Sonmiani, JAN 12: /DNA/ – General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), witnessed firing of different Air Defence weapon systems during Exercise Al-Bayza-III, 2024 at Sonmiani.

COAS viewed integrated fire and battle maneuvers of Army Air Defence systems which includes High to Medium Air Defence Weapons System (HIMADS), Low to Medium Air Defence System (LOMAD), Short Range Air Defence system (SHORADs) and Extended Short Range Air Defence system (ESHORADs).

In a landmark achievement and milestone in enhancing the Air Defence of the aerial frontiers of Pakistan, HIMAD system in maiden fire was able to successfully engage the target at maximum ranges along with other layered weapon systems which were tested during the exercise.

COAS highly appreciated the remarkable achievement of engaging targets with precision and operational readiness of Corps of Army Air Defence.

While interacting with the officers and troops, COAS highlighted that Armed Forces of Pakistan are modernising their systems in line with our requirements to deter and be able to respond to any threat emanating against Pakistan.

Corps Commander Karachi, Commander Army Air Defence, Inspector General Training & Evaluation and Inspector General Arms also witnessed the exercise.

Earlier, COAS visited Army Air Defence Center. He laid floral wreath at Yadgar e Shuhada and paid homage to martyrs of Armed Forces. COAS installed Lieutenant General Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, HI (M), as Colonel Commandant of Army Air Defence Corps.

ISLAMABAD, JAN 12 (DNA) — Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, visited Litong Food Group in Chengdu, Sichuan Province of China, and invited the group to establish “Litong Food Park” in Pakistan.

Ambassador Khalil Hashmi stated that the establishment of the food park aims to promote value-added products in Pakistan, tapping into the country’s vast agricultural resources. This initiative is expected to create numerous employment opportunities and contribute significantly to the economy, according to a report published by Gwadar Pro on Friday.

“Glad to meet today and exchange views with Mr. Chen Changwei, Chairman of Puji Group – a subsidiary of which has been growing dry chilies and is now exporting them from Pakistan. We reviewed ongoing cooperation and discussed plans,” he stated.

He emphasized that this collaboration would strengthen bilateral ties between Pakistan and Asian countries, opening up new avenues for trade and economic growth. The delegation from Litong Group expressed their keen interest in Pakistan’s agricultural potential and its strategic location for trade with Asian markets.

As part of their investment plan, the group intends to establish a cutting-edge laboratory in Multan City, Pakistan, focusing on the research and development of dry chili, sesame, broad bean, and sorghum.

The Chinese side briefed that the establishment of the laboratory in Multan will not only facilitate research and development but also provide local farmers with access to advanced agricultural techniques.

This collaboration between Litong Group and Pakistani farmers is expected to result in increased crop yields, improved quality, and enhanced export prospects. Litong Food Group committed to establishing a state-of-the-art food park in Pakistan, with an investment commitment of $500 million over the next three years.

The Pakistani delegation introduced Pakistan, known for its fertile land and diverse climate, as an ideal location for the cultivation of various crops. Litong Group’s decision to invest in the country is a testament to the immense potential and untapped opportunities that Pakistan offers.

The group aims to produce value-added products using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring high-quality standards and competitive pricing. By connecting with Asian markets, Litong Group envisions exporting “Made in Pakistan” products, further enhancing the country’s reputation as a reliable supplier of agricultural goods.

Litong Food Company is the first to import Pakistani dry chili. This collaboration between Litong Group and Pakistani farmers is expected to result in increased crop yields, improved quality, and enhanced export prospects. — DNA

DNA
Lahore, 12 Jan: The Pakistan Awami Tehreek has decided to support Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in NA-127. This was announced by the Secretary General of PAT, Khurram Nawaz Gandapur today.

Khurram Nawaz Gandapur announcing this decision, said that the PAT will hold a public rally in Lahore and announce its support publicly. He said that the PAT has supported the PPP in the bye-elections. Gandapur thanked Chairman PPP for supporting the PAT’s stance on the Model Town incident. The PPP has always taken a principled stand on the Model Town incident and today, Chairman Bilawal reiterated that support.

Gandapur said that we have to bury the politics of revenge for Pakistan and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz believes in the politics of revenge. This is the reason it is not possible for us to stand with the PML-N. We will support the PPP in NA-127 and will try our best to succeed. We have to finalize the modalities but it is decided that we are supporting the PPP in this constituency, Gandapur said.

Earlier Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid a visit to the memorial of martyrs at the Minhaj-ul-Quran Secretariat in Lahore and laid a flower wreath. Chairman PPP also filled the membership form of Minhaj-ul-Quran. Chairman Bilawal met with the Secretary General, Pakistan Awami Tehreek, Khurram Nawaz Gandapur, Senior Vice President Raja Zahid Mehmood, Vice President Mian Zahiid-ul-Islam, Secretary Information Noorullah Siddiqui, Secretary Coordination Arif Chaudhry and Deputy Secretary Coordination Sardar Umar Daraz Khan, Naib Nazim-e-Aala administration Jawad Ahmed, President Awami Lawyers’ Forum Naeemuddin Chaudhry, President PAT Central Punjab Rehan Maqbool and General Secretary Kashif Mehmood at the Mihaj-ul-Quran Secretariat. Secretary General PPP Parliamentarians Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari, General Secretary PPP Central Punjab Hasan Murtaza and campaign in-charge of NA-127, Ali Badar and Qasim Gilani accompanied the Chairman PPP.

Talking to journalists after the visit, Chairman Bilawal said that we want to make Pakistan a modern state and wish to show a moderate face of Islam to the world. We want to continue good relations with the Minhaj-ul-Quran like Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and President Zardari. He also demanded that an impartial investigation of the Model Town incident should be conducted.

Responding to questions by the journalists, Chairman Bilawal said that he has launched his 10-point economic agenda. Our manifesto for the elections will contain the details. The PPP remained with the people throughout and we want the support of the people as we trust the people. We are doing politics with new ideas of fighting the politics of division and hate and take everyone along in the fight against the issues the country is confronted with today. The PML-N and the PTI both want to take revenge from each other as their politics is of a personal vendetta. We are the only party which can take everyone along for the country. Chairman Bilawal said that the 10-point agenda is the solution of the plethora of issues we are facing now. We have a plan for this 10-point agenda but also the finances to fulfil those promises made in the agenda. We have initiated several pilot programmes of the agenda in Sindh and they have been a success. We are constructing 2 million homes for the victims. We are talking about solarisation so that we can generate our own electricity.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also called on Barrister Aitezaz Ahsan to condole with him over the passing away of his sister in-law and also expressed his condolences with Bushra Aitezaz on her sister’s demise. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari offered Fateha for the departed soul and prayed for strength and fortitude to the family members to bear this loss with equanimity.

ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa said Friday that the Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) order to restore the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) iconic electoral symbol ‘bat’ was prima facie and flawed.

Heading a three-member bench comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musarat Hilali, the top judge passed these remarks during a hearing of the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) petition against the PHC verdict restoring the PTI’s electoral symbol.

The election commission had on December 22 barred the PTI party from keeping its ‘bat’ symbol for the upcoming February elections, citing irregularities in their internal polls that did not comply with the party’s own constitution and election laws.

Following the ECP’s decision to revoke their symbol, the PTI challenged it in the PHC. A single-member judge granted temporary relief, reinstated the bat symbol, and referred the case to a larger bench for a hearing on January 9.

Then, on December 30, the polling body challenged the PHC’s jurisdiction over the matter. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the PHC reversed its earlier decision and upheld the ECP’s order.

Facing the prospect of losing its iconic cricket bat symbol for the upcoming elections, the PTI took its fight to the highest court in the land — the Supreme Court. However, in a strategic move, they later withdrew their appeal, hoping for a favourable outcome from the PHC.

And the PTI did get what it wanted. The PHC Wednesday declared the commission’s order “illegal, without any lawful authority and of no legal effect”.

But the commission, dissatisfied with the high court’s order on Thursday, challenged the decision in the apex court, seeking its revocation. Subsequently, the PTI also filed a plea in the PHC against Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja and other ECP members for not following up on the PHC’s order.

But during today’s hearing, CJP Isa raised a pertinent question did the high court declare PTI’s intra-party polls in line with the law? “The issue of bat electoral symbol’s allotment comes later. First, we will have to review the party’s intra-party elections.”

“Peshawar High Court did not issue a declaration that PTI’s intra-party polls were in line with the law. It just ordered that PTI should be given its election symbol back. The Peshawar High Court’s decision is flawed and prima facie.

The hearing

At the outset of the hearing, PTI lawyer Hamid Khan and ECP lawyer Makhdoom Ali Khan appeared before the court, while PTI lawyer Ali Zafar attended the hearing via video link from the top court’s Lahore registry.

Akbar S. Babar, the estranged PTI leader who initially challenged the party’s intra-party elections in ECP, also appeared before the court.

Meanwhile, Gohar Ali Khan, who was elected as PTI chairman in the controversial intra-party polls, party’s chief election commissioner Niazullah Niazi, and lawyer Shoaib Shaheen were also present during the hearing.

During the hearing, CJP Isa observed that the ECP is a constitutional body and no one can interfere in its domain.

“Supreme Court will not interfere in the domain of the Election Commission of Pakistan. However, if ECP commits any unconstitutional act then the court can look into it,” the top judge added.

The PTI counsel requested the court to adjourn the hearing till Monday to prepare for the case.

At this, CJP Isa said the PHC decision has to be suspended for three days if the case is adjourned till Monday.

Meanwhile, ECP counsel Makhdoom Ali told the bench that electoral symbols will be allotted to candidates contesting the February 8 polls tomorrow.

Advocate Khan challenged the ECP’s locus standi and maintainability of the plea saying that the electoral body cannot challenge the PHC verdict in the SC as it is not an affected party.

The ECP counsel said cannot be sustained in the eyes of the law and added that the electoral body has the authority to issue electoral symbols to political parties.

CJP Isa observed that the ECP is a constitutional body which has two primary responsibilities — to deal with the affairs of the political parties and to hold transparent elections.

“If the Election Commission’s locus standi is questionable, then questions will also be raised on PTI’s [right to appeal] as to why PTI moved the PHC,” the CJP remarked.

CJP Isa said the ECP decision will become meaningless if it does not appeal decisions.

At this, PTI counsel Khan questioned whether a district judge can overturn his own decision.

CJP Isa responded by saying that the district judge is subordinate to the judiciary while the ECP is an independent constitutional body.

“Mr Hamid Khan, don’t compare a constitutional institution with a legal institution. The two judgments you referred to are regarding legal entities,” CJP Isa told Advocate Khan.

The PTI counsel maintained that every constitutional institution operates under the law and the Election Commission operates in accordance with the law of the Election Act

“We have noted your objection,” the CJP added.

After the court met again following the break, ECP counsel Makhdoom Ali resumed his arguments.

The ECP counsel contended that PTI intra-party elections were kept secret and documents submitted by the party regarding the polls were not consistent with facts.

The CJP inquired ECP counsel about the former PTI secretary general Asad Umar who quit the party following the May 9 events.

“Is there any resignation of Asad Umar? Has he been expelled from PTI?” the CJP asked.

However, the ECP counsel expressed ignorance saying the electoral body does not have any information regarding Umar’s resignation and added that incumbent PTI’s secretary general Umar Ayub signed the notification related to the PTI intra-party elections.

However, he said it’s not known how Ayub became the party’s secretary general.

After hearing the ECP’s counsel arguments, the CJP observed: “It means PTI has violated its constitution.”

He further asked: “Where did the intra-party elections take place? In a hotel or a cricket ground?”

The PTI counsel told the bench that the party’s intra-party polls were held in a small village near Peshawar.

“Why were intra-party elections held in this small village?” Justice Hilali inquired.

PHC issues notice to ECP

Meanwhile, the PHC issued a notice to ECP on PTI’s plea seeking contempt of court proceedings against the electoral body over its alleged failure to comply with its order on the intra-party polls.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Shakil Ahmad and Justice Waqar Ahmad heard the petition.

PTI counsels Qazi Muhammad Anwar and Shah Faisal Ilyas appeared before the court.

The PTI contended that the ECP failed to publish the certificate of the party’s intra-party polls on its website despite the PHC’s order.

The petition said that the PHC had on Wednesday termed illegal the ECP decision of December 22, 2023, wherein the latter had invalidated the intra-party elections of the PTI and deprived it of its electoral symbol “bat”.

The PTI requested the court to initiate the contempt of court proceedings against the ECP for non-compliance with the court directives.

Rawalpindi: /DNA/ – Ambassador of Belgium, Charles Delogne inaugurated the Belgian Business Contact Day and Catalogue Exhibition at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).

Books, magazines and trade directories were part of the catalogue exhibition providing an opportunity for visitors to get information about key sectors including tourism, education, services, agro-food processing, chemicals, surgical instruments, paper and paperboard, dairy and renewable energy.

On this occasion, Charles Delogne, Ambassador of Belgium, said that current Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) for another four years, until 2027 and it’s a great opportunity for Pakistan to implement GSP Plus conventions, especially labor rights, human rights and environmental protection which would help Pakistan to further improve its trade with EU countries.

Belgium has excellent relations with Pakistan and added that Belgium is the 5th largest trading partner of Pakistan in the EU and it is interested to further enhance cooperation with Pakistan in various sectors including trade, scientific research, renewable energy, and education sectors.

Earlier, President RCCI Saqib Rafiq in his welcome remarks gave a short summary of RCCI current activities and upcoming programs. He briefed the Belgium Ambassador about the potential opportunities for joint ventures and investment opportunities in Pakistan. He said that Belgium was one of Pakistan’s important trading partners within the European Union. He assured that RCCI will work closely with the Belgium Embassy to further strengthen connectivity between private sectors of both countries.

Senior Vice President Muhammad Hamza Sarosh , Vice President Faisal Shahzad and Executive Committee Members, Trade Commissioner Abid Husain, Commercial officer Shaukat Niazi and members of the RCCI were also present on the occasion.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, Jan 12: The Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan, Andreas Ferrarese, paid a farewell call on Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar earlier today.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister appreciated the Ambassador’s contributions to strengthening bilateral relations, noting his efforts to foster economic ties and facilitate cooperation in various fields. While acknowledging Pakistan’s longstanding friendly relations with Italy, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to boost trade, investment and cooperation in diverse areas including migration and mobility, agricultural technology, education as well as tourism. 

The Italian Ambassador thanked the Prime Minister for receiving him and expressed gratitude for the excellent cooperation he received throughout his stay in Pakistan. He also briefed the Prime Minister on key developments during his tenure. The Ambassador praised the valuable contributions of the vibrant Pakistani diaspora to Italy’s economic development.

The Prime Minister wished the outgoing Ambassador success in his future endeavours.

Cape Town, Jan 11 (AFP/APP):Dozens of people took to the streets in Cape Town on Thursday in one of several demonstrations planned across South Africa in support of the government's "genocide" case against Israel.
              Lawyers for Pretoria are presenting their case at the UN's top court in The Hague, where South Africa lodged an urgent appeal to force Israel to "immediately suspend" its military operations in Gaza.
              Standing on the steps of the High Court in the southwestern port city of Cape Town, pro-Palestinian demonstrators held signs reading "Stop the genocide" and "Boycott apartheid Israel".
              "Free Palestine," some chanted. 
              "The important issue for us is that there is a ceasefire, that military actions are stopped in Gaza," said Seehaam Samaai, a lawyer in attendance. 
              Further rallies are planned in Cape Town and other cities. 
              Robed officials from South Africa and Israel are going head-to-head before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Netherlands.
              South Africa argues that Israel is breaking its commitments under the UN Genocide Convention, alleging the bombing and invasion of Gaza is "intended to bring about the destruction of a substantial part of the Palestinian national, racial and ethnical group".
              "No armed attack on a state territory no matter how serious... can provide justification for or defend breaches of the convention," Justice Minister Ronald Lamola told the court.
              Israeli President Isaac Herzog has dismissed the accusations as "atrocious" and "preposterous".
              South Africa's Jewish Board of Deputies has also condemned the legal action, accusing the government of anti-Semitism and of "inverting reality".
              "These charges have at their root an anti-Semitic worldview, which denies Jews their rights to defend themselves," the body's chair Karen Milner said on Thursday. 
              South Africa has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party often linking it to its own struggle against apartheid.
              It has cut off diplomatic ties with Israel over its response to the October 7 Hamas attacks.

Imran sent on 14-day judicial remand

Faisal Sheikh

Rawalpindi: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) of Rawalpindi sent former prime minister Imran Khan to jail on judicial remand for 14 days on Thursday. He is being investigated in connection with 12 cases related to the violent protests that erupted across the country on May 9th, 2023, following his own arrest.

The hearing was being conducted in Adiala Jail by ATC Judge Malik Ejaz Asif. Imran Khan’s lawyers as well as seven investigation officers of the case also appeared for the hearing.

During the hearing, the plea for further physical remand of Imran Khan for further investigation into the 12 cases of May 9 violence against him was rejected. The PTI founder was produced before the Anti-Terrorism Court in Adiala Jail on completion of his two-day physical remand.

Khan was sent to jail on judicial remand in 12 cases of May 9 violence.

During the hearing, the investigating officers of the 12 cases presented their report about the investigation conducted against the PTI founder during his remand and sought further physical remand for further investigation.

The request was rejected by ATC Court Rawalpindi Judge Malik Ijaz Asif. It should be noted that the investigating officers of the 12 cases investigated the PTI founder in jail on court instructions.

Meanwhile, the first round of interrogation with Imran Khan in Adiala Jail was completed on Wednesday in the 12 cases of vandalism, arson, and mayhem on May 9, 2023, in different police stations. The former PM answered several questions from the police JIT members.

The investigating officers carried written questionnaires and asked various questions from Imran Khan during the investigation.