failed to create an environment for investment.&quot;

Imran argued that Pakistan needs a mandate-driven government for necessary reforms, pointing out that the current budget highlights the limitations of a non-mandated government. He condemned heavy taxation on professionals and the public, predicting severe impacts from the upcoming electricity bills.

Imran lamented the broken promises on load-shedding in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where power cuts are extensive.

He criticised the ongoing issue of electricity theft in various regions, questioning where the public should turn for solutions. &quot;Electricity theft is an old issue. It happens in Hyderabad, Sindh, and Quetta as well,&quot; he said.

Imran also complained about being barred from meeting Ali Amin Gandapur, despite not refusing a meeting himself. He noted the lack of unity within political parties and criticised Maryam Nawaz for extravagant spending on self-promotion.

Imran announced plans to file cases against major and colonel officials in Adiala Jail, accusing Ahsan Iqbal of contempt for suggesting he be jailed for five years.

He questioned the rule of law, criticising recent judicial and administrative actions.

He also criticised amendments to NAB laws, alleging they were made to conceal corruption. &quot;How can someone who conducted fraudulent elections deliver justice?&quot; Imran asked.

He warned that further borrowing would be needed to pay off the national debt and urged the judiciary to support the weak rather than the powerful.]]>
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			<title>Adil Raja's appeal to waive £10,000 fine rejected by UK court</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470111/adil-rajas-appeal-to-waive-10000-fine-rejected-by-uk-court</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470111/adil-rajas-appeal-to-waive-10000-fine-rejected-by-uk-court#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 Jun 24 13:25:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Khalid Mehmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2470111</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Court rules that controversial YouTuber must also pay an additional £3,000]]>
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				<![CDATA[A UK court has dismissed controversial YouTuber Major (retd) Adil Raja&#39;s appeal to waive a &pound;10,000 fine. The court ruled that Raja must also pay an additional &pound;3,000.

The fine was originally imposed following a complaint by Brigadier (retd) Rashid Nasir. The British court had ordered Raja to pay &pound;10,000 for defamation and security costs. Deputy High Court Judge Richard Spearman issued the latest ruling, denying Raja&#39;s appeal and mandating the extra payment.

Raja&#39;s appeal was filed on April 16, 2024, just a day before the original deadline for payment. The court found that Raja&#39;s defamatory statements against Brigadier Nasir had been published on his X, Facebook, and YouTube accounts.

Also read: UK court imposes penalty on Adil Raja

Brigadier Nasir&#39;s legal action was initiated on August 11, 2022, following a campaign against him by Raja that began on June 14, 2022.

In the past, Raja has claimed financial hardship to garner support and funds from his followers. However, the court&#39;s ruling indicates that this plea did not convince the judges.

&quot;The noose is tightening around those who use foreign bases to spread discord against their homeland,&quot; commented a legal expert familiar with the case.]]>
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			<title>Supreme Court reserves verdict on NAB amendments case</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470070/supreme-court-questions-nabs-exclusion-of-unelected-individuals-from-jurisdiction</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470070/supreme-court-questions-nabs-exclusion-of-unelected-individuals-from-jurisdiction#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 Jun 24 09:46:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[NEWSDESK  ]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan appeared before the court from Adiala Jail via video link.]]>
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				<![CDATA[A five-member bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan has reserved its verdict on the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) amendments case following the completion of arguments.

A five-judge bench led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and including Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Athar Minallah, and Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, heard the federal government&#39;s intra-court appeal.

Former prime minister Imran Khan, the jailed founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), appeared before the court via video link from Adiala Jail.

Representing the Pakistan Peoples Party, Farooq H. Naek presented his arguments before the court.

The federal government has challenged the apex court&rsquo;s majority verdict in September last year, declaring amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) 2002 illegal.

After concluding the arguments, the court reserved its decision. Chief Justice Isa&nbsp;drafted the order for today&#39;s proceedings.

In the written order, the chief justice stated that any party wishing to submit a written response may do so. He noted that the case had been brought to the Supreme Court on arbitration issues, remarking, &quot;NAB has kept the money with itself. How can you keep even a single rupee with you?&quot; The chief justice instructed the NAB prosecutor general to appear in person.

Naek argued that no NAB cases were initiated during the PPP&#39;s tenure. To this, the chief justice responded, &quot;Do not bring the party&#39;s matters before us.&quot; Justice Athar Minallah questioned how the federal government was affected.

The chief justice also inquired about NAB&#39;s budget report and addressed Imran Khan, asking if he had anything further to add.

The court&#39;s written order demanded a ten-year budget record from NAB and dismissed the response submitted by NAB&#39;s lawyer. It was stated that any party may file a response within seven days.

&quot;Transparency and accountability are paramount,&quot; remarked the chief justice. &quot;We expect detailed records and clear answers.&quot;

Earlier, Chief Justice Isa remarked that excluding unelected individuals from the domain of the NAB law is discriminatory.





Justice Athar Minallah asked why only elected public office holders are subjected to NAB&#39;s jurisdiction and were the unelected excluded. He added that the exclusion of unelected individuals from the jurisdiction of the NAB law was discriminatory.

Justice Athar Minallah remarked that no elected representative or relevant minister can make a summary without the the approval of the respective Secretary. &quot;If a Secretary writes in the summary that this is against the rules, can the Minister approve it? High-ranking officials should have the courage to deny it.&quot;

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Isa said that the same party that challenged the law in the Supreme Court had also challenged it in the High Court.

&quot;Shoaib Shaheen challenged the law, Hameed Khan Sahib was his lawyer, the High Court had issued a notice, then why did he come to the us,&quot; he added.]]>
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			<title>ATC wants Imran in court on June 28</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2469268/atc-wants-imran-in-court-on-june-28</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2469268/atc-wants-imran-in-court-on-june-28#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 01 Jun 24 04:55:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2469268</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Also issues bailable arrest warrants for some PTI leaders]]>
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				<![CDATA[An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday issued a production warrant for incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan, ordering his appearance on June 28.

The court also issued bailable arrest warrants for other absent accused in a case filed under terrorism charges related to the violation of Section 144 and vandalism at Ramna Police Station in the wake of the May 9, 2023 incidents of violence.

The written order was issued by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Supra. The PTI founder is currently detained at Rawalpindi&rsquo;s Adiala Jail in another case. The court also issued bailable arrest warrants for PTI leaders Hammad Azhar, Farrukh Habib, Murad Saeed, and Hassan Khan Niazi.

Read&nbsp;Imran&rsquo;s first interaction with CJ Isa

A day earlier, on Thursday, a local court in Islamabad acquitted Imran Khan in two cases related to the May 9, 2023, incidents. Judicial Magistrate Umar Shabbir announced the reserved verdict on the acquittal petitions submitted by the PTI founder.

The court acquitted the PTI founder due to insufficient evidence. Both cases were filed at Islamabad&rsquo;s Shahzad Town Police Station under Section 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
Section 109 pertains to the abetment of a crime. Abetment refers to encouraging, instigating, or aiding someone to commit a crime.

&quot;Whoever abets any offence shall, if the act abetted is committed in consequence of the abetment, and no express provision is made by this Code for the punishment of such abetment, be punished with the punishment provided for the offence,&quot; the section says.

Lawyers Mirza Asim Baig and Naeem Panjutha represented the former PM. During the arguments, Baig stated that unauthorized individuals had registered the FIRs and that no evidence was presented to support these allegations. Consequently, the court acquitted the PTI founder of the charges in these cases.]]>
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			<title>SC dampens PTI supporters’ expectations</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2466945/sc-dampens-pti-supporters-expectations</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2466945/sc-dampens-pti-supporters-expectations#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 May 24 19:52:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Hasnaat Malik]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2466945</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Makes an exception to its own rule by not allowing livestream of proceedings attended by Imran Khan]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Supreme Court on Thursday dampened the excitement of PTI supporters by not allowing the livestream of its proceedings in the NAB law amendments case, which PTI founder Imran Khan attended from Adiala Jail via video link.

There was no official explanation as to why the livestream was not permitted, nor whether all judges on the bench unanimously decided against it.

Since May last year, state authorities have consistently prevented photos or videos of Imran Khan from being made public. This decision, seen by some as unwise, has generated more suspense regarding the former prime minister.

Despite the lessons from the February 8, 2024 general election results, the current government continues to follow the same policy regarding Imran.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court also adhered to this policy by not allowing the livestream of the NAB law amendments case hearing.

Read also:&nbsp;SC initiates investigation after Imran video link picture goes viral

Interestingly, Justice Qazi Faez Isa, who presided over the bench hearing the NAB amendment case, had made history by allowing the livestream of public interest cases on the first day of his term as the chief justice.

Previously, when Justice Isa requested the SC to livestream the proceedings on his review petition, a bench led by former CJ Umar Ata Bandial had turned down the request with a majority vote, with the PTI-led government also opposing his plea.

When Justice Isa assumed office as the CJ in September 2023, a full-court formed a two-member committee comprising Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar to formulate SOPs for livestreaming court proceedings.

It was decided that all public interest cases would be telecast live, while routine case proceedings would be recorded and uploaded on the SC website by the same evening.

However, this practice has not been consistently followed. It is expected that the bench will clarify why the livestream was not allowed in this case. Some lawyers speculate that the SC might have restricted the livestream because Imran Khan is a convicted person.

Read:&nbsp;SC takes suo motu notice of Vawda&rsquo;s presser against Justice Sattar

Meanwhile, tensions have intensified between the executive and the judiciary over a letter penned by six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges in March this year, alleging interference by spy agencies in the judicial process.

CJ Isa on Thursday took notice of the SC Registrar&rsquo;s note regarding a press conference in which Senator Faisal Vawda used scandalous language against superior court judges. Vawda may now face trouble in the apex court.

One section within the government is pushing for a grand dialogue among all stakeholders, particularly the executive and the judiciary. On Wednesday, Attorney-General for Pakistan Mansoor Awan was tasked with pursuing the idea of institutional dialogue in a high-level meeting held at the Prime Minister&#39;s Office.

Some lawyers hope that better sense will prevail among all stakeholders, as no one can afford the ongoing confrontation. They also suggest that it is essential for the PTI to be involved as a significant stakeholder.

There is also some mistrust among SC judges. One group of lawyers expressed concern that the SC&#39;s decision to take notice of Vawda&#39;s press conference might affect the IHC&#39;s contempt proceedings against those running a malicious campaign against high court judges.]]>
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			<title>PIMS conducts Imran’s check-up in Adiala jail</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2466928/pims-conducts-imrans-check-up-in-adiala-jail</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2466928/pims-conducts-imrans-check-up-in-adiala-jail#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 May 24 19:12:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2466928</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Bushra Bibi refuses medical examination]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) staff conducted a medical check-up of PTI founder Imran Khan, overseen by the chief of Shaukat Khanam Hospital. However, Imran&rsquo;s spouse, Bushra Bibi, refused the medical examination.

Jail sources said the court had directed Adiala Jail administration to make arrangements for the medical examination of PTI founder Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi under the supervision of Dr Faisal Sultan, CEO, Shaukat Khanam Hospital.

Read also:&nbsp;PTI concerned over Imran&rsquo;s health, alleges denial of medical care

PIMS staff examined the PTI chief thoroughly and collected his blood samples under the supervision of Dr Faisal Sultan. However, despite insistence from Imran Khan and Dr. Faisal Sultan, Bushra Bibi refused to undergo the examination and declined to provide blood samples.

The sources said the reports of Imran&rsquo;s blood test and the written opinions of experts on his health will be presented in the accountability court.]]>
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			<title>Asif denies pressure on Imran</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2463985/asif-denies-pressure-on-imran</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2463985/asif-denies-pressure-on-imran#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 24 18:34:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2463985</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Minister dismisses PTI chairman’s claims of govt pressure for a deal]]>
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				<![CDATA[Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has dismissed the assertions made by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, alleging that incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan was being pressured to accept a &ldquo;deal&rdquo;.

&ldquo;There is no truth in claims of pressuring Imran Khan to come to the negotiating table,&rdquo; the defence minister said in an interview published on Wednesday on Independent Urdu.

While speaking to reporters outside Rawalpindi&#39;s Adiala Jail on Tuesday, Barrister Gohar asserted that PTI had not been contacted for any negotiation, refuting rumours of ongoing secret discussions. If a genuine invitation were received, the party would publicly acknowledge it, he said.

He highlighted that the incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan had also confirmed that he did not receive any message for dialogue.

Read also: Sharjeel accuses Imran of conspiring against country

However, Gohar also said: &ldquo;Another thing we (PTI) are saying is that the way Khan sahib is being kept in jail, the way [Bushra] Bibi has been [jailed], these are all [forms of] pressure that Khan sahib somehow agrees to a deal.

&ldquo;And these are all pressures that Khan sahib somehow breaks,&rdquo; he claimed.

Rejecting Gohar&rsquo;s statements, the defence minister maintained that the former ruling party was making such statements only to stay &ldquo;relevant&rdquo;.

&ldquo;Reputable people from the PTI had given statements that there was no deal taking place nor was there any contact,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;Now, if such controversial statements would come from the PTI itself, what can we say about it?&rdquo; he questioned.

When asked about relations between the PTI-led Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government and the Centre, Asif said the federal government should not be the one to take the &ldquo;initiative&rdquo; of ruining the relations.

He recalled that the meeting between Premier Shehbaz Sharif and K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur held in March, during which he was present, took place in a &ldquo;very pleasant atmosphere&rdquo;.

&ldquo;We would like the province to maintain the same spirit,&rdquo; Asif said, adding that the relations &ldquo;should not deteriorate from our side&rdquo;.

&ldquo;If K-P gives an indication of spoiling relations, we will think about what we have to do, but there should be no initiative from our side.&rdquo;

Regarding the potential implementation of a governor rule in K-P, Asif said, &ldquo;Political forces should avoid such a situation. About this, I will not discuss what the options will be&rdquo;.
&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Sharjeel accuses Imran of conspiring against country</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2463570/sharjeel-accuses-imran-of-conspiring-against-country</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2463570/sharjeel-accuses-imran-of-conspiring-against-country#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 24 19:15:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2463570</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Information minister alleges former PM's rise to power was foreign-funded]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Sindh Senior Minister for Information, Transport, Mass Transit, Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control, Sharjeel Inam Memon, on Monday alleged that Imran Khan is part of a profound conspiracy against Pakistan.

&quot;Khan&#39;s struggle is not against the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) or the establishment, but against the interests of the state,&quot; Sharjeel said.

Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, the minister stated that during the 2018 elections, India and Israel funnelled money to support Khan, leading to his imposition on the country through unprecedented rigging. Despite his questionable record, he was appointed as prime minister.

Sharjeel said that the new generation should heed the prophecies of Dr Israr Ahmed and thoughts of Abdul Sattar Edhi about Imran Khan.

He further alleged that the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has spent a billion rupees in a year to commute between Bani Gala and the PM House.

Sharjeel asserted that Imran had offered the former Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan General Qamar Javed Bajwa a lifetime extension, urging him to prevent the success of the no-confidence motion against him. &quot;Imran Khan was constitutionally and legally ousted from power through a motion of no confidence,&quot; he said.

He said that the conduct of PTI miscreants during President Asif Ali Zardari&#39;s address at the Parliament House and Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari&#39;s swearing-in was reprehensible.

Memon said that the former prime minister had initiated the politics of division within society, pitting brother against brother.

He stated that despite not even six months passing, he has been accorded VIP treatment in jail, orchestrating political manoeuvres from behind the bars, convening government and cabinet meetings, distributing tickets, and engaging with various stakeholders.

PTI has made no sacrifices and cannot be considered a political party, added.

While addressing the concerns of journalists, he reiterated that the efforts of his party will persist in meeting the longstanding demands of media houses, ensuring the salaries of journalists, and resolving all their issues, including access to free medical facilities.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 23rd, 2024.]]>
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			<title>Imran to offer Eid prayers at Adiala Jail</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2462210/imran-to-offer-eid-prayers-at-adiala-jail</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2462210/imran-to-offer-eid-prayers-at-adiala-jail#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 24 15:47:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2462210</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PTI founder is also expected to meet his wife Bushra Bibi at the prison]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[PTI founder and former premier Imran Khan and ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will offer Eidul Fitr will prayers at Adiala Jail on Wednesday (today).

Imran is also expected to meet his wife Bushra Bibi at the prison.

PTI Punjab President Chaudhry Parvez Elahi will also be spending Eid in prison.

Read also:&nbsp;IHC asks AG to ensure meeting between Imran, wife

The PTI founder was taken into custody by the paramilitary Rangers on May 9, 2023 for his alleged corruption in a graft case.

Sporadic violence hit parts of the country following his arrest, which included attacks on government installations.]]>
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			<title>Govt snubs Imran’s claims about Toshakhana case</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2461991/govt-snubs-imrans-claims-about-toshakhana-case</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2461991/govt-snubs-imrans-claims-about-toshakhana-case#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Apr 24 17:06:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2461991</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Information minister terms allegations ‘false and baseless’]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Sunday dismissed PTI founding chairman Imran Khan&rsquo;s allegations that the senior military leadership had him and his wife Bushra Bibi implicated in the Toshakhana (gift repository) reference, describing them as &ldquo;false, fabricated and baseless&rdquo;.

&ldquo;[Imran] and his spouse have both been involved in the Toshakhana heist, audios have proven the level of involvement in corruption and embezzlement,&rdquo; Tarar wrote in a post on social media platform X.

&ldquo;Attacks on state institutions like the one on 9th May [last year] and running disrespectful campaigns against martyrs have been his policy. The truth cannot be concealed through propaganda and blatant lies. State of panic at Adiala is evident from recent statements,&rdquo; he added.

The minister was responding to a post on X shared a day earlier on Imran&rsquo;s official account that carried the deposed premier&rsquo;s media talk at Adiala jail, where he was currently incarcerated.

According to the post, Imran told the media that the senior military leadership was &ldquo;running the affairs in the country&rdquo;.

Mentioning a &ldquo;London Plan&rdquo;, the PTI founding chairman claimed that it was crafted between the current army chief and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif.

He added that to execute it, judges, appointed by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), were taken on board.

Read also:&nbsp;Imran likens current crisis to 1971 debacle

The PTI founding chairman claimed he had never fought with or maligned the military despite former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa &ldquo;stabbing&rdquo; his party in the back.

Imran continued that he had also conveyed a message to the military leadership through former president Dr Arif Alvi that he knew about the &ldquo;London Plan&rdquo;.

He further said the military leadership was informed that the PTI did not &ldquo;oppose it&rdquo;.

Imran claimed that when he was arrested in August last year, the police took away his passport and chequebook from his bedroom.

&ldquo;The ISI then forced Inam Shah and an employee of the Toshakhana to become witnesses against me,&rdquo; he added.

The ex-premier said former PTI leader Ali Zaidi &ldquo;was also in touch&rdquo; with the military leadership.

Read:&nbsp;Imran, wife get reprieve in gifts case

&ldquo;I will not accept anyone&rsquo;s slavery and rather prefer death.&rdquo;

Speaking about the current government, Imran maintained that the &ldquo;king&rdquo; was handling the affairs behind the scenes, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was operating as a &ldquo;viceroy&rdquo;.

He also claimed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lacked any &ldquo;authority&rdquo;.

The PTI founding chairman claimed that former federal information minister Fawad Chaudhry was still kept in detention in a bid to coerce him into becoming a witness against him even though he had parted ways with the party.

Fawad was set free from Adiala jail on Friday after the Islamabad High Court had granted him protective bail.

Imran claimed that if PTI President Parvez Elahi and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a press conference against him, all charges against them would be dropped.

He also said the senior military leadership would be responsible if anything happened to him or his wife.]]>
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			<title>Ayaz avoids debate on judges’ letter in NA</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2461293/ayaz-avoids-debate-on-judges-letter-in-na</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2461293/ayaz-avoids-debate-on-judges-letter-in-na#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Apr 24 18:29:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Waqas Ahmed]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2461293</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Speaker adjourns session after spirited opposition protest]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A National Assembly on Monday witnessed noisy protest by the opposition for the release of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and the independence of judiciary, leading the chair to adjourn the proceedings for an indefinite period.

The house met with Speaker Ayaz Sadiq in the chair. At the outset of the proceedings, the house observed a one-minute silence to pay tributes to the Chinese engineers killed in a suicide bombing in the Shangla district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa last week.

&ldquo;We condemn the attack on Chinese nationals on behalf of the National Assembly, which is a representative of the House of the people of Pakistan. We reiterate that such nefarious attempts to damage Pakistan-China friendship will not succeed,&rdquo; the speaker told the house.

The house also offered Fateha for the martyrs of the security forces in terrorist attacks in Balochistan. Besides Abdul Rehman Kanju, Saira Afzal Tarar, Saima Zahid, Kanwal Nauman, Bushra Anjam Butt, Huma Akhtar Chughtai, Mahjabeen Abbasi, Gulnaz Shahzadi, Shumaila Rana, Shazia Fareed, and Syeda Amna Batool took oath as members of the National Assembly.

Later, members of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) surrounded the speaker&rsquo;s dais started noisy protest. They contended that the opposition had submitted an adjournment motion on issue of the letter of six judges, but the motion had not been placed on the session&rsquo;s agenda.

Read also:&nbsp;SIC seeks NA discussion on IHC letter

Representing the SIC, Omar Ayub Khan said that the letter written by the six judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to the chief justice of Pakistan was an important issued and it should be discussed on the floor of the assembly.

Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said that the matter was already sub judice and the Supreme Court had constituted a bench. However, Amer Dogar stated that the letter was a very important issue, and instead of discussing other matters, their adjournment motion should be debated.

The speaker said that he had reserved the ruling on this matter and the house would be informed on it. The speaker also invited applications for the appointment of the leader of the opposition in the lower house of parliament and said that he would issue a notification.

Later, the speaker adjourned the session for an indefinite period when the opposition continued protested against not allowing discussion on the issue of the letter of the judges.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)]]>
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			<title>Court issues production orders for Imran, Qureshi</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2460170/court-issues-production-orders-for-imran-qureshi</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2460170/court-issues-production-orders-for-imran-qureshi#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 24 11:29:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2460170</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Orders issued in another Azadi March vandalism case; hearing adjourned till April 20]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[A court issued production orders on Friday for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan and senior party&nbsp;leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi&nbsp;in a case of vandalism during the 2022 Azadi March.

PTI&nbsp;counsels Sardar Mohammad Masroof and Naeem Haider Panjotha were present in the courtroom as a sessions court heard the case.&nbsp;The hearing was presided over by&nbsp;judge Mureed Abbas

The case against the former premier, Qureshi, and others was&nbsp;registered at the Karachi Company police station.

The hearing was adjourned till April 20.

Earlier this week, a judicial magistrate of Islamabad&nbsp;acquitted PTI founding chairman in two similar cases.

Read Judiciary&rsquo;s approach towards PTI changing?

Long march cases

On May 27, 2022, the Islamabad police filed separate cases against 150 people including former premier and PTI chairman Imran Khan as well as other party leaders over allegations of arson and vandalism in the federal capital a day earlier.

The footage.&nbsp;of the Safe City cameras as well as those from private TV news channels were included in the challans as evidence. At least 39 people were taken into custody after identification from the footage.

Imran launched a march toward Islamabad to topple the coalition government that assumed power after he was ousted as the premier following a vote of no confidence.

The rally was part of the PTI&rsquo;s struggle to achieve &ldquo;real freedom&rdquo; and deliver the nation from the &ldquo;slavery&rdquo; of the &ldquo;US-backed&rdquo; coalition government.]]>
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			<title>IHC queries ban on Imran’s visitation</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2460150/ihc-queries-ban-on-imrans-visitation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2460150/ihc-queries-ban-on-imrans-visitation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 24 07:56:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2460150</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Justice Ejaz says how Punjab CM ordered online meeting facility at Kot Lakhpat, when Jail Manual does not allow it]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Islamabad High Court (IHC) questioned the statement provided by the Adiala Jail superintendent to the court, asserting that jail regulations did not allow for online meetings between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his legal representatives.

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan of the IHC raised concerns regarding the denial of this facility, juxtaposing it with the announcement made by the Punjab chief minister regarding online meetings at Kot Lakhpat Jail.

He questioned the inconsistency, highlighting the discrepancy between the Jail Manual and its implementation across different facilities.

Justice Khan took up the request of the PTI founder for meeting with his lawyers. State lawyer Abdur Rehman requested time to seek instructions from the government on the matter. Meanwhile, another lawyer, Zainab Janjua, emphasized the need for alignment between the Adiala Jail superintendent&#39;s stance and that of the Punjab government.

However, the judge declined the request, saying there was no need for instructions, adding that the court would settle one point: whether or not political discussion could be held in jail meeting. If the court came to conclusion that political talks could take place, then amendment would have to be made.

Read PTI lawyers meet Imran after IHC relief

PTI founder&rsquo;s lawyer Sher Afzal Marwat told the court that they had been stopped one and a half kilometres away from where they walked to the Adiala Jail. Justice Khan remarked that everyone knew what this was all about. He added that if the orders to jail authorities stopped, this would end.

Justice Khan said that if 200 senior civil officers refused to obey illegal orders, the system will be fixed. However, he quipped that if the court sent 200 civil servants to jail, even then there would be improvement. The judge said if 200-300 officers give sacrifice for the ideology, things would improve.

The judge pointed out that the jail superintendent had said meetings with the prisoners had been stopped from March 12 because of threat alerts, saying that he did not see this order as bona fide. He pointed out that there would be a big parade on March 23 (today), yet there was no threat to it.

The court urged the advocate general to clarify whether the Punjab chief minister&#39;s announcement or the jail authorities&#39; directive was illegal, setting the stage for further deliberation on March 29.

Meanwhile, a local court of Islamabad ordered the production of the PTI founder Imran Khan and senior leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the court on April 20 in a case related to vandalism registered against them in Karachi Company Police Station.

During the hearing, PTI lawyers, Sardar Mohammad Kharji Khan, Naeem Haider Panjotha and others appeared in the court of Civil Judge Mureed Abbas. The court ordered the production of the two and adjourned further hearing till April 20.]]>
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			<title>Hand over Imran to us, K-P tells Punjab</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2459845/hand-over-imran-to-us-k-p-tells-punjab</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2459845/hand-over-imran-to-us-k-p-tells-punjab#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 24 17:31:22 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2459845</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Saif says provincial govt shouldn’t make others suffer if it can’t provide ‘security’ to ex-PM]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa information adviser on Tuesday said if the Punjab government could not ensure the safety of PTI founding chairman Imran Khan -- who along with other prisoners at Rawalpindi&rsquo;s Adiala Jail had been restrained from receiving visitors for two weeks over &ldquo;security threats&rdquo; -- then he should be handed over to his provincial set-up.

&ldquo;Imran Khan should be handed over to the K-P government if Punjab cannot provide security to him,&rdquo; CM&rsquo;s information aide Barrister Dr Muhammad Ali Saif demanded in a video message.

He further said the restrictions imposed on the basis of &ldquo;security concerns&rdquo; had created &ldquo;difficulties&rdquo; for all the prisoners.

&ldquo;The Punjab government should not make the people suffer because of its &lsquo;incompetence&rsquo; and &lsquo;fear of Imran Khan&rsquo;.&rdquo;

The K-P CM&rsquo;s adviser claimed that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was busy in &ldquo;photo shoots&rdquo; instead of working in the province while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was engaged in &ldquo;useless gossip&rdquo; in parliament to gain the media&rsquo;s attention.

&ldquo;A &lsquo;drama&rsquo; is being played in Punjab to hide the &lsquo;incompetence&rsquo; of its government.&rdquo;

Said was referring to Punjab CM&rsquo;s recent visit to Lahore&rsquo;s Kot Lakhpat jail, where she had Iftar (broke her fast) with the female prisoners there.

The Punjab chief minister also visited the cell where her father, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, was imprisoned during his time in jail.

She inaugurated a dedicated 20-bed hospital for the rehabilitation of drug addicts and a video call facility for prisoners in Kot Lakhpat jail.

Read also: Court acquits Imran in two long march vandalism cases

In a post on social media platform X, Maryam shared that it was an emotional moment to see the cell of her father, a three-time former premier, was kept in.

&ldquo;I was in the same jail but never allowed to visit him. Got to see it today,&rdquo; she added.
On Saturday, K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur met with the PTI founding chairman in Adiala Jail on being granted special permission by PM Shehbaz Sharif.

Following the meeting, Saif said in a statement that Gandapur took instructions from Imran on important political issues.

He said the chief minister discussed the party candidates for the Senate elections with Imran and received his consent

Imran instructed Gandapur to actively engage in discussions on federal platforms, including the Special Investment Facilitation Council, and to collaborate with security agencies to uphold K-P&rsquo;s rights.

Last week, authorities at Adiala Jail allowed four PTI lawyers to meet with Imran in compliance with the Islamabad High Court orders.]]>
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			<title>CEC 'swayed' with promises of ambassadorship in return for favours, alleges PTI</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2459429/cec-swayed-with-promises-of-ambassadorship-in-return-for-favours-alleges-pti</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2459429/cec-swayed-with-promises-of-ambassadorship-in-return-for-favours-alleges-pti#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Mar 24 10:26:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2459429</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[We will resist and it is a long battle, says PTI's Qaiser]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Omar Ayub Khan alleged on Friday that Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja was &#39;swayed&#39; with promises of ambassadorship in return for favours by the incumbent government.&nbsp;

Speaking to the media alongside&nbsp;PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and former speaker National Assembly (NA) Asad Qaiser, Ayub claimed that CEC was promised future posting as the country&#39;s envoy to Canada in exchange for cooperation.&nbsp;

The PTI leader also accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of betraying the Pakistan Peoples Party(PPP). Citing the Federal Minister of Law and Justice&nbsp;Azam Nazeer Tarar&rsquo;s statement about upcoming&nbsp;criminal law amendments in the National Assembly. He said the amendments were connected to the&nbsp;International Monetary Fund&nbsp;(IMF) delegation&#39;s visit and&nbsp;questioned the connection between undisclosed criminal law changes with the IMF visit.

&ldquo;What is the connection between Pakistan&#39;s criminal law and the IMF,&quot; he asked.

Gohar, seconding Ayub&#39;s sentiments, emphasised the significance of legislation being within the prerogative of the parliament. he also criticised the commencement of legislative proceedings without proper adherence to legal protocols.&nbsp;&ldquo;Today, the first day of legislation has been initiated by breaking the law,&quot; Gauhar stressed.

Read PTI slams &lsquo;politically motivated&rsquo; cases against Imran

&ldquo;First inform the members about the law you wish to change,&rdquo;&nbsp;maintained Gohar while highlighting the importance of notifying members about proposed legal changes. He deemed that the approach through which current bills will be&nbsp;passed is &lsquo;unconstitutional&rsquo;.

Meanwhile, Qaiser alleged that individuals aspiring to become lawmakers are expected to provide financial contributions to the Election Commission Pakistan( ECP). He denounced the current composition of the house as non-elected and accused authorities of flagrantly violating the law.

&ldquo;Their [ECP&#39;s]&nbsp;next task is to allocate 20 more seats to PML-N,&quot; claimed Qaiser. &ldquo;They [ECP] also want to give seats to PML-N from Punjab,&rdquo;&nbsp;he added.

&quot;We will resist, it is a long battle,&quot; said Qaiser as he declared PTI&#39;s intentions of holding protests and refusing to back down after its mandate was &quot;stolen&quot;.&nbsp;

Earlier, Pervez Elahi had also announced PTI&#39;s intention to stage nationwide protests until its perceived mandate is restored, hinting at a potential coalition among opposition parties against alleged election irregularities.

These remarks were made during Elahi&#39;s appearance at the FIA Court in Lahore, where he addressed journalists.]]>
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			<title>Judge Bashir hangs up his robe</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2459374/judge-bashir-hangs-up-his-robe</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2459374/judge-bashir-hangs-up-his-robe#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 24 19:17:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2459374</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Convicted two former PMs; served as an accountability court judge for 12 years]]>
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				<![CDATA[Muhammad Bashir, the accountability court judge who convicted two former prime ministers&mdash;Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan&mdash;and their family members, has finally hung up his robes.

Bashir was appointed as the Islamabad Accountability Court-I judge on March 13, 2012, during the PPP&#39;s rule and served in the position for 12 years thanks to two extensions granted respectively by the PML-N and the PTI governments.

When the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed three references against former PM Nawaz Sharif and his family members on the order of the Supreme Court in 2017, the judge presided over the Avenfield case.

In July 2018, he convicted Nawaz, his daughter Maryam, and son-in-law Safdar, sentencing them to different prison terms. However, the Islamabad High Court later overturned this verdict.

The judge also oversaw the NAB reference filed against former PM Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi for misusing the state&#39;s gifts repository. During the trial, he requested leave until his retirement, a request rejected by the Ministry of Law.

On January 31, the judge convicted both Imran and his wife, sentencing them each to 14 years in prison. After that, he once again sought leave until his retirement on health grounds.

Read also:&nbsp;Judge Bashir withdraws leave application

Muhammad Bashir was also adjudicating NAB cases against former PMs Yousaf Raza Gillani, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, as well as PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sent a summary to the Ministry of Law to appoint an additional judge to the Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC)-II.

Islamabad ATC-I Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain is currently on leave until April 26.

According to sources, due to absence of any judge at the ATCs, people facing cases in the courts are suffering. In the summary sent to the Ministry of Law, the IHC has recommended the elevation of Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Ali Warraich to the ATC-II

Judge Zulqarnain, who also presides over the Special Court formed last year to hear cases under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, found former PM Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi guilty of misusing a diplomatic cipher and sentenced them to 10 years in prison each on Jan 30.]]>
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			<title>ATC extends Imran’s bail in May 9 cases</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458736/atc-extends-imrans-bail-in-may-9-cases</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458736/atc-extends-imrans-bail-in-may-9-cases#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 24 05:26:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2458736</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[ATC Judge Muhammad Naveed Iqbal conducted the proceedings on the bail petitions of the PTI founder]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Thursday extended the interim bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder till March 15 in three cases related to attacks on the Jinnah House, Askari Tower and torching of Shadman police station on May 9, 2023.

ATC Judge Muhammad Naveed Iqbal conducted the proceedings on the bail petitions of the PTI founder. The court sought arguments from parties, on the next date of hearing.

Last week, another ATC confirmed the interim bail of the PTI founder in four cases pertaining to an attack on police outside Zaman Park, murder of PTI activist Zille Shah, torching of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz office in Model Town and a container at Kalma Chowk.

On August 11, 2023, an ATC judge dismissed the pre-arrest bails of PTI founder in seven cases over his non-appearance as he was jailed after conviction in Toshakhana case. However, the Lahore High Court set aside the decision and restored his bail petitions while allowing a petition of the PTI founder.]]>
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			<title>Dialogue with Imran mandatory, says Elahi</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458579/dialogue-with-imran-mandatory-says-elahi</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458579/dialogue-with-imran-mandatory-says-elahi#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 24 17:42:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2458579</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PTI president claims that his party’s candidates lost the Feb 8 polls due to the alleged tampering of Form 45]]>
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				<![CDATA[Citing the formation of &ldquo;fake cases&rdquo; and underlining the necessity of &ldquo;return of PTI&rsquo;s real mandate&rdquo;, party&rsquo;s Central President Parvez Elahi has emphasised that the government&rsquo;s &ldquo;proposal for reconciliation&rdquo; holds no significance.

Talking to media after appearing before the anti-corruption court, the PTI president claimed that his party&rsquo;s candidates lost the Feb 8 polls due to the alleged tampering of Form 45.

&ldquo;The country is being pushed towards a dire crisis by disregarding the public mandate. The election commission has reached the &lsquo;height of cruelty and injustice&rsquo; by allocating our reserved seats to the Pakistan Democratic Movement,&rdquo; he said.

Read also:&nbsp;Elahi accuses Shehbaz of cruelty, refuses talks until &lsquo;stolen seats&rsquo; returned

The PTI leader stressed that the only way to steer the country of the current crisis was to hold &ldquo;direct and meaningful dialogue&rdquo; with Imran Khan.

&ldquo;Government&rsquo;s offer for reconciliation holds no meaning [in the wake of] fabricated cases and until the return of PTI&rsquo;s real mandate.&rdquo;]]>
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			<title>Notices issued to FIA, NAB in Toshakhana, cypher cases</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457682/notices-issued-to-fia-nab-in-toshakhana-cypher-cases</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457682/notices-issued-to-fia-nab-in-toshakhana-cypher-cases#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Feb 24 18:59:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2457682</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Court seeks responses by Feb 29]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has served notices to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) regarding appeals challenging the trial court verdicts, seeking suspension of sentences in the cypher and Toshakhana cases of PTI founding chairman Imran Khan.

The court has demanded responses from both by February 29 (Thursday).

In addition, notices were issued for Thursday&#39;s hearing on the appeals of co-accused individuals, including former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Bushra Bibi, the wife of a former prime minister.

A two-member special division bench, comprising Chief Justice Aamir Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, presided over the appeals challenging the special court&#39;s 10-year prison verdict for Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cypher case.

Read also:&nbsp;IHC set to review Imran&#39;s gifts, cipher appeals

The court directed a notice to the FIA and overruled objections raised by the office regarding the appeal against the cypher case conviction.

Furthermore, NAB has been served notices concerning appeals against the 14-year imprisonment verdict for Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana case.

In a related development, the IHC issued a notice on the PTI founder&#39;s post-arrest bail plea in the &pound;190 million corruption case, seeking a response by the next hearing. However, in the Toshakhana NAB reference, Imran Khan&#39;s bail application was deemed ineffective.]]>
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			<title>IHC takes up Imran’s appeals today</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457587/ihc-takes-up-imrans-appeals-today</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457587/ihc-takes-up-imrans-appeals-today#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Feb 24 18:27:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Fiaz Mahmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2457587</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Division benches scheduled to take up applications seeking bail in Toshakhana, cipher, £190m cases]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Islamabad High Court (IHC) will take up today, Monday, the appeals filed by former prime minister Imran Khan against his conviction in the state gift repository&mdash;Toshakhana&mdash;and the diplomatic cipher cases.

The same division bench comprising Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb will also hear the appeals filed by Imran&rsquo;s co-accused&mdash;former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Imran&rsquo;s wife Bushra Bibi.

A special court sentenced Imran and Qureshi to ten years in prison in the diplomatic cipher case on January 30. A day later, on January 31, an accountability court sentenced the former prime minister and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 14 years in prison in the gift repository case.

Today, the IHC bench will also hear the accused persons bail applications which seek suspension of the sentences awarded by the trial courts just a week before the February 8 general elections.

Read also:&nbsp;IHC set to review Imran&#39;s gifts, cipher appeals

A division bench consisting of Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri will also hear the PTI founder and his wife&rsquo;s post arrest bail applications in the &pound;190m corruption case.

On Saturday, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore extended till March 1 the interim bail granted to Imran Khan in seven different cases of vandalism registered after May 9, 2023 riots.

Imran Khan, who was ousted from power in April 2022 through a vote of no confidence, faced numerous legal challenges during the tenure of the last PML-N government.

In August 2023, he was convicted and sentenced to three years in prison for failing to disclose gifts received during his term as prime minister in his statements of assets and liabilities. Subsequently, Khan was also convicted in cases related to diplomatic cipher, gift repository, and illegal marriage. He is currently detained at Rawalpindi&#39;s Adiala Jail.]]>
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			<title>PTI shying away from PM contest: Bilawal</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457470/pti-shying-away-from-pm-contest-bilawal</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457470/pti-shying-away-from-pm-contest-bilawal#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Feb 24 14:54:25 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2457470</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PPP chairman says Imran's letter to IMF 'unmasked his real face']]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday claimed that PTI founder Imran Khan was backing down from the prime ministerial race, saying that he was deliberately refraining from fielding a candidate for the slot against PML-N&rsquo;s Shehbaz Sharif.

During a visit to the New Karachi area, Bilawal asserted that the PTI should be honest with its workers about lacking a majority in the National Assembly, adding that the former ruling party did not obstruct Shehbaz&rsquo;s path as it had insufficient number to form a government.

He speculated, &quot;I think Khan sahib himself must have decided not to field a candidate against Shehbaz Sharif.&quot;
Commenting on Imran&rsquo;s letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding election rigging and audit, the PPP chairman dismissed its efficacy, warning that it would only exacerbate the crisis in Pakistan, leading to increased unemployment and inflation.

He accused Imran of prioritising his political interests over national concerns. &ldquo;He has been unmasked before the people.&rdquo;
Bilawal also lamented the loss of two party workers in violent incidents during the election, criticising the law enforcement agencies&#39; performance.

He announced plans to establish a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) after forming the government in Sindh to probe election-related violence and ensure justice for the victims.

On allegations of rigging, Bilawal challenged political parties to provide evidence and questioned the legitimacy of the claims.

He affirmed that the PPP emerged victorious in two provincial seats in Karachi (PS-124 and PS-125) according to Form-45, accusing the process of being rigged against them.

In response to accusations of rigging, Bilawal stated: &quot;We will fight the legal battle with evidence, hope justice will be served, and if not, the next course of action will be announced.&quot;

He denounced political parties relying on rigging for victory, describing their protests as attempts at blackmail.

He asserted that those who were raising concerns about rigging had a history of never securing victories in Sindh.

According to the PPP chief, the protesters were not genuinely opposing rigging; rather, they were attempting to manipulate the system further.

He emphasised the PPP&#39;s commitment to preventing such incidents in the future and ensuring a fair political landscape.
Bilawal said that the PPP will forever remember the injustices and the sacrifices made during the elections.

He underscored the point that religious, linguistic, and communal terrorism constitute a red line for his party, declaring that such activities will not be tolerated in the city or the province under any circumstances.

Bilawal issued a stern warning to parties seeking to foster terrorism, making it clear that such endeavours would not be allowed to flourish in the province.]]>
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			<title>Imran urges US tough stance on ‘poll rigging’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456634/imran-urges-us-tough-stance-on-poll-rigging</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456634/imran-urges-us-tough-stance-on-poll-rigging#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Feb 24 05:23:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2456634</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Ex-PM expects stronger US voice regarding PTI's election exclusion]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[PTI founding chairman and former premier Imran Khan on Thursday demanded that the US should adopt a tough stance on &ldquo;rigging&rdquo; the recent general elections in Pakistan.

After meeting Imran in Adiala Jail, PTI leader Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, accompanied by former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, told the media that the former premier had pushed the US to take a tougher stance on the recent general polls.

He further quoted Imran as saying that the manner in which the PTI was ousted from the polls, the US should be more vocal.

Barrister Saif said the PTI founding chairman was of the opinion that the US had supported the governments of dictators and corrupt people, but now it was presented with an opportunity to raise its voice on Pakistan&rsquo;s election &ldquo;rigging&rdquo;.
The statement came a day after the US Department of State had said it is appropriate for the Pakistani state to investigate the allegations of rigging in the general elections.

|To a query, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said the United States had called for those allegations to be investigated.
&quot;We think that&rsquo;s an appropriate step to take. That&#39;s our response to questions of irregularities not just in Pakistan, but when we see them anywhere in the world. We think that they&#39;re thoroughly investigated and resolved. And so that &ndash; we will continue to call for that.

&quot;But at the same time, it&#39;s clear that the elections in Pakistan were competitive, and we look forward to working with the government, once it&rsquo;s formed, that the people of Pakistan elected,&quot; he maintained.

To another query, Miller has called the efforts to form a coalition government in Pakistan &ldquo;ultimately an internal matter&rdquo;.
&quot;You see this in a number of countries that have parliamentary system of government where no party has established a majority; you see the kind of coalition that is formed, ultimately that is not the decision for the US to make, it&rsquo;s the decision for Pakistan to make,&quot; the department&rsquo;s spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, speaking on the occasion, Qaiser, who won the election for NA-19 Swabi-I as a PTI-backed independent candidate, said they would not resign under any circumstances and sit in the assemblies. &ldquo;We have expressed our concerns and will also protest, but sit in the assemblies as well,&rdquo; he added.

The former NA speaker further said the US, which considered itself a champion of democracy, was silent on this matter.
He continued that the US&rsquo; &lsquo;cosmetic&rsquo; statement on the elections in Pakistan was unacceptable.

Qaiser also demanded that the US should take a stricter stand against those who had &ldquo;rigged&rdquo; the recent polls.]]>
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			<title>Qaiser moves IHC to meet Imran at Adiala Jail</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456359/qaiser-moves-ihc-to-meet-imran-at-adiala-jail</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456359/qaiser-moves-ihc-to-meet-imran-at-adiala-jail#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Feb 24 19:10:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2456359</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says wants to meet PTI founder for political, legal consultation]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf&rsquo;s Asad Qaiser, who is a former National Assembly speaker, has approached the Islamabad High Court to meet party founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail.

Qaiser submitted an application, stating that he had sought permission from the prison authorities to meet the PTI founder but they did not allow him.

It stated, &ldquo;As a PTI member, it is the fundamental right of the petitioner to meet the PTI founder within the prison limits.&rdquo;

Read also: PTI to seek justice from courts against Feb 8 &#39;rigging&#39;, says Imran

Qaiser requested the court to issue orders for a meeting with the PTI founder for political and legal consultation.

He requested the court to also issue orders to ensure privacy during the consultative meeting with the PTI founder.

In a video statement on social media platform X, Qaiser said he wanted to hold a discussion pertaining to the political situation in the country with Imran.



وَتُعِزُّ مَن تَشَاءُ وَتُذِلُّ مَن تَشَاءُ ، ہمیں کہا گیا عمران خان کی سیاست ختم ہو گئی، فیصلے اوپر اللہ کرتا ہے، عمران خان کی سیاست کو ختم کرنے والے آج خود سیاست سے دستبردار ہو چکے ہیں، عمران خان سے ملاقات کی اجازت کےلئے اسلام آباد ہائیکورٹ میں درخواست دے دی ہے۔ pic.twitter.com/e5HbpArGuZ
&mdash; Asad Qaiser (@AsadQaiserPTI) February 13, 2024



&ldquo;At this point, Pakistan cannot afford further anarchy. The nation has chosen their leader and their mandate should be respected,&rdquo; he said.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan polls: Post results, what are likely scenarios for parties?</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455949/pakistan-polls-post-results-what-are-likely-scenarios-for-parties</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455949/pakistan-polls-post-results-what-are-likely-scenarios-for-parties#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Feb 24 16:56:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Anadolu Agency]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2455949</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[No party appears to have gained clear majority to form government on its own]]>
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				<![CDATA[With votes still being counted after Thursday&#39;s crucial general election, there are strong prospects of a hung parliament with the mainstream political parties left with a few options.

Initial results show a close contest between the independent candidates backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The centre-left Pakistan People&#39;s Party (PPP) stands third.

Three case scenarios

Although Nawaz Sharif had been touted as the frontrunner for the coveted post of prime minister, the unexpected results in favour of the PTI, have left him with limited options.

The results suggest that his party cannot single-handedly form the government, and will have to seek a coalition to do so.

His first choice will understandably be the PPP, which was a key partner in the last PML-N-led Pakistan Democratic Movement coalition government.

However, strong criticism of the Sharifs by the PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari during his election campaign has cast a shadow over the possibility of an alliance between the two parties.

&quot;This indeed looks difficult considering Bilawal&#39;s recent criticism of Sharif, but both parties are pragmatic, and, in my opinion, will seriously consider the option,&quot; Abdul Khalique Ali, a Karachi-based political commentator, told Anadolu.

Alleging that Nawaz Sharif toed &quot;anti-people&quot; policies during his three previous tenures, Bilawal said during the pre-elections campaign that it was &quot;impossible&quot; for his party to forge an alliance with the PML (N).

A party -- or an alliance or coalition -- needs a simple majority of 169 seats in the 336-seat parliament to form the national government.

&quot;There is a zero possibility of an alliance between the PTI and the PML-N,&quot; he opined, referring to the old rivalry between the two parties.

Read also:&nbsp;When PML-N extended a helping hand to PTI

The PTI, for its part, claims it is in a position to form the governments at the federal level, and in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

However, according to some constitutional experts, since its candidates have contested elections as independents and without a uniform election symbol following a cumbersome legal battle, they &ldquo;cannot form the government without being merged into a party.&rdquo;

The party has already lost its share of reserved seats for women and religious minorities after losing its election symbol &ndash; the bat.

It means, they need to join or forge an alliance with a party to form the government both in center and the provinces.

Oves Anwar, director of the Islamabad-based Research Society of International Law, nonetheless said he &ldquo;does not see any problem&rdquo; in independent candidates forming a government.

&quot;There is no legal issue as independents can create a coalition or form national unity government with other smaller parties,&quot; Anwar told Anadolu.

Another possible scenario could be that the PPP and the PTI-backed independent candidates join hands and form the government -- a scenario also hinted at by Bilawal during his pre-election campaign.

But Ali opined a coalition between PML-N, the PPP and some other regional and religio-political parties was &quot;most likely.&quot;

&#39;PML-N to form government&#39;

The PML-N claims that it was in a &quot;position to form the government.&quot;

&quot;Insha&#39;Allah (God willing), the PML-N will form the governments both in centre and Punjab (province) as it has emerged as the majority party,&quot; party spokeswoman Marriyum Aurangzeb said on X.



انشاءالٰلہ، وفاق اور پنجاب میں پاکستان مسلم لیگ(ن) حکومت بنائے گی اور عوام کی خدمت کے ایک نئے دور کا آغاز ہوگا۔ پارٹی کے انتخابی سیل میں نتائج کی آمد کا سلسلہ جاری ہے۔ موبائل اور انٹرنیٹ سروسز نہ ہونے کی بناء پر نتائج کے حصول میں دقت پیدا ہوئی۔ مسلم لیگ(ن) کی پوزیشن مضبوط ہے۔&hellip;
&mdash; Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) February 9, 2024



She said that Nawaz Sharif will make a victory speech &quot;as soon as complete and official results are announced.&quot;

The party has the option to bring the independent candidates into its fold to secure the simple majority.

&quot;Independents can jump the ship since it does not harm them,&quot; Ali said, referring to a constitutional clause that allows the independent candidates to join any party in parliament.

However, he added, the PTI-backed independent candidates are unlikely to choose this option, considering the defeat of all PTI lawmakers who changed their loyalties and supported a no-confidence vote against Khan in April 2022.

Taking away PTI&#39;s symbol &quot;was an attempt to erase it as party and allow for post-election engineering through horse-trading,&quot; said Anwar, the Islamabad-based legal expert.

&quot;It remains to be seen if they (independents) are pressured but that would be difficult since people have overwhelmingly voted for PTI-backed independent candidates,&quot; said the legal expert.

&#39;Respect people&#39;s mandate&#39;

Veteran lawmaker Mushahid Hussain Sayed agreed with Anwar&#39;s point on forming a &ldquo;government of national unity.&rdquo;

However, Sayed called on political parties to &ldquo;accept the election results unconditionally and respect the popular will and mandate of the people.&rdquo;

He said the post-elections &ldquo;opportunity&rdquo; should be used &ldquo;to give a healing touch to Pakistani politics,&quot; pitching a &ldquo;government of national unity to steer Pakistan from crises to consensus.&rdquo;]]>
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			<title>Experts don’t foresee imminent end to Imran's political career</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455466/experts-dont-foresee-imminent-end-to-imrans-political-career</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455466/experts-dont-foresee-imminent-end-to-imrans-political-career#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Feb 24 15:06:50 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Noman Awan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2455466</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Political analysts see sentence in illegal marriage case as 'the unkindest cut of all']]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Political analysts have rejected the notion of an imminent end to the political career of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, Imran Khan, along with his party. They suggest that a recent verdict may have been strategically aimed at disappointing PTI voters, echoing historical patterns of attempts to undermine political parties in Pakistan.

Naveed Hussain, Chief Editor of The Express Tribune, shared his insights on the Express News talk show &quot;Experts,&quot; emphasising that such attempts to dismantle political parties, like PTI, have historically failed in Pakistan.

Drawing parallels to instances such as the judicial assassination of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the exile of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif, Hussain highlighted that both PPP and PML-N continue to play significant roles in Pakistani politics today.



بانی پی ٹی آئی کا&quot; کم بیک&quot; یقینی ہوگیا؟ وجہ کیا ہے؟ تجزیہ کار نوید حسین کا بڑا انکشاف@MuhammadIlyaspk @RanaAamirilyas@navidjourno @Duaakanwal1 @itsmeayazkhan @s_faisalhussain pic.twitter.com/hBeAFvLTr1
&mdash; Experts (@express_experts) February 3, 2024


Quoting Shakespeare&#39;s &quot;the unkindest cut of all&quot;, Hussain drew attention to the recent judgment on the illegal marriage case of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, criticising the intrusion into a woman&#39;s private life within the judicial process.

Read also: Experts don&#39;t foresee &#39;independent&#39; candidate becoming PM post-election

Hussain expressed concern that this case differs in nature from others, implying that Khan may be facing targeted political revenge.

Ayaz Khan, the Group Editor of Express News, shared his opinion that the issuance of judgments against Khan and Bushra Bibi before the election might have aimed to disillusion voters. However, he noted that the voters remain intact, questioning the need for such a case to be entertained when it had been dismissed multiple times before.



بانی پی ٹی آئی کو سزا، تجزیہ کار ایاز خان غمزدہ کیوں؟ اہم شخصیت نے مقبولیت سروے کے حوالے سے کیا بتایا، سنیے اہم تجزیہ@MuhammadIlyaspk @RanaAamirilyas@navidjourno @Duaakanwal1 @itsmeayazkhan @s_faisalhussain pic.twitter.com/KjxnVGQRvg
&mdash; Experts (@express_experts) February 3, 2024


Faisal Hussain, Express News Karachi&#39;s Bureau Chief, expressed hope that if this decision does not proceed to court, it would be beneficial for Pakistan and its political history. He remarked that Imran Khan&#39;s political influence had already been curtailed with restrictions on his election campaign.

Amir Ilyas Rana, Express News Islamabad Bureau Chief, expressed satisfaction with the court decision against Imran Khan and his wife, accusing them and Bushra&rsquo;s ex-husband Khawar Maneka of dishonesty.



طاقت کا نشہ یا کچھ اور： ن لیگ کیا کچھ کررہی ہے، سنیے
تجزیہ کار فیصل حسین سے@MuhammadIlyaspk @RanaAamirilyas@navidjourno @Duaakanwal1 @itsmeayazkhan @s_faisalhussain pic.twitter.com/3UF8UFylwU
&mdash; Experts (@express_experts) February 3, 2024


&ldquo;After six years, Imran Khan acknowledged the date of his marriage as reported by a journalist, on which the journalist had faced criticism and trolling. Khan should have apologised to the journalist,&rdquo; Rana suggested.

The Islamabad bureau chief asserted if Nawaz Sharif is asked for a money trail even after being acquitted by the courts, then Khan should also clear his position. &ldquo;Being a prime minister nothing is personal,&rdquo; he added.



پی ٹی آئی کے کارکنوں اور ووٹرز کو کیسے اپنا غصہ نکالنا چاہیے؟ تین بڑے جھوٹے کون ، تجزیہ کار عامر الیاس رانا نے بتادیا@MuhammadIlyaspk @RanaAamirilyas@navidjourno @Duaakanwal1 @itsmeayazkhan @s_faisalhussain pic.twitter.com/9bjElkXuaB
&mdash; Experts (@express_experts) February 3, 2024


Mohammad Ilyas, Express News Bureau Chief Lahore, emphasised the impermanence of political situations. He believed that when the time comes, Khan will devise a policy to address the current challenges in his political career.



سیاسی جماعتوں کے انتخابی وعدے، عوام نے اس بار کیا فیصلہ کرلیا،
تجزیہ کار محمد الیاس نے اہم خبر دے دی@MuhammadIlyaspk @RanaAamirilyas@navidjourno @Duaakanwal1 @itsmeayazkhan @s_faisalhussain pic.twitter.com/7G1HmfZqzo
&mdash; Experts (@express_experts) February 3, 2024


&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Another day, another conviction</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455381/another-day-another-conviction</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455381/another-day-another-conviction#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Feb 24 19:52:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2455381</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Iddat case reflects political vendetta at work and has left a bad taste for societal ethics]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Third consecutive conviction for former prime minister Imran Khan in a week&rsquo;s time points at a plan to exterminate him politically. A Rawalpindi Court on Saturday sentenced Khan and wife Bushra Bibi to seven years each.

The verdict in the Iddat case, pertaining to the solemnisation of Nikah during the mandatory pause period, has left many wondering over its substance and veracity. While morals are supposed to count in private lives, highlighting it in public and prosecuting it at the judicial level is a first of its kind litigation. It surely reflects political vendetta at work and has left a bad taste for societal ethics. The testimony of Khawar Maneka, the ex-husband of Bushra Bibi, against his divorced spouse has not gone down well in social circles, and raised many eyebrows questioning his sagacity and compulsion. Likewise, the extensive hearings late in night hours, and once again the denial of proper trial to the accused by denying them their lawful opportunity to present witnesses and cross-examine them, is an unproductive exercise and comes as a blot for the independence of judiciary.

With this sentence, the PTI chief will be serving three convictions side by side, until set aside by the superior courts. So is the case with Bushra Bibi who has been imprisoned on two counts. The partiality behind the retribution is up for a debate, as none have ever been booked on such slandering cases in personal life. The point that Bushra Bibi declared the divorce certificate of November 14, 2017, as fabricated, claiming she completed her mandatory Iddat from April to August 2017, thickens the plot. Moreover, Maneka&rsquo;s accusations were found to be in contravention of his earlier interviews in public, swearing high character of his divorced wife. Notwithstanding the merit of cases that the PTI chairman is facing, this Iddat case, at least, confirms some serious witch-hunting by his opponents, and that too below the belt. This character assassination stunt is unlikely to deter his popularity among his electorates.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 4th, 2024.

Like Opinion &amp; Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Civilian supremacy’s last chance for a generation</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455379/civilian-supremacys-last-chance-for-a-generation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455379/civilian-supremacys-last-chance-for-a-generation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Feb 24 19:52:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[M. Bilal Lakhani]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2455379</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Khan and his supporters have shown extraordinary courage in the face of brutal state repression]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[He who must not be named could become the best thing to happen to civilian supremacy in Pakistan&rsquo;s history &mdash; if he wins on February 8th. Over the last eighteen months, he has electrified and educated the masses on the power of their vote to dilute the strength of unelected forces, which exert undue influence within the corridors of power. He builds on similar messaging delivered by other political giants before him. The difference is that Imran Khan has been able to mobilise a larger number of people, including Gen Z, urban elite and traditionally pro-establishment constituencies on his message. More importantly, Khan and his supporters have shown extraordinary courage in the face of brutal state repression.

It started with the murder of Arshad Sharif, the jailing and torturing of PTI&rsquo;s senior party leadership, leaking of private videos, an assassination attempt on Imran Khan himself, media censorship, killing of a party worker and shelling the workers with tear gas and rubber bullets. This is classic behaviour to get any civilian leader in Pakistan to back down and fall in line. But Khan refuses to fall in line or be exiled. He kept making a singular demand to hold elections. And so we are having elections this week, even if there&rsquo;s no level-playing field.

An election without real choices is a lot like an arranged marriage without love. At least with arranged marriages you can fall in love eventually. But with a government you didn&rsquo;t elect, can you really ever fall in love? A marriage without love is setting the foundation for an unstable relationship that will eventually collapse under its own weight. Similarly, an election without real choices is an expensive farce that won&rsquo;t create a stable relationship between the ruled and the rulers.

The level-playing field has been bulldozed into an Indian batting track for the undemocratic forces to play their shots on with the front foot. He who must not be named won&rsquo;t even be able to bat on the ballot box. But can his party still throw a party on election day? The possibility of this is real as is evident by the fear of those who level playing fields. What kind of outcomes can we expect from an election without real choices?

A low voter turnout and fearful/indifferent electorate is what the calculators are calculating their best shot is. But he who must not be named isn&rsquo;t throwing his name behind a boycott. Instead, he&rsquo;s doubling down and counting on an election day tsunami to turn the tables. To his credit, despite eliminating tier 1 and tier 2 party leadership, the ordinary party voter, worker and candidate isn&rsquo;t backing down in the face of everything and the kitchen sink being thrown at them. The best case scenario is that the tsunami materialises and electoral results reflect public sentiments as closely as possible.

Even if Imran Khan fails or you believe he&rsquo;s a flawed vessel, you should consider voting for him this Thursday. We need to present a united front. Given Khan&rsquo;s public clarity on the power of the people&rsquo;s vote to contain unelected forces, there&rsquo;s only one pathway forward: to translate his wave of popularity into a landslide electoral win. And once he wins, to make the people&rsquo;s mandate a source of strength and stubbornness on civilian supremacy. This is a once in a generation opportunity to re-write Pakistan&rsquo;s social contract and it&rsquo;s precisely why the state is hell bent on quashing it so violently.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 4th, 2024.

Like Opinion &amp; Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Imran, Qureshi given status of high-profile inmates</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455487/imran-qureshi-given-status-of-high-profile-inmates</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455487/imran-qureshi-given-status-of-high-profile-inmates#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Feb 24 18:51:35 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2455487</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[They are kept separately but availing facilities provided to prisoners in better class]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[PTI founding chairman Imran Khan and party stalwart Shah Mahmood Qureshi are being kept separately as high-profile prisoners &ndash; in their capacity of a former premier and foreign minister, respectively &ndash; in the same high security compound at where they were previously held at Rawalpindi&rsquo;s Adiala Jail.

They are availing the facilities provided to inmates in a better class prison similar to the ones they had before their conviction including access to an exercise machine.

According to sources, the two men have been given two sets of prison uniform according to the jail manual.

However, as the PTI founding chairman&rsquo;s trial is under way in other cases, it has not been made mandatory for him to wear the prison uniform.

The two inmates will also perform their prison labour inside the compound as per the written order.

The sources said high-profile prisoners could not be kept in jail factories, kitchens, hospitals, gardens, etc, among ordinary inmates.

Read also:&nbsp;Verdicts rained down on Imran at lightning speed

Therefore, they will be kept there in their compound for maintenance work or any other task assigned by the jail administration.

Both prisoners can prepare their own food according to the assigned class.

They can also eat prepared food according to the jail manual.

Similarly, Imran&rsquo;s wife Bushra Bibi, who has been convicted in the Toshakhana (gift repository and Iddat cases), has been assigned a female police staff headed by a lady assistant superintendent each from Attock and Multan stationed in two shifts 24 hours a day at the couple&rsquo;s Bani Gala residence, which has been declared a sub-jail.

Male officers of Adiala Jail have been posted on the outer boundaries of the Bani Gala residence and Islamabad police are responsible for the security around it.

Read:&nbsp;Imran, Qureshi sentenced to 10-year imprisonment in cypher case

According to the sources, the former first lady is being provided breakfast, lunch and dinner by the prison administration according to the jail manual.

However, they added that as Bushra was not in a regular prison, but incarcerated in a sub-jail, she could not be provided with the facility of an exercise machine.

The sources said that since Imran and Qureshi were arrested and imprisoned in jail, that time would also be counted in their punishments.

A day earlier, a court sentenced Imran and his wife to seven years imprisonment in an &ldquo;un-Islamic&rdquo; marriage or Iddat case.

Last week, the PTI founding chairman and his wife were sentenced to 14-year imprisonment in the Toshakhana case.

Similarly, Imran and Qureshi were handed down a jail term of 10 years in the cipher case last week as well.]]>
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			<title>Imran among 145 Adiala inmates using postal ballots</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454387/imran-among-145-adiala-inmates-using-postal-ballots</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454387/imran-among-145-adiala-inmates-using-postal-ballots#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Jan 24 19:24:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2454387</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Qureshi, Elahi and Rashid to avail facility as well to cast their votes]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[PTI founding chairman and deposed premier Imran Khan; vice chairman and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi; ex-Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, who is also the president of the party; and Awami Muslim League (AML) chief and former interior minister Sheikh Rashid are among the 145 inmates &ndash; incarcerated at Rawalpindi&rsquo;s Adiala Jail &ndash; who will cast their votes in the upcoming general polls from prison through postal ballots.

According to details, 145 prisoners at the Adiala Jail have applied for permission to use postal ballots to exercise their right to vote.

Among those who have approached the prison administration to exercise their voting rights through postal ballots are imprisoned political figures.

The prisoners who wished to cast their vote through postal ballots from the jail including Imran, Qureshi, Elahi, and Rashid were given time till Jan 22 to apply. However, Adiala Jail Superintendent Asad Javed Warraich also granted additional time with the approval of the competent authority to give maximum opportunity to the prisoners to exercise their right to vote.

A senior officer of the prisons department said the applications and details of all the inmates who wanted to cast their votes through postal ballots in the elections were being sent to the district returning officer.

When the relevant material, ballot papers, etc from the DRO are received, polling stations and booths will be built in the prison a day before the elections to provide the inmates with the facility of voting.

After the completion of the polling process, all votes cast and other material &ndash; sealed in packets &ndash; will be handed over to the DRO under strict security.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) itself will count the postal ballots and compile their results.

Under normal circumstances, postal ballots are meant to allow government officials, armed forces personnel, individuals in public offices, as well as their spouses and children living away from their constituencies to cast their votes before the official elections day.

As per the ECP&rsquo;s rules for these individuals, the application must be forwarded or endorsed by the voter&rsquo;s office to prevent unauthorised people from applying for a postal ballot.

Read also:&nbsp;PTI seeks postal ballot if Imran detained

After an application is received, the returning officer is obligated to send a ballot paper and envelope to the voter by post in accordance with the Elections Act, 2017.

The envelope must display a certificate of posting on its front side. The posting date should be filled in by the post office official when the voter sends it.

After receiving their postal ballot, the act states that voters should record their votes as prescribed.

After it is recorded, the voter is required to post the ballot paper to the returning officer in the provided envelope, ensuring it arrives before the consolidation of the results.

The ECP received 449,287 applications for postal ballot.

A total of 260,533 applications came in for postal ballot for the National Assembly and 242,754 applications for postal ballot for provincial assemblies.

From Punjab, 73,586 postal ballot applications were received for the NA and 74,274 for the provincial assembly.

Similarly from Sindh, 24,420 postal ballot applications came in for the NA and 26,649 for the provincial assembly.

From K-P, 72,769 postal ballot applications were received for the NA and 81,281 for the provincial assembly.

From Balochistan, 35,758 postal ballot applications were received for the NA and 60,550 for the provincial assembly.

(With input from News Desk)]]>
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			<title>Imran calls for slamming ‘erosion of democratic values’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454015/imran-calls-for-slamming-erosion-of-democratic-values</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454015/imran-calls-for-slamming-erosion-of-democratic-values#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jan 24 05:32:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2454015</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Ex-PM says he and PTI being ‘strategically excluded’ from electoral process]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[PTI founding chairman and deposed premier Imran Khan on Sunday urged all the advocates of peace to align with his cause and denounce the ongoing &ldquo;erosion of democratic values and legal norms&rdquo; taking place in the country.

Delivering his message via an artificial intelligence-recorded voice for the PTI&rsquo;s first international virtual convention titled &lsquo;Imran Khan and The World&rsquo;, the former premier stressed the need for a democratic government &ndash; operating within the parameters of the rule of law and Constitution &ndash;&nbsp; to confront the country&rsquo;s internal and external challenges as well as the prevailing economic crisis.

Highlighting the aftermath of his removal from office, Imran decried a series of crackdowns on his party members and leaders, particularly intensifying after a &ldquo;false flag operation&rdquo; on May 9 last year.

With over 200 legal cases against him and enduring more than 180 days of incarceration, the PTI founding chairman lamented the &ldquo;unjust&rdquo; detention of female party activists, many of whom were mothers and housewives.

He described the scale and nature of the state&#39;s &ldquo;assault&rdquo; on women as &ldquo;unprecedented&rdquo; in the nation&#39;s history. Furthermore, Imran contended that as part of a &ldquo;larger scheme devised in London&rdquo;, he and his party were being &ldquo;strategically excluded&rdquo; from the electoral process.

When faced with setbacks, a &ldquo;flawed&rdquo; judicial process resulted in the revocation of the PTI&rsquo;s electoral symbol, he claimed. The PTI founding chairman said this move had compelled the party&rsquo;s candidates to contest as independents under several different symbols.

Underscoring the adverse impact of persistent political turmoil on Pakistan&#39;s economy and diplomatic relations, Imran recalled about his administration&#39;s foreign policy based on regional economic connectivity.

Read&nbsp;&nbsp;&lsquo;Allow me one rally and I&rsquo;ll show them&rsquo;, says Imran

He emphasised his government&rsquo;s &ldquo;vigorous&rdquo; efforts to engage with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) states, Russia, and a renewed alliance with China.

Imran also highlighted his administration&#39;s facilitative measures to foster closer ties between Iran, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia. Starting his address with condemnation of Israel&#39;s assault on Gaza, Imran described it as the genocide of the Palestinian people.

He cautioned against the escalating international crises, citing disturbances in maritime waters and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Reflecting on Pakistan&#39;s internal strife, the former premier accused the state machinery of bending the law and Constitution to thwart his political participation, attributing this course of action to the &ldquo;discontent&rdquo; of the &lsquo;powerful circles&rsquo; with his pursuit of an independent foreign policy.

Recalling losses incurred in Pakistan&#39;s collaboration with the US&rsquo;s &quot;war on terror&rdquo;, Imran reiterated his commitment to not serve as a proxy for wars and emphasised the importance of a principled stance against Islamophobia.

Addressing the significance of Kashmir in Pakistan&#39;s foreign policy, Imran claimed that his government took a resolute stance despite external pressures. He added that the withdrawal of Pakistan&#39;s ambassador to New Delhi was a clear message that normal ties with India depended on the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

The convention featured contributions from political, constitutional, and academic experts including Sami Hamdi, Turgey Evren, Dr Moben Shah, Prof Khaled Beydoun, and Ryan Grim. Most speakers agreed that even though the western countries spoke a great deal about human rights and freedom of expression, they were only after power in states around the world.]]>
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			<title>Toshakhana: lawyer picks holes in testimony</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2453881/toshakhana-lawyer-picks-holes-in-testimony</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2453881/toshakhana-lawyer-picks-holes-in-testimony#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Jan 24 19:02:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Imran Asghar]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2453881</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Asks witness how he can determine value of diamond by looking at its picture]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[An accountability court on Saturday recorded the statements of two more witnesses, including an employee of a Dubai-based Indian company, in the Toshakhana reference against PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi.

Judge Muhammad Basheer conducted the hearing at Adiala Jail, where the PTI founder was brought before the court.

The statement of Imran Bashir, an employee of Rainbow Enterprises, the Indian company that estimated the value of the Graff jewellery set and bracelet watch, was recorded.

Witness Bashir apprised the court that the company was approached for an estimate by the council general of Pakistan.

&ldquo;The company entrusted me with the estimation of the Graff jewellery set and bracelet watch. The company asked me to research the market value of these items.

&ldquo;I estimated the value of the gifts after taking input from diamond dealers and jewellery outlets.&rdquo;

Bashir apprised the court that the value of the &ldquo;jewellery set was estimated at $19.492 million&rdquo;.

The report was submitted to the office of the council general of Pakistan, he added.

After the statement of the witness was completed, lawyer Sardar Shahbaz Khosa started the cross-examination.

Read also: IHC reserves verdict on Imran&rsquo;s plea against Toshakhana, &pound;190 million case jail trial

The witness said that Mohsin Habib gave the photographs for the estimation of the Graff jewellery set.

The witness said that he worked as a part time salesman at the company, adding that the said items were not physically handed over to him for estimation.

The lawyer asked was it true that he received a fabricated report from NAB which he provided to the counsel general?

The witness replied that it was not true, adding that it was true that market research documents with reference to estimation of gifts were not produced before the IO.

The lawyer inquired whether the market research documents were not placed before the IO because no research was conducted.

The witness replied that it was not true.

&ldquo;It is true that the input documents of the diamond expert were not provided to the IO.&rdquo;

The lawyer questioned that the unit of measurement of diamond is carat, but in the report, gramme was written.

The witness termed it a &ldquo;clerical error&rdquo;.

Read: More Toshakhana witnesses give testimonies

The lawyer said that neither the colour nor the clarity of the diamond was written, so how its value could be estimated?

&ldquo;Can you estimate the value of a diamond by looking at the picture?&rdquo;

The witness replied that the value of the diamond could only be estimated from its specification and not from the picture.

The lawyer said that there were many multinational companies in Dubai, but the value of the gifts was estimated by an Indian company.

After rejection by all the multinational companies, the witness stated, an Indian company was approached for estimation.

The court also recorded the statement of another witness, NAB officer Mustansar.

On NAB&#39;s attempt to record the statement of security chief Inamullah Shah at Bani Gala, the PTI founder demanded that before recording the statement of Inamullah, he should take an oath by placing his hand on the Holy Quran.

&ldquo;If the witness puts his hand on the Quran, I will also keep it.&rdquo;

The court adjourned the hearing till Jan 23.]]>
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			<title>Imran 'in the dark' about ticket allocations</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2453170/imran-in-the-dark-about-ticket-allocations</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2453170/imran-in-the-dark-about-ticket-allocations#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jan 24 19:46:37 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2453170</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Incarcerated former PM claims he was not consulted about tickets despite court permissions]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Amid internal criticism over &lsquo;controversial&rsquo; ticket allocations, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan on Saturday revealed he was kept in the dark and was not consulted about the matter despite court permissions.

The former PTI chairman, who is behind the bars, made the revelations during his interaction with party workers who aired their grievances about the ticket distribution.

In response to questions regarding the contentious ticket distribution, Imran said: &quot;I don&#39;t know who got the ticket and who didn&#39;t.&quot;

He went on to explain that he was not given the opportunity to provide input on the distribution, adding that how could he verbally decide on 850 tickets.

The fissures within the party became glaringly apparent as reports emerged of the former ruling party allegedly sidelining merit and favouring former lawmakers and influential personalities in the ticket distribution process.

Read also:&nbsp;PTI&rsquo;s &#39;Plan B&#39; unravels as PTI-N dispute over electoral symbol emerges

The discontent among party members reached a boiling point, with dozens of leaders and supporters from the PTI Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) chapter staging a protest earlier this month.

The protest aimed at condemning what they labelled as the &quot;sale of party tickets&quot; in K-P, expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of consideration for merit.

Upon Imran&rsquo;s arrival at the courtroom for the hearing on Saturday, the party workers began expressing their concerns about the ticket distribution and was informed that a candidate nominated for a special seat from NA-57 was also expressing a desire to contest the general seat.

Meanwhile, party&rsquo;s Taxila tehsil President Ali Khan disclosed the registration of 16 cases against him. Similarly, a worker representing NA-105 lamented about being denied party ticket, while Engineer Iftikhar from NA-57 also voiced his complaint about not being allocated a ticket.

Withdrawal of tickets

Meanwhile, Sher Afzal Khan Marwat, a member of Imran&#39;s legal team, said he conveyed the workers&#39; concerns about the controversial ticket allotments.

Taking to his social media handle, Marwat conveyed that Imran had announced the withdrawal of disputed tickets in response to the growing discontent within the party ranks.

Earlier, talking to journalists in jail, the former premier said that the legal battle for the party&rsquo;s election symbol, the &lsquo;bat&rsquo;, is currently ongoing in the Supreme Court.

He alleged that the symbol was taken away to weaken the party and prevent it from participating in elections.

&ldquo;I will fight till the end despite challenges.&rdquo;

Regarding his decision not to support former PTI ally Sheikh Rashid, he explained that he established a clear rule: individuals who held news conferences against the party would not receive a ticket.

Read:&nbsp;PTI stirs political pot with surprise candidate selections

He pointed out that although he advocated for negotiations 18 months ago, the current dilemma raised questions about whom to negotiate with and for what reasons.

He reiterated that the only acceptable negotiation was for fair and transparent elections in the country.

On resignations of Justice Muhammad Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Ijazul Ahsan from the Supreme Court, he noted that there were concerns over the departure of two judges from the apex court.

&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s see what stance the Supreme Court takes on the matter.&rdquo;

Asked about his frequently mentioning former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa and whether he considered former DG ISI Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed as an accused too, Imran asserted that the army was not a political party, adding that the &ldquo;the orders come from above made by a single man&rdquo;.

In response to inquiries about foreign contacts, Imran clarified that neither any foreign ambassador nor the establishment had reached out to him.

Also read:&nbsp;Paying price for saying &lsquo;absolutely not&rsquo;: Imran

Imran lamented that in 2018, his party faced a setback as its seats were reduced.

&ldquo;We lost 15 seats by a slim margin of 3,000 votes, and the failure of the Results Transmission System (RTS) was a big blow for us.&rdquo;

Talking about his article published in a foreign journal, the former prime minister explained that the content in the journal was verbally dictated to the lawyers.

Taking a jab at the PML-N supremo and his arch-rival, the PTI founder claimed: &ldquo;I am well aware of Nawaz Sharif&rsquo;s politics. He never engaged in matches without &lsquo;two umpires&rsquo; and has returned to Pakistan with assurance under the London plan.&rdquo;

Imran bemoaned that the principles of law and justice were being ridiculed, pointing out that there seemed to be no scrutiny of cases involving Maryam Nawaz, Shehbaz Sharif, and Asif Zardari.]]>
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			<title>Four record statements in Tohakhana case</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452938/four-record-statements-in-tohakhana-case</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452938/four-record-statements-in-tohakhana-case#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Jan 24 19:24:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Imran Asghar]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2452938</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PTI founder sent on 14-day judicial remain in May 9 violence cases]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Four more witnesses recorded their statements on Thursday in the Toshakhan case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, who was also remanded to judicial custody in 12 case registered in Rawalpindi over the May 9, 2023 violence.

The hearing of the Toshakhana case was held in Adiala Jail, conducted by Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir. The court recorded statements of four witnesses. However, the statement of the two other witnesses could not be recorded.

Those, who recorded their statements, were Tosha Khana Section Officer Bin Yamin, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Additional Director Qaiser Mehmood, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Joint Director Sajid Khan and Foreign Ministry Assistant Director Muhammad Faheem.

Read also: Court approves Imran&#39;s 14-day judicial remand in 12 cases linked to May 9 riots

However, the statement of two female officers, Rabia Samad, and former section officer of Toshakhana, Nida Rahman could not be recorded after objections were raised by the defence lawyers. The court, then adjourned further proceedings of the case till Friday (today).

In the May 9-related cases, the PTI founder was presented in an anti-terrorism court, where the investigating officers (IO) requested the court for a 30-day physical remand. However, the court rejected the request and ordered that Imran to be kept in jail on 14-day judicial remand.

Talking to the media outside the jail after the hearing, Imran&rsquo;s sister Aleema Khan said that the PTI founder had been facing 202 cases and &ldquo;offers are coming that if Imran Khan listened, all these cases will end&rdquo;. She added that the PTI&rsquo;s aim was that the law should be applied equally to all.]]>
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			<title>Imran given ‘out’ as Nawaz ‘pads up’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452879/imran-given-out-as-nawaz-pads-up</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452879/imran-given-out-as-nawaz-pads-up#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Jan 24 05:45:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Rana Yasif]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2452879</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Tribunal upholds RO's ruling citing Imran's disqualification under Article 63 (1)(h) of the Constitution]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In a dramatic prelude to the February 8 elections, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday hurdled past objections to his candidacy from NA-130 while incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan faced the sting of rejection on appeals against the dismissal of his nomination papers for two National Assembly seats.

The appellate election tribunals delivered what came as a &ldquo;double-edged verdict&rdquo;, granting a clean chit to the Sharif family, including Nawaz Sharif, while quashing appeals by the former premier Imran Khan, former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, along with his wife and son, Moonis Elahi, against the rejection of their nomination papers.

Two separate appellate tribunals upheld the ROs&#39; decision to reject Imran nomination papers.

The PTI&rsquo;s founding chairman faced the stumbling block &ndash; potentially ousted from the electoral battleground &ndash; just as the party celebrated the return of its cherished &lsquo;Bat&rsquo; symbol.

Meanwhile, the election tribunals also gave the green light to PTI&rsquo;s Dr Yasmeen Rashid from NA-130, Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed from PP-169 and various other contestants from distinct constituencies by overturning the Returning Officers&#39; decisions that previously rejected their nomination papers.

The election tribunals, in dismissing appeals, affirmed the decision of the ROs to accept the nomination papers of Nawaz Sharif from NA-130, Shehbaz Sharif from NA-132, and Maryam Nawaz from NA-119.

The appellants had contested the ROs&#39; acceptance of their nomination papers.

The tribunals upheld the decisions of the ROs, dismissing appeals lodged by PTI&#39;s founding chairman Imran Khan from NA-122, as well as the appeals of PTI&#39;s former chief minister Ch. Pervez Elahi, his wife Qaisara Elahi, and their son Moonis Elahi from NA-64, NA-69, PP-32, and PP-34.

The twelve-judge election tribunals of the Lahore High Court (LHC) presided over appeals filed by contestants challenging the acceptance or rejection of their nomination papers by the respective ROs. January 10 marked the final day for appeal hearings.

To address challenges against the election tribunals&#39; decisions, the LHC had initially formed a larger bench comprising five members, including Justice Shujaat Ali Khan, Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, Justice Faisal Zaman, and Justice Jawad Hassan.

However, Justice Faisal Zaman withdrew from the bench, and Justice Shujaat Ali Khan was on medical leave during this period.

Following this, LHC CJ Muhammad Ameer Bhatti established a larger three-member bench comprising Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, Justice Shahd Bilal, and Justice Jawad Hassan.

&nbsp;

Sharif family

An appellate tribunal on Monday had reserved its verdict on an appeal against the acceptance of Nawaz Sharif&rsquo;s nomination papers from NA-130, Lahore.

Read&nbsp;Tribunal gives clean chit to Sharif family to contest polls

Pakistan Awami Mahaz chief Ishtiaq Ahmad Chaudhry, a lawyer, filed the appeal under section 63 of the Election Act 2017.

The appellant argued that Nawaz could not contest an election due to lifetime disqualification held by the Supreme Court for a person disqualified under Article 62 (1) (f) of the Constitution.

He said the former prime minister was disqualified by the apex court for not being &lsquo;sadiq&rsquo; and &lsquo;ameen&rsquo; under article 62(1)(f).

In the case of former prime minister and PML-N president, the appellant had challenged RO&rsquo;s decision of accepting his nomination papers, alleging &ldquo;he had been identified as the mastermind of alleged criminal attack on the supreme court on November 28, 1997&rdquo;.

Similarly, the appellant had challenged RO&rsquo;s decision to accept the nomination papers of PML-N&rsquo;s Maryam Nawaz on the grounds that she is not &lsquo;sadiq&rsquo; and &lsquo;ameen&rsquo;.

The petitioner objector contended that ROs&rsquo; decision to accept her nomination papers from NA-119 was illegal and unlawful.

He cited various TV talk shows where Maryam Nawaz, during a live news segment with anchorperson Sana Bucha, publicly stated that she &quot;doesn&#39;t have any property in London or even in Pakistan.&quot;

However, in a separate statement to anchorperson Sohail Warraich, she declared that she &quot;owned assets worth about 100 crores.&quot; In addition, in an interview with anchorperson Javed Ch, Maryam

Nawaz&#39;s brother asserted that she is the beneficiary of his property in London.

He stressed that Maryam Nawaz has faced convictions in different cases, including the Panama case. Despite her declaration in the nomination papers stating no ownership of property outside Pakistan, her brother had previously claimed that she is a beneficiary of property in London.

He further pointed out that in the 2023 nomination papers, Maryam Nawaz had listed four individuals (Muhammad Safdar, Meheru Nisa Safdar, Muhammad Junaid Safdar, and Mah Noor Safdar) as dependents in her affidavits. However, in 2024, she omitted mentioning her children in the affidavit.

Referring to Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973, which disqualifies individuals not meeting the criteria of being sadiq and ameen from contesting the 2024 elections, he requested the admission of his appeal and the rejection of the nomination papers.

&nbsp;

Imran Khan

Meanwhile, an appellate election tribunal dismissed PTI&#39;s founding chairman Imran Khan&#39;s appeal against the RO&#39;s decision to reject his nomination papers from NA-122.

The tribunal upheld the RO&#39;s ruling, which cited Imran&#39;s disqualification under Article 63 (1)(h) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, along with section 232 of the Election Act 2017, due to &quot;the candidate being convicted by a court of law.&quot;

Furthermore, the RO considered another ground for rejection, stating that &quot;the proposer of the candidate is not a registered voter in constituency NA-122, as per section 60(1) of the Election Act 2017.&quot;

As for the Pervez Elahi and Moonis Elahi, the concerned appellate election tribunal while announcing a reserved decision dismissed appeals of the PTI&rsquo;s former chief minister and his son against the orders of ROs wherein their nomination papers were rejected from constituencies NA-64, NA-69 and PP-32 and PP-34.]]>
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			<title>Govt hardens stance on ‘ghost article’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452650/govt-hardens-stance-on-ghost-article</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452650/govt-hardens-stance-on-ghost-article#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jan 24 05:15:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2452650</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Imran says ‘verbally dictated’ piece published in The Economist]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The caretaker government on Monday toughened its stance on a piece published in The Economist by incarcerated PTI chief Imran Khan, describing it as &ldquo;ghost article&rdquo; as the latter said he had verbally dictated his guest essay.
A guest essay attributed to Imran in British publication on January 4 indicated that he had serious doubts about whether the upcoming elections would be held or not.
The piece reiterated his allegations about how a regime change brought about after US government pressure led to a vote of no-confidence against him last year and described the May 9 riots as a &ldquo;false-flag operation&rdquo; which was &ldquo;pre-planned&rdquo;.
&ldquo;It is not an issue that someone cannot write an article or a book while languishing in jail. We have the objection that the article in question has not been written by the former PTI chairman,&rdquo; the minister said while speaking in a current affairs programme of the Pakistan Television.
Solani said no such content was leaked from the jail to any media organisation and The Economist published the &ldquo;ghost article&rdquo; in the name of the former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman.
Meanwhile, during a hearing on the Toshakhana and Al-Qadir Trust cases in Adiala Jail on Monday, the PTI founder was questioned by journalists about whether he wrote the essay.
&ldquo;I own the column published in an international journal. I had given verbal guidelines regarding the column. The article was written and published as a result of these guidelines. I had verbally dictated the article,&rdquo; Imran told reporters.
The PTI chief did, however, say that it was &ldquo;the age of artificial intelligence&rdquo;, adding that next week, a speech of his would also arrive on social media.

With additional input from APP

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>LHC to hear plea against Toshakhana ruling from Jan 12</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452601/lhc-to-hear-plea-against-toshakhana-ruling-from-jan-12</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452601/lhc-to-hear-plea-against-toshakhana-ruling-from-jan-12#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jan 24 19:00:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondents]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2452601</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Special court issues release order for Imran Khan]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The petitions filed against the disqualification of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder chairman Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case have been fixed for hearing by the Lahore High Court for January 12.

According to the details, the LHC has fixed the petitions filed by Imran Khan against disqualification in the Toshakhana case.

On the request of Imran Khan, a 5-member larger bench headed by Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan will hear from January 12.

Other members of the bench will include Justice Shams Mehmood, Justice Shahid Karim, Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhry and Justice Jawad Hasan.

It should be noted that the founder chairman of PTI has challenged the decision of disqualification in the Toshakhana case in the Lahore High Court through his lawyers.

Read also:&nbsp;Imran challenges IHC rejection in Toshakhana case

Meanwhile, in a related development, a special court has initiated the release procedures for PTI leader Imran Khan following the confirmation of his bail by the Supreme Court in the Official Secrets Act case, commonly known as the cypher case.

Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain, presiding over the special court, issued the release orders after the submission of Imran Khan&#39;s bail from the top court and the presentation of surety bonds.

However, it is pertinent to note that despite securing bail, the PTI&#39;s founding chairman will continue to remain incarcerated in Adiala Jail. This is due to his involvement in the Toshakhana case, concerning allegations related to a 190 million pound case.

The special court, established under the Officials Secret Act 1923, on December 14 accepted the Federal Investigation Agency&rsquo;s (FIA) plea, seeking an in-camera trial of the former premier and former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. The trials have been taking place at Adiala jail.

The cypher

The case originated from Imran&#39;s public display of a paper during a rally in Islamabad on March 27, 2022, claiming it as evidence of an &quot;international conspiracy&quot; before a no-confidence vote led to his government&#39;s ouster.

The FIA initiated its probe into the so-called &ldquo;cypher-gate&rdquo; on July 19, 2023, after the previous coalition government announced an official inquiry against Imran and his close associates for violating the OSA.

Imran was arrested on August 5, following his conviction in the Toshakhana case by a local court of Islamabad. Later, he was also arrested in the cypher case on August 29.

As per the challan papers, both Imran and Qureshi, the former foreign minister, were charged under sections 5 and 9 of the OSA. These provisions entail the possibility of the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Previously, the cypher trial had started inside the Adiala Jail but an IHC division bench later annulled all those proceedings, ordering a fresh open court trial.]]>
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			<title>No information about Imran’s role in May 9 riots: PM</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452475/no-information-about-imrans-role-in-may-9-riots-pm</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452475/no-information-about-imrans-role-in-may-9-riots-pm#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Jan 24 16:36:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2452475</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Kakar said all fugitives will face legal hurdles until they surrender to law]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said on Sunday that the people, who were in hiding in the wake of May 9 violence, last year, would continue to face legal hurdles until they surrendered themselves to the law.

According to Express News, Kakar stressed that military trial could be held during the tenure of the caretaker government. He repeated his earlier stance that only those responsible for the violence should be punished and not the entire party.

May 9 riots refer to the attacks on state installations last year, following the arrest of then Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan in a corruption case. The installations, which were attacked, included the army&rsquo;s General Headquarters in Rawalpindi corps commander house in Lahore.

When asked about the PTI founder&#39;s personal involvement in the events of May 9, the prime minister said in an interview that so far, he did not have the information to form such an opinion. &ldquo;Before forming an opinion, I understand that this is a judicial process,&rdquo; he said.

Kakar emphasised that intelligence reports varied and punishment could not be determined on their basis. However, he added: &ldquo;Many are in hiding after the events of May 9. Until they surrender to the law, there will be legal obstacles in their political activities.&rdquo;

On Friday, the government announced the formation of a committee to investigate the May 9 riots. The prime minister said that the outcome of the investigation would be shared with the nation by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) once it was completed.

Read&nbsp;PM questions effectiveness of justice system

On a personal note, the prime minister said that he voted for the PTI in the 2013 and 2018 elections but now he would not vote for it in the coming general election scheduled for February 8. He added that he changed his mind after seeing the PTI performance during its three-and-a-half years in government.

&ldquo;I voted for the PTI in the hope that it would solve the governance challenges. Unfortunately, in three to three-and a-half-years, my opinion changed. PTI had no team and no preparation,&rdquo; Kakar said referring to the PTI government after the 2018 elections until its removal in April last year.

About the February vote, Kakar said as soon as the election results came, uncertainty would end. &ldquo;Who will form the government, it is for the people to decide,&rdquo; he emphasised. &ldquo;Whoever, even the PTI, forms the government, we will hand over the power,&rdquo; he said.

When asked if it had been decided that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz would be brought to power, the prime minister stated that he had no knowledge of any such thing. &ldquo;It is up to the people to decide.&nbsp;&nbsp; We don&rsquo;t have any choice. We have no personal problem with anyone.&rdquo;

Responding to a question about the situation in Balochistan, the home province of the prime minister, Kakar said that Brahmadagh Bugti wanted to make an independent Balochistan state and added that &ldquo;in such a case, let history decide whether someone calls them traitors or not.&rdquo;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Imran challenges IHC rejection in Toshakhana case</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452379/imran-challenges-ihc-rejection-in-toshakhana-case</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452379/imran-challenges-ihc-rejection-in-toshakhana-case#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Jan 24 18:30:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Jahanzeb Abbasi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2452379</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Petition filed in SC urges annulment of Dec 6, 2023 decision or transfer of case to LHC]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan on Saturday filed a petition with the Supreme Court challenging the rejection of the request to withdraw the case from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in the Toshakhana reference against the Election Commission of Pakistan&rsquo;s (ECP) decision.

In the petition, Imran highlighted that a similar petition was already filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) concerning the commission&rsquo;s actions to remove him from assembly membership and party chairmanship, while the case was simultaneously being heard in the IHC.

The petition emphasises that despite the request made to the IHC to withdraw the case, it was declined. It asserts that no court should prevent the return of the case.

Read:&nbsp;Indictment in Toshakhana case on 4th

The petition urges the annulment of the IHC&rsquo;s Dec 6, 2023 decision, and if this is not possible, requests the transfer of the case to the LHC.

The ECP, the National Assembly speaker, and other relevant parties have been included in the petition as respondents.

Separately, the PTI filed an application in the Supreme Court to fix the case regarding the election symbol of cricket bat for early hearing.

In the request to set the case for urgent hearing in the Supreme Court, a stand has been taken that the election symbol case should be heard on Jan 8 or be set for early hearing in the month of January.]]>
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			<title>Gohar meets Imran in jail</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2451950/gohar-meets-imran-in-jail</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2451950/gohar-meets-imran-in-jail#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jan 24 16:47:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Corresondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2451950</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[New PTI chairman says tickets of candidates will be finalised in next two days]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan on Tuesday met with the party&#39;s founding chief, deposed premier Imran Khan, at Rawalpindi&#39;s Adiala Jail. Following the meeting, Gohar announced that candidate tickets would be finalized in the next two days.

Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, Gohar revealed, &ldquo;A preliminary consultation was held with the PTI founding chairman on the distribution of tickets.&rdquo; He emphasized that the consultation with Imran became possible due to the Islamabad High Court&#39;s order.

Further detailing the discussion, the PTI chairman noted that it was decided during the meeting with Imran that individuals who had publicly criticized the party in news conferences would not be considered for the distribution of tickets.

Gohar further said even if the PTI did not have confidence in the system, it would not pull out of the race. He reiterated that the PTI would not boycott the next elections. Gohar stressed the need for the participation of all political parties in a free and fair election process.

Read also: PTI to participate in polls even without &lsquo;bat&rsquo; symbol: Gohar

The PTI chairman was confident that despite the rejection of the nomination papers of most of his party&rsquo;s candidates, all its opponents would be defeated in the polls. Gohar noted that the Supreme Court had observed that the general elections would be held on February 8.

&ldquo;The judiciary is requested that now it is your role [that the polls are not postponed],&rdquo; he added. The PTI chairman maintained that if a political party was singled out and ousted from the polls, it would be a setback for democracy.
He added that such a move would sink the country&rsquo;s economy.

Read&nbsp;&nbsp;No tickets for those &lsquo;who turned their backs on PTI&rsquo;

Using &lsquo;cricketing terms&rsquo; like his party&rsquo;s founding chairman, Gohar said the PTI would fight with its under-18 and under-19 teams, not giving its rivals an open field. Gohar claimed that the PTI was the country&rsquo;s most popular party and it had requested the judiciary to ensure a level playing field in the run-up to the next general elections.

&ldquo;We have 70% popularity. If a party comes into government by horse trading, how will it deliver? Such a government can never stabilise the country,&rdquo; he continued. Saying that the JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman&rsquo;s party was limited to K-P and Balochistan, the PTI chairman accused it of trying to delay the elections.

Gohar told the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) that it was its responsibility to conduct free and fair polls. &ldquo;In such a situation [where allegedly the PTI was not being allowed a level playing field in the run-up to the polls], elections will be held, but what will happen afterwards?&rdquo; he asked the commission. He requested the ECP to allot the PTI its popular electoral symbol of the &lsquo;cricket bat&rsquo;.
&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Imran, Gohar finalise polls candidates in jail</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2451649/imran-gohar-finalise-polls-candidates-in-jail</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2451649/imran-gohar-finalise-polls-candidates-in-jail#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Dec 23 18:46:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Rizwan Shehzad  ]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2451649</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PTI on verge of announcing party candidates for 2024 polls]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Amid the echoes of Adiala Jail&rsquo;s cold walls, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf&rsquo;s (PTI) founder chairman Imran Khan and the incumbent party chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, brought together by a court order, delve into the intricacies of candidate selection for the upcoming general elections, it emerged on Friday.

The recent court order has overturned the earlier restrictions and allowed the clinking of pens against paper, a newfound freedom shaping the discussions within the confines of the unexpected political arena, the party officials shared.

Jail has become a new place for political gathering for Imran, Gohar and others, they said, adding they were expected to finalise the party&rsquo;s candidates for 2024 polls within a week or so.

Surprisingly, the PTI leadership is finalising poll candidates, initially, amid complaints of not being allowed to file nomination papers and now when the party candidates&rsquo; nomination papers are being rejected.

On Friday, even former premier Imran Khan&rsquo;s nomination papers were rejected by National Assembly constituency NA-122 Lahore.

Read also:&nbsp;Imran&#39;s nomination papers from NA-122 Lahore rejected

Apart from the cases of snatching and rejection of nomination papers, the party&rsquo;s election symbol has also been hanging in the balance as the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) recently stripped PTI of its &lsquo;bat&rsquo; symbol ahead of polls and the legal battle between the poll body and PTI is going on over election symbol.

&ldquo;Imran Khan and the incumbent chairmen have been sitting in jail to finalise candidates for the upcoming general elections on a regular basis,&rdquo; a party insider shared, &ldquo;they met on Friday and Saturday and are expected to finalise candidates in the next few days; maybe within a week or so.&rdquo;

On Friday, Islamabad High Court&rsquo;s Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb permitted PTI leaders and lawyers to hold election meetings with Imran at Adiala jail with the judge asking if the caretaker set-up wanted to &ldquo;derail the polls&rdquo; and observing that a &ldquo;terrible system&rdquo; was being run under the interim government.

The order was passed on a petition filed by Imran seeking permission for meetings with party leaders to formulate a strategy for the polls. The plea also requested IHC to instruct the jail superintendent to ensure privacy during his consultations with his legal team.

Earlier, Gohar was not allowed to take any papers and pen with him inside jail when he would go to meet Khan for finalising poll candidates. However, the party officials said, that after an order from IHC, Gohar has been granted permission to carry stationary items with him and take notes of the discussion that the two hold at jail.

Read:&nbsp;PTI lawyers decry &lsquo;illegal scrutiny&rsquo;

Following IHC&rsquo;s order, the party officials said that they have regularly been meeting at the jail and spending roughly two hours together to discuss political and election issues, including the names of the candidates for upcoming general elections slated to be held on February 8, 2024.

Party insiders shared that Gohar met on Friday and Saturday for a couple of hours, saying the meetings would continue and the party would hopefully finalise the candidates in the next few days. As before, the party officials emphasise that Imran has the final authority to choose poll candidates.

The officials refuted a list of candidates for 2024 polls circulating in WhatsApp groups and social media, saying it was not only a fake list but carries some factual mistakes like Imran contesting polls from Islamabad. &ldquo;Imran hasn&rsquo;t even submitted nomination papers from Islamabad,&rdquo; he quipped.

Though PTI has been deprived of its election symbol, the party high-ups had recently vowed that the party would contest polls with or without &#39;bat&#39; and wouldn&rsquo;t give a walkover to its opponents in the polls. Amid complaints of political engineering and not being provided a level playing field, the party officials said, PTI is all set to distribute party tickets to suitable candidates.

They said that the party has decided that the majority of the tickets would be given to lawyers this time as they not only stood by it in testing times but could effectively deal with legal issues that might arise before or after the polls.]]>
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			<title>PTI overcomes challenges in nomination papers</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2451044/pti-overcomes-challenges-in-nomination-papers</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2451044/pti-overcomes-challenges-in-nomination-papers#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 24 Dec 23 18:21:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Imran Adnan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2451044</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Imran, Qureshi, Elahi submit papers amid allegations of 'interference']]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Amid the formidable challenges, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has achieved a significant milestone in the submission of nomination papers for the majority of its candidates set to participate in the upcoming general elections on February 8.

Among the notable party leaders who have successfully submitted their nomination papers are PTI founder Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Zain Qureshi, Mehr Bano Qureshi, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Ali Amin Gandapur, Monis Elahi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Hammad Azhar, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, Mian Aslam Iqbal, Sheikh Imtiaz Mehmood, Taimur Malik, Sanam Javed and others.

Aliya Hamza Malik&rsquo;s nomination papers have also been submitted. She is a PTI candidate and is in prison with Khadija Shah and others.

However, the path for all PTI candidates has been exceptionally challenging, despite the clear directives of the Supreme Court and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Law enforcement agencies have allegedly exhibited questionable behaviour towards PTI candidates, as evident in numerous social media posts where candidates and their legal counsels exposed instances of lawlessness.

These posts included video clips depicting officials in civilian clothes and police uniforms attempting to snatch PTI candidates&#39; nomination papers.

Read also:&nbsp;LHC tells ROs to receive papers of two PTI candidates

Reports of abductions and arrests of PTI candidates and their legal representatives flooded social media platforms nationwide.

The circumstances faced by the nation&#39;s largest political party and ECP officials across Punjab have become increasingly challenging due to the high-handedness of law enforcement agencies.

M Abdul Wadood Khan, the district election commissioner of Lahore, has filed a written complaint with the provincial election commissioner, Punjab.

He reported multiple complaints from returning officers in Lahore regarding interference by law enforcement agencies, especially the police department, in their official duties. Khan emphasised the urgency of addressing these complaints to avoid any hindrance in the ongoing election activities.

Simultaneously, various PTI leaders, expressing grievances during the submission of nomination papers, criticised the ECP and caretaker governments for allegedly failing to fulfil their constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country.

Abdullah Warraich, PTI Gujrat District Information Secretary, highlighted that despite court orders, the returning officer of PP-31 refused to accept nomination papers for Chaudhry Saleem Sarwar Joda and Salman Sarwar Joda.

Read:&nbsp;Tension in PTI ranks over state machinery&rsquo;s &#39;interference&#39;

He lamented that the police were snatching nomination papers from PTI candidates while the courts appeared helpless.

PTI candidates and their legal representatives from Gujrat also reported a police raid on Zahoor Palace, resulting in the arrest of the consul of PTI Central President Pervaiz Elahi and Moonis Elahi, including advocate Irfan Bashir.

Salman Sarwar, son of PTI Gujrat leader Saleem Sarwar Jora, expressed frustration, stating, &quot;Our lawyers have been attempting to submit nomination papers for my father since December 20, but local administration and police officials are preventing their entry into the RO office. The commission should take notice of this malpractice.&quot;

In a post on PTI&#39;s official social media handle, it was asserted, &quot;Despite clear powers from Lahore High Court, Lahore police is not allowing the attorney of Hammad Azhar to file nomination papers in NA 129. We are filing a contempt petition in Lahore High Court, and luckily, it&#39;s open today. How much will you violate the law and Constitution.&rdquo;

Another social media post highlighted police officials creating obstacles for PTI candidates while CCTV cameras installed at the site were obscured by cloth in an attempt to conceal the heavy-handed actions of the police officials.

Several candidates also complained that returning officers left their offices during working hours to avoid submitting nomination papers for PTI candidates.]]>
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			<title>ECP to take up PTI poll case tomorrow</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2450231/ecp-to-take-up-pti-poll-case-tomorrow</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2450231/ecp-to-take-up-pti-poll-case-tomorrow#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 16 Dec 23 18:26:14 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2450231</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[ECP to hear PTI intra-party election cases on Dec 18; contempt case against Imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry on Dec 19]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued the cause list of cases for the coming week.

The hearing of PTI intra-party election cases will be held on Dec 18 (tomorrow).

The former ruling party&rsquo;s counsel will continue arguments on the intra-party polls as well as on the ECP&rsquo;s separate notice.

Read also:&nbsp;PHC halts ECP decision, awaits PTI&rsquo;s appeal

The hearing of ECP contempt case against former PTI chairman Imran Khan and ex-PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry will be held on Dec 19.

A four-member ECP bench will hear the case at Adiala Jail.

The indictment proceedings will be carried out against Imran and Fawad.]]>
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			<title>Khattak set to testify against Imran in £190m case</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2449513/khattak-set-to-testify-against-imran-in-190m-case</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2449513/khattak-set-to-testify-against-imran-in-190m-case#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Dec 23 04:41:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2449513</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Nadeem Afzal Chan and Zubaida Jalal also prosecution witnesses]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Former prime minister Imran Khan&rsquo;s close confidant Pervez Khattak along with former PTI leader Nadeem Afzal Chan and one of his cabinet members, Zubaida Jalal, have been identified as witnesses for the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the &pound;190 million case.

Azam Khan, the former premier&rsquo;s principal secretary, is also listed as one of NAB&rsquo;s witnesses. The roster includes bank officers, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) representatives, a patwari, and the secretary and deputy secretary of the Assets Recovery Unit.

The executive director and chief financial officer of Al-Qadir Trust, purportedly formed by Imran Khan&rsquo;s wife Bushra Bibi, are also set to testify for NAB.

The case revolves around allegations of corruption and abuse of authority linked to a financial settlement during the PTI&rsquo;s tenure, which reportedly incurred a &pound;190 million loss to the national exchequer.

Read&nbsp;NAB files &pound;190m reference against Imran, Bushra

NAB launched an inquiry into the scandal earlier this year. The inquiry transitioned into an investigation on April 30, leading to Imran Khan&rsquo;s sudden arrest at the Islamabad High Court premises on May 9.

This arrest triggered widespread protests nationwide. Subsequently, the Supreme Court declared Imran&rsquo;s arrest on May 9 as illegal.

On December 1, NAB filed a corruption reference against the former prime minister, his wife, and other suspects in an Islamabad accountability court.

The reference names a total of eight individuals, including Farhat Shahzadi aka Farah Gogi, PTI leader Zulfi Bukhari, Shahzad Akbar, and Barrister Zia-ul-Mustafa Naseem.]]>
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			<title>ATC cancels Marriyum’s non-bailable arrest warrants</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2449456/atc-cancels-marriyums-non-bailable-arrest-warrants</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2449456/atc-cancels-marriyums-non-bailable-arrest-warrants#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Dec 23 11:53:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2449456</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Hearing adjourned till January 6]]>
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				<![CDATA[An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Saturday withdrew the non-bailable arrest warrants issued for PML-N leader Marriyum Aurangzeb after she appeared before the court for the hearing of a case filed against her. On November 25, ATC Judge Abher Gul had issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Marriyum for her repeated absence from hearings in the case.

Last year in September, a case was registered against Marriyum and PML-N leader Javed Latif for allegedly spreading religious hate and declaring former PTI chairman Imran Khan a non-Muslim during a TV talk show.

Read No proposal under consideration to alter 18th amendment: Marriyum

The FIR of the case was lodged by complainant Irshadur Rehman at the Green Town Police Station when PTI leader Parvez Elahi was the chief minister of Punjab. Accompanied by their legal team, both Marriyum and Latif on Saturday appeared before the court. The court directed the authorities to provide a copy of the Islamabad High Court order regarding the plea of nominated suspects in the case.

In response to Marriyum&rsquo;s request for acquittal in the case, the court ordered both the prosecutor and the defendant&rsquo;s counsel to present their arguments during the upcoming hearing. The hearing of the case was adjourned till January 6.

Speaking to the media, Marriyum termed the case against her &ldquo;fabricated&rdquo;, saying it was registered when the PML-N revealed that Imran would attack the state institutions.She said the person (Imran) who had lodged the case against her was now himself accused of the May 9 incident.

Read&nbsp;Non-bailable arrest warrant issued against Marriyum

While maintaining that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif was ousted from power for not taking a salary from his son, she lashed out at PTI, saying &ldquo;they loot the country and then question how the economy has deteriorated&rdquo;.Alleging that Imran exploited his position during his tenure as premier to increase his wealth, she censured the PTI leaders for not only &ldquo;stealing&rdquo; but also adopting a &ldquo;suborn attitude&rdquo; later.

&ldquo;Today the youth is facing unemployment, not the former chairman,&quot; she blasted Imran, adding that Nawaz would be voted by the people on February 8.
&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Imran challenges ECP’s disqualification ruling in LHC</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2449244/imran-challenges-ecps-disqualification-ruling-in-lhc</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2449244/imran-challenges-ecps-disqualification-ruling-in-lhc#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 Dec 23 14:42:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Rana Yasif]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2449244</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PTI supremo contends recent amendments to Elections Act 2017 limit ECP's jurisdiction in deciding disqualification]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Imran Khan, the founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), challenged in Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday the Election Commission of Pakistan&rsquo;s (ECP) ruling of disqualifying him for five years for not declaring Toshakhana gifts in his statement of assets and liabilities.

Khan contended that recent amendments to the Elections Act 2017 limit the ECP&#39;s jurisdiction in deciding the qualification or disqualification of a member based on a court conviction.

In the petition, Khan urged the court to set aside the ECP&#39;s notification, which disqualified him for a period of five years and purportedly de-notified him as the returned candidate from constituency NA-45 Kurram-I. He further requested the court to suspend the operation of the notification until the final disposal of the petition.

In his petition, Khan sheded light on the background of the case, emphasising that a complaint from members of his rival political party triggered the National Assembly speaker, also his political rival, to send a reference to the ECP.

Also read:&nbsp;IHC rejects Imran&#39;s plea to withdraw appeal against disqualification in Toshakhana case

He accused the ECP of acting with unlawful zeal and haste to exclude him from the upcoming general elections rather than ensuring fair and free elections.

The reference from the National Assembly speaker contended that Khan had not declared certain Toshakhana gifts in his statement of assets and liabilities filed before the ECP under section 137 of the Election Act 2017. The speaker argued that this omission warranted disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution.

Despite Khan&#39;s explanations, the ECP allegedly illegally de-seated him as a member of the National Assembly from NA-95 (Mianwali) and directed a complaint to be filed against him under the Election Act 2017. Subsequently, the ECP initiated proceedings to remove Khan from the chairmanship of the party.

The former PTI chief challenged this notice, and on January 5, 2023, the court granted him interim relief, restraining the ECP from passing adverse orders.

However, ECP filed a complaint in the court of an additional district and sessions judge in Islamabad (West). Khan argued that the trial that followed lacked the essential elements of a fair trial, as mandated by Article 10-A of the Constitution.

Also read:&nbsp;Imran joins ranks of disqualified PMs

The court allegedly refused to allow the petitioner to present his witnesses, and when the counsel appeared for arguments, the judge did not hear them. In a swift 30-minute proceeding on August 5, 2023, Khan was sentenced to three years in imprisonment and fined Rs100,000, a conviction later suspended by the Islamabad High Court.

Khan contended that despite being elected from NA-45 Kurram-I in the by-elections on October 30, 2022, and not having taken the oath, the ECP issued an impugned notification de-notifying him as a returned candidate and declaring him disqualified for five years without any further proceedings.

He argued that this notification is violative of his fundamental rights, legally misconceived, and not sustainable in law, calling for its set aside.

Central to his argument is the claim that the ECP issued the impugned notification without issuing any notice or hearing him, violating principles of natural justice, due process of law, and Articles 4, 9, and 10-A of the Constitution.]]>
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