Upper Dir: As general elections draw closer, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari Tuesday vowed to increase salaries for all government employees by a whopping 100% if his party was given another chance at power.

Addressing a public rally in Upper Dir, Bilawal said the PPP raised the salaries of government employees whenever his party came into power, reported.

In June 2010, the PPP-led federal government increased the salaries of public servants by 50% in their basic pay on an ad hoc basis, while the party claims it played a role in increasing the salaries of public servants up to 35% in the previous PDM-led government.

Blasting the caretakers, the PPP leader noted that inflation had soared to a historic level in the country, adding that unemployment and poverty were increasing on a daily basis. He went on to say that the incumbent rulers did not care about the people’s sufferings.

“Politics of hatred and division” is harming the people, the PPP leader said, noting that the politicians would have to “leave such politics to steer the country out of the crisis”.

Firing a fresh salvo at the “old politicians”, the PPP leader said their “ego” was the root cause of all the problems. “They bent on personal enmity instead of political opposition.”

Bilawal slammed the PML-N and clarified that his party supported the PDM-led government to solve the country’s economic issues.

Addressing the power show, the PPP leader said: “You have seen the real faces of mehangai league [PML-N] and the PTI.”

“You will have to give PPP a chance live given to Shaheed Bhutto”

He went on to say that PML-N and PTI have the same goal. The PPP chairman said that PML-N wanted to take revenge after coming into power. Bilawal said his party was unaware that the PML-N would take revenge when they were coalition partners.

Recalling his party’s achievements, the PPP leader said that his father Asif Ali Zardari had introduced the 18th Amendment in the Constitution, while, other parties wanted to abolish the amendment and changes in the National Finance Commission (NFC) formula.

“We will implement the 18th Amendment and NFC Award after winning the election.” He was of the view that the 18th Amendment and NFC Award were not fully implemented. The PPP leader called for unity in the fight against terrorism and inflation.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Ahsan Iqbal expressed optimism on Tuesday that his party will win the upcoming elections.

Speaking exclusively on Samaa TV, the former planning minister said: “The PML-N can say this simply that it will develop the entire country the way it uplifted Lahore. We have built three mass transit projects”.

Read Also: Fazl announces seat adjustment with PML-N

He recalled the tenure of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), saying, “The biggest of all the challenges faced by the PDM was to save the country from default.’’

Read Also: PML-N will steer country out of quagmire, vows Sanaullah

Iqbal slammed Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, saying, “What wonders the young leadership had done in Sindh. No single party had enjoyed a simple majority during the PDM’s tenure.”

He took a dig at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief, asserting, “The country is witnessing stability as the PTI chairman is behind bars”.

– Follow right direction –

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Spokesperson Ikhtiar Wali Khan asked Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to follow the “right direction.’’

Read Also: Abid Sher Ali on warpath against Bilawal

Hitting back at the former foreign minister, Ikhtiar said: “Bilawal is staging the public gatherings in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in a bid to portray himself as busy. It is better for Bilawal to show his concern about the situation in Sindh rather than having fun in KP.’’

He said, “Bilawal had remained an admirer of Shehbaz Sharif during the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) government”.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 21 /DNA/ – The Graduation Ceremony of 148th GD (P), 94th Engineering, 104th Air Defence and 130th Combat Support Courses was held today at PAF Academy Asghar Khan, Risalpur. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar was the Chief Guest at the occasion. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force was also in presence.

On his arrival, the Chief Guest was received by Air Vice Marshal Ghazanfar Latif, Air Officer Commanding, PAF Academy Asghar Khan.

A total of 131 Aviation Cadets,  08 Gentleman Cadets and 03 Naval Cadets graduated during the ceremony. The Chief Guest awarded Branch insignias and trophies to the distinction holders.

The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Trophy for the overall best performance in General Service Training was awarded to Aviation Cadet Sergeant Muhammad Ali Gohar, whereas, Trophy for the overall best performance in Combat Support Course was won by Aviation Cadet Syed Saad Ali. Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for the best performance in Air Defence Course was received by Aviation Cadet Sergeant Sikandar Abbas whereas, Aviation Cadet Sohaib Saeed received Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for the overall best performance in Engineering discipline. Chief of the Air Staff Best Pilot Trophy for outstanding performance in flying training was awarded to Aviation Cadet Muhammad Musa Jawad while Aviation Cadet Sohaib Saeed was awarded the coveted Sword of Honour for the overall best performance at the College of Aeronautical Engineering. Sword of Honour for overall best performance in College of Flying Training was received by Aviation Cadet Wing Under Officer Ahmad Malik.

While addressing the graduating cadets, the Chief Guest emphasized, “Today is the beginning of your journey in PAF as officers. You have been trained well at this leading Air Force Academy and I am sure you will overcome future challenges with full commitment and dedication. Being custodians of PAF’s glorious legacy, you carry the hopes of this Nation on your young shoulders and therefore must work hard to keep abreast with latest developments in technology, modern concepts and current trends related to modern warfare.” The Chief Guest also commended the progress made under the visionary leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, particularly in the domains of Artificial Intelligence, Cyber, Space, and Niche Technologies. In addition, he highlighted the ongoing atrocities against the innocent people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to extending moral, political, and diplomatic support at all forums for their just and indigenous struggle for freedom and right of self-determination.

The PAF Academy Aerobatics team “Bravehearts” presented a spirit pass over the parade venue. Afterwards, a thrilling formation flying display by PAF Mirage, F-7PG, JF-17 and J-10C fighter jets captivated the spectators by showcasing PAF’s professional prowess. The Graduation Parade was witnessed by high-ranking military and civil dignitaries as well as the parents of the graduating cadets.

ATTOCK (NOV-21) /DNA/ – Power supply was remained suspended by the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) in Attock and other parts of the Islamabad Region  on Tuesday  due to necessary maintenance and routine development work. According to IESCO Spokesman, the power supply of different feeders and grid stations was kept  suspended for the period from 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM, Islamabad Circle, Shikraparian, Filtration Plant, G-6/3, Babul-Salam, Marvi, Waheedabad, Sohadran Road, Khanna Dak, Alipoor, F-8, G – 10 Center, I-8/2, I-10/2, G-13/4, F-11/4, Rahara, CM Pak Zong, Kari, Birut, Kaldana, Nimble, Patriata, Upper Topa, Anguri, Park Enclave, Scheme-II, Chhata Bakhtawar, Sohdran Road, Anguri, UC Road, Coral, Comstick, Khanna East, Rahara, Ghori Garden, Khanna-2, Azad Shaheed Feeders, Rawalpindi City Circle, Saidpur Road, Faizabad, B.B. Hospital, Curry Road, Khanna Road, Khanna II, Al Noor Colony, Muslim Town, Sector 4, APHS, Gangal, Zafarul Haq, Dhok Khaba, Gulshanabad, Jama Masjid, Industrial, Quaidabad, Gwalmandi, Abu Bakar, Amin Town, Kayani Road, Askari XI, Ameer Hamza Colony, Shams Colony, Noon, Ratta Feeders, Rawalpindi Cantt Circle, Mall Road, Jahangir Road, RIC, Rawalpindi.III, SPD.II, Rahimabad, Makkah Chowk , Chaklala Garrison, Rahmatabad.II, NPF.II, Sarwar Shaheed, MSF, CNC, Topi Pump, AOWHS, KH Road, Shahpur, Gulistan Fatima, Qureshiabad, Cantt. Chakri, Sehala College, Sagri, Kahota City.II, Kallar Syedan, Ghazin Khan, New Mandira, PAECHS, Karnab Kaswal, Nishan Haider, Gagan, Humayun Road Feeders, Attock Circle, Nawababad, Museum, Shahia, Purmiana, Garhi Afghana, Lalazar, Ahmednagar, Burhan, Musa, Hattian, Qaziabad, Power Channel Company, Bara Zee, Attock Rural, Shamsabad, Kachhari, Dhok Fateh, DI Colony, Muslim Town, Malhwali, Soni, Kharapah. , Minawala, Qutbal, Pari, Dharnal, Galial, Fateh Jang Rural, Laniwala, Anjara Feeders, Jhelum Circle, Abbaspura, Sanaullah Shaheed, CMH Jhelum, Bolani, Fatehpur, Kohar, F-6 Machine Mohalla, Jakhar, M. Riyaz Shaheed, Dinah. 1 Bakrala, Bhagwal, Chakkiam, New Sanghui, Dinah. 4 City, Mumtaz Shaheed, Sandal, Jermot, Mill Awan, Kantrila, Kangar Thati Feeders, Chakwal Circle, Kariala, Ara Bazar, Murid, Khairpur, Islamia Chowk. , Jandawan, Dhadyal Express, Khanpur, Sehigalabad, Pannawal, Dandut, Rawal, Tuba, PD Khan, Sagarpur, Dhalla, Dhadanka, Murt, Dhok Pathan, Kot Sarang, Khahian Feeders, From 08:00 AM to 01:00 AM, Rawalpindi City Circle, Gulzar Quaid, Khanna Road Feeders, Rawalpindi Cantt Circle, Rivergarden.I&II, Swan Garden.I&II, Kahota City.II, Hanif Shaheed, Abrar Shaheed, Panjar, Khawaja, Nar, SDD.II, Rahimabad, NPF-I, New Kaliam, Islamabad Feed Mill, Jhta Hathial, Bisali, Pind Jatla, Lab. I & II, Industrial, Relance Weaving Mill, Bhal, Jarar Comp Feeders, Chakwal Circle, Khoian, Multan Khard, Medina Town Feeders, from 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM, GSO Circle, Khanna Dock, Burma, Tiramuri, Sohdran Road, ISI, Bahria, Al Noor Colony, Wahidabad, Lahtrar Road, Jahangir Road, MSF, Rahimabad, Khanna. Road, CNC, SPD.II, Gulistan Colony, Topi Pump, Rahmatabad.II, Kallar Kahar, Miani, Khairpur, Padrar, Istiqlal Camp, PAF Color Kahar, Manara, Industrial.II Feeders and surrounding areas, IESCO spokesman added.

———————————————

Qazi Shoaib Khan, Bureau Chief Attock

By Faisal Munir / DNA

ATTOCK (Nov 21): Deputy Commissioner Atif Raza visited the Deaf and Defective school on Tuesday in People’s Colony, Attock where he distributed helping devices to the special children and encouraged the children.

According to the Deputy Commissioner office, Atif Raza while speaking to the audience said that special persons are an integral part of our society and it is our utmost duty to fulfill all their needs and give them all the due rights. DC assured the special persons that whatever problem the deaf and dumb people were facing the district government was willing to solve on priority.

The Deputy Commissioner also inspected the stalls set up by the special children where various hand-made items from the special children were kept. On this occasion, District education Officer Special Education Rawalpindi, Deputy Director Public Relations (DDPR) Shehzad Niaz, and other officers were also present at the event.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 21 /DNA/ – Further strengthening its international collaboration, the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) has concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS), Malaysia. The virtual ceremony, held simultaneously at the High Commission of Pakistan in Kuala Lumpur and Islamabad, marked a pivotal moment in the deepening ties between the two premier institutions.

His Excellency Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Malaysia, expressed his great privilege in hosting the ceremony, emphasizing the strong cultural and research connections discussed during recent meetings between the two countries. Dr. Maszlee bin Malik, Chairman of IAIS and former Malaysian Minister of Education, was warmly welcomed as a visionary scholar and key collaborator in fostering intellectual exchanges. The ceremony was attended by Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, and His Excellency Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan, among other distinguished guests.

High Commissioner Mazlan highlighted the long-standing ties between Malaysia and Pakistan, encompassing areas such as defence, economy, and education. He added that the signing of the ISSI-IAIS MoU was a testament to the shared commitment to enhance institutional collaboration, a goal reaffirmed during bilateral political consultations in March 2023. The MoU is expected to pave the way for deeper engagement, understanding, and collaboration in research and cultural domains.

In his address on the occasion, DG ISSI Amb. Sohail Mahmood highlighted the historic Pakistan-Malaysia ties, shared faith and common values, growing bilateral economic collaboration, and convergence of views on key regional and international issues. He also underscored the tradition of Pakistan and Malaysia always espousing the causes of the Muslim Ummah. Besides, he added, Malaysia was a crucial partner in the context of Pakistan’s ‘Vision East Asia’ policy and its desire for an elevated partnership with ASEAN. He expressed the confidence that the MoU would serve as a catalyst for intellectual exchanges, reinforcing better understanding and cooperation on bilateral, regional and international issues.

High Commissioner Mazlan congratulated both institutes and highlighted the robust economic ties, with bilateral trade reaching new heights. He emphasized the immense potential for further collaboration, especially in areas such as education and cultural exchanges.

Dr. Maszlee bin Malik echoed the sentiment, envisioning the MoU as a starting point for future joint events, research activities, and conferences that would strengthen the bonds between Malaysia and Pakistan.

DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood thanked the two High Commissioners and all other contributors and emphasized the crucial importance of the MoU in reinforcing people-to-people links, research collaborations, and educational exchanges. He extended a cordial invitation to Dr. Maszlee bin Malik to visit Pakistan at the earliest opportunity.

The ceremony concluded with expressions of gratitude and optimism for the future, symbolizing another milestone in the enduring friendship and cooperation between Malaysia and Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 21: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday declared illegal the law ministry’s August 29 notification for the jail trial of PTI chief Imran Khan in “judicial lockup” in the cipher case.

The verdict, which was reserved earlier in the day, was issued on an intra-court appeal filed by Imran against a single-member bench’s decision approving the ex-premier’s jail trial in the cipher case.

It must be noted that on August 29, the IHC had suspended the PTI chief’s sentence in the Toshakhana case, but a special court established under the Official Secrets Act had directed jail authorities to keep Imran in “judicial lockup” in the cipher case.

A notification issued by the law ministry the same day had stated that the Law and Justice Division had “no objection” to Imran’s trial in the cipher case being held at Attock jail. In September, Imran was shifted to Adiala jail.

In the verdict, an IHC division bench, comprising Justice Mian­gul Hassan Aur­angzeb and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz, declared Imran’s intra-court appeal maintainable.

The short order said that the notification issued by the law ministry on August 29 for Imran’s jail trial was declared to be “without lawful authority and no legal effect for want of an order by the appropriate government and fulfillment of requirements provided in Section 352 of the CrPC as well as Rule 3 in Part-A of Chapter-1 in Volume-III of the Rules and Orders of the Lahore High Court.”

Further, the order said that the “designation of the Special Court (Anti-Terrorism-I) Islamabad, to try cases reported under the Official Secrets Act, 1923 through notification dated 27.06.2023 issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice is valid and lawful.”

The order said that there was no provision in the Code of Criminal Procedure which compelled the magistrate to hold court in a usual courtroom.

“In exceptional circumstances and where it is conducive to justice, a trial can be conducted in jail in a manner that fulfills the requirements of an open trial or a trial in-camera provided it is in accordance with the procedure provided by law,” it said.

Further, notifications issued by the law ministry regarding Imran’s jail trial on September 12, September 25, October 3, October 13 were declared to be “without lawful authority and no legal effect”.

Moreover, notifications issued by the law ministry on November 13 and November 15 after decisions taken by the cabinet were “declared to be of no legal consequence”. The court said that the November 15 notification “cannot be given retrospective effect”.

The order said, “Consequently, the proceedings with effect from August 29 and the trial conducted […] in jail premises in a manner that cannot be termed as an open trial stand vitiated,” the order said.

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.

The former premier and his aide Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who is also behind bars, were indicted in the case on Oct 23. Both have pleaded not guilty.

The IHC has endorsed Imran’s indictment, disposing of his plea against the same, but had also instructed the special court judge to ensure a “fair trial”. Last week, the court halted trial court proceedings against the PTI chief while hearing his intra-court appeal.

During the previous hearing, the IHC sought the appointment record of the judge conducting the jail trial in the case. The court had also ordered the registrar to present the letter written by Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain to the IHC administration for permission to conduct the ex-PM’s trial in jail.

The hearing
During today’s hearing, Imran’s lawyer Advocate Salman Akram Raja started presenting his arguments. Citing high court rules, he said a judge’s permission was mandatory for a jail trial.

“The judge then informs relevant ministry via the high court or district magistrate or commissioner’s office,” he argued.

Here, Justice Aurangzeb inquired what the judge should do foremost for a jail trial. In his response, Raja said the judge had to list reasons for the same with a “clear mind”.

However, the lawyer continued, the reasons for Imran’s jail trial were not conveyed in the Aug 29 documents. “Even if we accept that the trial was initiated by a judge, the process that followed was incomplete,” Raja argued.

Raja highlighted that the federal cabinet is empowered to approve jail trials but in this scenario, no such decision was taken until mid-November. “The federal cabinet’s approval only came when the intra-court appeal was under way,” he revealed.

Raja contended that a judicial order pertaining to the same had also not been issued yet. “The judicial order of a jail trial gives us the chance to present our stance,” the lawyer added and urged the court to declare the jail trial unlawful.

Meanwhile, Justice Aurangzeb asked if the federal cabinet’s decision was taken to fulfil legal requirements. “How can the cabinet approve something that was never sought,” the PTI counsel responded.

He said the special court judge never mentioned the previous proceedings in the case. Whereas, in the notification issued by the government, nothing similar to what the judge said was written, Raja added.

“As per Article 352, the November notification is not applicable to previous hearings,” he contended.

At that, Justice Aurangzeb asked if the lawyer was saying that the government’s order on jail trial was issued merely to fulfil legal obligations.

No, Raja replied, adding that the cabinet’s approval came without a judicial order.

The judge then said that the IHC registrar had informed the court that the process of appointing the judge was initiated by the Islamabad High Court. “We were also told that the special court judge informed the IHC before commencing the jail trial,” Justice Aurangzeb revealed.

Raja, while concluding his arguments, then contended that all the notifications pertaining to the jail trial were illegal. “If you want to conduct a jail trial, you will have to adopt a legal procedure and provide solid reasons for it,” he added.

Subsequently, Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan came to the rostrum. He said a jail trial wasn’t for ordinary people to attend but at the same time highlighted that Imran’s family members were allowed to attend the proceedings.

He recalled that Imran was in prison at the time of arrest and therefore a physical remand was not taken. “If the things that exist in the law are not taking place, then you say that justice is not being served,” the AGP said and highlighted that charges were framed against the accused in front of him as per the law.

The hearing is held at a big hall in Adiala Jail, Awan further said, adding that the jail trial against Imran was being conducted due to security reasons.

After the AGP concluded his arguments, the bench reserved the verdict with Justice Aurangzeb saying that the court would first issue a short order and then a detailed one at a later time.