ISLAMABAD /DNA/ – Islamabad Senior Officer of the Information Group Abdul Rashid Shakir getting a certificate from the Federal Information Minister Murtaza Solangi on completion of course at ISA.

Federal Information Secretary Shahera Shahid and PIO and Executive Director General ISA Dr Tariq Mahmood also seen in the picture. Abdul Rashid Shakir is posted as the Press Secretary to Chief Minister Punjab.

ISLAMABAD: DEC 22 /DNA/ – The Supreme Court on Friday instructed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to remove the PTI’s reservations regarding a lack of a level playing field in the run up to the February 8 general election.

The top court directed the PTI to submit its complaint with the ECP at 3pm today and ordered Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan to play his role in the matter.

The directives were issued as a three-member bench, comprising Justices Sardar Tariq Masood, Athar Minallah and Syed Mansoor Ali, heard the party’s plea seeking level playing field in the elections.

Ahead of the hearing, the apex court had summoned AGP Awan as well as the electoral watchdog. As the court initiated the proceedings, it instructed the AGP to act as a facilitator in the matter.

In response to PTI’s apprehensions, Justice Minallah remarked, “The party’s concerns about not having a level playing field seem valid, considering that the events at Usman Dar’s residence were also reported in newspapers.”

He questioned why a single political party was being cornered.

Former PTI leader Usman Dar’s mother had on Tuesday accused PML-N stalwart Khawaja Asif and the police of raiding their Sialkot home and manhandling her. Asif and the Sialkot police had denied the allegations.

“An election is being held on one front, and here you are holding proceedings at Adiala Jail,” Justice Minallah remarked, pointing towards the ECP officials.

“Is this the manner in which you conduct yourselves? You are entrusted with the responsibility of holding elections,” the judge observed. He went on to say, “Your conduct suggests there is no level playing field.”

“Why isn’t the ECP putting a stop to orders issued under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO)?” Justice Masood inquired.

The judge added that the court would soon issue a written verdict and asked the ECP to thoroughly examine and address all of the PTI’s concerns.

Following the directives from the apex court, a PTI delegation is expected to visit the ECP office at around 3pm to present their concerns.

The petition

In the petition filed a day earlier, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan said the party should be allowed to contest elections without any discrimination.

The request was made in a petition filed through Advocate Shoaib Shaheen, which named the federation, the electoral watchdog, the chief secretaries of KP, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan, as the respondents.

Earlier on Dec 19, the PTI had approached the ECP, but it failed to issue any order to ensure transparency and fairness of the elections. This situation is damaging the integrity of the country, the petition argued, adding that feeling aggrieved, the petitioner then filed a plea before the LHC, Rawalpindi bench, which is yet to hear the case.

It is the responsibility of ECP to hold fair elections, the petition said. But, it added, the district managements are not treating PTI on a par with other parties. Even after the issuance of the election schedule, PTI was not being allowed to hold workers’ conventions, corner meetings or any such political gatherings, the petition alleged.

Besides, FIRs are being registered due to political activities, raids being conducted on the ho­u­­­ses of PTI leaders and workers, and orders under Section 3 of MPO are being passed, the petition alleged.

It said such acts were illegal and tyrannical, adding these “atr­­o­cities” were being carried out in violation of the Constitution, Elections Act, 2017 and most importantly, against the fun­damental rights of the citizens.

ISLAMABAD: DEC 22 /DNA/ – The Supreme Court on Friday instructed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to remove the PTI’s reservations regarding a lack of a level playing field in the run up to the February 8 general election.

The top court directed the PTI to submit its complaint with the ECP at 3pm today and ordered Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan to play his role in the matter.

The directives were issued as a three-member bench, comprising Justices Sardar Tariq Masood, Athar Minallah and Syed Mansoor Ali, heard the party’s plea seeking level playing field in the elections.

Ahead of the hearing, the apex court had summoned AGP Awan as well as the electoral watchdog. As the court initiated the proceedings, it instructed the AGP to act as a facilitator in the matter.

In response to PTI’s apprehensions, Justice Minallah remarked, “The party’s concerns about not having a level playing field seem valid, considering that the events at Usman Dar’s residence were also reported in newspapers.”

He questioned why a single political party was being cornered.

Former PTI leader Usman Dar’s mother had on Tuesday accused PML-N stalwart Khawaja Asif and the police of raiding their Sialkot home and manhandling her. Asif and the Sialkot police had denied the allegations.

“An election is being held on one front, and here you are holding proceedings at Adiala Jail,” Justice Minallah remarked, pointing towards the ECP officials.

“Is this the manner in which you conduct yourselves? You are entrusted with the responsibility of holding elections,” the judge observed. He went on to say, “Your conduct suggests there is no level playing field.”

“Why isn’t the ECP putting a stop to orders issued under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO)?” Justice Masood inquired.

The judge added that the court would soon issue a written verdict and asked the ECP to thoroughly examine and address all of the PTI’s concerns.

Following the directives from the apex court, a PTI delegation is expected to visit the ECP office at around 3pm to present their concerns.

The petition

In the petition filed a day earlier, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan said the party should be allowed to contest elections without any discrimination.

The request was made in a petition filed through Advocate Shoaib Shaheen, which named the federation, the electoral watchdog, the chief secretaries of KP, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan, as the respondents.

Earlier on Dec 19, the PTI had approached the ECP, but it failed to issue any order to ensure transparency and fairness of the elections. This situation is damaging the integrity of the country, the petition argued, adding that feeling aggrieved, the petitioner then filed a plea before the LHC, Rawalpindi bench, which is yet to hear the case.

It is the responsibility of ECP to hold fair elections, the petition said. But, it added, the district managements are not treating PTI on a par with other parties. Even after the issuance of the election schedule, PTI was not being allowed to hold workers’ conventions, corner meetings or any such political gatherings, the petition alleged.

Besides, FIRs are being registered due to political activities, raids being conducted on the ho­u­­­ses of PTI leaders and workers, and orders under Section 3 of MPO are being passed, the petition alleged.

It said such acts were illegal and tyrannical, adding these “atr­­o­cities” were being carried out in violation of the Constitution, Elections Act, 2017 and most importantly, against the fun­damental rights of the citizens.

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Friday approved former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan and party’s Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s post-arrest bail in the cipher case against surety bonds of Rs1 million each. 

A three-member bench, headed by interim Chief Justice Sardar Tariq Masood and comprising Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah, conducted the hearing. 

On December 13, the PTI founder and vice-chairman were indicted in the cipher case again by the special court established under the Official Secrets Act 2023 after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared their jail trial null and void.

Both politicians have pleaded not guilty to their involvement in the offence related to the alleged misuse of diplomatic cable for political purposes.

During the court proceedings today, the top court also heard the petition against Khan and Qureshi’s October 23 indictment. 

At the outset of the hearing, Justice Masood remarked that the indictment that was challenged was already nullified by the IHC on November 21.

As a result, Khan and Qureshi’s Oct 23 indictments in the case also stood null and void, and the trial was conducted again. 

Justice Masood said that the fresh indictment will not be affected by the previous proceedings that were declared invalid by the IHC.

At this, the former PM’s counsel Hamid Khan argued that the trial was taking place on the previous charge sheet. 

Justice Masood noted that the petition against the old charge sheet has become infructuous. “If you have an objection to the fresh indictment then challenge it in the high court,” the judge told the lawyer. 

To this, Hamid requested the court to wait for the IHC’s decision today against the in-camera trial in the cipher case. 

Khan’s other counsel Barrister Salman Safdar said that Hamid had made amendments to his petitions, requesting the court to take it as a fresh one. 

The court then adjourned the hearing on the plea against indictment and took up the bail petitions.

The hearing

Presenting his argument against the bail petitions, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) prosecutor said that notice hasn’t been issued on Qureshi’s bail plea.

After this, the court issued notice to the federation on Qureshi’s bail petition.

Justice Shah said that the December 13 indictment in the cipher case has not been challenged.

“The FIA remained silent in the case for seven months and then arrested the PTI leader as soon as he [Imran Khan] was granted bail in the Toshakhana case,” the counsel told the bench.

Barrister Safdar said, as per the allegations of the prosecution, that FIA had started an inquiry following the federal government’s instructions after the audio leak, alleging that during the meeting on March 28, 2022, in Bani Gala, a conspiracy was made to misuse the cipher.

He added that the former premier was also accused by the FIA of keeping the cipher’s copy and not returning it. “The FIR has four names but the FIA is only investigating two people. Asad Umar and Azam Khan were also to be investigated,” he said.

Justice Minallah asked how did FIA had the information about the Bani Gala meeting.

“The FIA can answer this question as the prosecutor has not revealed the sources,” responded Barrister Safdar, adding that it was claimed that the cipher was received from Foreign Office, however, no complaint has been made from there.

Barrister Safdar said that the former PTI chairman was being targeted for political purposes.

Safdar argued that the provisions of the death sentence or life imprisonment could not be imposed against the former premier.

Justice Masood said that the cipher was not shared with anyone but it has been aired.

Barrister Safdar said that the meeting in which the cipher conspiracy was allegedly planned took place on March 28, 2022, while the challan alleges that Imran Khan brandished the cipher on March 27, 2022.

“The original cipher is with the Foreign Office and if it was leaked then it is the Foreign Office’s crime,” remarked Justice Minallah, adding that the cipher cannot be discussed in public.

The PTI counsel then read Qureshi’s speech during the rally on March 27, 2022, at the parade ground.

At this, Justice Masood said the then-foreign minister was sensible as he “knew what to say and what not to say” in the public and he “trapped” Khan.

Barrister Safdar told the court that the PTI’s founder did not share anything with the public.

“On what basis does the prosecution think that it is necessary to keep the accused in custody,” questioned Justice Minallah.

Safdar said that no political leader has 40 cases filed against him, requesting the court that the manner in which these cases are being registered should stop.

‘Elections strong ground for bail’

Presenting his arguments, Qureshi’s counsel Ali Bukhari said that the PTI vice chairman is not accused of keeping the cipher nor sharing it with anyone.

Justice Minallah asked Bukhari if Qureshi was contesting the polls, to which, the counsel replied that his client would submit the nomination papers today.

“Participating in elections is a strong ground for bail,” said Justice Minallah. He questioned how the cipher leaked when it only had one original copy which was with the foreign office.

“There are rules for handling sensitive documents,” said FIA Prosecutor Rizwan Abbasi.

Justice Masood asked if the statements of the witnesses were taken on oath. To this, the investigating officer said that the testimony was taken on oath.

“According to the record, the statement of the witness Azam Khan was not taken on oath,” said Justice Masood.

Later, Justice Shah said that the provision of the death penalty in the cipher case was based on assumptions.

Justice Minallah remarked that general elections are set to take place on February 8 and the person who represents a larger party is in jail.

“Did the caretaker government instruct you to oppose bail? Why does this happen to political leaders in every era?” questioned Justice Minallah.

He remarked that at this time, the question is about general elections and it is a matter of the rights of citizens. “The former prime minister [Imran Khan] has not been found guilty, he is innocent,” he added.

‘Cipher case has become zero’

Speaking to the media following the SC verdict, PTI lawyer Barrister Salman Safdar said the cipher case has reached its conclusion.

He said the federal government failed to prove that the cipher case is a serious offence that carries a maximum penalty of death sentence or life imprisonment.

Barrister Safdar said when nothing was found in other cases against the PTI leaders then the government used the cipher case against them for “political victimisation”.

“Supreme Court has made some observations [regarding the cipher case] which will make it difficult for the government to defend [the case] in the trial court,” he added.

“The cipher case has become zero, nothing is left in this now.”

What is ciphergate?

The controversy first emerged on March 27, 2022, when Khan — less than a month before his ouster in April 2022 — while addressing a public rally waved a letter before the crowd, claiming that it was a cipher from a foreign nation that had conspired with his political rivals to have PTI government overthrown.

He did not reveal the contents of the letter nor did he mention the name of the nation it came from. But a few days later, he accused the United States of conspiring against him and alleged that Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Affairs Donald Lu had sought his removal.

The cipher was about former Pakistan ambassador to the US Majeed’s meeting with Lu.

The former prime minister, claiming that he was reading contents from the cipher, said that “all will be forgiven for Pakistan if Imran Khan is removed from power”.

Then on March 31, the National Security Committee (NSC) took up the matter and decided to issue a “strong demarche” to the US for its “blatant interference in the internal affairs of Pakistan”.

Later, after his removal, then-prime minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a meeting of the NSC, which came to the conclusion that it had found no evidence of a foreign conspiracy in the cable.

In the two audio leaks that took the internet by storm and shocked the public after these events, the former prime minister, then-federal minister Asad Umar, and then-principle secretary Azam could allegedly be heard discussing the US cipher and how to use it to their advantage.

On September 30, the federal cabinet took notice of the matter and constituted a committee to probe the contents of the audio leaks.

In October, the cabinet gave the green signal to initiate action against the former prime minister and handed over the case to the FIA.

Once FIA was given the task to probe the matter, it summoned Khan, Umar, and other leaders of the party, but the PTI chief challenged the summons and secured a stay order from the court.

The Lahore High Court (LHC), in July this year, recalled the stay order against the call-up notice to Khan by the FIA.

DNA

LAHORE: As the power tariff, once again, has been raised further for all categories, including the trade and industry, the Ferozepur Road Industrial Association (FRIA) has urged the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to withdraw the jump in power charges, since it has approved an additional across-the-board charge of Rs1.15 per unit for electricity consumers of industry throughout the country.

In a statement issued here, the FRIA senior vice chairman Shahbaz Aslam said the government’s decision to increase the electricity tariff is anti-industry, and the FRIA strongly condemns the government’s move and calls on it to rescind it. He urged the power ministry to identify system constraints and communicate targets to all concerned departments in order to launch a wartime effort to upgrade the transmission system.

Shahbaz Aslam said that it is unfortunate that the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has accorded final approval for massive raise in electricity rates for industry, commercial sector, agriculture tube-wells, AJK, public lighting and other categories of consumers.

The FRIA SVC said that the further increase in rate of electricity is also part of pact signed between government and International Monetary Fund (IMF), which says that the government has to notify NEPRA’s determinations without any delay and amendment.

On July 14, 2023, the NEPRA approved average rebasing in tariff of Rs4.96 per unit across the board but the government, after intensive consultation, decided to pass more financial impact of proposed increase to unprotected domestic consumers and other categories through cross subsidisation to protected category of domestic consumers and adjustment of Rs148 billion subsidy. He argued that this is a big blow to electricity-heavy industries, if not passed on to the consumers. It could also affect the businesses, who are reliant on grid. Roughly this could mean over Rs50/bag impact if their goods are produced using grid. He said that Pakistan’s industry had been harmed by the high cost of doing business, which discouraged investment in capacity and capability and called for easing the burden of heavy taxes on the power sector. He said that the high cost of doing business has proved to be dangerous for Pakistan’s industry, discouraging investment both in capacity and capability, calling for lessening the burden of heavy taxes on the power sector.

It is to be noted that the Authority conducted the hearing in the matter on November 29, 2023, wherein the data submitted by the CPPA-G came under scrutiny. According to reports, the Nepra reviewed the request by CPPA-G seeking monthly FCA and due diligence was done accordingly. From perusal of the information so provided by CPPA-G, the actual pool fuel cost for the month of October 2023, as claimed by CPPA-G, is Rs.11.4277/kWh, against the reference fuel cost component of Rs.7.8938/kWh. The actual fuel charges, as claimed by CPPA-G, for the month of October 2023 increased by Rs.3.5339/kWh as compared to the reference fuel charges.

CPPA-G is directed to develop a proper mechanism for Inter DISCO settlement of FCA worked for each XWDISCOs and the FCA charged from consumers after consultation with DISCOS, in order to ensure proper accounting of energy and cost of each DISCO as per their own basket.

The Nepra, after incorporating the adjustments, has reviewed and assessed a National Average Uniform increase of Rs.3.0786/kWh in the applicable tariff for Discos on account of variations in the fuel charges for the month of October 2023 i.e. Actual National Average Uniform Fuel Charge Component for October 2023 for Discos consumers was Rs 10.9724 per unit against corresponding FCA of Rs 7.9838 / kWh, showing a difference of Rs 3.0786/ kWh.

The regulator had already held public hearings on the subject twice and agreed to the application of these charges but had withheld formal notification because of lapses in the language of the decisions taken by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet and ratified by the cabinet.

Nepra had pointed out that the cabinet approved the uniform application of QTAs to K-Electric along with other Discos for the future but two previous quarters — October 1 to March 31 — were not covered emphatically.

The Supreme Court bench comprised Justice Tariq Masood, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah

The court asked various questions from the prosecution. The court asked whether Imran Khan was informed by the Foreign Office that the cipher is a secret document and it cannot be made public.

The lawyer said that the Foreign Secretary informed the PM verbally however there was no written communication in this regard.

The Supreme Court further from the prosecution lawyers did Imran Khan leaked the contents of the cipher?

did he share contents of the cipher with anybody? The prosecution had no answer. Jusitce Athar Minallah observed that it happens with the politicians always that they are put behind bars, especially before elections.

He said the court will always intervene whenever their is violation of basic rights. The court also observed that the prosecution prima facie has failed to constitute a solid case against the PTI chairman.

According to details Shah Mahmood Qureshi may be released from jail as he is not wanted in any other case or he already got pre arrest bails.

While Imran Khan is still facing some cases including NAB references. These references include Toshakhana and 190 billion pound case. PTI says it will apply for bails in these two references.

The supreme court also directed the ECP to ensure level playing field for everybody. Justice Athar observed prima facie it appears that the PTI is not getting a level playing field.

If you want to experience all the delights of a snowy winter, then welcome to world-class ski resorts in the Gusar and Gabala regions!

Skiing on the King of Mountains

The Shahdag tourist center, a mountain resort in the Gusar region, which has no analogs in the Caucasus, is worthy of the best epithets. The complex has the conditions for holding international competitions in winter sports, as well as for relaxing at any time of the year! On the territory of about 2058 hectares, there are 5 hotels, 12 ski slopes, both for beginners and professionals, cable cars, snow cannons for artificial snow, an ice rink, a ski equipment shop and rental center, a ski school, restaurants, and a medical center. It even has orchards and trout farms. And on one of the slopes of the complex, at an altitude of 2,351 meters, the construction of the unique Mountain Top restaurant continues, which, by right, can be called the highest restaurant in our country.

The ski season in the complex begins, as a rule, from the first days of November. Here, on a clear winter day in the vicinity of the nearby Laza village, you can take an interesting excursion to several icy waterfalls.

As well as skiing, the slopes provide exciting opportunities for snowboarding and snowmobiling. Other winter activities, especially suited to young children, include ice skating and an entertaining snow slide. The resort’s own ski school offers experienced private instructors for beginners as well as advanced skiers.

Snow paradise of Tufandag mountain resort

Tufandag, whose name translates as Blizzard Mountain, lies on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, 218 km from Baku and just 4 km north of Qabala. Its proximity to the town of Qabala is one of the resort’s great advantages, as visitors do not need special transport to get there.

There are several cable cars and ski runs of varying complexity, cafes, restaurants, and several hotels. The complex provides services for the sale and rental of skis, there is also a ski school and a sporting goods store.

The peculiarity of the local trails is that they are surrounded by forests – indescribable beauty! Tourists can easily combine winter fun with sightseeing in Gabala and visiting the Gabaland amusement park, the largest in the region.

DNA

ISLAMABAD: In a move aimed at fostering international tourism and promoting cultural exchange, the government of Azerbaijan has introduced an online service to facilitate the issuance of e-visit visas for citizens of various countries, including Pakistan.

This initiative offers Pakistani nationals the opportunity to explore the rich history and diverse landscapes of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan’s new online service, known as the “ASAN Visa” system, streamlines the visa application process for Pakistani travelers. The three-step process involves applying online, making a secure payment, and downloading the e-visa.

This user-friendly system is designed to enhance efficiency and convenience for applicants.

For Pakistani nationals planning a visit to Azerbaijan, the government offers two categories of visit visas – Standard and Urgent. The fee for a single-entry 30-day electronic visit visa under the Standard category is $20, with a consideration period ranging from 3 to 5 days.

For those with urgent travel plans, an expedited visa option is available at a fee of $50. The Urgent category promises a swift processing time of three to five hours, allowing Pakistani citizens to obtain their electronic visa promptly.

Azerbaijan, a nation nestled between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, boasts a unique blend of historical landmarks and modern architecture. The capital city, Baku, is renowned for its medieval walled Inner City, featuring the Palace of the Shirvanshahs dating back to the 15th century, and the iconic Maiden Tower dominating the skyline.

Hidden within hillside towns are ancient mosques and minarets, offering a glimpse into Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage. Moreover, the Flame Towers in Baku stand as a testament to the country’s commitment to contemporary design, showcasing some of the most impressive modern architecture in the world.