DNA

Islamabad, Mar 28: Pakistani officials and experts have termed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Russia significant and looked forward to deeper cooperation and improved bilateral ties between the two countries as well as their greater contributions to world development.

In an interview with Gwadar Pro, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed called Xi’s visit to Moscow an assertion of China’s more assertive, proactive and confident role in global affairs, following up on China’s historic, successful mediation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which has totally rattled and shaken the West.

Political economist and CEO Asian Institute of Eco-civilisation Research and Development Shakeel Ahmad Ramay termed the meeting very significant globally as well as bilaterally.

He said, “on bilateral fronts it shows that two great powers can co-exist in peace, as neighbours, and can pursue the dream of sustainable development and peace, without creating any conflict.”

“On the global front, the meeting indicates that the world is no longer unipolar. The world has become multipolar, and the process has accelerated over the last few years.

Thus, major powers need to accept and work to devise a formula for peaceful co-existence, which must respect diversity, integrity, and sovereignty and honour each and every country. Cooperation can help us achieve that,” Ramay added.

During the three-day visit to Russia, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin had sincere, friendly and fruitful talks on bilateral ties and major regional and international issues of mutual interest, and reached new, important common understandings in many fields.

The two presidents also signed and issued two joint statements, making plans and arrangements for the growth of bilateral relations and wide-ranging cooperation between the two countries.

Elon Musk said on Monday that only verified Twitter accounts would be eligible to vote in polls starting April 15, a move that the social media company’s CEO believes will address advanced AI bot swarms.

Musk also said only verified accounts will be eligible to be in Twitter’s For You recommendations, which displays a stream of tweets from accounts on Twitter.

Twitter did not immediately respond to a Reuters’ request for comment.

Last year, Musk had said Twitter would restrict voting on policy-related polls to paying Twitter Blue subscribers.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 28: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) wants external financing commitments fulfilled from friendly countries before it releases bailout funds, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday.

The lender has been negotiating with Islamabad since early February to resume $1.1 billion in funding held since November, which is part of a $6.5 billion bailout agreed in 2019.

The funding is very critical for Pakistan to unlock other external financing avenues to avert a default on its obligations with its central bank reserves falling to as low as to cover hardly four weeks of imports.

“Now we are being told that the commitments from friendly countries be fulfilled and God willing we will,” Sharif told Parliament in a speech.

Several friendly countries such as Saudi Arabia, China and the United Arab Emirates, have made commitments to help Pakistan fund its balance of payments.

An agreement would be signed once a few remaining points, including a proposed fuel pricing scheme, are settled, an IMF official said on Friday.

Sharif had earlier announced the government’s plan to charge affluent consumers more for fuel, with the money raised used to subsidise prices for the poor, who have been hard-hit by inflation. In February it was running at its highest in 50 years.

The IMF’s resident representative in Pakistan, Esther Perez Ruiz, said earlier that the government had not consulted the fund about the scheme.

The lender wants Islamabad to explain the fuel scheme before any loan deal.

The IMF has not responded to Reuters request for a comment on the fuel pricing scheme.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 28 (DNA) — President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi has called for the expansion of trade and economic relations with Tajikistan, adding that steps should be taken to enhance trade and investment cooperation with Tajikistan for the mutual development of the two brotherly countries.

The President stated this while talking to Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to Tajikistan, Mr Muhammad Saeed Sarwar, who called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, on Tuesday.

Talking to the Ambassador, the President mentioned that Pakistan had deep historical and cultural linkages with Tajikistan, stating that Pakistan wanted to build enhanced, result-oriented and sustainable engagements with all the Central Asian States under its “Vision Central Asia” policy. He underscored that Pakistan remained committed to strengthening political, economic and energy connectivity with Central Asia and that the CASA-1000 energy project was an important component of this strategy.

The President asked the Ambassador to work for improving Pakistan’s image, besides expanding trade, energy, and commercial relations with the host country. He underlined the need for establishing academic linkages between the educational institutions of both countries. He added that Pakistan was offering online and distance education through the Virtual University of Pakistan and Allama Iqbal Open University, and Tajik students could benefit from it by getting access to their educational content.

The President also stressed the need for highlighting the anti-minority and anti-Muslim policies of India as well as the atrocities being committed by the Indian Security Forces in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The President congratulated Mr Muhammad Saeed Sarwar on his appointment as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Tajikistan and urged him to work for further cementing bilateral relations with the brotherly country of Tajikistan. — DNA

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial Tuesday said the decision to postpone polls in Punjab was penned in haste by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The CJP passed the remark after the Supreme Court resumed the hearing on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) petition challenging the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision on Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa elections.

During the hearing, Justice Jamal Mandokhail asked the ECP what would the date for the election be if its decision for delaying the vote was revoked.

The hearing was then postponed till 11:30am tomorrow (Wednsdeay).

A day after a scathing dissenting note from Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail on the March 1 verdict on Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa polls, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial remarked that it was their “opinion” and had no link with the ongoing case.

CJP Bandial is heading the five-member larger bench hearing the plea. Apart from the CJP, the bench includes Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Amin-Ud-Din Khan and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail.

The Imran Khan-led party had challenged the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to defer the Punjab polls till October 8.

The electoral body’s announcement came after financial and security authorities expressed their inability to support the electoral process.

Following this, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Haji Ghulam Ali also urged the electoral body to hold general elections on the same date (October 8) as the Punjab polls given the growing security threats from terror groups operating from the Pakistan-Afghanistan border regions.

Today’s hearing
At the outset of the hearing, CJP Bandial welcomed the newly appointed Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan. While seeing “good friend” Farooq H Naek, the CJP remarked that the court would need the assistance of the senior lawyer on the matter.

No more delay
The CJP remarked that the court does not want to drag this matter.

He said that ECP’s jurisdiction as per yesterday’s order will be seen by the court, while the request of the ruling coalition parties to become a party in the case will be looked into later.

“Rule of law and democracy are two sides of a same coin. There should be mutual tolerance, patience and law and order” CJP Bandial observed.

Meanwhile, Naek interjected and told the bench that they were also stakeholders in the case.

At this, the CJP assured the senior lawyer that no one denied Naek’s importance but he believed that they shouldn’t engage in a legal controversy.

Direction of circumstances
He said that the parties had to decide the direction of the circumstances while the court had to keep the facts in view.

“On the March 1 verdict my stance is that the law empowers the president to give a date for the elections. If you want clarification on the March 1 decision then file a separate petition,” said the CJP. He added that the “simple question” in the case was whether the ECP could change the election date or not.

“If ECP has the power then the matter will be resolved,” said the CJP.

On the other hand, the attorney general contended that if the court decision was 4-3 then there was no order.

He added that if it was not a court order then the president could not give the election date.

“The March 1 decision should be decided first,” said the AGP.

‘Polls necessary for democracy’
At this, CJP Bandial remarked that right now the case was not about giving the election date but about the delay. He added that elections were necessary for a democracy.

“Two honourable judges gave a decision. It’s the opinion of those two judges but is not related to the current case. Do not bypass a sensitive matter,” remarked the CJP.

The AGP responded that the current petition was seeking the implementation of the court orders in the March 1 judgment.

At this, CJP Bandial remarked that the bench members were there to review the questions raised in the petition. Apex court’s jurisdiction wasn’t limited to just the petition, he added.

Formation of full court
On this point, AGP interjected and appealed for the formation of a full court on the matter.

“It is a request that this is an important matter and if the bench deems it appropriate then a full court should be formed,” said the AGP.

However, Justice Mandokhail remarked that the number of judges who favoured the March 1 ruling was an internal matter of the apex court.

“Just tell if the Constitution requires conducting elections in 90 days or not, and whether the ECP can postpone the date of election,” he asked.

Upon hearing Justice Mandokhail, the CJP thanked the judge for clearing the matter.

Meanwhile, PTI’s lawyer Ali Zafar maintained that every institution has to work while staying within its constitutional bounds.

At this, CJP Bandial remarked that he expected the PTI’s senior leadership to have the same behaviour as expressed by the lawyer. He also asked the lawyer whether he talked to the senior party leadership.

“PTI would have to be the first [one to speak] because they have approached the court,” the chief justice stated. He advised the parties of the case to avoid differences saying that there was violence, intolerance and an economic crisis in the country.

Crises to intensify
At this, Barrister Zafar maintained that these crises would intensify if the elections were delayed.

CJP Bandial then remarked that it would order the government only if PTI takes the initiative.

Moving on, Justice Khan asked if the 90-day period before the election could be shortened.

At this, Justice Ahsan remarked that the ECP was bound to give the schedule for polls within 90 days. Barrister Zafar maintained that the electoral watchdog couldn’t withdraw the order once given.

“Unfortunately, no one has any doubt that elections now can’t be held in 90 days,” remarked Justice Mandokhail. He also wondered if there was a democratic way to resolve the issue.

Polls under any circumstances
Justice Mandokhail lamented that no one cared about the Constitution in Pakistan anymore but elections must be held under any circumstances.

“The question is, who has the authority to extend the duration of 90 days and if the assembly should be dissolved at a single person’s behest,” the justice added.

PTI’s lawyer argued that the prime minister and chief minister were the elected representatives.

At this, Justice Mandokhail remarked that the assembly could be dissolved if the prime minister’s party moved a no-confidence motion against him.

However, Barrister Ali Zafar contended that the assembly couldn’t be dissolved in case of a no-confidence motion.

Justice Mandokhail observed that the Parliament should review the authority of a single person to dissolve the assembly.

Dates and delays
At this, Barrister Zafar said that the Parliament could debate over the authority of the PM and CM.

“The Constitution doesn’t allow any delay in the fundamental right of election,” he maintained, adding that efforts to defer the polls were made in the recent past.

Zafar added that the ECP maintained that it couldn’t give a date, while the governor said it was his authority to give the polls date.

On this point, Justice Ahsan remarked that the implementation of the apex court’s judgement had been done as the election schedule was issued. However, the question before the bench was whether the ECP had the authority to change the date given by the president.

“Can the election commission delay [elections] beyond 90 days,” he asked.

Meanwhile, CJP Bandial remarked that the Election Act’s Section 58 did not allow deferment of the polls.

At this, Barrister Zafar maintained that the ECP based its order on two clauses from the Constitution.

Justice Mandokhail then interjected that the electoral watchdog had excused itself from fulfilling the constitutional duty while stating these reasons.

“What would have happened if the ECP hadn’t given the date of October 8,” he asked.

At this, Justice Ahsan remarked that the electoral body could have approached the president for changing the election date.

“All administrative institutions are bound to cooperate with the ECP. Election commission can approach only if there are solid reasons,” he added.

Authority to defer polls
Barrister Zafar remarked: “The Article 220 of the Constitution binds all governments and institutions to cooperate with the ECP, but the electoral body made a decision after taking input from the institutions only”.

He urged the court to question the electoral watchdog why it did not use its constitutional powers. He argued that Article 5 of the Constitution would apply if the administrative institutions did not cooperate.

The lawyer said that according to ECP, Article 254 gives the authority of deferring the polls.

At this, Justice Mandokhail remarked that the date given by the election authority was already after 90 days period.

Was the date after 90 days period correct, he asked.

Barrister Zafar said that the polls couldn’t be conducted within 90 days even if the court issued an order right now.

At this, Justice Mandokhail remarked that the president had also given a date after the 90 days.

“Article 254 can be invoked after the job was done but not before that,” he added.

After 90 days
Moving on, Justice Ahsan observed: “In practice, if the election is not possible in 90 days, the court could issue an order”.

However, Justice Akhtar remarked that if the conducting of elections were not possible, the Election Commission should have approached the court.

He explained that the court could be approached for the polls on the same day if another assembly was dissolved before the date of the elections for an assembly.

“The election commission cannot automatically issue an order to postpone elections. If the Election Commission can postpone the election for 6 months, then it can do it for six years as well,” he observed.

At this, Justice Mandokhail remarked: “The constitution is silent on who can move the elections ahead”.

“Shouldn’t parliament amend the constitution?” he asked. It will be best if the Parliament amends it, the justice added.

“The question is what will happen to the elections that are to be held until the amendment is made,” Justice Akhtar remarked.

At this, Barrister Zafar maintained that the elections could never be held if they consider the basis on which elections were postponed.

Justice Akhtar then remarked that if it was a matter of funds, “how will the caretaker government provide the funds?”

“Will the problems present today not be there on October 8,” he asked.

At this, Barrister Zafar contended that the ECP had said in its order of March 22 that the funds had not been provided.

He argued that the election commission had never requested funds.

Justice Akhtar then remarked that he had read the premier’s statement in the newspaper. “The federal government says that Rs500 billion tax revenue had been collected till March,” he added.

He said that it was surprising that the government was unable to spare Rs20 billion out of those Rs500 billion for the elections.

Moving on, Justice Ahsan observed that in practice, if the election is not possible in 90 days, the court could issue an order.

However, Justice Akhtar remarked that if the conducting of elections were not possible, the Election Commission should have approached the court.

He explained that the court could be approached for the polls on the same day if another assembly was dissolved before the date of the elections for an assembly.

“The election commission cannot automatically issue an order to postpone elections. If the Election Commission can postpone the election for 6 months, then it can do it for six years as well,” he observed.

At this, Justice Mandokhail remarked: “The constitution is silent on who can move the elections ahead”.

“Shouldn’t parliament amend the constitution?” he asked. It will be the best if the Parliament amends it, the justice added.

“The question is what will happen to the elections that are to be held until the amendment is made,” Justice Akhtar remarked.

At this, Barrister Zafar maintained that the elections could never be held if they consider the basis on which elections were postponed.

Justice Akhtar then remarked that if was a matter of funds, “how will the caretaker government provide the funds?”

“Will the problems present today not be there on October 8,” he asked.

At this, Barrister Zafar contended that the ECP had said in its order of March 22 that the funds had not been provided.

He argued that the election commission had never requested funds.

Justice Akhtar then remarked that he had read the premier’s statement in the newspaper. “The federal government says that Rs500 billion tax revenue had been collected till March,” he added.

He said that it was surprising that the government was unable to spare Rs20 billion out of those Rs500 billion for the elections.

“As per the ECP’s order, it would be difficult to provide funds,” said Barrister Zafar quoting the finance secretary and added the Finance Ministry did not altogether refuse to provide funds but said that it would be difficult for them to arrange this amount.

Justice Akhtar remarked that the finance secretary had said that the funds for the election were not available now then how would they be available in the future, “which means that polls will never be held at all”.

“How can a government secretary make such a fantastic statement?” questioned Justice Akhtar.

The collected tax goes to federal consolidated funds, he added.

During the hearing, CJP Bandial suggested a cut in the judges’ salaries for the elections. “An entire budget is not needed for elections,” he added.

“Our salaries can be cut for collecting Rs20 billion,” said the chief justice, adding that the government could save Rs20 billion by reducing expenses.

Senator Naek said that the expenditure of federal consolidated funds was spent with the Parliament’s approval.

Justice Akhtar wondered if the assembly had been dissolved then how the funds could be issued.

“In the current case, the National Assembly is present. The new assembly will approve the expenses,” said Naek. He added that the finance secretary’s statement could only be explained by the ECP.

“How can the finance secretary issue funds that are not approved,” asked Justice Mandokhail.

Amid this debate, PTI’s lawyer contended that the issuance of funds was a technical issue.

At this point, CJP bandial remarked that the country was going through an economic crisis and it was a reality that could not be ignored.

“Sacrifice is necessary to deal with the crisis. The cost of the election can be accumulated by cutting 5% of salaries,” said the CJP. He added that in Turkey apart from the earthquake-hit areas elections were being held everywhere.

On this point, Zafar interjected and remarked that the “Election Act allows the ECP to cancel polling where there is a problem; it cannot postpone the entire election”.

“Elections can only be postponed by declaring emergency,” remarked CJP Bandial. He also asked if ECP’s decision recommended imposing an emergency.

“Absolutely not,” responded Zafar.

The court then took a 30-minute break.

Ruling alliance decides to become party in case
Hours before the hearing resumed on Tuesday, the ruling alliance decided to become a party in the case.

The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) have filed the pleas in the SC to become a party, and will present their stance when the hearing resumes.

DNA

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