Court allows extension in LG poll dates, finally

ISLAMABAD - In a sudden shift, the Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed rescheduling of Local Government (LG) elections, bringing a sigh of relief to the electoral body.
The same three-judge SC bench, which had twice rejected the pleas of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to delay the polling dates, allowed the commission to hold LG polls in Punjab and Sindh in January next year.
The polls would now be held on January 18, 2014 in Sindh, on January 30 in Punjab, and on any date in February in KPK and cantonment boards. However, the polls in Balochistan would be held as per the earlier fixed date –December 7.
Reportedly, a senior ECP official wrote a letter to the SC registrar, explaining the problems with holding elections on the earlier announced dates. The registrar asked for a new schedule, which was duly supplied through a second letter. The letter was then converted into a petition and the relaxation granted.
The sudden change of heart notably came only a day after the National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution, the second within a week, pressing for “practical dates” to hold LG polls. The MPs had also vented out anger and frustration as they believed that the SC was not paying heed to legitimate logistic and technical constraints such as printing of ballot papers and procurement of magnetic ink pads, which are used to verify thumb impressions in case of bogus votes claims.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Attorney General Pakistan Munir A Malik informed the court that the federal government has requested the ECP to hold elections but the commission asked the federation to fulfil certain requirements and the same would be done in the due course.
The Sindh government on Tuesday requested the court to change the poll date to Dec 7, 2013. The Punjab and the Balochistan did not make any request to the court for the change of dates. The KPK province did not file any request even with the ECP for holding of local bodies elections.
Speaking at a news conference after the court decision, ECP Secretary Ishtiak Ahmad Khan announced that the previous election schedules for Punjab and Sindh have been recalled, to be issued afresh along with the nomination forms. He said a meeting of all relevant federal and provincial authorities had been called at the ECP on the 19th of this month to chalk out a plan to hold elections. “After the meeting, the new schedule for local body polls will be announced,” he added.
To a question, the secretary said that thousands of people had submitted nomination forms in Punjab and Sindh but as the elections would be rescheduled they would have to submit the forms again. “However, they would not be required to deposit fee again,” he said.
To another query, he said that elections in Balochistan would be held as per earlier schedule, while the KPK, cantonment boards and Islamabad had been asked to fulfil requisites so that they could be given dates to hold elections in February.
According to an ECP insider, along with the cancellation of polls schedule for Punjab and Sindh, the commission has also withdrawn its order which had suspended appointment of new Sindh chief secretary and Printing Corporation of Pakistan (PCP) managing director. “The authorities concerned would be intimated shortly,” the official said.
The federal government last Saturday made new appointments on the two slots without seeking the ECP approval whereas the commission had barred the transfers and postings of civil servants in those provinces wherein the LG polls schedule were issued. The ECP had taken notice of the matter after the related stories appeared in The Nation and Nawa-i-Waqt on Sunday, and ordered suspension of these orders.
Secretary Ishtiak Ahmad said the commission had requested the court to allow it to change the schedule as credible elections were not possible in the given timeframe and the court granted it. The ECP was thankful to the court for this, he said. “The Supreme Court in its today’s order has also written that provincial governments and ECP seem committed to holding local body elections,” he added.

ECP requests SC to delay LB polls

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday submitted an application in the Supreme Court requesting to delay the local bodies (LB) elections in the country.
Akram Sheikh, counsel for the ECP, filed the application seeking four-month time due to various hurdles faced by the commission and holding the LB polls in March 2014.
The ECP made the request citing provincial governments' refusal to make timely arrangements for holding the LB polls by the deadline fixed by the apex court.
The ECP took the plea that the printing of ballot papers would also not be completed to hold polls on November 27 or December 7 this year.
The other grounds explained in the application include non-availability of ink used for thumb impression and incomplete delimitation process of constituencies in the provinces.

SC seeks reply from Federation for power subsidy withdrawal

The Supreme Court on Monday sought a reply from the Federation over withdrawal of subsidy on the power tariff.
The three-member bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja and Justice Amir Hani Muslim issued the directives during the hearing of a suo-moto case regarding the prolonged power loadshedding in the country. The court observed that Pakistan was a welfare state and the government should not take such steps that could affect the interest of general public. It directed the government to explain the reasons for withdrawal of the subsidy.
The court also sought details from the Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) and the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) about the subsidies given so far on electricity to the public.
The Chief Justice questioned that whether the consumers’ point of view was heard before witdrawal of the subsidy. Later, the case was adjourned till November 12.

Pakistan, Kuwait committed to region's peacogress: FO

Pakistan and Kuwait on Monday expressed their resolve to stand together to promote peace and progress in the region.
"The strong cooperative ties between the two brotherly countries are mutually beneficial and serve the interest of prosperity in the region," said a Foreign Office's statement issued on the conclusion of two-day official visit of Kuwait's Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to Islamabad.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan feels a profound sense of affinity with Kuwait and its friendly people which is rooted in common faith, heritage and values.
On the formal talks held between the prime ministers of Pakistan and Kuwait, the Foreign Office said these focused on further cooperation in investment, trade, easing of visa restrictions on Pakistani nationals, export of skilled and semi-skilled manpower from Pakistan.
The two sides also agreed to waiver visa requirement on diplomatic and official passports, cooperation in investment and cooperation in the field of manpower.
The two prime ministers expressed their satisfaction at the existing cordial and fraternal bilateral relations and reiterated their desire to further expand and strengthen the existing cordial relations in all spheres for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif briefed his Kuwaiti counterpart about his government's plans to enhance growth, create jobs and reduce poverty to create a brighter future for the people of Pakistan.
He encouraged the Kuwaiti businessmen to benefit from the conducive trade environment in Pakistan. It was highlighted that there is great potential for increased cooperation in a broad spectrum of areas, including trade, investment, energy and agriculture fields.
The two prime ministers expressed their desire to further expand the bilateral relations and to take them to new heights for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
Kuwait's positive contribution to support Pakistan's endeavour for economic development was appreciated. The two Prime Ministers expressed their desire to further intensify economic interaction in the years ahead.
The Foreign Office said Kuwait is desirous of investing in Pakistan in energy sector which will supplement the Government's efforts to meet the energy shortage in the country.
The presence of nearly 120,000 Pakistani nationals in Kuwait is a proof of our close and fraternal relations. They serve as bridge between the two countries. The two leaders agreed to facilitate visas for Pakistanis with view to enhance people-to-people contact.
The statement said Pakistan attaches great importance to the visit of Kuwait's prime minister and considers it as a historic event.
This was the first Head of Government level visit from Kuwait in decades at the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.
The last VVIP visit took place in 2006 when the Amir of Kuwait had visited Pakistan. The visit also enjoys a special significance, since it is the first Head of Government visit from a GCC country to Pakistan, after the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif took office in May 2013.
The visit is also coincided with the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Kuwait.

Attacks on Imambargahs kill 3 in G’wala

GUJRANWALA -  Protests broke out in Gujranwala on Saturday after three people were killed in separate incidents of firing at Imambargahs.
A prayer leader of an Imambargah in Shahrukh Colony was killed while he was in the middle of recitation, while two worshippers were killed in the morning in firing at a Mominpur area Imambargah.
Eyewitnesses said that in both the incidents the culprits came on motorcycles and fired gunshots with silencer-fitted pistols, resulting in the casualties. The attackers fled after the assaults.
Unidentified assailants entered into Imambargah Qasr-e-Abu-Talib at the time of Fajar prayer and opened fire at the worshipers. Yousaf and Amanat Ali sustained multiple bullet wounds and both died on the spot.
After that, the armed men attacked Imambargah Qasr-e-Zainbia in the nearby Shahrukh Colony and gunned down mosque Imam, Syed Javed, who was also finance secretary of Ulema Mashaikh Council.
Enraged relatives of the victims and others from the Shia community protested by placing the dead bodies on a street near Ali Chowk. Some protestors also tried to get shops closed in the area. They chanted slogans against the provincial government and said that police failed to provide them proper security.
Gujranwala DCO, along with police officers, reached the spot and assured the protesters that the culprits would be arrested soon. After his assurances the protesters dispersed peacefully. Gujranwala CPO Raja Riffat Mukhtar also vowed to arrest the attackers as soon as possible. Sources said the police had arrested six suspects, including three Afghan nationals.
However, Gujranwala Regional Police Officer (RPO) admitted that no police official was on duty at both the Imambargahs. Talking to the media, he said there are 670 Imambargahs in the Division and it is impossible for him to deploy police force at all of them.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, President Mamnoon Hussain and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attacks. Provincial government and the district administration urged the Ulema to help restore peace in the city.
The incidents occurred on the fourth of Muharram, few days after the Punjab government had imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Penal Code (CrPC) for one month, starting from the first of Muharram (November 5).
According to government, Punjab home secretary had imposed Section 144 CrPC throughout the province to maintain law and order during the holy month. Under this law, brandishing of firearms, distribution of hate material, wall chalking and hate speech has been banned.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, while chairing a high level meeting on November 5, had directed authorities to take all necessary measures for ensuring religious harmony during Muharram. The law enforcing agencies were also directed to observe strict imposition of Section 144.
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Saturday strongly condemned the firing incident targeting Imambargahs in Gujranwala, which resulted in loss of precious human lives, said a statement released in Islamabad.
Sympathising deeply with the bereaved families, the prime minister prayed to Allah Almighty to bless the departed souls with eternal peace and grant courage to their families to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude.
State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmad also condemned the firing incident in Gujranwala. Chairing a special meeting in Attock, the minister said culprits will soon be arrested and brought to justice.
He said security arrangements for all the Imambargahs and mourning processions will be ensured and for this purpose foolproof security measures have been taken.
 Staff Reporter from Lahore adds: Punjab Minister for Law and Local Governments Rana Sanaullah said on Saturday Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif are facing security threats.
The minster also informed newsmen bout the terror threats during Moharramul Haraam.
To a question on the release of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, Sanaullah said the government would abide by the court verdict in this regard, and if the court pronounced him culprit he would be treated accordingly.
The minister further said prima facie Musharraf was guilty of Article 6 of the Constitution [high treason] and a committee had been formed to investigate high treason charges against him. Prosecution would be started if the committee found him liable to sedition charges, he added.
The minister, to another query, said the Punjab government would provide due security to Musharraf if he came to Punjab.

Imran urges PM to deal internal challenges instead of frequent foreign visits

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Sunday urged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to stay in Pakistan and deal with the internal challenges being faced by the country.
“Pakistan is burning while Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is making foreign trips one after another,” he said.
Speaking to media persons after visiting the office of a welfare organization here, Imran Khan said a lobby doesn’t want peace in the country.
“There are people in this lobby who are being paid to oppose peace talks in the country” he said.
“One who calls for peace talks is labeled as pro-Taliban by the same lobby,” he stated.
The PTI chief said that his party has nothing to do with the Taliban, adding it is only concerned about the country.
He reiterated his stance that the killing of Hakimullah Mehsud in a US drone strike was a conspiracy to sabotage peace talks.
He said that the government would carry out registration of widows and orphan children.
He said that for the first time a political government was going to negotiate with Taliban‚ but the drone attack sabotaged the peace process.
The PTI chief said that the Prime Minister should lead the talks process.

Security tightened to ensure peace in Muharram: CM Balochistan

Balochistan Chief Minister‚ Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch said security has been beefed up in the province to ensure peace during Muharram.
Speaking at a high level meeting in Quetta on Sunday‚ Dr. Malik stressed the need for maintaining peace during Muharram-ul Haram.
The Chief Minister urged the Ulema to play an effective role for peace in the province.
He maintained that the government is playing its role affectively to avoid any untoward situation during Muharram.
The meeting was attended by Ulema of all schools of thought‚ provincial ministers and security officials in Quetta today.

Govt still interested in Taliban talks: PM

KARACHI - The government still wants dialogue with the Taliban to end the bloodshed in the country, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Friday in first public response following the clear refusal to talks by new Taliban chief Mullah Fazullah.
Speaking to senior journalists at here the Governor House, Nawaz said his government wants dialogue with the Taliban for the sake of peace. He said at least 40,000 citizens of the country have already lost their lives in the war against terrorism. He expressed the hope that Taliban will respond positively as end to the bloodshed was in everyone’s interest.
During his visit to the city, the prime minister chaired a meeting to review the law and order situation in Karachi at Rangers Headquarters, and said the operation will continue till the arrest of the last criminal in the commercial hub of the country. He also held meetings with party’s leaders from Sindh, a three-member team of MQM, and representatives of business community and journalists.
In his media talk at Governor House, the PM termed the ongoing targeted operation in the city as successful and he praised Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Governor Ishratul Ebad, police, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies for their efforts to bring peace to the port city.
To a question, Nawaz said there was no deadline for the Karachi operation but it was essentially across the board and it was achieving success. He said they want to restore writ of the government and the operation was being conducted without any consideration, political or otherwise. He said that criminals are criminals, they neither have any true belief nor political association. The government, he said, would not succumb to blackmail or political pressure.
Nawaz said the provincial government with absolute support of the federal government was fully committed to bring the criminals and terrorists to task and restore normalcy, which was a prerequisite for restoration of trade and industrial activity in the commercial hub. He stressed that peace in Karachi is directly linked to progress and development of the whole country. He said that business community representatives during their meeting with him also praised the efforts of the government against the criminals in the city.
Sharing details of the briefing given to him at the Rangers Headquarters, he said 6,780 arrests have been made during the exercise. Three of the accused have been convicted while cases of 1,408 are ready for trial as they have already been referred to the courts. As many as 635 accused have been acquitted and 49 released on bail, he added.
The PM said if criminals managed their release from the courts, all their efforts for peace will prove futile. He said that criminals involved in the terrorism, extortions, kidnappings and other heinous crimes would be tried under new law of Pakistan Protection Ordinance. He also said that the cases could be transferred to other provinces for trial and they can record their statements through video link.
Citing the case of journalist Wali Babar, in which witness and lawyer have been killed, the prime minister said that witness and complainant are under fear after killing of witnesses. To a question, he said if innocent persons are arrested in the operation, they would be cleared in the screening process.
Earlier, Prime Minister Nawaz chaired a meeting at Pakistan Ranger’s Headquarters. Governor Ishratul Ebad, CM Qaim Ali, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and senior officials also attended the meeting. DG Rangers and other officials briefed the Premier in detail about the achievements and the modus operandi adopted by the Rangers for the operation against criminals and anti-social elements.
The PM said the law and order situation in Karachi had improved due to efforts of the law enforcing agencies. He expressed confidence in the Rangers and said that the improving security situation was an indication that things were moving in the right direction. He directed the Rangers and police to continue with the targeted operations.
DG Rangers Major General Rizwan Akhtar in his briefing drew the attention of the Premier towards the shortage of the courts dealing with the anti-terrorism cases. He also pointed to the political appointments in the LEAs and other departments, which according to him was creating difficulties in the progress of operation. The prime minister assured him to look into the issues, promising that flaws in the policies and laws would be rectified.
Earlier, a delegation of MQM comprising Dr Farooq Sattar, Khalid Maqbool and Babar Gauri had a meeting with the PM and assured him of their cooperation for ongoing operation in the city. They also shared their grievances about the operation, telling the PM that Rangers had arrested their political workers and baseless allegations were being levelled at them.

Nato supply to be halted if drones don't stop till Nov 20: Qureshi

The vice chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that NATO supply routes will be halted if drone strikes don’t stop before November 20.
He reiterated that the drone attacks were violating Pakistan's sovereignty.
Addressing the media in Multan, the PTI leader lamented that innocent civilians were killed in drone strikes, adding that masses were waiting for some constructive step from federal government over drone attacks.
He said that peace process was badly affected due to killing of TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud. He said the government should take public into confidence over latest situation of peace dialogue with Taliban.
Responding to a question over Pak-Iran gas pipeline deal, Qureshi termed it a valuable project for the economy of the country, adding that the deal should continue to end energy crisis.
Referring to the local bodies elections, Qureshi said the polls should be held in March.

Taliban leader says chances of peace talks with govt zero

The Taliban have ruled out talks with the Pakistan government, saying the chances of negotiations after the killing of their leader Hakimullah Mehsud in a US drone strike were "below zero".
Senior TTP leader Ihsanullah Ihsan, in an interview to Newsweek Pakistan, to be published on 15th November, 2013 claimed Mehsud's killing last week was a violation of Pashtun culture.
"After this incident, there can be no peace talks. It would be too generous to say that the possibility of peace talks is zero; the chances are, in fact, below zero," he said.
"You can't engage someone in peace talks and then attack his home and kill his father. Hakimullah Mehsud was our leader, our hearts are heavy and our anger will soon be felt by everyone," he said.
Ihsan described Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan's criticism on the drone strike that killed Mehsud as "shedding crocodile tears". He claimed the "ruse of peace talks" has been used to eliminate Taliban leaders one by one.
"This is their strategy: they distract us from our security priorities through offers of talk and then eliminate our leaders. We will not allow this to persist," he said.
Asked about the Interior Minister's indignation over the drone strike, Ihsan said Khan was expressing guilt over his government's involvement in a "wrong act".
"But his government should have been more positive and proactive from the start. When they are so incompetent that they can't defend their own country and they can't defend their initiative for peace talks, do they even deserve to govern? They are (American) slaves," he alleged.
Asked if he was suggesting the Pakistan government was involved in drone attacks, Ihsan said he was "110 per cent" sure the country's security organisations were involved.
"For every drone attack, about 80 per cent of the information and ground intelligence is provided by Pakistani security organisations," he said.
"Then how come Chaudhry Nisar is shedding crocodile tears? Chaudhry Nisar is responsible for the security of Pakistan. It's his job, not the army's, to run the system. If the politicians are not in charge, how is it possible to talk with these helpless and incompetent creatures?" he said.
"Our policies aren't based on personalities. Whether it's (army chief Gen Ashfaq) Kayani or (former premier Yousuf Raza) Gilani or anyone, we are fighting against the system and that will continue."
Asked about Jamaat-e-Islami chief, Syed Munawar Hasan’s remarks declaring Mehsud a martyr, Ihsan said he was thankful to Jamaat chief and respect his views and feelings.

ECC wakes up to rising prices

ISLAMABAD - Showing serious concerns over rising prices of basic food commodities like tomatoes, potatoes, onions and others, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Wednesday directed the federal and provincial authorities to monitor the prices of vegetables.
The ECC, which met under the chair of Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, expressed concern over the unprecedented increase in the prices of onions, potatoes and other vegetables. The top economic decisions making body of the country has directed the federal and provincial authorities to monitor the prices of vegetables.
The ECC approved a request of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources to grant it time till December 15 to put up a report on a study to establish a basis for revision of margin for oil marketing companies and dealers. The ECC approved a proposal of Ministry of Industries for procurement of 150,000 MT of sugar from domestic sugar mills by Trading Corporation of Pakistan for supply to utility stores corporation (USC). The ECC also decided to place before it a comprehensive policy for procurement of sugar so that a mechanism could be worked out for purchase of regular requirements of TCP.
The finance minister noted with satisfaction that a bumper crop of sugarcane assures a satisfactory stock position of sugar in the country.
The ECC decided for sugar mills that the new dates of crushing season for sugar mills in Sindh and Punjab would be November 20 and November 25 respectively with the condition that sugar mills would start procurement of the sugarcane from farmers from these dates. The ECC had earlier decided that the crushing season for sugar mills would begin from November 1 for Sindh and November 15 for Punjab. The extension is being given in view of Ashura, it noted.
The ECC extended the date for export of 500,000 tons sugar allowed by it till December 31st. No further extension would be given on this count, the ECC decided.
The committee was informed that Pakistan Sugar Mills Association had given a categorical assurance that all dues of sugarcane growers had been cleared.
Local manufactures of Bopet films have the combined capacity to produce 48,000 tons which is in access to the national requirement of 34,000 tons. They have approached FBR to withdraw concessional duty on its import which is presently 5 per cent. ECC decided that this matter will be reviewed by the committee chaired by secretary industries, secretary commerce, secretary FBR and representatives of National Tariff Commission and a report would be submitted for it before November 18 for decision. It would be pertinent to mention here that Bopet films are used for lamination and allied purposes. The agenda item regarding concessionary duty on Bopet films was deferred till the receipt of the decision by the committee.
The ECC was informed that power production from Biomass/Begasse by sugar mills would add 1,500MW to 2,000MW in the next 3 years. The ECC approved a revised language to remove an anomaly for tax exemption as stipulated in power policy 2012 and Income Tax Ordinance 2001. This will provide equal treatment under the frame work and remove the anomaly in order to create a level playing field to all perspective investors.
The ECC approved a request by Ministry of Water and Power for approval of     re-lending rate in accordance with the interest rate allowed by NEPRA to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for 2*660 cool fired Jamshoro Power Generation Project.
 The meeting was attended by Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Senator Pervez Rashid, Minister for Water and Power, Khawaja M. Asif, Minister for National Food Security, Mr. Sikandar Bosan, Minister  for Science and Technology, Mr. Zahid Hamid, Ms. Anusha Rehman, Minister of State for Information Technology, Minister of State for Privatization Mr. Khurram Dastagir, Chairman FBR, Governor State Bank of Pakistan Mr. Yaseen Anwar, Mr. Zubair Umar Chairman Board of Investment and senior officials of the  Ministries of Finance, Water and Power, Planning and Development, Commerce, Communications and Industries.

Govt asked to shoot down drones

ISLAMAMBAD - The national assembly on third day of its 6th session continued debate on drone attacks in North Waziristan wherein opposition parties urged PML-N government to order shooting down the US drones and define its progress on the efforts for peace dialogue with the Taliban.
The House, which suspending all other agenda items was reserved for debate over emerging situation in the aftermath of Pakistani Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud’s killing, also saw verbal brawl between treasury and opposition benches over laying ‘Pakistan Protection Ordinance’ under supplementary order of the Day. Faced with enormous pressure of the opposition, the government side retreated, expressing its intentions to present it on the next day.
The proceedings over drone strike and Nato supplies was also disrupted when Leader of Opposition Khursheed Shah pointed out the separate Senate meeting of opposition parties (Near parking area of parliament), in protest against Interior Minister Ch Nisar’s conduct last week. Nisar said his conduct was according the norms of the parliament and he asked the opposition parties to form a committee of opposition members in the House to probe the issue.
“I have never uttered a single un-parliamentary word in the Senate proceeding and I am not making it matter of ego for me,” Nisar clarified, adding that he had asked chairman Senate to show recording of the proceeding to Senators to examine his attitude.
On it, opposition parties – MQM and PTI – put weight behind his argument saying that both the sides should resolve the matter and keep the Lower House functional. Leader of Opposition in NA Khursheed Shah, who took floor thrice on this matter, asked the minister not to make it a matter of ego. “We in our era had accepted many strict demands of the opposition. There should be flexibility in a politician and there will be no harm it if he (Nisar) would eat his words,” he added.
Earlier, Taking part in debate on drone strikes, PTI secretary information Shinreen Mazari said that Pakistan has ability to shot down drones so it should use its skills. “Government should inform about future strategy on ‘peace dialogue’,” she added. Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) lawmaker Sahibzada Tariq Ullah argued that when Pakistan has ability to shot down drone why it was not doing so.
JI leader said it was no sin to declare some person a ‘martyr’ who died in a drone strike. “Whosoever died in US attack, will be called a martyr,” he said, asking the government to take decisive action after Nov 20 against drone strike. He further said that prime minister should come and take House into confidence about future strategy on this important matter.
A treasury benches senior member from Pakhtun Khwa Mili Awami Party (PKMAP) Mehmood Achakzai on his turn, shared solution to the extremism and terrorism with the house. He was of the view that the matter could be resolved adopting three things including that Pakistan should give the international guarantee that Afghanistan is a sovereign state. “There is need to give Fata to its own people to govern and thirdly disarm the foreigners and expel them,” he said.
Achakzai further went to say that he could resolve the issue by March 23 with a group of only 15 people if his conditions were met. He was of the view that that if the foreigners are expelled from tribal areas the US would cease the drone strikes. He also said he didn’t favour a military operation in the tribal area.
He further told the house drone strikes did the less collateral damage what our own air strikes in the tribal areas. He further said that he was not consulted about the name next president and other matter by government. “I am not scarring you but I might accept for the slot of Speaker,” he added. On it, Speaker Iyaz Sadiq rushed to remark that he was ready to vacate seat for him.
Ghulam Muhammad Bilour from ANP, on his turn, said that government should continue its efforts for peace dialogue. “When his brother and other relatives were killed in attacks no body termed martyr to them,” he in an emotional tone said, adding that government should make all out efforts to resolve this matter.
Taking part in debate, PTI central leader Javed Hashmi said that it was the responsibility of the government to protect the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan. “We are pro-Pakistan and will raise the voice at every level,” he added. About blasphemy law, Hashmi said that it should also be impose on witnesses. He said that media should have reported his previous statement carefully keeping all the aspects in mind.
A treasury benches member Qaisar Ahmad Shaikh was of the view that the dialogue is the only way forward to deal with this issue. “Every step should be taken keeping in mind all pros and cons,” he added. Other lawmakers from opposition parties remarked that the government should give an in-camera briefing to parliamentarians about the outcome of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s meeting with the US leadership.
Earlier, the House over the government wish over laying ‘Pakistan Protection Ordinance’ under supplementary order of the Day, saw tough resistance of the opposition parties. PM Nawaz Sharif had wrote a letter to all parties justifying its significance and stressing the need for the legislation. The federal government, as part of its anti-terror measures, drafted the Pakistan Protection Ordinance (PPO) 2013 that declares “peace-disrupting” elements as “enemies of the state”, which President Mamnoon Hussain approved on October 19.
Enclosing a copy of the PPO with the letter, he said it is being promulgated with a view to give a strong message to organised crime and anti-state elements regarding “the will and determination of the state.” The law is in full consonance with the country’s constitution and the current volatile security situation and the potential unfolding events in post-2014 Afghanistan warranted such a law, he explained.
Online adds: Interior Minister Ch Nisar Ali Khan has said that his conduct in the House has been according to the norms of the Parliament and he has never used any un-parliamentary word or ridiculed anybody in the Upper House.
He said he is fully accountable and answerable to the elected House.
Responding to a point of order raised by Leader of the Opposition about the boycott of proceedings of Senate by the Opposition‚ Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said a few days back the Opposition members in the Senate raised objections to the answer relating to the number of casualties occurred in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa due to acts of terrorism.
The figures I had presented before the Senate pertaining to casualties from terrorist activities - that led to a war of words - were provided by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and were correct, he said.
Nisar said a committee with members from the Opposition benches should be formed to investigate if he refused to review the figures or misbehaved. “I’m not afraid of being held accountable,” he said.
“As soon as Opposition members refused to accept the figures, I told them I will ask the KP government to recheck them; it is on record,” Nisar said, adding, that the provincial government was requested to check again. He said the KP government stands by the previous figures.
He said a committee of the Opposition should be constituted to check the conduct of the Opposition members on that particular day.
He said that his conduct in the House has been according to the norms of the Parliament and he has never used any un-parliamentary word or ridiculed anybody in the Upper House. He said he is fully accountable and answerable to the elected House.
Responding to the point of order of MQM leader Dr Farooq Sattar‚ he said that the govt is closely watching and monitoring the ongoing targeted action in Karachi.
He said that the recent incidents ahead of Muharramul Haram were a conspiracy but we are determined to control the situation. We are fully aware of those behind these incidents which are not related to Shia-Sunni differences, he added
He said that the Karachi action is continuing successfully with the cooperation of all the political parties including MQM.
He said that the Federal government is extending all possible support to the provincial government for maintenance of law and order in the provincial capital.
He said he will meet with the delegation of MQM on Saturday to address their concerns.

Achakzai requests opposition to end boycott of Senate sessions

In the wake of continuing confrontation between opposition members and the government, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, head of the Balochistan-based and government-allied Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, met with opposition senators on Thursday and requested them to end their boycott of Senate sessions over an Oct 30 controversial reply submitted by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.
Opposition senators, mainly belonging to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), have been protesting against what they call ‘arrogance’ shown by Chaudhry Nisar after allegedly providing wrong data to the house on Oct 30 about deaths in terrorism-related incidents.
The National Assembly's debate on the situation arising from last Friday’s killing of Taliban commander Hakimullah Mehsud was interrupted on November 6 when Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Ahmed Shah rose to point to a disquieting development happening in the Senate when “Pakistan is facing a crisis” and demanded that either Chaudhry Nisar withdraw his allegedly wrong reply to a senator’s question rather than make it an issue of ego or the prime minister intervene personally to settle the matter.
After the interior minister, who counter-charged the opposition of making it a matter of ego, refused to withdraw his reply, arguing that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had rechecked the figures of casualties from terrorist attacks from June onwards and found them correct, and there being no sign of a prime ministerial intervention, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq had ended the discussion by referring the issue to senior house member, Achakzai, for what he called “out-of-court settlement”.
Achakzai met with Leader of Opposition in the Senate Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan and prominent Senators Raza Rabbani and Kamil Ali Agha on Thursday. During the meeting, he urged the opposition senators to end their boycott of Senate sessions.
Separately, a meeting of all the coalition parties in the federal government was held in the Senate, led by Leader of the House Raja Zafarul Haq. The meeting was also attended by Chaudhry Nisar.
During the meeting, the members discussed what the opposition alleged "unparliamentary behaviour" of the interior minister which had prompted opposition members to boycott Senate sessions.
Meanwhile, speaking to media representatives outside the Parliament House today, Nisar said if the opposition wants to create a “scene” outside the Parliament, it could continue doing so.

Opposition takes Senate to street

One House, two sessions

ISLAMABAD - The Senate on Wednesday saw two parallel sessions, unprecedented in history of the Upper House – one by the members of government parties and other by the boycotting PPP-led opposition parties, as mark of protest against alleged misconduct of Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.
The House, shortly after it resumed, was informed by Leader of the House Raja Zafarul Haq about the progress being made by a parliamentary committee to reconcile with the boycotting opposition. He said the committee held a couple of meetings with opposition members‚ but they have decided to carry on their protest. He said treasury benches were still making efforts to bring the annoyed opposition back and hopefully something positive would come out.
Syed Zafar Ali Shah criticised the opposition’s attitude and said the chair should take notice of illegal proceedings of Senate outside the parliament. He said the circumstances have reached a point where the chair’s ruling might be needed. Chaudhry Jajfer Iqbal while taking part said the opposition parties are violating three of Senate’s rules and conduct of business.
Taking part in the debate‚ Mir Hasil Bizenjo requested the Chair to play his role in bringing the opposition back in the House. The chairman assured to play his role and said that without opposition the proceedings of the House are meaningless. The Chair also asked the treasury to persuade the opposition to end their boycott. The House was adjourned to meet again on Thursday.
On the other hand, the PPP-led opposition parties held their own session outside the Parliament House to protest against interior minister’s conduct in the Senate following a controversy over the number of causalities in the terror related incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Ahmed Hassan Khan from PPP who has been nominated on the panel of chairmen presided the secession.
Speaking at the session, PPP Senator Raza Rabbani said that 32 members are present in the session and therefore the quorum is complete. He criticised the way government is conducting sessions in the parliament and said the government has violated all parliamentary traditions and norms.
Awami National Party’s Senator Afrasiyab Khatak spoke to the lawmakers and claimed that US missile strikes are being carried out with government consent. “We should expel foreign militants from the tribal areas before initiating a campaign against the missile attacks,“ he suggested.
PML-N’s State Minister for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali came outside to persuade the opposition lawmakers to end their protest, but chants of ‘Shame, Shame’ compelled him to retreat immediately. The opposition members later adjourned their protest until next day.
Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan, who dismissed the protest as mere ‘hue and cry’, suggested on Wednesday in the national assembly that a committee of opposition members be constituted to investigate the issue.
A war of words broke out between PPP Senator Raza Rabbani and Nisar on October 30 after Nisar presented figures of casualties from terrorist attacks which were swiftly challenged by an ANP senator who called them a “pack of lies”. PPP senator Aitzaz Ahsan asked the minister to take back the stats and return with correct figures.
But the interior minister remained unmoved in his seat and his unresponsiveness to opposition’s deman triggered a heated altercation among the members of the two benches. Later the combined opposition, excluding MQM, walked out of the House. The opposition members are boycotting the senate proceedings since then and have also moved a privilege motion against Ch Nisar Ali Khan.
STREET SESSION FLAYED
Coming down hard on opposition for what he termed ‘drama’ State Minister for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali said that by holding the so-called proceedings of Upper House of the Parliament, Opposition had actually undermined the sanctity of the Parliament.
Talking to media outside Parliament House here on Wednesday, Abid Sher Ali said that opposition should be ashamed of its behaviour in Senate and for the first time in history such an irresponsible behaviour had been shown by the parliamentarians.
He said Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) has also faced such incidents when it was in opposition but it had never staged a drama outside the parliament.
Replying to a query, minister stated that he supported the statement of Interior Minister Ch Nisar Ali Khan and he had said nothing against him or his demeanour.
He further said that even during the dictatorial regimes such an act was not done by the parliamentarians.

Musharraf granted bail in Lal Masjid case

ISLAMABAD  -  A court on Monday granted bail to former military ruler Pervez Musharraf over a deadly raid on the Lal Masjid, bringing closer his possible release after more than six months of house arrest.
The ruling by an Islamabad district court means the ex-general is on bail in all the cases brought against him since his return to Pakistan from self-imposed exile.
But the 70-year-old is likely to remain under heavy guard at his villa on the edge of Islamabad, where he has been under house arrest since April, because of serious threats to his life.
Judge Wajid Ali approved bail on condition Musharraf pays bonds totalling 200,000 rupees ($2,000). The trial is due to start on November 11.
Defence lawyer Afshan Adil told AFP the money would be paid on Tuesday, but rejected rumours that have circulated in recent months that Musharraf would try to leave Pakistan.
“He is not going abroad and will stay in the country,” she said.
Tariq Asad, a lawyer for the Lal Masjid, condemned the ruling and said an appeal would be launched in the high court.
Musharraf’s aides have said the charges against him are trumped up and politically motivated and his official spokesman welcomed Monday’s ruling.
“We are confident that eventually domestic and international push-back will compel Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to cease in his tracks and the allegations filed against former president Musharraf in the Red Mosque matter will be withdrawn,” Raza Bokhari said in a statement.
Former commando Musharraf returned to Pakistan in March to run in the May general election, vowing to “save” the country from economic collapse and militancy.
But he was barred from standing in the election, won convincingly by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif - the man he ousted from power in 1999 - and was hit with a series of criminal cases dating back to his rule.
Musharraf has faced charges over Bhutto’s murder at an election rally in 2007, the death of a Baluch rebel leader in 2006 and the suspension of judges in 2007.
In April he was put under house arrest, an unprecedented move in a country ruled for more than half of its life by the military. The decision was seen by many as a challenge to the armed forces’ power.
Since Sharif won the election there have been repeated rumours that a deal would be reached to allow Musharraf to leave Pakistan before his trials were completed.
One theory was that he might be allowed to visit his sick elderly mother in Dubai on compassionate grounds, but aides have said repeatedly that he is determined to face justice and clear his name.
The ex-ruler has been living in part of his 1,100 square metre (12,000 square foot) house, declared a “sub-jail” under the auspices of a prison in Rawalpindi. He is guarded by some 300 police, paramilitaries and marksmen.
Reports have claimed he is enjoying a comfortable life in detention. He has even had the services of his personal cook because of his fears of being poisoned.
The Taliban have threatened to kill Musharraf, who as president allied Pakistan with Washington in the US “war on terror” in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

‘Senseless force’ spoils peace: PM

DOWNING OF DRONE DEMONSTRATED

BAHAWALPUR  -  Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday warned peace could not be achieved ‘by unleashing senseless force’, in his first public speech since a US drone strike killed Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud.
Addressing the officers and jawans who participated in the fourth Azam-e-Nau exercise in the northern fringes of the Cholistan desert near Bahawalpur, Sharif said: “My government is firmly resolved to bringing the cycle of bloodshed and violence to an end.
“But it cannot be done overnight, nor can it be done by unleashing senseless force against our citizens, without first making every effort to bring the misguided and confused elements of society, back to the mainstream,” he said.
The prime minister stressed complete unity amongst all stakeholders to tackle the challenge. He said in this regard it was vital that the political parties, military, and civil society were on the same page, so as to create an enabling environment necessary to tackle this menace.
He mentioned that in this regard as an extraordinary expression of national unity and cohesion, the All Parties Conference (APC) underlined the imperative need of “giving peace a chance.”
“Unity among all stakeholders including political parties, military forces, executive, judiciary, parliament and the media, is very much required in these difficult times.”
“No one wants any further bloodshed,” the prime minister stressed.
“We have seen enough of that and our soldiers have paid the highest price in the form of embracing martyrdom. Their toil and blood has contributed towards making the defence of the country resolute and impregnable,” he added.
The prime minister who witnessed a show of accurate air and ground based fire power and coordination between the various wings for deadly strikes. The prime minister along with Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, services chiefs, federal ministers, members of the parliament also witnessed the event.
During the exercise, the army air defence also demonstrated successfully taking down a drone by targeting it with the 35mm Orlikon guns, while the troops from infantry, armoured, artillery, army aviation and air defence used a variety of platforms to hit their targets.
Prime Minister Sharif in his address said, “The government has made its position clear that drone strikes constituted a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty, violative of international humanitarian laws, besides being counter-productive to our efforts for bringing peace and stability in Pakistan and the region.”
The premier said Pakistan today faced serious challenges both from within the country and at international level.
“But there is hope, a hope to rise through and meet these challenges. We are located at the crossroads of competing and converging interests,” Sharif said.
He said the national security paradigm of Pakistan evolved within the context of its peculiar geography, history and culture determining the contours of national and military response.
Sharif said gone were the days when Pakistan’s national security policies were determined through telephone calls from abroad.
“We now have a democratically elected government, chosen by the people of Pakistan,” he said.
He said it was the chosen government that took the decision to make this nation a nuclear power, that indigenously manufactured the JF-17 Thunder aircraft, the Al-Khalid and Al-Zarar tanks and many more national security systems.
“The real power lies in the hands of citizens of Pakistan to decide what they want,” the prime minister said.
“I am thankful to Almighty Allah who has blessed us with the understanding to be united when it comes to protection of our motherland.”
He said Pakistan’s military strategy was based on credible minimum deterrence and highest state of preparedness encompassing optimized set of military capabilities, remains it cornerstone.
“Our democratic system, economic potential, vibrant population, national unity, and professional armed forces provide strategic stability to the South Asian region.”
He said the Pakistan Army has always stood by the people of Pakistan in thick and thin. Be it natural calamities like floods and earthquakes, maintaining law and order, imparting training to law enforcement agencies, army has always come in aid of the civilian government.
“This passion of being in the forefront is something that we as a nation are very proud of,” he said.
The prime minister said, “Those who sweat more, bleed less”, was made clear with the particular display of military professionalism.” He said it would not only warm the hearts of all Pakistanis but will also make it very clear that country’s armed forces were the best and ever-ready to take up any challenge.
Prime minister said it has to be understood that economic development was closely linked with peace and security, stable economic environment facilitates growth and development.
“In my recent visits abroad, I made it very clear that we do not want financial aid. Rather, Pakistan intends to maintain foreign relations on the basis of bilateralism while at the same time safeguarding our political, economic and national sovereignty.”
He said having witnessed the military capability and dedication, it was very re-assuring that our integrity and security is in safe hands.
The prime minister at the conclusion of his speech raised the slogans; Pakistan Armed Forces Zindabad and Pakistan Paindabad.
Sharif was to hold a meeting of his cabinet security committee on Monday evening after a furious Nisar said “every aspect” of Islamabad’s ties with Washington would be reviewed.

Imran sets Nov 20 deadline on drones

ISLAMABAD - The National Assembly on the first day of its 6th session, on Monday, witnessed unity between treasury and opposition benches as government clearly expressed its resolve to continue its efforts for dialogue with the Taliban.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan softened somewhat his stance on blocking the Nato supplies giving the PML-N federal government an opportunity to act. But he warned that his party’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government will block the supplies on its own, if the central government failed in resolving the drone strikes issue.
They would assess government’s action on this matter as well as the progress in peace process, Imran said in his speech, after the interior minister’s clear indication to keep the dialogue process alive. “(But) if drone strikes continued then we will block Nato supplies after November 20 and go to the UN Security Council,” he added.
The session of the House, started after a delayed of over two hours, on first day suspending all other agenda items and reserved it for debate over emerging situation in the aftermath of Pakistani Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud’s killing.
PTI chief said it was a ‘defining moment’ for Pakistan so all the political parties should express unity to face this challenge. “Our nation wants peace... There is need for adopting a united stance,” he said, adding that they have been condemning strikes for nine years but mere “condemnation will never bring any change”. He said he was ready to reconcile with everyone including Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman for the good of the nation.
Imran asked those in favour of military operation that what they would do if that option failed to bear fruit. Imran paid a tribute to interior minister for his effort for peace dialogue. However, he expressed his displeasure asking why Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his recent visit did not press the US for stopping drone strikes. “It should have been top priority of his visit agenda,” he said.
PTI chief raised a volley of questions about the timing of killing of Hakimullah Mehsud. He said it destroyed chances for peace, adding, “Whatever the interior minister did now, it would be extremely difficult for any new TTP chief to come back to the table.” He asked what guarantee the government have that the Americans won’t hit the peace process again.
Earlier, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan in his policy statement said that the government wants to keep the dialogue process alive. He informed that a three-member Ulema delegation was ready to go for talks with Taliban but US attack sabotaged it.
PML-N government, he said, would continue its efforts for peace in the same manner in consultations with all parties. Lauding the political parties support, he said there was a need for greater unity on the national stance on drone strikes as this was the best way to resolve this matter.
About restarting the talks process, he said, “This would only be possible after the militant outfit chooses a new chief… Situation is more gruesome than the point from where we had initiated peace efforts in September this year. But, we need to have consensus and proceed as success of dialogue will be success of all stakeholders.”