Daily Archives: December 16, 2022

Government

Pakistan and Korea are bolstering cooperation in agriculture sector: Korean ambassador

ISLAMABAD: Minister for National Food Security Tariq Bashir Cheema has said floods and heavy rains have caused damage to agriculture sector amounting to 30 billion dollars.

“ government of Pakistan is grateful to Korean government for transferring aeropanic technology to Pakistan and imparting training to Pakistani scientists. Agriculture is guarantor of prosperity in Pakistan. We are facing problems like provision of quality seeds and climate change in Pakistan, he said this while addressing a ceremony held here Thursday in National Agriculture Research centre here Thursday.

He went on to say potato is fourth vital crops but we are facing the problem of dip in the production for want of quality seeds.

Potato is cultivated in the area of 3 lac hector while seed of 20000 ton potato is imported by Pakistan.

Korean ambassador said Pakistan and Korean are bolstering cooperation in agriculture sector and transfer of aeropanic technology to Pakistan through Korean program on international agriculture is part of this cooperation.

Pakistan is importing a huge quantity of agriculture products to ensure food security. Foreign exchange is spent in this regard by Pakistan. Aeroponic technology project of potato seed is very important for Pakistan.

Chairman PARC Dr Ghulam Muhammad Ali said about 8 billion rupees are spent on the import of potato annually in Pakistan.

Pakistan will become self reliant in a few next years in preparation of potato seeds through aeropaic technology, he added.

Peshawar

PEC, PEDO launch Internship Program for Graduate Engineers

PESHAWAR, December 15 (ONLINE): Pakistan Engineering Council and PEDO Launch Internship Program for Graduate Engineers. Elimination of unemployment and introduction of skilled engineers in the development process, MoU signed Engineers can get the country out of the current crisis: Chairman PEC Engineer Najeeb Haroon, PEDO Chief Naeem Khan and others addressed the event .

Handout PESHAWAR: 15th December 2022:Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO) and Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has signed an agreement to start an internship program for fresh graduate engineers, under which PEC registered newly qualified engineers will be given one year training in PEDO and pay Rs.30,000 per month a stipend jointly. The main objective of the program is to eliminate unemployment in the skilled class and to introduce skilled and trained engineers in the development process, which will usher in a new era of development in the industrial sector as well as in other sectors. In this regard, a special ceremony of signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PEC and PEDO was held at PEDO House Peshawar.

During the ceremony, Chief Executive PEDO Engineer Naeem Khan informed about the 32 years of achievements in the energy sector of PEDO, and said that PEDO is the most annual revenue generator for the province of more than 5 billion, which has completed 7 projects, from which a total of 161 MW of cheap electricity is being generated. While 7 more projects are in the final stages of completion, from which 224 MW will be generated, from which the province is expected to earn another 4 billion rupees. In the next ten years, PEDO's income will be increased from Rs. 43 billion from 50 to 60 billion rupees. He declared PEDO as mini-wapda and said that in a few years, PEDO will become the country's largest energy entity. Chairman Pakistan Engineering Council Engr.

Najeeb Haroon said that the technical sector is important in the development of the country and said that only engineers can get the country out of the current crisis. They cannot be ignored in any case. He appreciated the efforts of PEDO and PKHA for starting the internship program for engineers and termed it as a big step towards the elimination of unemployment. The Managing Director PKHA Ahmed Nabi Sultan, Vice Chairman PEC Ijaz Ansari, Ex-Secretary C&W Engineer Zahid Arif and others also addressed the event. In the event, Director Admin & HR. Idrees Khattak on behalf of PEDO and Engr. Nasir Khan on behalf of PEC signed the MoU. At the end of the ceremony, shields were also distributed among the distinguished guests.

Court, Court News

Apex court seeks list of officers who have been transferred during the last decade from Punjab, KP, Sindh & Balochistan police

ISLAMABAD : The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday ordered the provincial governments of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to implement the Police Order 2002 and barred the transfer of police officers before the end of their tenure specified in the relevant law.

An apex court bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, issued the order while hearing a case about alleged political interference in transfers and postings of officers in the Punjab police. It ruled that all postings should be made in line with the Police Order 2002.

The court further ordered that if a transfer is unavoidable before the stipulated time then reasons should be presented and no officer shall be removed without consulting a senior police officer.

“Why should the same formula of good governance not be adopted in Sindh and Balochistan?” inquired the CJP Umar Ata Bandial.

The apex court also sought a list of officers who have been transferred during the last decade from Punjab, KP, Sindh and Balochistan police. “Will the Punjab government follow the law itself or should the court pass an order?” asked Justice Bandial.

The chief justice also stated that transfers of police officers should not be done on the orders of any member of the provincial assembly (MPA), adding that according to law, a central police officer (CPO) or divisional police officer (DPO) cannot be removed before three years and it is the prerogative of inspector general (IG).

The CJP further directed that the court be informed after taking instructions from the provincial government and noted that people are suffering due to crime and insecurity.

The apex court furthered that there is a perception that the police are used by governments as a political weapon, adding that according to the law, investigative officers should be separated from other police functions.

Chief Justice Bandial also noted that investigating officers should have a separate position so that they are independent in decision-making.

“There is no such thing as investigative skills in the police,” stated Justice Bandial, adding that the police present “flawed evidence that benefits the accused”.

“If the police will benefit the accused, where will the victim go?” asked Justice Bandial.

Additional advocate general Punjab told the court that transfers of police officers are taking place only after consultation.

The chief justice then stated that killings are increasing in KP and so are cases of murder of lawyers.

Justice Bandial furthered that the court has taken notice of the police transfers due to the public being affected, adding that the entire system is affected by the unrelated postings of police officials.

The court then adjourned the hearing of the case till the second week of January 2023.

Court News

Islamabad court issues notice to Imran Khan on a petition filed by ECP seeking criminal proceedings against him in Toshakhana case

ISLAMABAD : A district and sessions court in Islamabad on Thursday issued notice to former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insad (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on a petition filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) seeking criminal proceedings against him in the Toshakhana case.

District and Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal heard the case filed by the district election commissioner Muhammad Waqas last month following the ECP’s verdict, ruling that the ex-premier was guilty of corrupt practices.

The court had reserved its decision on the maintainability of the plea earlier this week. The trial will commence on January 09. The court has directed Imran Khan to appear personally before the court.

On November 22, the trial court took up the Toshakhana reference filed by Election Commission against Imran Khan for allegedly indulging in corrupt practices, which the former premier denies.

On the last hearing, ECP’s lawyer Saad Hassan appeared before the court and presented his arguments.

“Imran Khan said that he constructed a road with the money [acquired from] Toshakhana [gifts],” he said, adding that a prime minister has to deposit any gift they receive to the Toshakhana.

He further stated that the Toshakhana gifts could be retained after paying 20% of the gift’s price until the PTI government introduced a new law which allowed taking the Toshakhana gifts after paying 50% of its price.

“The price of the watch was estimated at Rs85 million,” he said, adding that Khan failed to state the amount for which he sold the Toshakhana watch. Hassan stated if any Toshakhana items were transferred then it was mandatory to mention them in the tax income statements.

“It is not possible to personally own an item from the Toshakhana without declaring it,” said the lawyer.

He said that the Election Commission “believes the income tax statements provided by the former premier in 2022-2021 are incorrect”, adding that the Toshakhana matter was brought to the National Assembly and the case was taken to the high court in 2020-2021.

Lawyer Hassan said that Imran Khan’s way of dealing with the Toshakhana gifts is tantamount to money laundering.

“Imran Khan said that he has deposited the amount [ he paid for] for all the items in the same bank account,” said the ECP’s lawyer, adding that the properties or gifts taken by Khan during 2018-2019 would be counted among his assets.

Imran Khan should’ve disclosed all his assets before Election Commission, said Hassan.

“Ex-premier also took jewellery from the Toshakhana but did not declare it.” The lawyer said that the former prime minister also talked about four goats and Rs500,000 in the statements.

The lawyer maintained that the former premier and his wife took a total of 58 gifts from Toshakhana during three years which were worth Rs142 million, at an amount equal to 20% of the gifts’ cost.

He said that Khan acquired the gifts from Toshakhana worth Rs107 million out of the said Rs142 million during 2018-19.

The lawyer further stated that Khan didn’t want to make the gifts worth Rs142 million public. “In 2019/20 Khan declared Rs8 million on account of tax returns but didn’t reveal which item’s price it was,” the lawyer stated.

The ECP had claimed that Imran KHan had “deliberately concealed his assets relating to Toshakhana gifts retained by him particularly in year 2018 and 2019 […] in the statements of assets and liabilities filed for the year 2017-2018 and 2018-19”.

It had requested that the PTI chief be convicted for the offences mentioned under Sections 167 (corrupt practice) and 173 (making or publishing a false statement or declaration) of the Elections Act 2017.

The ECP’s counsel argued in a recent hearing, “It is a crime if someone, who is contesting for the Senate, provincial or National Assembly, does not declare his assets.”

Hasan had said that Imran had taken gifts worth Rs107 million during 2018-2019 and the gifts or property taken during that period would be included in his assets.

He had claimed that “Imran Khan actually did not even want that the gifts worth Rs142m are disclosed publicly.”

The ECP had previously disqualified Imran under Article 61(1)(p) of the Constitution which states that an individual is “for the time being, disqualified from being elected or chosen as a member of the Majlis-e-Shoora (parliament) or of a provincial assembly under any law for the time being in force”.

The ECP’s verdict put the PTI chief at risk of ceasing to be the chairman of his party, as per an earlier judgement by the Supreme Court in February 2018 in which it had ruled that an individual disqualified under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution could not serve as the head of a political party.

Last week, the ECP also set into motion the process of removing Imran as the chairman of PTI, the next hearing for which has been scheduled for Dec 20.

Court News

District & Session Court in Islamabad extends Senator Azam Khan Swati’s judicial remand hours after release in Sindh cases

ISLAMABAD : A District and Session Court in the federal capital on Thursday approved a 14-day extension in judicial remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Muhammad Azam Khan Swati, hours after he was shifted to Islamabad after cases against him in Sindh disposed off as ineffective.

Judicial magistrate Shabbir Bhatti heard the case filed against the senior politician for making controversial statements against the state institutions. The court also warned an investigation officer in the case to submit challan on next hearing or his salary would be suspended.

Azam Swati also attended the hearing through video-link.

Earlier in the day, the Sindh High Court (SHC) ordered the provincial authorities that no cases should be registered against the PTI leader in the controversial tweets case. The SHC conducted hearing on plea of the PTI senator’s son against registration of cases against his father. Sindh IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon and Prosecutor General Faiz Shah appeared before the court.

At the outset of the hearing, the prosecutor general informed the SHC that cases against the PTI senator had been categorised as “C class” and he had been shifted to Islamabad. “All applications are now ineffective,” he said, adding that the cases were registered by private citizens.

Justice Karim Khan Agha appreciated the Sindh government and the IGP for resolving the issue and the court then directed that no further FIR should be lodged against Azam Swati in the case. The court also directed that the C class report should be submitted to the courts concerned in three days and then disposed of Usman Swati’s petitions.

Court News

If pre-mature transfer of police officer becomes indispensible then reasons be mentioned: SC

ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court (SC) has ordered Punjab and KP governments to implement Police Order 2002 while hearing the case regarding police officers transfer on political basis.

A 3-member bench of SC presided over by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial took up the case for hearing Thursday.

The CJP remarked will Punjab government implement the law on its own or court should give order. If Punjab government implements it on its own then no need of court order will arise. The people are being affected due to crimes and insecurity. Police officers should not be transferred and posted at the behest of any MPA.

The CJP further remarked CPO or DPO can not be removed before three years as per law. Appointing DPO or CPO is mandate of IG. Are all the appointments made by IG. There is no bar on pre-mature transfer of officers as per law but the procedure should be followed.

He said impression is there governments use police as political weapon. As per law the investigation officers should be separated from other jobs of police. There should be separate cadre of investigation officers so that they could become independent completely. There is nothing like skill of investigation in police. Poor evidences are presented which benefit the accused.

He further remarked where the oppressed will go if police provide benefit to the accused persons. The case of attack on Imran Khan was not being registered due to political interference. SC had to give order for registration of case because several days had passed.

The murder incidents of lawyers fraternity are on rise in the country. KP government has not filed report regarding transfer of police officers despite notice.

The court has taken notice of police transfer and posting as the people are being affected. The entire system is affected due to incoherent transfer and posting of police.

Additional Advocate General (AAG) Punjab told the court police officers are being transferred with due consultation.

The court while directing Punjab and KP governments to implement police order-2002 and banning the illegal transfer of police officers has maintained if the premature transfer is indispensible then reasons should be mentioned.

SC has sought lists of police officers from provincial governments who have been transferred during the last 10 years.

The hearing of the case was adjourned till the second week of January.

Court News

More than one FIR should not be registered one offence: SHC

KARACHI: Sindh High Court (SHC) has wrapped up Usman Swati petitions following IG Sindh report regarding nullification of cases against Senator Azam Swati.

IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon while apologizing to court on his attitude has said wrong impression has been taken from my talks and he regrets.

Usman Swati son of PTI senator petition seeking nullification of cases against Senator Azam Swati came up for hearing before a two members bench of SHC presided over by Justice KK Agha Thursday.

IG Sindh, Ghulam Nabi Memon, other officers, Anwar Mansoor Khan counsel for the petitioner and other lawyers appeared in the court.

Former governor Sindh Usman Ismail, Halim Adil Sheikh and other PTI leaders were also present on the occasion.

The respective SSPs in seven cases, SHO;s and investigation officers also appeared in the court.

Prosecutor Sindh took the plea that IG Sindh has filed the report.

IG Sindh came on the rostrum and tendered apology to the court.

Prosecutor General gave the stance the cases have been categorized C class. Azam Swati has been sent to Islamabad. The cases have been quashed not only from Karachi but also from all the province.

The petitions now stand ineffective.

The court inquired from Anwar Mansoor Khan, counsel for the petitioner was he satisfied.

Anwar Khan gave the stance he was satisfied but police should apply mind while registering such cases. IG Sindh paid special attention in person. We are grateful.

The court remarked credit goes both to IG Sindh and Sindh government. It is good that the problem has been resolved speedily No more FIR should be registered in such matters.

Justice KK Agha remarked “we are here protecting the rights of the citizens. Sindh government and IG Sindh should ensure that no such cases are registered in future.

Prosecutor General took the plea we fully assure the court.

The court remarked the SHOs should be asked that more than one FIRs are not registered in one offence

IG Sindh and Prosecutor General Sindh held out assurance to the court.

Anwar Mansoor Khan, counsel for the petitioner took the plea the cases have not been abolished but they have been categorized as “C”class. It is feared the case can be reopened.

Prosecutor General took the plea that cases were abolished following categorization of the case as C class..

The court disposed of the petitions.

Court News

Money laundering/assets case: LHC accepts Hamza Shahbaz exemption plea

LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) has accepted Hamza Shahbaz exemption from attendance plea in money laundering and assets case against Sharif family.

The case came up for hearing before LHC Thursday.

Hamza Shah did not appear in the court being abroad and filed exemption plea.

It was taken plea in the petition that Hamza Shahbaz is in London due to treatment of his daughter. Therefore, his exemption plea be accepted.

The court while accepting exemption from attendance plea for one day adjourned the hearing of the case till January 12.

District

Jamaat-e-Islami to initiate biggest national volunteers’ drive of country’s history: Sirajul Haq

TIMERGARA : Emir Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Sirajul Haq has announced that the Jamaat-e-Islami was going to initiate the biggest national volunteers drive of the history of the country under which 1 million volunteers would be trained for emergencies. He said experiments related to floods, earthquakes and corona proved that the governments were incapable of properly working in testing times.

Sirajul Haq was addressing the volunteers’ convention at Timergara. He said that all institutions related to disaster management were had been destroyed whereas the government as well as foreign aid was misappropriated, portrayed by the plight of the flood victims.

He said the male and female students of colleges and universities will be particularly included in the national volunteers drive. He said that the nation was disappointed over the performance of the rulers, adding the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf were badly exposed before the nation.

He went on to say there were no chances of improvement in the presence of the abovementioned parties as clubs consisting of feudal lords and mafias have and will never bother about the welfare of the people. He added the time had come to get rid of them, terming these moments decisive.

Sirajul Haq said that Jamaat-e-Islami was a single option available with the people for the sake of prosperity and development of the country as it would be a futile effort to test the already tested people.

He said that the rulers disappointed the youth and furthered that narcotics were spreading among the students but the federal and provincial governments did not bother about it.

He said that the rulers destroyed the educational institutions and made education a costly subject. He said there is dismal condition of the government schools across the length and breadth of the country as their infrastructure and boundary wall were unavailable.

Sirajul Haq said there were no health facilities for the poor segments of the society, adding there was shortage of hospitals as well as doctors. He was of the view that the people rely only on Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan which was why they handed over their money to it but they should be well cognizant of the fact that their vote is more precious than their money. He said there is a need that the people should use their right of franchise in favour of responsible, eligible and honest people for bringing real change in the country.

District

After Afghan border forces again open indiscriminate firing inside Pakistan in Chaman killing one person & injuring several others

CHAMAN : One person was killed and 15 people were injured when Afghan border forces opened indiscriminate fire on a civilian area on the Pakistani side after which security forces responded befittingly, Levies and hospital officials said Thursday.

According to local administration, the border area is being evacuated after clashes and an emergency has been declared in DHQ Chaman.

Medical Suprindent Dr. Malik Achakzai said that at least 12 people are under treatment at the health facility.

Levies officials reported that multiple artillery rounds were fired upon the civilian population around the Boghra Road and Custom House areas from the Afghan side. They added that the Pakistani forces have given a befitting response to Afghan shelling.

The deputy commissioner of Chaman shared that an emergency has been declared at the hospital, adding that the citizens have been asked to evacuate from Mall Road, Boghra Road bypass, and Border Road.

Authorities have said that the clashes broke out over the intervention of Afghan forces during the repair of the fence in the Sheikh Lal Muhammad sector of the border.

In a statement, Balochistan Minister for Home Affairs Mir Ziaullah Langove condemned the incident and sought a report from the deputy commissioner. He said that the army knew how to defend the country’s borders. “We believe in pursuing a friendly policy with neighbouring countries. Do not think of our desire for peace as a weakness,” he said.