DNA

ISLAMABAD, Dec 13: As a part of the Team Europe Initiative ‘Building Back Better through Green Jobs Creation,’ combining support from the European Union (EU), Germany, France and Italy, the EU and the Agence Française de Développement (AfD) today have signed an agreement to spearhead a new climate initiative in the urban centres of Punjab.

The joint effort by the Government of Pakistan and Team Europe partners will allocate €179 million to tackle urgent water and sanitation service delivery challenges in Faisalabad and Lahore, while strengthening climate resilience. The collaborative initiative, entitled ‘Punjab Urban Water and Wastewater Governance and Services Improvement,’ spans six years and blends grant support from the EU and a soft loan from the AfD.

The agreement has been signed by EU Ambassador Dr. Riina Kionka and Deputy Director AfD Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Asia, Ms. Julie Marsaudon, in the presence of German Ambassador Alfred Grannas and Italian Ambassador Andreas Ferrarese. Acknowledging Punjab’s pivotal economic role in contributing 54% of Pakistan’s GDP, EU Ambassador Dr. Riina Kionka highlighted persistent water and sanitation challenges. She underscored the EU’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in improving resilience to climate change and the EU’s readiness to redouble efforts to support the country’s green inclusive growth, a priority under the EU Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan and also for EU assistance to the country.

She further discussed the EU’s role as the world’s leading contributor to international climate finance, emitting about 9% of greenhouse gases but contributing some 30% of global public financing. The French Ambassador’s representative noted that the fight against climate change was a top priority for France. Since the Geneva Conference on a “Resilient Pakistan” on January 9, 2023, France has committed to strengthening its cooperation on climate change: today, some 97% of AFD financing also benefits the climate. The partnership with the EU on water and sanitation is an example of this priority; it will mobilise expertise towards climate-resilient solutions in the water and sanitation sectors.

The project aims to improve access to drinking water and sanitation services by installing 200 kilometres of new water supply pipes and providing 55,000 new connections. It focuses on enhancing capacities, increasing water treatment capacity by 135,000 cubic meters per day and bolstering urban water governance. The initiative will improve the access of 400,000 individuals to drinking water.

This joint intervention underscores the joint commitment of the Government of Pakistan and Team Europe to sustainable development, marking a crucial step towards building climate resilience and ensuring a better quality of life for people and businesses in Faisalabad and Lahore.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 13: /DNA/ – Pakistan’s politics is like a colorful puzzle made of different histories, cultures, and big problems. The way our country is run has changed a lot over time. Sometimes, the army has taken charge instead of elected leaders, which has made things a bit shaky.

We have lots of different people here, speaking different languages and following different traditions. This makes things both interesting and sometimes hard because we need to respect everyone’s feelings and needs.

Our country faces big issues like money differences, unfair practices, and problems with basic stuff like roads and schools. Fixing these things needs everyone to work together, no matter which party they support.

Our young people are getting more interested in politics. They want fairness, honesty, and things to get better. They can be a big part of making our country stronger.

Pakistan also deals with other countries and big powers. Keeping everyone happy while looking out for ourselves is tricky.

To make things better, we need to talk openly, be fair to everyone, and encourage more people to join in decisions that affect our country. If we work together, we can make our country better for everyone.

RAWALPINDI, Dec 13 (APP/DNA): Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) while conducting an operation in Kot Moman managed to bust a drug-trafficking gang and arrested nine accused including four women besides recovering 1023 kg drugs.

According to an ANF Headquarters spokesman, ANF while conducting an operation in Kot Momin netted nine smugglers, members of an inter-provincial gang which was allegedly involved in drug smuggling through women in different cities of Punjab. During the operation, total 1023 kg drugs were recovered from their possession.

He informed that ANF team stopped three vehicles near Kot Momin and recovered total 703 kg hashish from the vehicles. During the investigation, the accused revealed the presence of drugs in a house located in Kot Momin.

On pointation of the accused, the ANF team raided the house and recovered 398 kg opium while four women were also rounded up during the operation.

The accused used to smuggle drugs from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and store them in a rented house in Kot Momin. The drugs were supplied to different districts of Punjab.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 13: The Supreme Court suspended on Wednesday its October 23 unanimous decision nullifying military trials of civilians.

A six-member bench hearing the case had earlier today reserved its verdict on a set of intra-court appeals (ICAs) filed by the caretaker federal government and the provincial governments of Balochistan, Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The Sindh government abstained from filing a plea.

The bench hearing the appeals today is headed by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, and includes Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Musarrat Hilali and Justice Irfan Saadat Khan.

The verdict was announced by a majority of 5:1, as Justice Musarrat Hilali objected to it.

On October 23, a five-member bench declared the military trials of individuals detained after the country’s violent protests on May 9 null and void during the hearing of multiple petitions.

As the hearing commenced today, Justice Masood refused to recuse himself from the bench over objections raised by the counsels. Advocate Latif Khosa informed Justice Masood that objections had been raised over his presence on the bench, to which he replied if his client, Aitzaz Ahsan, had been issued a notice on notice on the matter.

The apex court judge then added that arguments could be conducted if there are objections against a judge’s inclusion before a notice has been issued and referred to an earlier decision by Justice (retd) Jawad S Khwaja which stated hat it is the will of the judge to either remain or recuse himself from the bench.

Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Awan said that the objections raised by the parties are baseless, and urged the bench to hear the case on merit.

Khosa, however, countered that Justice Masood had given his opinion on pleas related to military courts in his earlier note. To which Justice Masood asked the counsels who had objected and was informed by Advocate Salman Akram Raja that Justice (retd) Khwaja had raised objections.

The counsels were reminded that it was Khwaja’s verdict regarding a judge recusing from the bench. “I will not recuse myself from the bench, what can you do,” said Justice Masood.

“You are hearing the case despite our objections,” replied Khosa.

The AGP again asked how could objections be heard when there has been no notice on the matter. Referring to Khwaja, he added that those “who raised the objections are themselves not present in court”.

The court then started hearing the appeals and the objecting counsels were asked to take a seat.

The defence ministry’s counsel, Khawaja Haris, then took the rostrum and argued that the SC’s earlier order dated Oct 23 did not mention which articles of the Constitution and provisions of the Army Act were declared unconstitutional. 

Citing the case of Brigadier (retd) F.B Ali, he said the Army Act’s sections were upheld and a 17-member full court had also declared the judgement as correct when hearing a case on the 21st Amendment.

Haris added that the apex court had previously ruled that is a crime pertained to the military, then the trial could be held in a military court. 

Justice Mazhar inquired from Haris how he would ensure that a “fair trial” was held in military courts. In response, he referred to the trial of Indian spy Kulbushan Yadav and argued that the Army Act’s jurisdiction over civilians was “already limited” and provisions related to civilians could not be declared void. 

Justice Masood then observed that noted that a detailed verdict on military trials of civilians had not been issued. 

When Justice Saadat asked Harif why not wait for the detailed verdict in the case, he responded that he would then request the SC to allow resumption of military trials of those already in military custody. 

Khosa, objecting to a stay order on the Oct 23 verdict, said that judges who made that decision were also part of the apex court. 

AGP Awan requested to court to allow conditional resumption of military trial, to which Justice Masood asked how could the court allow the action when certain sections of the Army Act had been nullified. Justice Mazhar then wondered why was there such a hurry to decide on the matter. 

The court had then reserved its verdict, which was then announced after a short recess. 

Following the apex court verdict, several intra-court appeals were lodged. Last week, the Supreme Court announced the formation of a six-member larger bench, led by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, to oversee these appeals.

In their intra-court appeals, the caretaker federal government and the defence ministry urged the top court to restore the sections of the Official Secrets Act.

However, on Monday, Justice Ijazul Ahsan raised objections over benches recently formed to hear two high-profile cases.

In his letter sent to the registrar, Justice Ahsan noted that he had attended the meeting of the three-member committee held in the chamber of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa on Thursday, December 7, with regard to the formation of benches in the two cases.

He said it was agreed in the meeting that as the bench that delivered a verdict against court-martial of civilians comprised five judges, the bench to hear appeals against the verdict should have seven judges.

Justice Ahsan stated that the CJP had agreed to his suggestion that in order to dispel the impression of “pick and choose” the bench to hear the appeals against military courts and Justice Naqvi’s petition should consist of the senior most judges of the court.

The judge stated that instead of a seven-member bench, a six-member bench was formed to hear the appeals against SC’s military court verdict and that he had not been informed if any of the judges who are higher in the order of seniority had refrained from becoming part of the bench.

Former CJP also objects to larger bench

Simultaneously, former CJP Jawwad S Khawaja has filed an application in the apex court requesting that Justice Sardar Tariq Masood recuse himself from hearing the appeal against SC order banning trial of civilians in military courts “in the interest of justice.”

The former CJP, who is one of the petitioners who challenged court-martial of the May 9 rioters, stated that Justice Masood and Justice Qazi Faez Isa were part of the nine-member bench formed by former CJP Umar Ata Bandial to hear petitions against military courts.

He highlighted that both Justice Isa and Justice Masood had refused to hear the petitions.
“Justice Isa read out a prepared note in open court. After reading out the note, Justice Isa and Justice Masood rose from the bench. The bench was thereafter reconstituted. Justice Masood issued a signed document dated 26.6.2023.”

He said the note reflects Justice Masood’s views on various matters.

“The relevance of the note for the purposes of the present application is that it gives findings in paragraph number 3 with respect to the maintainability of the subject petitions.

“As a result of these findings, Justice Masood has already expressed his view in this specific matter (and this view was expressed without hearing the parties) that the subject petitions were not maintainable under Article 184(3),” he added.

The former CJP requested the court that Justice Sardar might recuse himself from hearing the case and the matter might be referred back to the three-member committee for reconstitution of the bench.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 13: /DNA/ – In today’s fast-paced world, the art of patiently listening to others seems to be a diminishing virtue. The prevailing lack of empathy and consideration for the feelings of those around us is alarming. Often, our words, laced with sarcasm and unintended implications, may serve as unsuspecting triggers for someone’s descent into depression or sadness. As the age-old adage goes, our words can plants gardens or burn whole forests down.

It is imperative that we cultivate a spirit of leniency towards others, recognizing the complexities of their experiences. Providing personal space becomes not just a courteous act but a necessary means to foster understanding and preserve mental well-being in an environment where words can carry profound consequences.

DNA

ISLAMABAD:  Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Neil Hawkins called on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan here on Tuesday.

During the meeting, they discussed the country’s overall political and economic situation, bilateral issues and matters of mutual interest in detail.

PTI parliamentary leader in the Upper House, Barrister Ali Zafar and PTI Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan also participated in the meeting.

Senior Australian diplomat Mairi Robertson was present on the occasion as well.

During the meeting, they held a detailed discussion on the overall prevailing political and economic situation of the country, bilateral issues and matters of mutual interest.

Moreover, they also discussed the current environment for the general elections in Pakistan, opportunities for political parties to take part in elections and the overall impacts of the polls on the progress and prosperity of the country.

They shed light on the constitutional role of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding holding free, fair and transparent elections, and the ground situation.

During the meeting, the ongoing hearing against the PTI’s intra-party elections in the ECP and the inordinate delay in issuance of electoral symbol of “bat” also came under discussion.

Besides, they discussed the ongoing spree of worst human rights violations in the country, especially the condemnable series of extra-constitutional and legal measures against women political workers.

They also discussed various aspects of the utility and necessity of a government with public mandate.

Australian high commissioner reiterated the position of the Australian Government regarding the survival and continuation of the democracy in the country, free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections and the respect and protection of the basic human rights.

5 personnel and 27 militants killed in clashes in Southern areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Shamim Shahid
PESHAWAR— At least 25 personnel of security forces were killed during clashes with alleged militants in different places of Southern district Dera Ismael Khan. Official also claimed killing of at least 27 militants in three different location. The deadly encounter/clash or attack occurred in Draban town in early hours of Tuesday whereas a group of militants attacked a camp of security forces with explosive laden vehicle and suicide bombers.
According to ISPR, on Night 11 / 12 December 2023, witnessed heightened activities in Dera Ismail Khan District, wherein total of twenty seven terrorists were sent to hell during various operations. An intelligence based operation was conducted in general area Darazinda on reported presence of terrorists. During the conduct of operation, terrorists’ hideout was busted and seventeen terrorists were sent to hell.

ISPR in its statement further states that in another intelligence-based operation in general area Kulachi, own troops effectively engaged terrorists’ location as a result of which four terrorists were sent to hell. However, after intense exchange of fire, two brave sons of soil, having fought gallantly, embraced shahadat( martyrd). It added that the killed terrorists were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces as well as killing of innocent civilians. Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered during the operations.

About deadly violent encounter or terror act at Draban Dera Ismael Khan, ISPR states, “ in early hours of 12 December 2023, a group of six terrorists attacked a security forces’ post in general area Daraban. The attempt to enter the post was effectively thwarted which forced the terrorists to ram an explosive laden vehicle into the post, followed by a suicide bombing attack. The resulting blasts led to the collapse of the building, causing multiple causalities; twenty three brave soldiers embraced shahadat, while all six terrorists were effectively engaged and sent to hell.

It states that sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist present in the area, as security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthens our resolve.

Banned militant group Tehrikl Jehad of Lashkar Khurasan, affiliated with banned TTP claimed responsibility of attacking security forces camp at Draban.
There is nothing mentioned about strength of injured personnel in Draban attack but local officials earlier reported injuries to 31. Conditions of three injured stated in danger. Though officially didn’t notified so far but local people informed that targeted intelligence based military operation against militants is going on at Tank, Jandola, Lakki Marwat and Kulachi areas from last several days. Tuesday morning attack against security forces at Draban is believed reaction of militants against the ongoing military operation. Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (Retd) Irshad Hussain Shah and Federal Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti through separate statement shown several resentment over militants attacks against personnel of security forces.

ISLAMABAD: A special court established under the Official Secrets Act on Tuesday deferred the indictment of former premier Imran Khan and ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cipher case till tomorrow (December 13).

The cipher case pertains to a diplomatic document that the Federal Investigation Agency’s charge sheet alleges was never returned by Imran. The PTI has long held that the document contained a threat from the United States to oust Imran as prime minister.

Imran and Qureshi were initially indicted in the case on Oct 23. Both had pleaded not guilty. The trial was being held at Adiala Jail and four witnesses had alre­a­dy recorded their statements, with the fifth being cross-examined when an Islamabad High Court division bench termed the government’s notification for a jail trial “erroneous” and scrap­ped the entire proceedings.

As a result of the judgment, the special court started a fresh trial. Last month, Special Court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqar­nain had ruled that the trial proceedings would continue at the Adiala Jail but in an open court.

During the previous hearing, the court had decided to indict the PTI leaders today. Meanwhile, PTI lawyer Senator Babar Awan had said Imran wanted an “ex-army general and a US envoy” to be summoned by the special court.

A day ago, the former premier challenged the process of his indictment in the cipher case in the IHC, urging it to halt the proceedings till deciding on this petition. He claimed that the proceedings of Dec 4 were “liable to set aside” as they were “carried out unauthorisedly and are illegal, unlawful, improper, incorrect”.

Today’s hearing was attended by family members of the PTI leaders. The FIA’s special prosecutors Shah Khawar and Zulfikar Abbas Naqvi were also present in the courtroom while Barrister Salman Safdar appeared as Imran’s counsel and Barrister Taimur Malik as Qureshi’s lawyer.

A few reporters were allowed inside the courtroom to witness the proceedings.

As the hearing began, PTI lawyers submitted six separate petitions in the court pertaining to incomplete documents in the case challan, media access and jail trial notification. They contended that a selected number of media persons were allowed to attend the hearing while a majority of journalists were waiting outside the Adiala Jail.

The judge remarked that the matter was an “administrative issue” and would be seen by the court. “We have given relief by going out of the way,” he added.

Meanwhile, Safdar argued that the proceedings were being conducted in a “hasty manner”, adding that the PTI had challenged two verdicts issued under the Official Secrets Act in the IHC.

However, the FIA prosecutor highlighted that the high court had not stopped the special court from conducting the proceedings. He also urged the court to complete the indictment process.

Here, Judge Zulqarnain said he would take all the decisions on the basis of merit, adding that he was hearing the case neutrally.

During the hearing, PTI lawyer Usman Gul also raised concerns related to incomplete documents in the case record, to which the judge asked why he had not pointed out the same previously.

The hearing was subsequently adjourned and the court declared Dec 13 as the date for the PTI leaders’ indictment.

The developments of the hearing were also confirmed by Barrister Taimur Malik in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The FIR
According to the FIR, a case under sections 5 and 9 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923 r/w 34 PPC has been registered against the former premier and former foreign minister.

They have been accused of wrongful communication/ use of official secret information and illegal retention of cipher telegram (official secret document) with mala fide intention, whereas the role of the former PM’s aide Muhammad Azam Khan, former federal minister Asad Umar and other associates involved will be ascertained during the course of investigations.

It said Imran, Qureshi and their other associates are involved in the communication of information contained in secret classified document (cipher telegram received from Parep Washington dated March 7, 2022 to Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to the unauthorised persons (i.e. public at large) by twisting facts to achieve their ulterior motives and personal gains in a manner prejudicial to the interests of state security.

They held a “clandestine meeting” at Banigala on March 28, 2022 to conspire to misuse the contents of cipher in order to accomplish their “nefarious designs”, it alleged.

The accused, Imran, with mala fide directed the former principal secretary Azam Khan to prepare the minutes of said clandestine meeting by manipulating the contents of cipher message to use it for his vested interest at the cost of national safety.

Moreover, the numbered and accountable copy of cipher telegram sent to the PM Office was deliberately kept in his custody by the former PM with mala fide intention, and was never returned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The said cipher telegram (official secret document classified as such) is still in the illegal possession/retention of the accused Imran.

The unauthorised retention and misuse of the cipher telegram by the accused persons compromised the entire cipher security system of the state and the secret communication method of Pakistani missions abroad.