ISLAMABAD, /DNA/ – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) strongly reacted to the reluctance of judge to pronounce the verdict in Iddat case despite completion of all proceedings of the case, calling the transfer of the case to another court instead of giving the ruling as a travesty of justice, which was unacceptable and intolerable.

PTI Spokesperson said that the Iddat case was the most ridiculous, absurd and utterly disgraceful case in human history through which the entire system and philosophy of justice was being flouted.

He vehemently condemned the court’s decision to delay the verdict in the most ridiculous and fake case against Imran Khan and his wife, despite the prosecution’s repeated attempts to obstruct justice, which was nothing but a mockery of justice and a sheer violation of human rights.

He stated that PTI Founding Chairman Imran Khan and his wife were subjected to the worst political revenge and unjust imprisonment by sentencing them in two days in sheer violation of justice.

PTI Spokesperson pointed out that during the speedy court proceedings in the case, the lawyers of Imran Khan and his wife were deprived of even the basic right of cross-examination, adding that the petitioner and the prosecution team crossed all limits of rudeness, absurdity and disregard for law and justice during the court proceedings, as they resorted to every shameful tactic to waste the time of the court to prevent the court from making a fair and just decision.

However, he stated that despite continuous resistance from the prosecution, the trial was completed though at snail pace and eventually the verdict was preserved, which was to be delivered on Wednesday, adding that when the court opened at 9 o’clock to pronounce the verdict, the petitioner asked the court for ten minutes to speak against the rules.

PTI Spokesperson went on to say that the judge allowed the petitioner to speak instead of pronouncing the verdict, resultantly the petitioner took half an hour instead of 10 minutes aimed at preventing the court from pronouncing the decision.

He made it clear that PTI Founding Chairman and his wife’s lawyers, party’s officials and workers exercised great restraints and showed full respect for the court and justice.

PTI Spokesperson lamented that a dishonourable and unscrupulous person succeeded in his nefarious scheme and instead of protecting the dignity of the court and the sanctity of justice, the judge surrendered to the prosecution in a sad manner and sought transfer of the case to another court.

He noted that they staged the entire absurd spectacle to keep Imran Khan and his wife unjustly imprisoned and to deprive them of the basic right to justice, adding that goons of the ruling party tried their level best to incite violence and agitation in the court to delay the case but PTI workers foiled the nefarious plan.

PTI spokesperson stated that the case was a political vendetta against Imran Khan and his wife, and that the prosecution’s goal was to keep them in jail and deny them their basic rights.

PTI Spokesperson asked that the chief justice should answer the nation about his justification to remain on his oath or position after the murder of just in broad daylight in the subordinate courts.

He said that the planners of the May 9 false flag operation were hell-bent to make the courts the graveyards of justice.

Judge tells AAG illegal surveillance a crime punishable by law, demands clarity on relevant law

Court Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday ordered telecommunication companies to refrain from recording phone calls for surveillance purposes, warning that they would be held accountable if their equipment was used for illegal surveillance.

The order came as Justice Babar Sattar of the IHC resumed hearing on a petition challenging the alleged audio leak involving former prime minister Imran Khan’s spouse, Bushra Bibi, and Najam Saqib, the son of former chief justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar.

During the hearing, Justice Sattar asked the lawyer representing the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) why they had not submitted their response.

The lawyer replied that they were unable to submit their response due to the holiday.

Later, Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Duggal appeared alone on the roster.

Justice Sattar inquired about the law under which citizens’ calls were being recorded.

In response, the additional attorney general stated that under Section 54, the PTA had the authority to record calls.

The court inquired which law authorised the PTA to conduct surveillance.

The AAG said the legal framework allowed it.

The court demanded clarity on the law governing the recording of citizens’ calls. It also instructed the AAG to provide a formal response and specify who had given permission and who had been authorised to record people’s calls.

The AAG sought some time to file a response.

Upon this, the judge expressed annoyance, remarking, “How much time do you need?” and questioned the AAG when the petitions were filed.

The AAG responded that the pleas came in 2023.

At this juncture, the judge remarked, “According to you, no one was allowed to record calls. If you retreat now, there will be consequences. The law states that the federal government can grant permission, but according to you, permission was not granted.”

The court questioned why, if the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministries of Defence and Interior, and PTA had said no one was allowed, permission was granted.

The additional attorney general again requested some time.

Justice Babar Sattar questioned the AAG if he did not know about today’s hearing.

The judge remarked that “these petitions were under consideration for a year. If the federal government lies in court, how will the matter proceed? Reports have been collected from the Prime Minister’s Office and other institutions, and it has been stated in the reports that no one was granted legal interception permission.”

At this, AAG Duggal said his [previous] response was limited to the audio leaks.

Later, Justice Babar Sattar directed the additional attorney general to read the relevant sections of the Telecommunications Act.

Justice Sattar stated that illegal surveillance was a crime punishable by law.

“When the federal government submitted its response, the court took it seriously. If telecommunication companies’ equipment was used for illegal surveillance, they would be held responsible.”

The court ordered the telecommunication companies to refrain from recording phone calls for surveillance purposes.

The British envoy has said in her speech ‘Not all parties were formally permitted to contest the elections and that legal processes were used to prevent some political leaders from participation, and to prevent the use of recognizable party symbols’

Ansar M Bhatti/DNA

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has severely criticised British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriot’s recent speech targeting the South Asian nation’s general elections in 2024, calling on the UK to learn from past mistakes and move on.

In a speech during the Asma Jahangir conference last month, Marriot while quoting British Foreign Secretary David Cameron raised concerns about Pakistan’s February 8 elections.

“…not all parties were formally permitted to contest the elections and that legal processes were used to prevent some political leaders from participation, and to prevent the use of recognisable party symbols,” Britain’s top diplomat had said.

She then noted that Pakistan’s government, civil society, and global players should work to nurture an “open society” and “vibrant democracy” as open societies are transparent.

The top court’s registrar, in a letter to the envoy, said that her criticism of a certain political party being sidelined by stripping it of its symbol was unfounded as it did not follow the law.

The letter, drawing attention to the court’s role, said elections were required to be held within 90 days of the completion of the tenure of the national and provincial assemblies.

However, they did not take place because then-president Arif Alvi and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) were at odds regarding who was empowered to announce the election date.

“The matter was resolved in just 12 days by the Supreme Court, and general elections were held throughout Pakistan on 8 February 2024,” the registrar said.

Previously, it mentioned, that many wanting to contest elections in Pakistan faced a lifetime ban because they were not considered honest and trustworthy (Sadiq and Ameen) by the Supreme Court.

However, a larger seven-member bench overruled the earlier decision, it said, holding that it did not conform to the Constitution and the law.

The registrar said that the law enacted by Parliament (Elections Act, 2017) requires democracy within political parties via the holding of periodical intra-party elections; to forestall autocracy or even dictatorship within them.

To ensure compliance with this democratic principle the law stipulates, it said, that if a political party does not hold intra-party elections, then it would not be eligible for an election symbol.

“A political party (which had itself voted in this law) did not hold the mandated intra-party elections. The Supreme Court reiterated what the law stipulated,” the letter said.

Therefore, the registrar said: “…your Excellency’s criticism with regard to this decision, with utmost respect, was unjustified”.

Updating Britain regarding a recent ruling, it stated: “It was gratifying that your Excellency had repeatedly stressed the importance of open societies’ which you stated are necessary for vibrant democracies. You will be pleased to learn that the Supreme Court has recognised the right to information and vigorously applied it to itself; a copy of its decision is attached as ‘D’”.

“Persisting in the violent undemocratic mistakes of the past condemns present and future generations, and perpetuates cycles of violence. Let us embrace truth, which sets us free,” it added.

Raising some questions, the top court’s letter read: “Should the overthrow of the elected democratic government of Mohammad Mossadegh in 1953, to capture Iranian oil, not be revealed after over seven decades of cover-up? Will this not prove therapeutic for the perpetrator and the victim? Will it not engender trust, possibly friendship, and peace?”

“Ceding to what it described as ‘Jewish Zionist aspirations’, the British government wrote to an individual, its own citizen, on 2 November 1917 conveying its decision to establish a settler-colonial state. This decision was not voted upon by the people of the area who were impacted by it, nor even by your own. The British government, and not Parliament, unilaterally decided it. The Balfour Declaration became the foundation on which an ethnic state was established. Those who had always lived there were excluded from this ethnic state; contained in ghettos, humiliated, deprived, brutalised, maimed and killed.”

Let us step back from the precipice of settler-ethnic superiority. Deaths of thousands of children and many thousands more innocents may unjustifiably come to define a people, which would be an abomination. Let us all stand up and be counted for equality, peace and humanity, the apex court stressed.

“Let us be honest and acknowledge past mistakes in the spirit of openness, advocated by your Excellency. And, jettison the unholy concept of ethnic superiority, and its concomitant humanity — an inferior humanity.”

“The Supreme Court of Pakistan has acknowledged the mistakes made in its past, addressed them in detail, and taken steps to ensure that they are not repeated. Since the Government of His Majesty King Charles III has stressed the need for open societies and democracy, and offered criticism on the decisions of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, reciprocity would presumably be acceptable.”

Ambassador Munir Akram says development will open up avenues for mutually-beneficial relationship in various realms

Foreign Desk

NEW YORK: Pakistan and Saint Lucia, a Caribbean Island country, have formalised their diplomatic relations during a simple ceremony held at the Pakistan Mission in New York on Tuesday.

Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations and his counterpart from Saint Lucia, Ambassador Menissa Rambally, signed the joint communiqué on behalf of their respective countries.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Akram said he was happy to be part of the ceremony that formalised the diplomatic relations between the two friendly countries.

In her remarks on the occasion, Ambassador Rambally expressed her delight at the start of a new but significant chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries.

She said that former West Indies cricketer, Darren Sammy, who belongs to St Lucia, was also an honorary Pakistani citizen, “who would always talk about Pakistan and the hospitality of its people.”

Ambassador Akram added that both Pakistan and St Lucia had been cooperating at multilateral forums including at the Commonwealth, stating that the establishment of formal relations would serve as the basis to expand the bilateral ties.

The Pakistani envoy also mentioned the shared love for cricket between the people of Pakistan and St Lucia.

He believed that the formalisation of diplomatic relations would open up avenues for mutually beneficial relationship in the realms of trade, commerce, political cooperation, and tourism.

“We look forward to the stronger people-to-people bond. There is immense tourism potential in both the countries that can be explored through visits by the tourists,” said Ambassador Akram.

Ambassador Rambally thanked her Pakistani counterpart for hosting the ceremony and stated that she personally “learnt a lot from him”.

The Caribbean envoy said that she was humbled by the remarks of the Pakistan UN envoy for her country and the people.

She added that Pakistan and Saint Lucia already enjoyed wonderful relationship and were actively cooperating at different forums but added that the establishment of formal diplomatic relations would provide an opportunity to further build on the existing relationship.

The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN Ambassador Usman Jadoon, officers of the Pakistan Mission as well as a delegate from the Permanent Mission of Saint Lucia.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, MAY 29: A delegation of esteemed Buddhist leaders called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad today. The delegation is visiting Pakistan to attend a symposium and an exhibition titled “From Gandhara to the World,” organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The delegation included Sri Lanka’s Minister for Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Honorable Vidura Wikramanayaka, Most Venerable Thich Duc Tuan from Vietnam, Most Venerable Anil Sakya from Thailand and Dr Keshabman Shakya from Nepal. 

The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the delegation. He expressed his gratitude for their participation in the Symposium, being held in connection with the ‘Vesak Day’ that commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha.

The Prime Minister highlighted that Pakistan was proud of its ancient Buddhist heritage, which flourished in the northwest Pakistan in the shape of Gandhara art and culture, over two thousand years ago. He underscored the importance that his government attached to interfaith harmony. He also acknowledged the valuable contributions of the Buddhist scholars and monks to the promotion of interfaith harmony and understanding.

The Buddhist leaders appreciated the Prime Minister’s commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect for all religions. They also commended Pakistan’s efforts to preserve and promote its Buddhist heritage sites and cultural artifacts. The delegation members showed their keen desire to collaborate with Pakistan in preserving and promoting Buddhist heritage in Pakistan.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister and the delegation discussed ways to strengthen interfaith dialogue and cooperation, as well as opportunities for cultural and academic exchanges between Pakistan and the Buddhist majority countries.

The meeting concluded with a resolve to continue exploring avenues for mutual understanding and cooperation, and to work together towards a more harmonious and peaceful world. In that connection, the possibility of establishing a joint forum for dialogue and collaboration was especially discussed.

Minister for Religious Affairs Ch. Salik Hussain, Minister Information & Broadcasting and Cultural Heritage Ataullah Tarar, SAPM Syed Tariq Fatemi also attended the meeting.

Gilgit, MAY 29: /DNA/ – The European Union (EU) has launched two flagship programmes to promote skills and clean energy in Gilgit Baltistan.

Through its youth skill development programme, the EU and the Government of Germany have joined forces to transform the vocational training landscape in Gilgit Baltistan. This program provides dedicated support to selected Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools across the region, resulting in i) better equipped TVET schools, ii) better trained staff, and iii) curricula more aligned with labor market demands. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, together with the British Council, is implementing this programme.

Under the EU-funded Energy Plus programme, rural communities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral will gainimproved access to clean energy. The programme aims to promote a sustainable transition to renewable energy through investments in energy generation, transmission and distribution. It will also foster energy-efficiency to stimulateprivate sector-led growth, involving local government and civil society. A total of 350,000 beneficiaries are expected to benefit through this strategic partnership between the EU and its implementing partner,Aga Khan Foundation.

The launch event took place at Gilgit Serena in the presence of the Honourable Chief Minister, Haji Gulbar Khan, the EU Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Dr. Riina Kionka, Head of Development Cooperation- Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. Sebastian Paust and the CEO of Aga khan Foundation, Pakistan, Mr. Akhtar Iqbal.

The Honourable Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan, Haji Gulbar Khan thanked the European Union and German government for their support and shared, “The skills development and clean green energy initiative will play a pivotal role in socio economic development of the region. Gilgit-Baltistan has a unique geographical location with certain opportunities and challenges. We are sure, that these projects will contribute towards development of the region. He assured the government’s support and resolve to make both these projects a success which emanates from the highest level of authority within GB in the interest of people of the region.”

ExpressingTeam Europe’s strong support for the people of Gilgit Baltistan, Dr Riina Kionka, the Ambassador of European Union to Pakistan stated, “These initiatives are not just about development; they are about empowering people and communities in Gilgit-Baltistan. The Energy Plus programme will transform rural communities through innovative, clean and renewable solutions, while the TVET initiative will unlock opportunities and empower individuals in Gilgit-Baltistan to build a brighter future especially for women.”

Speaking at the occasion Dr. Sebastian Paust, Head of Development Cooperation at German Embassy Islamabad said, “We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind. These initiatives will create pathways for everyone in Gilgit-Baltistan to contribute to and benefit from the region’s economic growth”.

The two new programmes are part of a broader Team Europe Initiative, bringing together the combined strengths of the EU, France, Germany, and Italy to “build back better through green jobs creation.” They also contribute to the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative, the EU’s largest investment programme designed to tackle the most pressing global challenges, from fighting climate change to improving health systems and boosting the competitiveness and security of global supply chains.

ISLAMABAD, MAY 29 (DNA) — In a significant crackdown on smuggling, hoarding, and power pilferage, the government has made substantial progress in its zero-tolerance policy, yielding impressive results.

Since September last year, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has been instrumental in facilitating the recovery of billions of rupees and scores of arrests, PTV reported. In a major anti-smuggling operation, authorities foiled the smuggling and illegal movement of 3,036 metric tons of fertilizer.

Additionally, 281 metric tons of wheat and flour were seized from smugglers, preventing the smuggling of essential items. The government’s efforts have also led to the seizure of 34,640 metric tons of sugar, putting an end to illegal profiteering.

Furthermore, authorities recovered 2,503 metric tons of wheat, 56,948 metric tons of ghee, and 10,379 metric tons of sugar from market price manipulators.  The government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting Pakistan’s economy is evident in the registration of 145,365 FIR’s against individuals involved in power theft, resulting in the arrest of over 70,000 power thieves and the recovery of PKR 93 billion.

These achievements demonstrate the government’s resolve to combat smuggling, hoarding, and power pilferage, ensuring the availability of essential items to citizens and safeguarding the national economy. — DNA

ISLAMABAD, MAY 29 (DNA) — The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has conducted an Independent Quality of Service (QoS) Survey in sixteen cities across Sindh, Punjab, Baluchistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to measure the performance of Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs). Survey routes covered main roads, service roads, and various sectors, with 2,270 kilometers traveled per CMO over 60 days. Mobile handsets in auto-detect mode were used for voice calls, SMS, and mobile broadband/data sessions.

The survey included 0.25 million mobile broadband tests, 45,000 calls and SMS tests, and 0.13 million Ookla speed tests using advanced QoS monitoring tools, ensuring compliance with NGMS licenses and the Cellular Mobile Network QoS Regulations 2021. CMOs were ranked based on compliance with key performance indicators (KPIs) in mobile network coverage and voice services, from 1st to 4th positions.

In the mobile broadband speed segment, rankings were determined by data download/upload speeds, network latency, and webpage loading times. Jazz, Ufone, and Zong jointly secured 1st place in mobile network coverage, while Zong led in mobile broadband speed (Ookla). Jazz was ranked 1st in mobile broadband speed (automode testing) and voice services. These rankings are for specific surveyed areas and not across the country.

The results showed that largely CMOs comply with upload/download speed standards, with improvements in network latency and webpage loading times compared to previous surveys. However, some voice KPIs were below the licensed thresholds in certain areas. Operators using advanced technologies like LTE Carrier Aggregation and Voice over LTE offered better service quality.

PTA has instructed operators to take corrective measures to enhance service quality. The survey results are available on PTA’s website for subscribers’ information (https://pta.gov.pk/en/consumer-support/qos-survey/qos-survey). This monitoring activity is a regular feature for assessment of QoS and aims to encourage better mobile services and promote healthy competition among operators. — DNA