pakistan
SC’s Justice Mansoor puts Imran Khan on the defensive in NAB amendments case
The Supreme Court on Friday raised questions over the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and his party’s move to avoid the parliament proceedings when voting was held on the amendments to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) ordinance in August last.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Ijazul Ahsan heard a petition filed by Mr Khan against the amendments, which were approved after the PTI lawmakers resigned from the assembly following the ouster of the PTI chief as prime minister in April last.
“Does someone, who avoided voting on the legislation, resever a right to challenge it in court?” Justice Mansoor questioned, adding: “The membership of the National Assembly remains intact until the resignations are not accepted”.
“Since MNAs are public representatives if it is correct for them to boycott the parliament’s proceedings,” he asked, adding: “Isn’t boycotting the legislation and then moving court tantamount to weakening democracy?”
How it would be determined that NAB amendment case is a matter of public interest, he asked, adding that Mr Khan did not highlight in the petition that the amendments were in conflict with basic rights.
Makhdoom Ali Khan, the counsel for the federal government, said Imran Khan could have failed the government’s bid to approve change NAB laws if his party had attended the joint parliament session. To which, CJP Bandial said a reply would be sought from the PTI chief on this point.
The chief justice said a matter related to public interest could not be disposed on a basis that the conduct of the applicant was not appropriate. Boycotting the parliament proceedings was a political move of the PTI, the top judge said.
Justice Ijazul Ahsan also remarked that conduct of Imran Khan could be questioned if the NAB amendments provides him personal benefits.
The federal government’s lawyer contended that challenging the amendments could bring political benefits to the PTI chairman.
“One person has challenged the NAB amendments and it is possible that other members of his party are in favor of the amendments,” Justice Mansoor remarked.
After hearing the arguments, the court adjourned the case till Feb 14.
pakistan
ATC express displeasure over police, discharges 32 PTI protestors
The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Islamabad has discharged 32 individuals arrested in connection with the PTI protests, clearing them of the charges.
The 32 accused were brought before the ATC Islamabad late at night after being sent for an identification parade.
The case was heard by ATC Judge Abulhasnat Zulqarnain, with the accused represented by their lawyer Ansar Kiani.
Although the police had claimed that the arrests were made at the I-9 and Margalla police stations, the accused were brought to the court from Jhelum Jail, which led to the judge expressing displeasure.
During the proceedings, the police argued that the accused were arrested on November 25 and the identification parade had not yet been conducted. The police requested a 30-day physical remand for each of the accused.
However, the defense lawyer opposed the request, stating that there had been no identification parade and the police were seeking remand for recovery purposes.
The lawyer further claimed that the police had picked up laborers from their homes just to meet arrest quotas, involving them in the protest case.
After hearing the arguments, Judge Abulhasnat Zulqarnain ordered the release of the 32 accused by discharging them from the case, removing their handcuffs in the courtroom.
He also warned that if the police re-arrested them, the officers would be handcuffed as well.
pakistan
ATC extends Qaiser’s bail in Sangjani vandalism case
An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad on Saturday extended bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser in a case pertaining to vandalism in Sangjani public gathering held by his party on Sept 28.
Justice Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain of the ATC conducted hearing of the case against the former NA speaker.
The petitioner’s lawyer requested exemptionof her client from appearance, citing terminal illness.
The lawyer also attached medical certificate of the former NA speaker.
Later, the court accepted the plea of Qaiser by extending his bail till Jan 7.
pakistan
President hosting secret meetings to make Bilawal PM: Barrister Saif
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Adviser Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif claimed on Saturday that “secret meetings” were being held in the President House to oust Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and bring Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as the new PM.
In a statement, the adviser said both father and son (President Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal) were making all the necessary efforts for premiership of the latter, adding that the president was on a secret mission to see his son as the PM.
“Zardari should make his son the PM through fair means instead of stealing the mandate given by the people to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Both Sharifs and Zardaris are enjoying the power through a stolen mandate,” he added.
He reiterated that Zardari should keep it in mind that the PTI would continue its struggle to restore its mandate.
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