Month: August 2024

Islamabad: Given the multifaceted dimensions, blasphemy issues cannot be effectively addressed in isolation. The prevailing fragmented response has not only undermined internal discourse but has also exposed Pakistan to vulnerabilities on the international stage. As such, a unified, strategic approach is essential, one that transcends emotionally driven reactions. This requires prioritizing sustainable legal and academic efforts, reinforcing the rule of law, and adopting a proactive, diplomatically astute stance globally. Only through a cohesive and rational strategy can Pakistan safeguard its interests and uphold the sanctity of its religious principles and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This was discussed during a consultative meeting on 'The Judgment of Supreme Court of Pakistan in Mubarik Sani Case and the Way Forward' held at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad. The session, chaired by Allama Muhammad Raghib Hussain, Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology, was addressed by Khalid Rahman, Chairman IPS, Allama Zahidur Rashdi, a leading religious scholar, Dr. Ataullah Mahmood Wattoo, professor of law, International Islamic University Islamabad, Imran Shafique, Advocate Supreme Court, Sajjad Hameed, advocate high court, and Rafeeq Shinwari of Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad. Presenting a summary of the case decision, Imran Shafique highlighted that while the Supreme Court addressed some errors in the review decision, several issues remain unresolved, leading to the ongoing controversy. The ambiguity surrounding the right to propagate religion in private spaces has been a central point of debate. Notably, Article 298C of the Pakistan Penal Code does not mention public and private spheres. Similarly, Articles 20 and 22 of the 1973 Constitution, which provide religious freedom, have not maintained any such distinction. He said these articles give freedom but with limitations. To rectify the errors in the awaited detailed judgment of the Supreme Court, he opined for the deletion of paragraphs 5 to 10 and 14 of the appeal decision and paragraphs 7 and 42 of the review decision. Consequent to the omission of the aforesaid paragraphs, deletion would be required of paragraphs 13, 15, 20, 21, and 40 of the review judgment. Sajjad Hameed said the higher courts in Pakistan have dealt with several related cases, including Mujeebur Rehman, Zaheer Uddin, and Tahir Naqash, where the Qadiani community's actions have been challenged under the constitutional framework, particularly Articles 20 and 22. He noted that in earlier cases, the courts have been maintaining the distinction between private and public propagation of faith. Allama Raghib Hussain emphasized that the current approach to addressing the Qadiani issue is fragmented, with ulema, lawyers, and scholars working in separate capacities rather than presenting a collective front. Consequently, the case became overly politicized and religiously driven. To address these challenges effectively, a shift from emotionally-driven actions to more academic and sustainable approaches is necessary, he said. Rafeeq Shinwari pointed out that while leading Islamic scholars agree on the issue of blasphemy, Pakistani law remains unclear on several aspects, including the number of witnesses required and the punishments for blasphemy against the Qur'an and other prophets. He advocated for comprehensive and consistent legal reforms on blasphemy, including collaboration between relevant institutions to address these gaps. Dr. Ataullah Wattoo underscored the historical and theological support for rigorous blasphemy laws, citing figures like St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. In Pakistan, Article 20 guarantees the right to practice, profess, and propagate religion, but confusion and legal ambiguities persist, particularly regarding the status of groups declared non-Muslim by the British government in 1919 and the 1935 Bahawalpur case. Wattoo also highlighted how pressure groups exploit these ambiguities to advance their agendas, complicating the enforcement of blasphemy laws. Allama Zahidur Rashdi and other speakers addressed the international aspect of the issue, noting that despite the declaration of Qadianis as non-Muslims in 1974, the community has garnered international sympathy and victim status. Therefore, a robust narrative at the global level is also needed. He argued that the failure to present a united and well-prepared stance has allowed Qadianis to exploit legal precedents at international forums. In concluding remarks, Khalid Rahman noted that this issue extends in various dimensions and cannot be resolved in isolation. He stressed the importance of understanding other Muslim countries' perspectives and recognizing the diminishing distinction between local and global contexts. Khalid Rahman warned against assertive approaches, which may be misinterpreted in the broader goal of honoring the Prophet (PBUH) and spreading his teachings. Instead, he advocated for a rule of law-based, proactive strategy that includes educating people locally, strengthening legal presence , and diplomatically presenting the Islamic stance internationally. In response to the participants, he assured that IPS would continue to organize such consultative forums.

Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan has drawn attention of contesting candidates for Bye Election in NA-171 R.Y. Khan-III, to the provisions of Section 182 of the Elections Act, 2017, which provides that no person shall convene, hold or attend any Public Meeting and no person shall promote or join in any procession within the area of the constituency during a period of forty-eight hours ending at midnight following the conclusion of the Poll. Any person who contravenes these provisions of law shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to one hundred thousand rupees or with both. Accordingly, the election campaign for Bye-Election in NA-171 R.Y. Khan-III shall come to an end with effect from the midnight falling between the 10th and 11th September, 2024. The Political Parties and the candidates are requested to follow the provisions of law and exercise self-restraint so that the Poll is held in an orderly and peaceful manner on the 12th September, 2024.

Islamabad: According to the results of the Consumer Confidence Index Survey conducted by IPSOS, despite some improvements in the economy, overall optimism has fallen to levels seen at the start of 2024, with only 11% of Pakistanis believing the country is moving in the right direction. While the economy remains the dominant worry, concerns about rising electricity prices and taxes have intensified in 2024, highlighting the growing anxieties surrounding the cost of living. Since the beginning of 2024, optimism regarding local economic and conditions has dropped significantly. Currently, only 1 in 10 Pakistanis anticipate improvements in the next six months. In a positive turn, confidence in job security has reached a three-year peak, with a substantial 3 out of 5 Pakistanis now expressing confidence in their job security. The date for the survey was collected from 15th to 20th Aug 2024. According to the survey, 1 in 10 Pakistanis believe that country is headed in the right direction. Rural population are more optimistic than urbanites. Optimism has significantly decreased from 18% to 11% in Q3, regressing to about same level as Q1. Economic problems continue to top the list of worrying issues for Pakistanis despite some improvement. In Q3 people are increasingly worried about rising electricity prices and taxes. Since the beginning of 2024, the perception of economic challenges as the most worrying issue has lessened in Pakistan, touching a two-year low. At the same time, concerns about the rising electricity prices and the burden of taxes have become significantly more pronounced, with concern about taxes reaching a 4-year high. 13% Pakistanis believe that economic condition of the country is strong. Males, rural residents, post-graduates and upper class are more optimistic. Pakistanis calling country's current state of economy as 'strong' has decreased by 4% in this Quarter, whereas those call it weak increased slightly by 1%. The percentage of Pakistanis who feel comfortable making daily purchases has dipped by 4 percentage points since Q2. Since the beginning of 2024, optimism about local economic conditions has experienced a continuous decline, hitting the lowest point since November 2023, with only 1 in 10 Pakistanis now expecting improvements within the next six months. Similarly, optimism about local economic conditions has declined about 3x since Q1 2024, hitting the one year lowest, with only 1 in 10 Pakistanis now expecting improvements in the next six months. After a year of consistent growth in confidence about future savings, the trend getting reversed in Q3 by 5%. Since Q2, slight decrease in %age of Pakistanis (6%) who are comfortable in making major purchases. Since September 2023, confidence in job security has steadily increased, reaching a three-year high in Q3 2024, with 3 out of 5 Pakistanis now expressing confidence in job security. Ipsos Global Consumer Confidence Index (GCCI) is a national survey of consumer attitudes on the current and future state of the local economy, personal financial situation, as well as confidence to make large investments and ability to save. Consumer sentiment is a key predictor of purchase trends in the market. Despite it being a lagging indicator, if consumer confidence is high, people will make more purchases and the economy will expand. Businesses and Policy Makers can monitor changes in the index to factor the data in their decision-making processes. A wave-on-wave decreasing trend suggests consumers have a negative outlook on their ability to spend. Thus, manufacturers may expect consumers to avoid retail purchases, particularly items that require financing. Likewise, banks can anticipate a decrease in lending activity, mortgage applications, and credit card usage.

Islamabad: Islamabad High Court (IHC) sought detailed report from Attorney General (AG) on the petition filed in connection with recovery of two missing brothers of PTI leader Azhar Mashwani till next week. The court has remarked efforts be continued for recovery of missing persons and it be informed when any information is received. During the hearing of the case Dr Babar Awan raised the matter of dacoits of Kacha in the court Babar Awan said the dacoits of Kacha have launched U-tube channel and said " subscribe to it. The CJ IHC remarked situation in South Punjab and other areas is worst. We are seeing and hearing about dacoits of Kacha since our childhood. CJ IHC gave these remarks during hearing of the petition Friday. Attorney General (AG) appeared in the court. AG said both missing persons are not in the custody of any institution. The matter has been put up before the higher authorities. Babar Awan should share information with me. We will see it further. The CJ IHC inquired they w ent missing from where. Babar Awan said wife of Azhar Mashwani was prevented from going abroad. It was said to Azhar Mashwani there is some material. Delete it. In future you will not tweet. Counsel Babar Awan read out documents. Babar Awan said we resorted to Lahore High Court (LHC) earlier and then we filed petition here. The CJ IHC inquired I have asked only for this reason either it is in my powers of jurisdiction or otherwise. AG has given clear reply that the abducted persons are not in the custody of any institution. AG said I tell Dr Sahb I am seeing the matter in person. The CJ IHC remarked AG is the best law officer. His statement is of paramount importance. AG said the institutions are operating and all the resources are being utilized. The CJ IHC remarked situation is very bad in South Punjab and other areas. The court remarked AG should file detailed report about missing persons. Babar Awan said 85 days have passed today. How can they say they don't know. CJ IHC remarked " you s hould continue your efforts. Court be informed if any headway is made. The court adjourned the hearing of the case till next week.